Ukraine War Briefing: Kyiv Retakes Territory as Nordic Leaders Urge 2026

Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv is retaking territory through a series of offensives, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the battlefield position is the strongest it has been in some time. The update comes as Nordic leaders directly urged Vladimir Putin to end the conflict.

Zelenskyy, citing a report from senior commanders, highlighted several operations: the “Veles” operation using pipelines in Ukraine’s northeast, an air assault operation in the east, and the “Vivaldi” operation further north designed to prevent Russian advances in key areas. These developments signal a renewed Ukrainian push to regain initiative.

Zelenskyy Reports Battlefield Gains

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian forces are actively retaking territory. He specifically mentioned the Veles operation, which utilizes pipelines to disrupt Russian logistics and gain tactical advantage. This is the first time he has publicly referenced this operation.

The president also pointed to an air assault operation in eastern Ukraine and the Vivaldi operation in the north. These efforts are aimed at preventing Russian advances and stabilizing key frontlines. The reported gains, if confirmed, would represent a significant morale boost for Ukraine.

Diplomatic Push by Nordic Leaders

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to urge him to end the war. The call was an attempt to influence the diplomatic process amid shifting international dynamics.

The Nordic leaders’ intervention comes after US President Donald Trump stunned allies by agreeing to buy Russian diesel, plunging US-Ukraine ties to their lowest point in 18 months. The move has raised concerns about Western unity and emboldened Moscow.

Russian Strikes Escalate Despite Local Ceasefire

While a localized ceasefire appears to be holding in Ukraine’s south, Russian strikes damaged a university campus and Kyiv’s important Southern Bridge overnight. Zelenskyy described the attack as “a serious escalation” against Ukrainian logistics.

A Ukrainian military source told Reuters that Russia hit the bridge with four Iskander ballistic missiles. The Southern Bridge is a critical artery for transporting goods and military supplies across the Dnipro River. Its damage could disrupt supply chains and civilian movement.

Zelenskyy also said energy facilities, logistics, and infrastructure in 10 other regions had been attacked overnight. These strikes are part of a broader Russian campaign to degrade Ukraine’s infrastructure and war-fighting capacity.

Key Takeaways

• Zelenskyy claims Ukrainian forces are retaking territory and have the strongest battlefield position in months.
• New operations—Veles, an air assault in the east, and Vivaldi—aim to prevent Russian advances.
• Finnish and Norwegian leaders called Putin to push for an end to the war.
• US President Trump’s decision to buy Russian diesel has strained US-Ukraine relations.
• Russian strikes damaged a university and the Southern Bridge in Kyiv, escalating attacks on logistics.

Impact on Infrastructure and Logistics

The strike on the Southern Bridge is particularly significant. It is one of the main crossings over the Dnipro River and a vital link for both civilian and military logistics. Damage to the bridge could hamper Ukraine’s ability to move troops and supplies to the frontlines.

Attacks on energy facilities in 10 other regions also threaten to disrupt power supply and civilian life. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of targeting critical infrastructure to weaken the country’s resolve.

What to Watch Next

The coming days will reveal whether Ukraine can consolidate its territorial gains and withstand Russia’s escalating strikes on infrastructure. The diplomatic fallout from Trump’s diesel purchase and the Nordic leaders’ call may also shape future negotiations.

For a deeper look at how previous strikes have affected Kyiv, see our report on the Kyiv strikes and Oleshky truce, which analyzed similar ceasefire dynamics. The recent Ukraine F-16 crash and drone attacks also highlight the evolving air war.

Russia’s use of ballistic missiles in massive attacks on Kyiv has been a recurring tactic, and the bridge attacks causing traffic chaos show how infrastructure strikes ripple through the economy. Earlier, a strike near a weapons exhibition killed 10, underscoring the human cost.

The pattern of mounting casualties from Russian missiles continues to shape the conflict. As bridge strikes coincide with diplomatic visits, and a US-owned drone factory was hit, the war’s economic and strategic dimensions deepen.

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