Ukraine’s Defense Forces recaptured 201 square kilometers of territory from Russian troops between February 11 and 15. This marks Ukraine’s largest territorial gain in the past two and a half years.
Details
The advance was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). According to ISW, this is Ukraine’s most significant territorial success in a brief timeframe since the counteroffensive launched in June 2023. The area liberated by Ukrainian forces is nearly equal to Russia’s total territorial gains throughout December of the previous year.
The report also notes that the pace of Russia’s offensive has slowed. Russian weekly advances fluctuated significantly from late November 2025 to mid-February 2026. At its peak, Russian forces captured 141 square kilometers in one week between January 25 and 31. However, Russian gains later dropped to 74 square kilometers during the week of February 8–14.
Ukrainian advances on multiple fronts
Ukrainian troops reclaimed parts of occupied territory in the Kharkiv, Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka directions in November and December 2025. During that period, Russian forces lost control of 106 square kilometers of Ukrainian land. By the end of the year, Ukraine also liberated a significant portion of Kupiansk and surrounding areas, forcing Russian troops to retreat from 305 square kilometers.
ISW stated that Russia’s rate of advance near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole began slowing around February 8 and has largely stalled since then. Ukrainian forces reportedly pushed Russian troops back by 9–9.5 kilometers along several narrow sections of these fronts.
Starlink restrictions impacting Russian forces
The report suggests that Ukrainian forces may be benefiting from restrictions preventing Russian troops from using Starlink systems. This has reportedly caused serious communication and command problems on the battlefield. Without Starlink access, Russian units face growing technological disadvantages, slowing down decision-making and operational coordination at the front.
ISW cited Ukrainian military analyst Kostуantyn Mashovets, who reported that Russia is preparing a summer offensive. According to him, Russian forces are preparing for the summer 2026 offensive in the Slovyansk-Kramatorsk direction and/or the Orikhiv-Zaporizhzhia City direction. Recent Ukrainian tactical counterattacks near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole are likely disrupting Russia’s preparations for the offensive.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russian forces have been forced to pause assault operations in several frontline areas due to Starlink terminal shutdowns.
