Ukraine says forces retake 400 sq km and eight settlements in southern offensive
Feb 23rd 2026
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported gains on the Oleksandrivsk axis while warning of continued Russian pressure and stressing the need for strong logistics and medical evacuation.
- Syrskyi said Ukrainian units regained about 400 square kilometers and eight settlements on the Oleksandrivsk direction since late January.
- Offensive and defensive operations are continuing in the southern operational zone.
- Russian forces are applying sustained pressure with artillery, drones, armored vehicles and small assault groups.
- Commanders highlighted casualty evacuation, uninterrupted ammunition deliveries and technical support as critical to sustaining momentum.
- Ukraine's Air Assault Forces confirmed a major offensive on the Oleksandrivsk axis intended to prevent Russian advances into Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
- Syrskyi awarded members of the 82nd and 95th Air Assault Brigades and said troops remain motivated despite heavy combat pressure.