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Ukraine Reclaims Eight Settlements and 400 km² on Southern Front

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  • Servicemen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade are firing the 2S22 “Bogdana” at Russian military positions on August 20, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine.
    Servicemen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade are firing the 2S22 “Bogdana” at Russian military positions on August 20, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine.
    Image: Newsweek
    Servicemen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade are firing the 2S22 “Bogdana” at Russian military positions on August 20, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine. Source Full size
  • Servicemen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade are firing the 2S22 “Bogdana” at Russian military positions on August 20, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine.
    Servicemen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade are firing the 2S22 “Bogdana” at Russian military positions on August 20, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine.
    Image: Newsweek
    Servicemen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade are firing the 2S22 “Bogdana” at Russian military positions on August 20, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine. Source Full size

Syrskyi Announces Major Territorial Gains Since Late January Commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi posted on Telegram that elite Ukrainian troops have retaken more than 400 km² and eight settlements along the southern front, marking a rare advance after the stalled 2022 counter‑offensive [1]. He emphasized that the gains were achieved since late January, underscoring a shift in momentum. The announcement highlighted coordinated ground actions supported by artillery and reconnaissance assets.

Airborne Units Conduct Offensive in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia Ukrainian airborne forces launched a dynamic operation in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, recapturing over 300 km² and eight settlements [1]. They described the fighting as “very dynamic,” noting that Russian troops were “clinging to every meter.” The offensive aimed to disrupt Russian supply lines and prevent further consolidation of occupied areas.

Russian Forces Continue Limited Advances Earlier in 2026 The U.S.–based Institute for the Study of War recorded that Russia has seized 572 km² and 19 settlements since the start of 2026 [1]. These figures illustrate that while Ukraine is making notable gains, the front remains highly contested. Moscow’s incremental territorial acquisitions reflect ongoing pressure on Ukrainian defensive positions.

Recent Russian Attacks Target Ternove and Vyshneve Villages Ukrainian military reports detail three assaults around the Dnipropetrovsk village of Ternove and near Vyshneve at 4 p.m. local time on Monday [1]. Russia’s defence ministry simultaneously claimed attacks on Ukrainian brigades in the same area. The clashes resulted in localized damage but did not reverse the recent Ukrainian territorial gains.

Zaluzhnyi Highlights Drone and AI Impact on Conflict Former commander‑in‑chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, said rapid development of drone technology and artificial intelligence is reshaping modern warfare [1]. He argued that exhausting the enemy’s resources remains the primary strategic objective. Zaluzhnyi’s comments underscore the increasing role of autonomous systems in the battlefield.

Peace Negotiations Remain Stalled, Possible New Round Kyrylo Budanov, head of President Zelensky’s office, noted that U.S.–brokered peace talks have stalled, though another round could occur later this week [1]. He indicated that diplomatic momentum is limited despite recent military developments. The statement reflects ongoing uncertainty about a political resolution.

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Timeline

2022 – Ukraine’s large‑scale counteroffensive stalls, leaving a protracted front line that later shapes both Russian and Ukrainian strategies [1].

Nov 27, 2025 – Russian forces accelerate their advance, pushing faster than the previous year, yet analysts doubt Moscow will capture the remaining third of Donetsk before 2026 [2].

Nov 28, 2025 – Ukrainian artillery gunner “Kelt” and Da Vinci Wolves commander Serhii Filimonov voice deep skepticism that Russia will honor any peace pact, fearing a short‑term truce that would let Moscow regroup and re‑invade [2].

Dec 2025 – Ukraine’s front line stretches roughly 800 miles (1,300 km) from Dnipropetrovsk to Donetsk, with many battalions operating at 20‑fighter strength instead of the intended 400‑800, highlighting a critical need for a larger, well‑trained force and questioning the adequacy of 30,000 monthly recruits [2].

Dec 2025 – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a revised U.S.–Russia draft peace plan could be “workable,” even though it would require Ukraine to reduce its army and withdraw from most of Donetsk [2].

Jan 28, 2026 – The United States conditions additional weapons and a NATO‑style Article 5 security guarantee on Ukraine agreeing to cede all of Donbas, including Donetsk, to Russia, a move that ISW warns would be a strategic error [3].

Jan 28, 2026 – ISW projects that Russia will not capture the rest of Donetsk before August 2027, citing a slowdown in late 2025‑early 2026 due to weather and resource constraints [3].

Jan 28, 2026 – Russian General Valery Gerasimov claims 17 settlements and over 500 km² seized since Jan 1, but ISW verifies only about 265 km², exposing inflated battlefield reporting [3].

Jan 28, 2026 – A Shahed‑drone strike hits a passenger train near Barvinkove in Kharkiv, killing at least five civilians and underscoring the persistent threat to non‑combatants [3].

Feb 23, 2026 – Commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announces elite Ukrainian troops have reclaimed more than 400 km² and eight settlements along the southern front since late January, marking the first sizable gains after the 2022 counteroffensive stalled [1].

Feb 23, 2026 – Airborne forces launch an operation in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, recapturing over 300 km² and eight settlements, describing the fighting as “very dynamic” with Russian troops “clinging to every meter” [1].

Feb 23, 2026 – Russian attacks target the villages of Ternove and Vyshneve in Dnipropetrovsk region, with three assaults reported at 4 p.m. local time [1].

Feb 23, 2026 – Former commander‑in‑chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.K., says rapid development of drone technology and artificial intelligence is reshaping modern conflict and that exhausting the enemy’s resources remains the main goal [1].

Feb 23, 2026 – Kyiv’s Kyrylo Budanov notes U.S.–brokered peace talks have stalled but suggests another round could occur later that week, keeping diplomatic channels open [1].

Aug 2027 (expected) – Russia is projected to attempt its next major seizure in Donetsk no earlier than August 2027, according to ISW’s timeline [3].

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