Ukrainian forces continue to liberate territory in southern Ukraine. ISW has observed evidence to assess that Ukrainian forces have liberated 244 square kilometers in the Hulyaipole and Oleksandrivka directions since January 1, 2026, while Russian forces seized 115 square kilometers in the same period. ISW’s mapping methodology may underestimate Ukrainian advances. Recent reports and geolocated footage indicate that Ukrainian forces have made significant gains south of the Vovcha River in the area southwest, south, and southeast of Oleksandrivka and west of the Haichur River in areas north of Hulyaipole.