Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country’s armed forces are retaking territory through coordinated military offensives, describing Ukraine’s battlefield position as its strongest in some time. The reported Ukraine battlefield gains follow operations in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, where Ukrainian troops are attempting to disrupt Russian advances and strengthen defensive positions.
Speaking during his evening address on 27 October, Zelenskyy highlighted several military operations and renewed his appeal for stronger Western air defence support.
The Ukrainian president said recent operations demonstrated the effectiveness of Ukraine’s military strategy, although the territorial claims remain difficult to verify independently.
Zelenskyy Reveals Major Ukrainian Offensive Operations
Zelenskyy identified Operation Veles near Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine as an important development in the country’s continuing counteroffensive efforts.
According to the Ukrainian president, the operation involved troops using underground gas pipelines to manoeuvre around Russian positions.
The approach reversed a tactic previously used by Russian forces during fighting around the strategically important city.
Kupiansk, located in the Kharkiv region, was recaptured by Ukrainian forces in 2022 but has remained under Russian military pressure.
Zelenskyy also highlighted an airborne assault operation and Operation Vivaldi, which focused on preventing Russian advances towards important Ukrainian-held areas in the eastern Donetsk region.
Reuters reported that Ukraine’s Third Army Corps had previously described clearing Russian infiltration groups from approximately 75 square kilometres and recovering another 10 square kilometres during Operation Vivaldi.
These figures represent Ukrainian military claims rather than independently confirmed territorial changes.
Ukrainian President Highlights Stronger Military Position
Zelenskyy described Ukraine’s current battlefield position as more favourable than it had been for a considerable period.
In his official address, he praised Operation Veles as a sophisticated military effort that was strengthening Ukrainian positions around Kupiansk.
He also emphasised the importance of continued international assistance, particularly Patriot missile defence systems and other equipment capable of intercepting Russian attacks.
The Ukrainian president argued that improved defensive capabilities would strengthen Ukraine’s position not only militarily but also in future diplomatic negotiations.
His remarks underline Kyiv’s continuing dependence on international military assistance as Russia maintains pressure along the front line.
Russia Disputes Ukrainian Territorial Advances
Russia continues to claim progress in its military campaign, particularly across the eastern Donbas region.
Russian chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed Moscow’s forces had captured 92 Ukrainian settlements since the beginning of September, including Dobropillia.
Ukraine’s military rejected those claims.
The conflicting assessments illustrate the difficulty of establishing precise territorial control during ongoing combat.
Russia continues to pursue control of the wider Donbas region, including areas surrounding Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Why Ukraine’s Military Progress Matters for Europe
The reported Ukraine battlefield gains have implications for European security policy and continued Western support for Kyiv.
European governments have provided military, financial and humanitarian assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Sustained Ukrainian advances could complicate Russian military planning and improve Kyiv’s defensive position.
However, isolated territorial recoveries do not necessarily indicate a wider strategic breakthrough.
For policymakers in Brussels, the latest developments reinforce the importance of air defence supplies, military coordination and continued diplomatic engagement.
What Happens Next in the Ukraine Conflict?
Ukrainian forces are continuing operations intended to prevent Russian advances and strengthen their positions in contested regions.
Kyiv is also pressing Western partners for additional air defence equipment.
The extent to which Ukrainian troops can retain recovered territory will be important in assessing the longer-term significance of the operations.
For now, both sides continue to report competing battlefield developments, while prospects for a negotiated settlement remain uncertain.
