Do you think it true that Ukrainian forces are retaking ground from the Russians? Sure, it's possible to some small extent, I wonder if this is significant, or a coming trend. The Russians must be "digging in" to some extent, going on the defensive in situ, making it tough to regain ground. But they could be so demoralized they fade away if attacked.
Mariupol may end up being the key to all this. I'm speculating (again) that the Russians want it badly, and once they take that area will agree to a cease fire and let Kyiv be.