Ukrainian Armed Forces Operations in February 2026
In a February 2026 briefing, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported a significant shift: for the first time since 2024, Ukrainian forces reclaimed more territory in a single month than they ceded to the enemy. This marks a notable tactical reversal after a prolonged period of defensive struggle. On the Oleksandrivka axis, Ukrainian troops successfully restored control over 285.6 square kilometers. Since the start of operations on this front, total reclaimed territory now exceeds 400 square kilometers.
Syrskyi detailed that during February, DeepStrike systems struck 85 targets, leading to a 24.8% reduction in overall oil refining capacity within the Russian Federation. He also noted an 18% decrease in Russian FPV drone usage, likely a consequence of successful strikes on enemy UAV arsenals. Ukrainian missile forces conducted 228 strikes in February, while Air Force aviation carried out 104.
Specifically, Syrskyi highlighted an effective missile strike on the Votkinsk Plant in Udmurtia, a facility responsible for producing 'Iskander-M' and 'Oreshnik' missiles, among others.
Frontline Shifts and Army Requirements
Unmanned aerial vehicles executed 293.8 thousand combat special tasks in February. The rate of in-house military equipment restoration and repair grew by nearly a quarter compared to January. Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that
"not everything comes easily, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding the line, building up capabilities, analyzing mistakes, and working to correct them."He also emphasized that during his visits to the troops, many brigade commanders have requested assistance with armored vehicles, highlighting a critical current need.
Furthermore, Ukrainian defense forces in the south have regained control of up to 435 square kilometers of territory. The city of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast remains almost entirely under occupation. Syrskyi stressed that, considering previous periods, Ukraine is achieving a cumulative effect in its counteroffensive, demonstrating the army's success in executing its assigned tasks.
The recovery of significant territory and the reduction in enemy activity indicate positive changes on the front for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These results could influence the strategic situation in the region and provide additional resources and motivation for future operations. The continuation of active actions, both in offensive contexts and in degrading enemy military capabilities, could substantially alter the course of the conflict.
Additionally, the appeals from commanders to senior leadership regarding the need for armored vehicles underscore the necessity of continuous logistical support to maintain the army's operational effectiveness.