A breakthrough on the Oleksandivka axis is turning into a sustained offensive phase as restricted access to Starlink complicates Russian command and control, Ukraine’s military says.
Following a previously confirmed breach of Russian lines on the Oleksandivka axis, Ukrainian air assault units are pressing their advance, according to the official channel of the Air Assault Forces of Ukraine.
As of now, nine settlements have been liberated, the statement said. Three more have been fully cleared of Russian forces within the Air Assault Forces’ area of responsibility. Operations to free additional localities are ongoing.
Russian troops, despite losses, continue trying to hold their ground, but the tempo of Ukraine’s push and the disruption of logistics are significantly weakening their positions. The breakthrough on the Oleksandivka axis is evolving into a sustained offensive phase, the military added.
Air Assault Forces units are conducting active offensive operations, imposing their terms of battle on the Russian troops. Russian fortified positions are being systematically degraded, with precision and massed strikes destroying personnel, weapons and equipment.
The operation is being carried out in line with the Commander-in-Chief’s plan and under the direction of the Air Assault Forces’ command. The actions are deliberate and coordinated.
Within a week of the operation’s start, decisions were taken that limited Russian units’ access to the Starlink network. That has sharply reduced their situational awareness and complicated command and control in the opening phase, according to the statement.
In addition, Ukrainian forces are methodically cutting the Russian supply lines. Aerial reconnaissance units and FPV drone teams are operating around the clock, striking targets deep in the defensive rear and denying Russian troops a safe fallback area.
Since the operation began on January 29, 2026, Russian losses have totaled 6,537 personnel, including 4,355 irrecoverable, Ukraine says. Fifteen service members have been taken prisoner. A total of 419 pieces of weapons and equipment have been destroyed, including seven tanks and 14 armored fighting vehicles.
