Is Ukraine launching a counteroffensive? Zelensky confirms liberation of territory in southern Ukraine

Changes are being recorded on the southern front, with Ukrainian forces gradually regaining control of new areas of territory. The president has confirmed the army's successes, but the details of the operations remain classified. Find out what lies behind the statements about advances and whether this signals the start of a large-scale counteroffensive

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The Ukrainian Defence Forces have liberated about 300 square kilometres of territory in the southern sector of the front line. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with AFP.

According to the head of state, the Ukrainian army continues to advance gradually, but details of the operations are not being disclosed for security reasons.

‘I will not go into details, but today, first of all, I want to congratulate our army — all the defence forces — because as of now, 300 square kilometres have been liberated,’ Zelensky said.

The president did not specify the period during which these results were achieved, but stressed that the initiative in certain areas of the front line is gradually shifting to Ukraine.

Technological factors and problems on the front line

Zelensky also said that the Ukrainian side is taking advantage of the situation with communication disruptions in the Russian troops, caused by the shutdown of satellite communication terminals. At the same time, Ukrainian units also experience similar difficulties from time to time.

‘There are problems, there are challenges,’ he said, adding that the difficulties faced by the Russian army are ‘much more serious.’

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The fastest pace in recent years

Earlier, American analysts reported that Ukrainian troops were able to regain control of hundreds of square kilometres in a matter of days. One of the key reasons for this success is said to be a technological ‘blackout’ in the Russian army, which affected the coordination of units.

According to a recent assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the pace of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' advance has been the fastest since the counteroffensive in the summer of 2023. In just a few days, Ukrainian forces liberated more than 200 square kilometres of territory.

Experts note that if the trend continues, it may indicate preparations for more large-scale offensive operations in the southern direction. For now, the Ukrainian command is sticking to a tactic of gradual pressure and local breakthroughs.

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