Key facts
- Ukrainian forces have recaptured over 600 sq km of territory in 2026.
- In May, Ukraine gained 100 sq km more territory than it lost.
- The heaviest fighting is occurring in the Pokrovsk, Oleksandrivka, and Huliaipole sectors.
- Ukrainian forces are maintaining the initiative in certain areas along the 1,200 km frontline.
- Russian forces continue to attempt advances in the east and south of Ukraine.
Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces have recaptured over 600 square kilometers of territory in 2026. He further stated that in May alone, Ukraine gained 100 square kilometers more territory than it lost. Syrskyi indicated that Ukrainian forces are maintaining the initiative in certain areas along the 1,200 km frontline.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had previously reported similar territorial gains earlier in the year. While independent verification of territorial control is challenging due to drone warfare creating a no-man's land, some battlefield mapping groups have noted a slowdown or reversal of Russian advances in recent months. Syrskyi described the frontline situation as "difficult and dynamic," with a substantial increase in daily clashes as Russian forces continue their attempts to advance in the east and south.