Ukraine has reclaimed 400 square kilometers and eight settlements in the southern front against Russian forces, according to Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that since the end of January 2026, Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) of territory from Russian control, including eight settlements. This operation primarily took place in the southern operational zone, particularly in the Oleksandrivka direction, which lies at the intersection of three key regions: Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk. Such advancements signify critical strategic gains for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Despite these successful offensives, Syrskyi highlighted that the situation within these liberated zones remains complex and fraught with challenges. Russian forces continue to exert pressure through artillery strikes, drones, and armored vehicles, coupled with attempts by small assault groups to infiltrate reclaimed territories. This assertion underlines the ongoing volatility and the precarious nature of the situation, which could impact future military tactics and humanitarian conditions on the ground.
Furthermore, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukrainian forces had previously liberated 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) a day before Syrskyi's statement, illustrating the accelerating pace of Ukraine's counteroffensive. These developments not only reflect the strategic progress made by Ukrainian forces but also suggest a potential shift in the balance of power in the ongoing conflict, raising questions about the future of territorial control and the safety of civilians caught in these engagements.
