Russia made largest territorial gains in Ukraine in 2025
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Based on 8 sources
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5 questionsRussian forces seized 4,831 square kilometers (0.8% of Ukraine) in 2025.
According to understandingwar.orgRussian forces captured more than 5,600 square kilometers (0.94% of Ukraine) in 2025.
According to www.themoscowtimes.comContext: The discrepancy affects the assessment of Russian military success and the scale of territorial loss for Ukraine. The difference of about 770 sq km (16%) could influence perceptions of the war's trajectory.
Russian rate of advance in November 2025 was 20.99 sq km per day (approx. 630 sq km for 30 days).
According to understandingwar.orgRussian forces captured around 701 square kilometers in November 2025.
According to www.themoscowtimes.comContext: The difference of about 70 sq km (11%) may stem from different calculation methods or time periods. It affects the understanding of peak Russian offensive tempo.
Russian rate of advance in December 2025 was 15 sq km per day (approx. 465 sq km for 31 days).
According to understandingwar.orgRussian advance slowed to 244 square kilometers in December 2025.
According to www.themoscowtimes.comContext: A very large discrepancy (465 vs 244 sq km, nearly double). This could indicate different definitions of 'advance' or territorial control. It significantly impacts the narrative of whether Russian offensive momentum is slowing.