16 February 2026

The slowdown in the pace of advancement deprives Moscow of one of its key arguments at the Geneva talks, while counterattacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the South are changing the operational picture.

The advance of Russian troops in Ukraine has noticeably slowed. According to the OSINT project  DeepState , over the past week, the Russian army has managed to capture only 36 square kilometers. This is the lowest figure in recent months and the slowest pace since early April last year, the Agency reports.

The situation worsens for russia

Even estimates from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which traditionally uses more cautious language, point to a decline. According to ISW, in the same week, Russian forces captured 74 square kilometers—almost half as much as at the end of January, when the pace was at its peak.

Even estimates from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which traditionally uses more cautious language, point to a decline. According to ISW, in the same week, Russian forces captured 74 square kilometers—almost half as much as at the end of January, when the pace was at its peak.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are seizing the initiative in the South.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of counterattacks in the Zaporizhia region. According to Western analysts and Ukrainian military observers, Ukrainian Armed Forces units were able to advance deep into enemy positions and regain control of several settlements in the Huliaipole area.

Experts attribute the Ukrainian side’s successes to deteriorating communications among Russian troops, as well as technological limitations. They also note the impact of communication and command and control issues, which have become an increasingly noticeable factor on the battlefield in recent months.

Moscow’s arguments are weakening

The slowdown in the offensive comes amid preparations for new talks in Geneva. Analysts point out that the slowdown deprives Moscow of one of its key arguments—the demonstration of military momentum.

https://www.dialog.ua/war/328852_1771253332