Russia Achieves Largest Territorial Gains in Ukraine Since 2022, Capturing Over 5,600 Square Kilometers in 2025

Significant Advances Mark 2025 for Russian Forces

The year 2025 witnessed the Russian Federation achieve its most substantial territorial gains in Ukraine since the initial months of the full-scale invasion in 2022. According to an analysis by AFP, based on data from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces captured more than 5,600 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. This figure represents approximately 0.94% of Ukraine's total landmass.

These advances surpass the combined territorial acquisitions made by Russia in 2023 and 2024, though they remain considerably less than the over 60,000 square kilometers seized in early 2022. Another assessment by the Ukrainian open-source mapping project DeepState reported a slightly lower figure, indicating that Russian forces occupied 4,336 square kilometers in 2025, accounting for about 0.72% of the country.

Geographic Focus of Russian Operations

Russian forces concentrated their efforts across several key regions, with significant changes observed in eastern and southern Ukraine. Donetsk Oblast experienced the highest percentage increase in territory under Russian control, rising by 10.6 percentage points to reach approximately 78.1% occupied by the end of 2025.

Other areas where Russia made gains include:

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Occupation increased by 2.1 percentage points to 74.8%.
• Luhansk Oblast: Remained almost entirely occupied at 99.6%, with a 0.6 percentage point increase.
• Kharkiv Oblast: Saw an increase of 1.3 percentage points, reaching 4.7% occupied.

Additionally, Russian forces established minimal footholds in previously unoccupied regions, including parts of Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy oblasts, capturing 0.6% and 1.0% of their respective territories.

Factors Contributing to the Advances

The advances by Russian forces in 2025 were attributed to a combination of factors. Ukrainian forces faced mounting pressure throughout the year, grappling with reported manpower and ammunition shortages. Russia, in turn, implemented a 'new operational template' supported by technological adaptations and a shift in assault tactics, which contributed to an increased average rate of advance. The largest monthly advance occurred in November 2025, when Russian forces captured approximately 701 square kilometers.

Amidst these battlefield developments, diplomatic efforts continued, with ongoing discussions about potential peace plans. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently reiterated maximalist demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from its partially occupied territories, and has rejected calls for a ceasefire, vowing to continue military operations until Moscow achieves its objectives.

Overall Context of the Conflict

By the end of 2025, Russia controlled just under one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, approximately 19%. The significant territorial gains in 2025 underscore the evolving dynamics of the conflict and the persistent challenges faced by Ukrainian defense forces. The year was described by DeepState as 'truly difficult for the Defense Forces of Ukraine' compared to previous periods.