Headlines
Ukraine touts recapture of eight settlements in rare battlefield success
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Summary
Ukraine says it retook eight settlements and 400 km² on the southern front since late January. The gains, announced by Oleksandr Syrskyi, contrast with recent Russian advances amid pressure for a negotiated peace.
Ukraine reports retaking eight settlements, 400 km² on southern front
By Max Hunder
Battlefield Update and Strategic Context
KYIV, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Ukraine has regained control of 400 square kilometres of territory, including eight settlements, along a section of the southern frontline since the end of January, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Monday.
Dnipropetrovsk Frontline Dynamics
Scale of Territorial Gains
The rare battlefield gains in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region stand in contrast to the broader trend of slow and costly Russian advances across the frontlines over the past two and a half years, as the war nears its fourth anniversary.
Message to International Partners
Ukraine is keen to show the world - and particularly to U.S. President Donald Trump - that it is not losing ground in its fight against Russia's invasion, at a time when Washington is pressing Ukraine to agree to a peace deal.
Clarifications and Grey Zones
Syrskyi's statement did not make clear how much of the newly secured territory had previously been under Russian control and how much lay in "grey zone" areas not firmly held by either side.
Data Sources and Uncertainty
Ukraine's General Staff did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.
The front lines in Ukraine have become increasingly blurred as thousands of drones fill the skies each day, pushing soldiers underground or into hard cover and creating zones where neither army exercises full control.
War Timeline and Narrative
Trump has previously said that Ukraine should make concessions as it is in danger of losing the war, which started when Russia launched a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
Kyiv and its European allies have pushed back against this narrative, pointing out that Russia has captured little over 1% of Ukraine's territory since 2023 at huge cost, and that Moscow's vital oil infrastructure is facing escalating threats from Ukrainian drone strikes.
Statements from Western Leaders
On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Ukraine's "astonishing" gains in February, saying they demonstrated that Kyiv's resistance was more effective than often portrayed.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Max Hunder and Anna Pruchnicka; Writing by Max Hunder; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Ros Russell)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine claims control of 400 km² and eight settlements since late January along the southern frontline.
- •Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the gains but did not clarify how much was former grey zone.
- •Drone-heavy warfare has blurred front lines, limiting firm control by either side in some areas.
- •Kyiv aims to counter perceptions of decline as Washington urges progress toward a peace deal.
- •German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Ukraine’s February gains as “astonishing.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine touts recapture of eight settlements in rare battlefield success
1What is the main topic?
Ukraine reports retaking eight settlements and 400 km² along the southern front since late January, marking a rare battlefield advance in the ongoing war with Russia.
2Who announced the gains?
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the advances, while noting the complexity of the front and the prevalence of drone-driven grey zones.
3Why are these gains significant?
They contrast with recent Russian advances, bolster Kyiv’s narrative of resilience, and come as Western partners press for a credible path toward peace talks.
