Ukraine’s Successful Counteroffensive

Ukraine Liberates Territory and Pushes Back Russian Forces

Map: DeepStateUA

Ukraine launched the first phase of its offensive operation in late January 2026, liberating approximately 450 square kilometers of territory.

The second phase began on May 5 and remains ongoing. As of mid-August, Ukrainian forces have restored control over approximately 490 square kilometers, liberating 12 settlements, including eight in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and four in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian forces also conducted search-and-destroy operations against Russian troops that had infiltrated an area of approximately 300 square kilometers.

Across both phases of the offensive, Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces have liberated or restored control over approximately 745 square kilometers of territory and 26 settlements.