Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces held all key defense lines this winter
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian army achieved tangible results during the winter of 2025–2026 and held all key defensive positions.
Zelenskyy said he spoke today with French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders discussed all the key issues that are currently “iimportant for the security of our countries and Europe,” including the situation in Ukraine and the key defense needs.
“I informed him about the consequences of Russia’s massive strike last night, as well as about developments on the frontline. Ukrainian warriors have achieved tangible results this winter and have held all key defense lines,” the president said.
The head of state also emphasized that it is important to implement the agreement on €90 billion in support for Ukraine over the next two years, as well as a new sanctions package against Russia.
The leaders also spoke about the Middle East and the Gulf region, the situation around Iran and its prospects.
“Emmanuel supported our work toward greater security in the region – Ukraine has the most experience in defending against Shaheds, and this Ukrainian experience can become one of the foundations of renewed and more effective collective security with all partners,” Zelenskyy stressed.
Summing up, the president added that Ukraine is preparing with France for joint formats of diplomatic work in the coming weeks.
Successes of Ukraine’s Defense Forces
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that during the last two weeks of February 2026, Ukrainian troops, for the first time since the summer counteroffensive of 2023, liberated more territory than they lost.
Also today, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that together with other forces, they stopped Russia’s offensive toward Zaporizhzhia in their area of responsibility.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi believes that the war in Ukraine has not reached a deadlock. He named Russia’s losses and the offensive operations of the Ukrainian army as the reason.
