Since the beginning of the year Ukraine has liberated 590 km²: Zelensky on the strengthening of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a trend unfavorable to Russia
Efforts by Kyiv and its partners are shifting toward diplomacy; the U.S. reports a pause in trilateral contacts
Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has liberated 590 square kilometers of territory from Russian occupation, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported in an evening address on Friday, 22 May.
“Ukrainian positions are now stronger than in previous years. Since the beginning of the year 590 square kilometers of our territory have been liberated and are under control. The trend – definitely not in favor of the occupier; we continue to increase the rates of destruction of Russian personnel,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The video address was posted on the official YouTube channel of the Office of the President; the link is available at: youtube.com/watch?v=fIDEjPP0KgA.
According to the head of state, Ukraine, together with international partners, is now focusing efforts on strengthening the diplomatic track in order to use military successes to further consolidate its positions.
Earlier we wrote:
- U.S. Senator Rubio: Ukraine’s Armed Forces are the strongest in Europe; Russia loses five times as many fighters each month as Ukraine
- Zelensky “allowed” the parade in Moscow and confirmed a prisoner exchange and a three-day ceasefire
- Zelensky warns of a bad feeling about peace talks with Russia
- Zelensky named possible timeframes for the end of the war
- Sybiha: “Under the influence of American statements, Europe has really begun to act”
