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Ukrainian Forces Launch Successful Counteroffensive in Southern Zaporizhzhia
Ukrainian forces have recaptured approximately 300 square kilometers of territory in southern Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a significant reversal of Russian gains in the Zaporizhzhia region. The counteroffensive, launched in mid-February 2026, has liberated more than a dozen settlements and pushed Russian forces back up to 9.5 kilometers from positions they had established over the previous two months.
The operation bears striking similarities to Ukraine’s successful 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, which was also orchestrated by Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. That earlier campaign resulted in Ukraine reclaiming approximately 12,000 square kilometers of territory and liberating over 500 settlements, including strategic cities like Izyum, Kupiansk, and Lyman.
Syrskyi, born in Kharkiv to Russian parents, has again demonstrated his tactical acumen with this latest operation. Unlike the highly publicized 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive, this operation was launched with minimal fanfare. The commander-in-chief simply announced in a routine update that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking in southern Ukraine.
“I visited several command posts of brigades and regiments involved in active combat operations in the Aleksandrovsk area and in the Hulyaipole region,” Syrskyi noted in a matter-of-fact statement that gave little indication of the operation’s scale.
The counteroffensive targets what Syrskyi has termed the “intersection” – the junction point of Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. This area became a focus for Russian forces who had been following a strategy reportedly similar to one advocated by Igor “Strelkov” Girkin, a former Russian military commander now imprisoned. Girkin had suggested that rather than continuing to focus resources on Pokrovsk and Donetsk, Russia should target Zaporizhzhia to outflank Ukrainian defensive positions.
Russian forces had made significant progress in this direction, crossing the Haichur and Huliaipole rivers and advancing on Huliaipole city itself. These advances threatened to cut the critical E-50 logistical highway to Pokrovsk if they reached as far northeast as Pokrov’ske in Zaporizhzhia. More concerning for Ukrainian leadership, the Russian advance created the potential for Russian forces to bypass Ukrainian fortifications and potentially threaten Zaporizhzhia city, home to over 700,000 people.
According to Ukrainian military analysts and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia had committed approximately 120,000 troops to this advance, apparently with the strategic objective of bringing Zaporizhzhia city within artillery range by summer 2026. Such a development would have given Russia a significant propaganda victory and increased pressure on Ukraine at the negotiating table.
Ukraine’s counteroffensive has disrupted this timeline. Ukrainian units struck across multiple axes: southeast of Oleksandrivka, along the Haichur River, and northwest of Huliaipole. In the Haichur River valley, Ukrainian troops crossed the river, liberated Dobropillia, and began fighting for Varvarivka. Other liberated settlements include Oleksiivka, Orestopil, Vyshneve, Yehorivka, and Zlahoda.
“Russian forces are now spinning their wheels halfway to their intended staging positions,” noted Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko, describing the impact of the Ukrainian operation.
Analysts caution that Ukraine still faces significant challenges. Russia controls approximately 80% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and Ukrainian forces lack the troop strength, air superiority, and artillery advantage needed for a full-scale counteroffensive. This limits Ukraine’s actions primarily to tactical stabilization rather than a broader strategic push.
Nevertheless, the psychological and strategic impact of reversing Russian momentum is substantial. The operation demonstrates Ukraine’s continuing ability to execute complex military operations despite widespread assumptions of Russian advantage following nearly two years of grinding warfare.
President Zelensky, who reportedly monitors frontline developments via a personal electronic tablet, has highlighted the significance of this territorial liberation. As Ukrainian forces continue their operations in the southern sector, this counteroffensive represents a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict – one that has potentially delayed Russia’s strategic timeline and provided Ukraine with renewed operational momentum.
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14 Comments
The similarity to the successful Kharkiv counteroffensive is noteworthy. Syrskyi clearly has a knack for identifying vulnerabilities in the Russian lines and executing bold maneuvers to exploit them. This latest victory will likely bolster Ukrainian morale and complicate Moscow’s long-term plans.
Absolutely. Syrskyi’s ability to replicate tactical success in different regions demonstrates his keen understanding of the operational environment and the agility of Ukrainian forces. This will be a tough setback for Russia to overcome.
The similarities between this Zaporizhzhia counteroffensive and the earlier Kharkiv operation are quite striking. Syrskyi’s ability to replicate successful tactics in different theaters speaks to his strategic mind and the overall capabilities of the Ukrainian military. It will be crucial for Russia to learn from these setbacks and adjust their approach accordingly.
Absolutely. Syrskyi’s track record of executing effective counteroffensives is a testament to his leadership and the resilience of the Ukrainian forces. This latest victory will likely prompt Russia to reevaluate its tactics and strategies in the Zaporizhzhia region and the broader conflict.
This latest counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhzhia is an impressive display of tactical skill and strategic thinking. Syrskyi has proven his mettle once again, quietly disrupting Russian plans and regaining territory. It will be interesting to see how Russia responds to this setback.
Agreed. Syrskyi’s approach of launching the offensive with minimal fanfare seems to have caught the Russians off guard. This type of nimble, adaptable military strategy is critical in the dynamic conflict in Ukraine.
While the details of this counteroffensive are still emerging, it’s clear that Syrskyi and the Ukrainian military have delivered another significant blow to Russian forces. The recapture of 300 sq km of territory is no small feat and will force Moscow to reevaluate its strategy in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Agreed. This latest Ukrainian victory underscores the resilience and adaptability of their forces. It will be crucial for Russia to find an effective response, as these types of counteroffensives can quickly erode their territorial gains.
The Zaporizhzhia counteroffensive is another impressive display of Ukrainian military capabilities under Syrskyi’s leadership. The similarities to the Kharkiv operation suggest a consistent and effective approach to identifying and exploiting Russian vulnerabilities. This latest victory will likely embolden Ukraine and complicate Russia’s long-term plans in the region.
Absolutely. Syrskyi’s track record of successful counteroffensives is a testament to his strategic acumen and the resilience of the Ukrainian forces. This latest victory will undoubtedly force Russia to rethink its tactics and strategies in the Zaporizhzhia region and the broader conflict.
This counteroffensive is a significant development in the ongoing conflict, and Syrskyi’s role as the architect of these successful operations is noteworthy. The ability to disrupt Russian plans and regain territory will be crucial in shaping the eventual outcome of the war. It will be interesting to see how Russia responds to this latest setback.
Agreed. Syrskyi’s tactical prowess and the Ukrainian military’s adaptability have proven to be a formidable combination against the Russian forces. This latest victory will undoubtedly impact the dynamics of the conflict and force Moscow to reevaluate its strategies in the region.
This counteroffensive is a testament to the skill and determination of the Ukrainian military. Syrskyi’s leadership and the troops’ execution of the operation have once again demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to outmaneuver Russian forces. It will be interesting to see how this affects the broader dynamics of the conflict.
Undoubtedly. Syrskyi’s tactical acumen and the Ukrainian forces’ adaptability are proving to be formidable assets in this conflict. This latest victory will likely embolden Ukraine and complicate Russia’s long-term strategies in the region.