Ukrainian forces liberates nine settlements in southern offensive, advance continues
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian troops liberated nine settlements from Russian forces (Getty Images)
Ukrainian defenders have liberated nine settlements from Russian occupation in the Oleksandrivka direction, and their advance is ongoing, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military command stated that in the southern direction, Air Assault Forces continue to pressure Russian troops and reclaim Ukrainian territory.
"As of now, nine settlements have been liberated. Three settlements have been cleared of the enemy in our operational zone, and work is currently underway to free several more," the General Staff clarified.
It is not yet known which specific settlements were retaken.
The General Staff added that Ukraine’s Defense Forces are systematically pushing the enemy out of fortified positions, combining precision and mass strikes against Russian personnel and equipment.
Aerial reconnaissance units and FPV drone teams play a key role in identifying and destroying targets.
An important stage of the operation was limiting Russian access to the Starlink network, significantly reducing the occupiers’ situational awareness and complicating command and control.
Despite logistical difficulties and losing control over parts of the territory, Russian forces continue attempts at offensive operations.
The Oleksandrivka direction refers to a section of the front at the junction of the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Counteroffensive in the south
At the end of February, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that during offensive operations in the Southern Operational Zone, Ukrainian forces de-occupied eight settlements and approximately 400 square kilometers of territory.
The general noted that successful actions in the Oleksandrivka direction have continued since January 2026. Air Assault Forces units — including the 82nd and 95th brigades — have played a leading role in the breakthrough and in maintaining the initiative.
