Main points
- President Zelenskyy reported that since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian forces have regained control over 460 square kilometers of territory.
- Military expert Roman Svitan noted that the SOU are advancing near Kalynivske and Ternovo, using the “small tick” tactic.
Zelenskyy said how much territory has been recaptured since January 2026 / Collage of Channel 24
The Defense Forces have had a battlefield advantage since the beginning of 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that since January, the defenders have regained control of 460 square kilometers of territory.
The head of state stated this during an interview with Corriere della Sera.
How many territories did Ukraine return in 2026?
According to Zelensky, from January 2026 to the present, the Ukrainian military has managed to regain control of 460 square kilometers.
Earlier, in early February 2026, the head of state reported that the Defense Forces had managed to liberate at least 300 square kilometers from Russian occupation. He noted that even Ukrainian observers did not have such information: “Few people know what is really happening there. This is correct.”
By the way , military expert, pilot instructor and colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the reserve Roman Svitan noted in a commentary to Channel 24 that the Defense Forces have deoccupied 300 square meters of territory. In addition, the defenders have made progress near Kalynivske and Ternovo in Zaporizhia region. The Defense Forces are squeezing out Russian garrisons with the tactic of “small ticks”. This, according to him, is a standard tactic of the operational-tactical level, which is used by both sides.
What is the current situation on the front?
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As of March 3, ISW analysts analyzed the front map and noted that the Defense Forces are currently making progress in the Oleksandrivka direction. There, the defenders managed to liberate 9 settlements.
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At the same time, Russian troops have advanced in the Pokrovskoye direction. Experts say that the territory of the settlements of Zatyshky and Sukhetske has been occupied.
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The advance of Russian troops was also recorded in the Slavic direction. According to geolocation video footage, the enemy recently advanced southeast of Stavye, which is north of Liman.