2025 Sees Russias Most Significant Territorial Expansion in Ukraine Since Invasion Began

According to an analysis by AFP, Russia achieved its most significant territorial expansion in Ukraine last year since the early stages of the large-scale invasion in 2022.

In 2025, the Russian military took control of over 5,600 square kilometers (around 2,160 square miles) of Ukrainian land, accounting for approximately 0.94% of the nation’s territory, as reported by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War.

This number includes regions confirmed by both Ukraine and independent experts as being under Russian dominance, alongside areas claimed by Moscow.

The territorial gains by Russia in the past year surpass the total acquisitions from both 2023 and 2024 combined, yet they still fall significantly short of the over 60,000 square kilometers taken during the onset of the invasion in early 2022.

The most substantial monthly increase in 2025 occurred in November, where Russian troops secured roughly 701 square kilometers. However, the momentum dwindled in December, with only 244 square kilometers gained, marking the lowest monthly progress since March.

Throughout the year, Ukraine experienced increasing pressure from relentless Russian airstrikes and ground assaults, leading to a gradual loss of territory as its forces struggled with shortages in manpower and ammunition.

Currently, Russia occupies just under one-fifth of Ukraine and has stipulated that Ukraine must pull its troops out of the eastern Donbas region as a precondition for any peace negotiations.