Ukraine's Forces Seize Back 200 Square Kilometres Ahead of Crucial Geneva Peace Negotiations
Ukrainian military units have executed a significant territorial recovery, retaking over 200 square kilometres from Russian control in a mere five-day offensive. This dramatic reversal of fortunes on the battlefield comes as delegations from Kyiv and Moscow prepare for a critical round of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva.
Rapid Ukrainian Counteroffensive Undoes Months of Russian Advances
Data from the Institute for the Study of War reveals that between Wednesday and Sunday, Ukrainian forces successfully liberated 201 square kilometres (78 square miles) of territory. This achievement matches the total land area Russia managed to capture throughout the entire month of December. Analysts note this represents the most substantial land reclaimed by Ukraine in such a compressed timeframe since their June 2023 counteroffensive.
The regained territory is primarily situated to the east of Zaporizhzhia city, where Russian troops had previously made considerable progress since mid-2025. Military experts attribute this Ukrainian success partly to Russian forces losing access to Starlink satellite internet terminals, which has reportedly caused severe communications and command disruptions for Moscow's troops on the front lines.
Zelensky Warns of Impending Russian Strikes on Energy Infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning that Russia is preparing fresh attacks on Ukraine's energy targets as peace negotiations commence. In his nightly video address, Zelensky stated that intelligence reports indicate Russia is planning further massive strikes against energy infrastructure.
"Russia cannot resist the temptation of the final days of winter cold and wants to strike Ukrainians painfully," Zelensky declared. "Partners must understand this. First and foremost, this concerns the United States." The Ukrainian leader emphasized that such attacks would complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement.
Geneva Talks to Focus on Contentious Territorial Issues
The peace negotiations in Geneva represent the third round of US-brokered discussions between Ukrainian and Russian officials. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has indicated that the talks will concentrate on "the main issues" including territorial demands. Russia continues to insist that Ukraine cede the remaining 20 percent of the Donetsk region that Moscow has failed to capture militarily—a condition Kyiv firmly rejects.
The venue has shifted to the Swiss lakeside city after Abu Dhabi hosted two previous rounds that both sides described as constructive but ultimately failed to produce major breakthroughs. The Ukrainian delegation has already departed for Geneva amid heightened tensions.
International Dimensions: Trump's Pressure and Foreign Fighter Reliance
US President Donald Trump has added pressure on Ukraine to reach an agreement with Russia, stating "Ukraine better come to the table, fast" while en route to Washington. Notably, Trump's remarks did not include corresponding demands for Russian concessions.
Meanwhile, British Defence Secretary John Healey has revealed that Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly dependent on foreign fighters to sustain his war effort. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Healey noted that Russia is facing losses exceeding its capacity to replace through domestic mobilization.
"They are often recruited under false pretences and press-ganged under pressure without necessarily realising that they're destined for the Russian meat machine on the front line of Ukraine," Healey stated regarding foreign recruits from countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Cuba, Nigeria and Senegal. He added that North Korean troops committed to fighting for Russia are estimated to number around 17,000.
Additional Developments: Sanctions and Pipeline Disruptions
In related developments, Ukraine has sanctioned at least ten Russian athletes for actively supporting Russia's aggression. The measures target sports figures who have visited occupied Ukrainian territories, publicly defended the invasion, raised funds for Russian forces, or organized events for Ukrainian children forcibly abducted by Russia.
Energy supply issues have also emerged, with Hungary and Slovakia requesting Croatia's assistance to deliver Russian oil via the Adria pipeline after disruptions to flows through Ukraine's Druzhba pipeline following a Russian attack in late January.
As Geneva prepares to host the latest diplomatic effort, the battlefield successes provide Ukraine with strengthened negotiating leverage, while the threat of renewed Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure underscores the fragile nature of the peace process.
