Ukraine’s Defense Forces have regained control of approximately 480 square kilometers of territory and liberated 12 settlements as part of an ongoing counteroffensive along the Oleksandrivske axis, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a statement on Sunday.

Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian troops successfully retook eight settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and four more in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The offensive operations in the Oleksandrivske direction have been underway since late January, marking a sustained effort to push back Russian forces in southern Ukraine.

Despite these gains, fighting in the region remains intense. Syrskyi noted that Russian troops continue launching attacks across multiple frontline areas, including Ternove, Oleksandrohrad, Ivanivka, Zelenyi Hai, Andriivka-Klevtsove, and Sichneve, as well as advancing toward Sosnivka, Verbove, and Zlahoda. Over the past week alone, Ukrainian forces recorded a total of 64 enemy assaults along this axis.

The Ukrainian military leadership also warned that Russian forces are attempting to establish a so-called “buffer zone” within Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. In response, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are maintaining defensive positions while conducting targeted strikes against advancing units.

To reinforce operations on the eastern front, Syrskyi confirmed that he has ordered an increase in ammunition supplies and logistical support to units stationed in Donetsk Oblast, where heavy fighting continues.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the broader success of the country’s counteroffensive strategy. Speaking before the British Parliament on March 17, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces had recaptured more territory in the previous 30 days than Russian forces had seized during the same period.

In earlier remarks, Zelenskyy revealed that Russia had been preparing a large-scale offensive operation. However, Ukraine disrupted those plans by launching preemptive counteroffensives. He further asserted that Moscow’s anticipated spring offensive had effectively failed, as it had not achieved its intended momentum.

Military officials have echoed these assessments. Major General Oleksandr Komarenko of Ukraine’s General Staff indicated on March 10 that nearly all of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been liberated, with only a handful of settlements still requiring final clearing operations.

The recent territorial gains build upon earlier successes. Since late January, Ukrainian forces had already reclaimed around 400 square kilometers and eight settlements along the Oleksandrivske axis, underscoring a steady advance in the south.

As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s military leadership signals determination to sustain pressure on Russian positions while consolidating newly liberated areas. (ILKHA)