Ukraine has reclaimed 400 square kilometres of territory, including eight settlements, along the southern front since late January, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The rare gains in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region mark a notable shift from the slow Russian advances that have characterized the past two and a half years of war.

These territorial advances come as Ukraine seeks to demonstrate resilience to Washington amid pressure from President Donald Trump to accept a peace deal. While Syrskyi's statement did not specify how much territory was previously under Russian control versus contested "grey zone" areas, the development represents a tactical success for Kyiv's forces.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Ukraine's "astonishing" February gains, noting they show Kyiv's resistance is more effective than often portrayed. With the war approaching its fourth anniversary, Ukraine continues to counter narratives about losing ground while facing escalating Russian drone threats to its own infrastructure.