Defense Forces attempting to seize initiative; international military aid trend slightly improved in Feb – Syrsky

The Defense Forces of Ukraine are attempting to seize the operational initiative and force Russia to act according to Ukrainian rules. For the first time since the 2024 Kursk offensive operation, Ukrainian troops in February 2026 regained control over a larger area of Ukrainian land than the enemy captured during the same period.

This was reported by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrsky, following a working meeting and an assessment of AFU activities in February.

"We are continuing the counter-offensive operation in the Oleksandrivka direction. Here, the Air Assault Forces grouping regained control over 285.6 square km in one month. In total, since the start of the operation, control over more than 400 square km of territory has been restored," Syrsky noted on social media.

At the same time, in many other directions, Ukrainian forces are holding back the enemy through active defense and, in some places, advancing, he emphasized.

As Syrsky highlighted, Russia has an almost threefold numerical advantage, but due to the active operations of the AFU, it is forced to postpone the dates of planned operations, close gaps in defense, and redeploy troops from other sectors.

Ukrainian forces continue to strike the enemy on its territory. In February, Deep Strike assets hit 85 targets. The cumulative effect of these strikes led to a 24.8% decrease in total oil refining volumes in Russia.

Syrsky specifically highlighted a successful missile strike on the Votkinsk plant in Udmurtia, which produces Iskander-M, Oreshnik, and other missiles.

The use of FPV drones by Russia decreased by 18% in February—a likely consequence of strikes on enemy UAV arsenals.

Missile forces carried out 228 strikes, while the Air Force conducted 104 strikes. UAVs performed 293,800 combat and special missions.

During the meeting, the Commander-in-Chief heard reports on logistics, engineering and fortification works, restoration of unit combat readiness, and the state of law and order within the troops.

"Not everything comes easily, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding the blow, increasing capabilities, analyzing mistakes, and working to correct them," the Commander-in-Chief stressed.

He noted that many brigade commanders are requesting assistance with armored vehicles. "We are addressing this problematic issue," Syrsky added.

According to him, the trend of receiving international military aid improved slightly in February; however, the main source of equipment remains its restoration and repair by internal efforts—this indicator increased by almost a quarter compared to January.

Based on the performance evaluation, the highest rating in February was given to the Commander of the Air Assault Forces of the AFU, Major General Oleh Apostol.

"First and foremost, I am sincerely grateful to every Ukrainian soldier. It is the soldier who carries the main burden of the war for Ukraine on his shoulders. Through the efforts of the soldier, our army holds the line, moves forward, and liberates Ukrainian land," Syrsky emphasized.