02/18/2026
The Ukrainian Defense Forces have conducted a series of counterattacks and assault operations in the south, reducing the “gray zone” and pushing back Russian units that were trying to gain a foothold near a number of settlements. The operations are ongoing as part of a planned complex of measures involving artillery, drones and electronic warfare (EW) equipment.
This was reported by the spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn. The information was published by the Ukrinform news agency.
Ukrainian units reduced the “gray zone” in the areas of Vyshneve, Verbovye and Ternove. This was possible thanks to counterattacks that prevented the enemy from gaining a foothold in these areas and pushed back his groups.
The spokesman clarified that in the Hulyaipil and Oleksandriv directions, 27 reconnaissance, search and assault episodes were recorded over the past 24 hours, some of which were counter-attack in nature.
The defense forces are acting systematically: drones, artillery, and electronic warfare are simultaneously used to stop the enemy and push him back on certain sections of the front.
Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that on the southern sector of the front, Ukrainian defenders are fighting against three or four Russian armies. Now the invaders are regrouping their forces, seeking to occupy Hulyaipole.