Russian Military Sees Surge in Territory Acquisition in 2025, Marking New Milestone Since 2022 Invasion

According to an analysis by AFP, Russia achieved its most significant territorial acquisitions in Ukraine last year since the initial stages of the extensive invasion that began in 2022.

In 2025, the Russian military took control of more than 5,600 square kilometers (approximately 2,160 square miles) of Ukrainian land, which equates to roughly 0.94% of the nation’s total area, based on information from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War.

This statistic encompasses regions that both Ukrainian sources and independent analysts have verified as under Russian authority, in addition to territories Russia claims.

The territorial gains made by Russia in the past year surpass those attained in 2023 and 2024 combined, although they are still significantly lower than the over 60,000 square kilometers acquired in early 2022.

The most substantial monthly advancement for Russia in 2025 occurred in November, with the capture of approximately 701 square kilometers. However, in December, their progress decelerated to 244 square kilometers, marking the smallest monthly increase since March.

Throughout the year, Ukraine faced increasing pressure from ongoing Russian airstrikes and ground assaults, resulting in a gradual loss of territory as Ukrainian forces struggled with shortages in personnel and munitions.

Currently, Russia occupies nearly one-fifth of Ukraine and has insisted that Kyiv withdraw its troops from the eastern Donbas area as a prerequisite for peace negotiations.