Ukraine Makes Rapid Territorial Gains as Peace Talks Stall

Ukrainian forces have recaptured approximately 78 square miles of territory over a five-day period in the southeastern front, marking their fastest pace of territorial recovery since the 2023 counteroffensive in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The significant battlefield advances come as U.S.-backed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended without a breakthrough.

According to analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops have concentrated their counterattacks east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces had been steadily advancing since mid-2025. The fighting has centered around Huliaipole and nearby settlements, though analysts caution that the front remains fluid and some recaptured areas are not yet fully secured.

“As this war grinds on, the world too often forgets that Ukraine’s determination, innovation and moral clarity are force multipliers. Its ability to defend against a larger, better-resourced enemy should never be counted out,” retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Newton told Fox News Digital. “There are growing signs that Russia’s supposed invincibility is no longer a safe assumption, particularly as pressure increases on the Kremlin and its partners.”

Military analysts suggest Ukraine is capitalizing on disruptions in Russian command-and-control systems. The ISW assessment from mid-February indicates Ukrainian forces are likely exploiting limitations affecting Russian battlefield communications, including reported restrictions related to Starlink satellite terminals and messaging platforms. These communication challenges can create brief windows of opportunity for Ukrainian units to move through contested zones typically dominated by drone surveillance and electronic warfare.

However, experts emphasize that such opportunities are temporary and do not signal a broader collapse in Russian defensive capabilities. Despite the recent gains, the conflict continues to be characterized by incremental territorial changes rather than decisive breakthroughs.

The evolving nature of the conflict is also shaped by the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles. In a February 10 special report, ISW highlighted Russia’s expanding use of first-person-view (FPV) drones as part of a campaign to “weaponize and institutionalize intentional civilian harm as a purposeful tool of war.” The report warns that this tactic is becoming embedded in Russian operational doctrine and could influence future conflicts beyond Ukraine.

Retired Vice Admiral Robert S. Harward notes that battlefield developments are increasingly tied to diplomatic efforts. “Both sides are trying to use battlefield advances to strengthen their position at the negotiating table,” Harward said. “It’s a sign neither side is ready to strike a deal yet.”

The admiral pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stated willingness to hold elections following a ceasefire as evidence that Kyiv is signaling flexibility, while Moscow continues to press its demands. “If a lasting and fair diplomatic agreement is achievable, the current U.S. team is well-positioned to help deliver it,” he added. “But negotiations must be paired with sustained pressure on Russia and its partners.”

Military experts stress that continued Western support remains crucial for Ukraine’s position, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. “Putin responds to force,” Newton emphasized. “The United States and Europe should continue providing Ukraine with both defensive and offensive capabilities, including long-range systems capable of striking deep inside Russia.”

Nearly two years after Ukraine’s last major offensive stalled, the war has settled into a pattern of slow-moving front lines with both sides heavily reliant on drones, artillery, and electronic warfare. Villages change hands after intense fighting, but the overall strategic picture remains largely unchanged.

“As U.S.-led talks continue, it is critical to increase pressure on Putin to end the war on terms that restore deterrence and prevent further aggression,” Newton concluded, highlighting the dual approach of military support and diplomatic engagement that Western allies continue to pursue.

The coming weeks will demonstrate whether Ukraine’s recent tactical successes can be sustained or expanded into more significant strategic gains, and whether they might eventually translate into meaningful leverage at future peace negotiations.