Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discusses occupied territories
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant progress in the ongoing conflict, revealing that the Dnipro region is nearly free from enemy control. “This year we have almost liberated Dniproshchyna. This is an important achievement. Only 10 square kilometers remain to be returned under our control, which consists of three small villages. There are practically no enemies left there,” he stated.
In addition to the Dnipro situation, Zelensky hinted at a new operation underway in a different front area, the details of which he did not disclose but promised to announce results by the end of August.
The president projected that by 2026, Ukraine will achieve a balance between the territories occupied by Russian forces and those reclaimed by Ukrainian troops. Currently, since the start of the year, 990 square kilometers remain under occupation, while Ukraine has regained control over 820 square kilometers. Zelensky expressed optimism about reaching parity in territorial control by the end of 2026.
Context
- The offensive operation in the Oleksandrivka direction has been ongoing since January 2026. On August 12, Zelensky reported that defensive forces had regained control of 26 villages in the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
- General Mikhail Drapati confirmed that approximately 450 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory were liberated during the first phase of the offensive operation from January to May. The second phase, from May until August, resulted in the recovery of an additional 490 square kilometers.
- On August 17, sources within the General Staff indicated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces now nearly fully control the Dnipropetrovsk region.
