Ukraine has recaptured over 1,170 square kilometers (450 square miles) of land in its southern Kherson region since launching the start of its counter-assault against Russia in late August, a military spokesperson said on Sunday.
Ukraine achieved lightning success with its offensive in the northeast, but its drive in the south to wipe out a Russian foothold on the west bank of the vast Dnipro river has been a longer, more labored affair.
Southern military command spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said Ukraine was progressing on the Kherson front, but lots needed to be done to secure newly recaptured territories.
"Work is continuing on consolidation of territory, clearing it and conducting stabilizing operations, as the settlements we enter contain many surprises left by the (Russian) occupiers," she said on Ukrainian national television.
"As of today, from the beginning of the counter-offensive, over 1,170 square kilometers have been liberated in the Kherson direction," Humeniuk said.