AFU regain control of up to 435 km of territory in southern Ukraine – President

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint briefing with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“In the south of our country, over the past month and a half, the Armed Forces have carried out a number of important defensive actions and, in some directions, offensive operations. These actions were taken solely to disrupt Russia’s plans. We believe they were quite successful – we regained control of approximately 400–435 kilometers,” Zelensky said.

He noted that the situation in this direction remains difficult.

“But I will say this very cautiously: overall, everyone feels more positive than they did at the end of 2025,” the President said, adding that the actions of Ukrainian troops had disrupted the enemy’s plans in the area.

Zelensky also added that the aggressor’s main objective for the spring offensive remains eastern Ukraine.

“The main goals are the east of our country – capture of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In principle, their plans have not changed. There is simply a delay because they are unable to accomplish this with the resources and forces they currently have, and because of the actions of our Armed Forces,” the head of state said.

As reported, on March 6, while visiting the Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian forces have not abandoned their war aims and are preparing a spring offensive in the region.

Photo: Tavria Operational and Strategic Group of Forces