Ukrainian military units have made recent tactical advancements in the area between Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region. Analysts have noted that these developments could signify a shift in control in this contested area.
Geolocated videos released on March 3 and 4 indicate that Ukrainian forces have successfully pushed southeast and southward from Kostiantynivka. These visuals provide evidence of the ongoing military operations and the dynamics of the frontline.
Conversely, the same footage reveals that Russian forces have been targeting Ukrainian positions in the southeastern vicinity of Kostiantynivka. Analysts had previously assessed this region as one where Russian troops might advance, highlighting the fluid nature of the conflict.
It is important to note that the marked areas of Russian penetration do not necessarily indicate complete control. Within these zones, Ukrainian positions may still be present, suggesting a complex battlefield environment.
On March 5, a commander of a Ukrainian battalion operating in the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka area reported that Russian forces have partially restored their communication capabilities, achieving approximately 50 to 60 percent of their operational capacity prior to the disruption caused by Starlink outages. The commander stated that the occupiers are establishing Wi-Fi bridges and deploying directional antennas on key tactical heights.
In other sectors, the frontline has remained largely unchanged. A spokesperson for a Ukrainian brigade engaged in the Pokrovsk direction noted a decrease in the intensity of Russian infiltration attempts. This reduction is likely attributed to a shortage of ground drones, which are essential for logistical support to frontline assault groups.
Recent reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicate that in the last two weeks of February 2026, Ukrainian forces reclaimed more territory than they lost for the first time since the summer counteroffensive of 2023. Since January 1, Ukrainian troops have liberated approximately 257 square kilometers of land.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has regained control over 460 square kilometers of territory. This assertion was echoed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who noted that in February, the Defense Forces regained more territory than was captured by Russian troops.
Ukrainian forces have achieved significant tactical gains in the Donetsk region, particularly around Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka. Recent reports highlight a shift in territorial control, with Ukrainian troops reclaiming more land than they have lost in recent weeks.