Ukrainian forces continue to liberate territory in southern Ukraine. Geolocated footage published on February 21 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced east of Verbove (southeast of Oleksandrivka). Geolocated footage published on February 22 shows a Ukrainian servicemember operating in northwestern Ternuvate (northwest of Hulyaipole), indicating that Ukrainian forces recently liberated the settlement, contrary to Russian sources’ claims that Russian forces maintain control over the settlement. ISW has not observed visual evidence to suggest that Russian forces maintain positions in Ternuvate since February 6, 2026. Ukrainian Southern Defense Forces Spokesperson Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn reported on February 23 that Russian claims that Russian forces control Ternuvate are untrue. Voloshyn stated that a Russian group infiltrated the settlement two weeks ago (roughly around February 9) but that Ukrainian forces “destroyed” the group. Voloshyn noted that some limited Russian soldiers may remain in Ternuvate but that Russian forces do not control the settlement–likely in reference to the doctrinal definition of control, which is a tactical mission task that requires the commander to maintain physical influence over a specified area to prevent its use by an enemy or to create conditions necessary for successful friendly operations.

ISW assesses that Ukrainian forces recently liberated Andriivka, Ostapivske, Pishchane, Nechaivka (all northwest of Ternuvate), Radisne, Nove Zaporizhzhia (both west of Ternuvate) due to the fact that ISW has not observed visual evidence indicating a Russian presence in any of these settlements in over two weeks (since at least February 9). ISW has not observed significant evidence indicating a Russian presence in Pishchane, Nechaivka, Radisne, and Nove Zaporizhzhia since February 8. Voloshyn stated that Ternuvate is located 10 to 12 kilometers from the front, supporting ISW’s assessment that Ukrainian forces also recently liberated the area east and northeast of Ternuvate. ISW continues to assess that Ukrainian forces are leveraging Russian forces’ communications challenges following the February 1 SpaceX block of Russian Starlink terminals in order to advance in this area. Voloshyn noted on February 17 that changing weather conditions and successful Ukrainian strikes against Russian logistics are also contributing to Ukrainian successes.

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