Kyiv, March 8, 2026 – Ukrainian forces have reclaimed approximately 435 square kilometers of territory in the south of the country and disrupted Russian plans for a spring offensive in that region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday.
“Over the past month and a half, the armed forces have carried out a number of important defensive actions, and in some areas – offensive operations. These actions were undertaken specifically to disrupt Russian plans,” Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Kyiv. “We believe that it was quite successful – we have liberated about 400–435 square kilometers of territory.”
While acknowledging the situation remains challenging in that sector of the front line, Zelenskyy indicated a more optimistic outlook than at the end of 2025. The reclaimed territory represents a notable shift in momentum as the conflict continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape.
Zelenskyy added that the primary objective of the aggressor remains a spring offensive in eastern Ukraine, with Russia aiming to occupy the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Still, he stated that those plans have yet to materialize due to a lack of resources and personnel, as well as resistance from the Ukrainian armed forces.
On March 6, during a visit to the Donetsk region, Zelenskyy stated that Russia has not abandoned its war aims and intends to launch an offensive this spring.
The ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has reportedly resulted in over 1.2 million Russian military casualties.
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