Ukraine's military chief stated that Ukrainian forces recaptured over 600 sq km of territory in 2026, with a net gain of 100 sq km in May. Heavy fighting continues in eastern and southern sectors.
These developments indicate a shift in momentum on the battlefield, suggesting Ukraine may be regaining the initiative in certain sectors after a period of Russian advances, though the overall situation remains dynamic and difficult to verify.
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.
The areas around Pokrovsk in the east, and Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole in the southeast and south, were highlighted as sites of the heaviest fighting. Russia has claimed to have captured Pokrovsk, though independent mapping suggests it remains under Ukrainian control. Historically, Ukraine recaptured significant territory in the initial stages of the 2022 invasion, but a major counter-offensive in 2023 yielded limited results, and Russia has since made incremental gains.