Ukrainian military forces have reportedly regained control over 400 square kilometers of territory and eight settlements in the Alexanderivskyi direction since late January 2023. This information was shared by General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a visit to operational units in the southern operational zone.
In a message on Telegram, Syrskyi described the situation in this area as complex, noting that Russian forces continue to exert pressure through small assault groups, artillery, drones, and occasionally armored vehicles. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that Ukrainian troops are not only holding defensive positions but are also successfully conducting offensive operations.
The Ukrainian Air Assault Forces announced that their current operations aim to push Russian troops beyond the Dnipropetrovsk region. The primary objectives include disrupting Russian plans for further advances in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, defeating enemy forces, and reclaiming territory within the administrative borders of Dnipropetrovsk.
According to the Air Assault Forces, the situation remains highly dynamic. They reported that, despite ongoing Russian assaults, Ukrainian units have successfully repelled attacks and continued their own offensive actions. Since the beginning of these operations, Ukrainian forces have regained control over more than 300 square kilometers.
Earlier reports from the Donbas.Realii project indicated that the Russian army may be preparing for a significant new offensive in the spring or summer, potentially targeting the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration or the Orikhiv-Zaporizhzhia area. Analyst Kostiantyn Mashovets from the Information Resistance group suggested that this could be a final major push for Russia at the front, given its dwindling resources and increasing economic difficulties.
By late winter, Ukrainian defense forces managed to adjust Russian plans by launching counteroffensive operations at the junction of the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. They successfully pushed back Russian forces from Pokrovsk and further from Orikhiv in the east. Reports from pro-Russian social media channels indicate that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is ongoing in this area.
On February 16, General Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian troops are conducting effective counterattacks and assault actions in the Alexanderivskyi direction and around Huliaipole.
Ukrainian forces have made significant territorial gains in the Alexanderivskyi direction, regaining control over 400 square kilometers and eight settlements. Despite ongoing Russian pressure, Ukrainian troops are successfully conducting both defensive and offensive operations.