Ukrainian Forces Hold Off Enemy Advance and Seize Initiative
Russian invaders are being forced to switch to defense in a key sector due to systematic counterattacks by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Ukrainian troops have maintained the initiative for the third consecutive month, gaining control over segments of the front and forcing the enemy to reconsider its plans for the spring–summer campaign. This was reported by Serhiy Kolesnichenko, officer of the Communications Division of the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Air Assault Forces, during a broadcast on Radio NV.
Successful operations by Ukrainian units have significantly worsened the tactical position of the enemy. “For the third month, units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces have been conducting systematic counterattacks. This has allowed us to seize the initiative and worsen the enemy’s tactical situation. As a result, Russian command is forced to redistribute reserves, strengthen defenses, and adjust plans for offensive operations,” he noted.
Consequently, the pace of the occupiers’ advance has slowed, and they are compelled to stabilize certain sections of the front. “Ukrainian counterattacks not only hold back the enemy but also influence its operational plans for the spring–summer campaign. At the same time, the enemy retains offensive potential and continues attempts to regain the initiative. However, at present, it is clear that the Defense Forces of Ukraine are setting the tempo of combat in this sector,” Kolesnichenko added.
Active fighting continues on the Oleksandrivka axis, so it is too early to speak of full stabilization of the front. The enemy employs small infantry assault groups and actively uses drones and artillery, but Ukrainian troops continue counterattacking and improving their tactical position. “It is more accurate to speak of an active struggle to consolidate the initiative, where the Defense Forces of Ukraine already have the advantage. The enemy continues to resist and attempts to regain the situation,” the officer said.
Air Assault Forces play a particularly important role. Their units are deployed in the most challenging sectors of the front, where rapid breakthroughs of enemy defenses and consolidation on new lines are required. The front remains dynamic, and combat operations are intense.
Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the strategic goal of the invaders is currently to capture additional territory to create a so-called “buffer zone” within Dnipropetrovsk region.
Ukraine’s Defense Forces are adapting troop training to effectively counter enemy drones and modern battlefield threats.
