Ukrainian positions on the front lines have recently strengthened significantly, and since the beginning of the year, the Defense Forces have liberated approximately 590 square kilometers of territory.

President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement in a video address, according to Ukrinform.

“Indeed, Ukrainian positions are stronger now than in previous years. Since the beginning of the year, 590 square kilometers of our territory have been liberated and are under our control,” he said.

According to the head of state, this trend is not in the occupier’s interest: “We continue to increase the number of Russian personnel we are eliminating—this, combined with sanctions of all kinds, is forcing Russia to choose diplomacy.”

Zelensky also reported on a briefing by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi: “Our long-range sanctions. We continue to achieve our designated targets in Russia, primarily Russian oil refining and their oil export capabilities. Today, we struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl—700 kilometers from our border. We are continuing our long-range operations.”