The spring offensive planned by Russia has not achieved its goals so far, and Ukrainian forces prevented large-scale breakthroughs and destroyed a significant part of Russian equipment, Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a conversation with journalists on Sunday.
— The spring campaign, as planned, ended in failure for the Russians; they were unable to move forward — said the Ukrainian president, quoted by Ukrinform. “They have offensive operations, but they're all the same. They can't break through anywhere – we are destroying their equipment, he added.
According to Zelensky, it is impossible to break through the Ukrainian defense with mechanized forces forced Russian troops to rely on smaller-scale infiltration operations instead of coordinated offensives.
He added that Ukrainian troops continue to repel these attacks on many sectors of the front, preventing Moscow from launching a major operation despite persistent attempts. “Our soldiers are destroying them,” Zelensky emphasized.
Captured Russian soldiers on the front line in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, March 9, 2026.JOSE COLON / ANADOLU AGENCY / Anadolu Agency via AFP / AFP
Zelensky also pointed to Ukraine's previous successes as a key factor behind stopping the Russian advance, including operations near Kupyansk in 2025 and recent fighting in southern Ukraine.
He said that pressure from Ukraine forced Russia to regroup units between different sectors of the front. — We saw how they started moving troops from the direction of Donetsk here [na południe]because they were afraid that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would advance further than these 430 km, Zelensky explained.
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Zelensky: “This is not the end of the fighting.” Intelligence maps show Russia's long-term plans
Despite the setbacks, Zelensky warned that Russia has not abandoned plans to continue offensive operations. Ukrainian intelligence services indicate that Moscow may attempt to attack again in several areas, including Zaporozhye, Pokrovsk and Hulypol. – It will be so. After Kupiansk, they will withdraw and then they will want him again, Zelensky noted.
He also described Russian actions in the Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts as largely demonstrative and not part of a major offensive. — What's going on there is just some kind of show; there are no forces there yet, he said, adding that Russian troops were moved from these areas to Donbas and later even further south.
Zelensky said the intelligence revealed Russian operational maps highlighting the territories Moscow intends to conquer in the coming years.
He stated that these plans indicate that the Kremlin has no intention of ending the fighting. — This shows that they are definitely not thinking about ending the war Zelensky emphasized. He added that Russia's continued investment in missile production rather than civilian infrastructure also indicates preparations for a prolonged conflict.
Progress of the Ukrainian armed forces
Recent Ukrainian operations have also allowed it to regain territory from Russian forces. Zelensky said earlier that Ukrainian defense forces had regained control of approximately 400-435 square kilometers in southern Ukraine.
In turn, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrski, said that Ukrainian forces maintain defensive lines while continuing offensive operations in parts of the southern operational zone.
In a Facebook post published on Saturday, Syrski wrote that he met with the commanders managing combat operations in this area and discussed the current situation on the battlefield.
He emphasized that Ukrainian defense forces are maintaining key positions, destroying Russian troops and gradually moving forward, fighting to liberate the town.
“Our priorities are to liberate the territory of Ukraine from the occupiers and save the lives of our soldiers,” he wrote, adding that operational silence remains important for the success of ongoing military operations.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
