Ukrainian Forces Report Significant Territorial Gains in Counteroffensive
Recent reports emerging from the protracted conflict indicate a potentially significant shift in momentum, with Ukrainian forces reportedly reclaiming substantial territory and managing to slow Russian advances. This comes as a result of a renewed counteroffensive, which appears to be yielding tangible results on the battlefield.
Gains on the Front Lines
According to military assessments, Ukrainian troops have successfully recaptured the majority of territory within the Dnipropetrovsk region. This significant achievement is attributed to a counteroffensive that commenced in 2026. Major General Oleksandr Komarenko, Chief of Operations for Ukraine’s General Staff, informed RBC-Ukraine that the operation has resulted in the recovery of over 400 square kilometres of land along the Oleksandrivka axis.
Further reports, cited by Hromadske, suggest that Ukrainian forces have now regained control of almost the entirety of the region. While operations are still ongoing in a number of smaller settlements, Ukrainian troops are actively engaged in efforts to liberate three remaining villages and secure two additional areas as part of this ongoing offensive.
A Shifting Momentum in the War
Crucially, the Ukrainian General Staff has also reported that in February, the nation’s defence forces reclaimed more territory than Russian forces managed to capture during the same period. This marks a significant development, representing the first instance of such a territorial reversal since 2024, when Ukrainian troops conducted an operation in Russia’s Kursk region.
During the recent campaign, Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces are said to have re-established control over an impressive 285.6 square kilometres solely along the Oleksandrivka axis. In total, according to Major General Komarenko, Ukrainian forces have recovered more than 400 square kilometres since the commencement of this latest operation.
Challenges on the Battlefield Remain
Despite these encouraging gains, Ukrainian commanders acknowledge that the situation on the front lines continues to be challenging. Major General Komarenko emphasised the dedication of the troops, stating, “We are doing everything we can — and even a little more — to detain and destroy the enemy.”
He identified the Pokrovsk and Oleksandrivka areas as remaining some of the most difficult sectors, noting that Russian forces are concentrating significant efforts in these locations. Nevertheless, he also pointed out that Ukrainian operations have contributed to a gradual stabilisation of the situation, with a reported decrease in enemy attacks in the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad areas recently.
Indicators of a Potential Turning Point
Military analysts are observing several recent developments that could signify a turning point in the wider conflict. For the first time since Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in 2024, Ukrainian forces are reportedly experiencing a net gain of territory, outperforming Russian captures.
Estimates suggest that Ukraine has regained between approximately 200 and 450 square kilometres since the beginning of 2026. In contrast, Russia is reported to have captured around 125 square kilometres during February.
Furthermore, according to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russian troop losses have also seen a substantial increase. During the winter months, these losses have reportedly averaged over 1,000 personnel per day.
Concurrently, Ukrainian officials have detailed the immense scale of aerial attacks endured by the country throughout the winter. These attacks included approximately 19,000 drone strikes, 738 missile launches, and more than 14,600 guided bomb attacks, figures that have been cited by President Volodymyr Zelensky and reported by the Kyiv Post.
