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ConflictsUkraine

Ukraine keeps its war gains under wraps

Anthony Howard | Nick Connolly in Ukraine
April 2, 2026

Ukraine's war has quietly shifted, with the deep‑strike drones, hidden territorial gains and a faltering Russian offensive. We break down the big changes you probably didn't see happening.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BXN2

While the world's attention was focused on the US-Israel with Iran, Ukraine has quietly recaptured territory and significantly weakened Russia's energy infrastructure.

This has hampered the windfall that Russian President Vladimir Putin was predicted to receive from soaring crude oil prices amid the crisis in the Middle East.

So why aren't we hearing more about these gains? DW talks with Ukraine correspondent Nick Connolly.

Nick Connolly DW correspondent based in Ukraine