Merz Claimed Unexpected Ukrainian Successes On The Frontline

• 24.02.2026, 8:53

The nation's defense has been more productive than the media often reports.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assessed the success of Ukrainian forces in February and stressed that the country's defense was more effective than often reported by the media, noting significant territorial gains and the impact of the war on the Russian economy.

The Independent reports The Independent.

Merz said Ukrainian forces made unexpected territorial gains in February, while emphasizing that the Russian economy is under severe pressure from sanctions and war.

The military command said Ukraine had regained control over 400 square kilometers of territory and retaken eight settlements.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said earlier that the southern parts of the country had been liberated over an area of 300 square kilometers. km as part of a counter-offensive.

Strikes on key Russian infrastructure

In addition, Ukraine struck a strategic Russian oil facility using drones on February 23.

The station, whose exact location has not yet been disclosed, is part of the Druzhba oil pipeline that supplies oil to Eastern European countries.

The strike came hours after Hungary blocked a new package of EU sanctions against Moscow.

Oil supply disputes

Russian oil supplies via Druzhba to Hungary and Slovakia have been suspended since January 27 after a Ukrainian drone strike on pipeline equipment in Ukraine.

Despite this, Slovakia and Hungary hold Kiev responsible for the prolonged halt in supplies.