
Russia Doubles Territorial Gains in January as War Enters Fourth Year
Russia now controls a total of 19.5% of Ukraine’s territory, an AFP analysis shows.

Russia now controls a total of 19.5% of Ukraine’s territory, an AFP analysis shows.

Data from the Institute for the Study of War shows Russia expanded control over nearly 1% of Ukraine in 2025, surpassing gains from the previous two years combined.

According to recent data, Russian forces seized 701 square kilometres in November, bringing their total control to roughly 19.3% of Ukrainian territory.

Moscow now fully or partially controls three-quarters of the Donetsk region.

Presently, it remains unclear whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a second round of mobilization.