Russian Claims of Control Debunked
Oleg Shyriaev, commander of Ukraine's 225th Separate Assault Battalion, has directly refuted Russian Federation assertions that they captured the village of Ternuvate in Zaporizhzhia. Russia's Ministry of Defense had claimed control of the settlement since late January. However, on February 23, 2026, Shyriaev released video evidence showing his unit's continued combat operations in the area, with Ukrainian soldiers visibly present near a stele in the village. This ongoing conflict in southeastern Ukraine is a critical frontline where both sides contest every inch of territory.
Successful Ukrainian Operation and Prisoners Taken
In a successful operation, soldiers from the 225th Battalion captured six Russian servicemen, including a platoon commander. This action highlights the active counter-diversion measures continuing in an area where, according to Shyriaev, a small number of invaders may still be hiding in basements and underground passages. During the assault, the occupiers were offered the chance to surrender voluntarily, leading one Russian soldier to emerge from cover, followed by five others.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Russians willing to surrender, which may indicate shifting morale within Russian forces. The situation in the region remains tense, with Ukraine's Defense Forces continuing to fortify their positions along the border of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
This episode underscores the significance of the information war, where disproving Russian claims of territorial control can impact the morale of both Ukrainian and Russian troops. Operations resulting in prisoners also point to strategic shifts in combat tactics that could influence the conflict's trajectory. The growing willingness of Russians to surrender may reflect increased internal strain within Russian military units, potentially affecting the overall balance of power in the region.