Military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko says Ukraine’s Defense Forces have stepped up tactical counterattacks along the southern axis, including in the Zaporizhzhia region. According to him, these actions are localized but yield visible results because they aim to improve positions and disrupt Russian plans.
Kovalenko emphasizes that the shift to counterattacks became possible after Russian units ran into problems with reliable communications and coordination following a Starlink blockade. In these conditions, Ukrainian forces are seizing the moment to act rapidly and precisely, regaining control over key areas.
One key factor, he says, is the serious depletion of Russia’s offensive capabilities in certain sectors. Since autumn 2025, Russia’s 5th Combined Arms Army has taken heavy losses and lost much of its striking power. That reduces Moscow’s ability to maintain tempo and consistently pressure AFU positions.
Amid this weakening, the Ukrainian side has more room to maneuver and conduct tactical-level actions-not by “rushing forward at any cost,” but by leveraging advantages in terrain and logistics.
Kovalenko lists the areas where, in his view, Ukrainian units have made gains and improved the situation:
Ukrainian forces pushed Russian troops back from Novooleksandrivka, Verbove and Vyshneve, capitalizing on enemy weakening after resources were redeployed to other tasks.
Along the Haichur River, Russian units, according to the expert, were forced back to the left bank, strengthening Ukraine’s position on that line.
On the Stepnohirsk bridgehead, Ukrainian forces hold the town and have expelled Russian troops from Prymorske, clearing the northern part of the settlement, and have also improved their position near Lukianivka.
The expert notes that such counterattacks deliver practical effects. They straighten the frontline, remove dangerous salients, restore advantageous lines, and expand options for further tactical-level actions.
