I- Situation on Ukraine's 🇺🇦 southern front In 2026, the Ukrainian army has succeeded in stabilizing the southern front, reclaiming more territory than it has lost. The Russian army is continuing its offensive from Huliaipole along a 30-km-wide front, though its rate of advance remains limited. Russia has committed the bulk of its regional forces to this sector—specifically the 35th, 36th, and 5th Armies, along with the 68th Army Corps. Elsewhere, Russian forces are either on the defensive (further to the east, involving the 29th Army) or engaged in limited offensive operations to the west, toward Orikhiv (involving the 58th Army). Consequently, the primary Russian effort remains concentrated between Ternuvate and Huliaipole, where progress is slow and relies on deep-infiltration tactics aimed at reaching the Orikhiv–Novomykolaivka road. The frontal offensive against Orikhiv—which began with infiltrations during the summer—now appears to be faltering due to Ukrainian consolidation efforts. This year, Ukrainian forces have managed to halt the Russian offensive south of Zaporizhzhia, pushing Russian troops back from the area north of Stepnohirsk. Simultaneously, they have pressed against the northern flank of the Russian offensive near Huliaipole and are closing in on Velyka Novosilka. The Ukrainians have reversed the gains Russia made in this sector in 2025, regaining control of the banks of the Mokri Yali River as well as the second line of defense that extends toward Zaporizhzhia. At present, Ukrainian operations have enabled them to consolidate their position in Komar and along both the eastern and western banks of the Mokri Yali River. These efforts put an end to the threat of a Russian offensive toward Pokrovske, Novomykolaivka, and eastern Zaporizhzhia, as well as toward Pavlohrad and Dnipro. Thank you for following this first frontline update (next one : II- Donbas)