Ukraine Retakes Berezove

87 days. That's how long it took Ukraine's paratroopers to clear Berezove, a strategic town in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, of Russian forces. The operation, which began on February 10, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's efforts to retake control of the region. As of March 7, 2026, Ukrainian forces have reported a 92% reduction in Russian-held territory in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a near-total reversal of Russia's gains in 2025.

The Ukrainian military's success in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is a major blow to Russian forces, who had made significant gains in the area just a year prior. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, has been marked by intense fighting in eastern Ukraine, with the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast being a key battleground. Ukraine's paratroopers, however, have proven to be a formidable force, using their mobility and training to outmaneuver Russian troops.

The liberation of Berezove is a significant turning point in the conflict, as it gives Ukraine control of a critical transportation hub and allows them to exert pressure on Russian forces in the region. With the Ukrainian military now in control of Berezove, they can focus on consolidating their gains and pushing Russian forces back further. The implications of this development are significant, and it's essential to understand the context and significance of the Ukrainian military's success.

The Background

The Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been a key region in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides vying for control of the area. The region is strategically important, with several major cities and transportation hubs, including Berezove. In 2025, Russian forces made significant gains in the area, capturing several key towns and cities. However, the Ukrainian military has been working to retake control, using a combination of ground troops and artillery to push Russian forces back.

The Ukrainian Military's Strategy

The Ukrainian military's success in retaking Berezove can be attributed to their strategic use of paratroopers. By deploying paratroopers behind enemy lines, the Ukrainian military was able to catch Russian forces off guard and gain a significant advantage. The paratroopers were able to secure key infrastructure, including bridges and roads, and then hold their positions until reinforcements arrived. This strategy allowed the Ukrainian military to gain control of the town quickly and with minimal casualties.

What Most People Get Wrong

Many people assume that the conflict in eastern Ukraine is a stalemate, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage. However, the Ukrainian military's success in retaking Berezove shows that this is not the case. The Ukrainian military has been making significant gains in recent months, and their strategy of using paratroopers to outmaneuver Russian forces has proven to be effective. Additionally, many people underestimate the importance of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, seeing it as a secondary front in the conflict. However, the region is critical to the outcome of the war, and the Ukrainian military's success there could have significant implications for the overall conflict.

The Real Problem

The real problem facing Ukraine is not the Russian military, but rather the Russian government's refusal to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Despite the Ukrainian military's successes, the conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to be a major point of tension between Ukraine and Russia. The Russian government has shown no willingness to compromise, and instead continues to support separatist groups in the region. This has led to a stalemate, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory.

The Role of International Support

International support has played a significant role in the Ukrainian military's success. The United States, European Union, and other countries have provided significant financial and military aid to Ukraine, which has helped to bolster their military capabilities. Additionally, diplomatic pressure from the international community has helped to isolate Russia and limit their ability to support separatist groups in the region. The importance of international support cannot be overstated, and it will be critical to the outcome of the conflict.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The liberation of Berezove is a significant milestone in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and it marks a major turning point in the war. The Ukrainian military's success is a testament to their bravery and strategic thinking, and it shows that they are capable of achieving significant victories against Russian forces. To build on this success, the international community should continue to provide support to Ukraine, including financial and military aid. Additionally, the Russian government should be pressured to negotiate a peaceful settlement, and to cease their support for separatist groups in the region. Specifically, the US and EU should increase their military aid to Ukraine by at least 20% in the next quarter, and impose additional sanctions on Russia for their continued support of separatist groups. By taking these steps, we can help to bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and promote a more stable and secure region.