Ukraine Reclaims Southern Territory, Thwarting Russian Spring Offensive Plans

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Ukrainian Defense Forces have successfully reclaimed between 400 and 435 kilometers of territory in southern Ukraine, effectively neutralizing Russia’s preparations for a spring push in that sector.

President Volodymyr Zelensky shared these updates during a press conference in Kyiv alongside Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

He explained that over the last six weeks, the military executed strategic defensive and offensive maneuvers specifically designed to derail Moscow’s objectives. Zelensky described these efforts as a success, noting they have provided a much-needed boost in morale.

While the President acknowledged that the situation remains challenging, he remarked that the general outlook is more “positive” now than it was at the close of 2025.

Despite the setbacks in the south, Zelensky emphasized that the Kremlin’s primary focus for its spring campaign remains the Donbas region.

The seizure of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions continues to be Russia’s main goal, though their progress has been stalled by a lack of sufficient resources and consistent resistance from Ukrainian troops.

This follows a previous statement made by the President on March 6 during a visit to the front lines, where he warned that Russian forces remain committed to their original war aims and are actively preparing for renewed aggression in the east.