Defense & Geopolitics — 2026-03-20
Ukraine Regains Territory; February 2026 First Net-Gain Month Since 2024
Russian forces lost 57 square miles of Ukrainian territory from Feb 10 to Mar 10. February 2026 was the first month since 2024 where Ukraine recaptured more ground than it lost. Ukrainian forces have cleared 400 sq km since counteroffensive operations began. NATO estimates 1.15M total Russian casualties.
Analysis
Prior INTSUM (Mar 19) reported 1.15M Russian casualties. Ukraine's first net territorial gain since 2024 coincides with Russian forces reportedly shifting drone tactics — shorter-range strikes due to improving Ukrainian air defenses — per War on the Rocks reporting.
Prior INTSUM (Mar 19) reported 1.15M Russian casualties. Ukraine's first net territorial gain since 2024 coincides with Russian forces reportedly shifting drone tactics — shorter-range strikes due to improving Ukrainian air defenses — per War on the Rocks reporting.