Ukrainian Forces Achieve Fastest Battlefield Gains Since 2023
Ukrainian troops have made their most significant territorial gains in a short period since June 2023, recapturing approximately 201 square kilometers from Russian forces between last Wednesday and Sunday. This rapid advance, concentrated mainly east of Zaporizhzhia, represents nearly the same amount of land that Russia gained throughout the entire month of December. The breakthrough comes as Ukraine capitalizes on a critical disruption in Russian communications.
Starlink Blockade Provides Tactical Advantage
According to an analysis by Agence France-Presse using data from the Institute for the Study of War, these Ukrainian counterattacks are likely benefiting from the recent block on Russian forces' access to Starlink satellite internet. Russian military bloggers have reported that this blockade is causing severe communications and command-and-control issues on the battlefield. The disruption began on February 5th, following announcements by Elon Musk about implementing measures to prevent the Kremlin's use of this technology.
Kyiv has claimed that Russian drones were particularly reliant on Starlink to bypass electronic jamming systems and execute precise strikes. The loss of this capability appears to have created a window of opportunity for Ukrainian forces to launch effective counteroffensives in key areas where Russian troops had been making progress since mid-2025.
Anti-Corruption Case Rocks Wartime Government
In a separate development that has shaken Ukraine's domestic politics, anti-corruption police have accused former energy minister German Galushchenko of helping launder kickbacks and stashing millions offshore. Galushchenko was detained on Sunday while attempting to leave the country, marking the first major development in months for the "Midas" bribery case that has reached into President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's inner circle.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine announced it is collaborating with 15 foreign jurisdictions to expand its investigation. Galushchenko has denied any wrongdoing, but the case continues to cast a shadow over Ukraine's wartime leadership as the country fights for its survival against Russian aggression.
Diplomatic Efforts and Security Concerns
As Ukrainian and Russian officials prepare for trilateral talks in Geneva brokered by the Trump administration, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to reach a deal with Russia "fast." The two-day meeting in Switzerland, starting Tuesday, follows similar negotiations held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi and includes representatives from Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, hopes for a breakthrough remain low as Russia continues to press maximalist demands. President Zelenskyy warned in his nightly video address that intelligence reports indicate Russia is preparing further massive strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, making peace negotiations more difficult.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian attacks are "constantly evolving" and now employ a combination of drones and missiles, requiring enhanced defense systems and continued support from international partners. Civilian casualties from explosive violence in Ukraine increased by 26% during 2025, with monitoring group Action on Armed Violence reporting 2,248 civilians killed and 12,493 injured, reflecting intensified Russian targeting of cities and critical infrastructure.
