Zelensky says Ukraine recaptured 745 sq km in southeastern sector ‘exactly as planned’

What happened

Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces have recaptured 745 sq km of territory in the southeastern Oleksandrivka sector since the start of the year, and that the operation, which began in January, went “exactly as planned”. He also confirmed a massive overnight Ukrainian attack on Russia's Novorossiysk naval base using drones, missiles, and unmanned boats.

Why it matters

The claims and continued strikes underline that the war remains active in its fifth year. Zelensky said Ukraine needs 5% of US Patriot interceptor stocks to survive winter and 10% to destroy all Russian ballistic missiles, while currently receiving only 1% of what the US makes.