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Russia Captured 5,600 sq km of Ukrainian Territory in 2025

Published January 2, 2026, 21:05
Russia Captured 5,600 sq km of Ukrainian Territory in 2025

Russia captured over 5,600 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025, marking its most significant territorial gains in a year since 2022. This capture represents 0.94% of Ukraine's total area and exceeds the gains made in 2023 and 2024 combined. As of late December, Russia controls fully or partially 19.4% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donbas held before the invasion. Conversely, Ukraine managed to recapture 125 square kilometers in the Kharkiv region and 55 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk, the largest recaptures since June 2023. Fighting continues intensely, particularly in Donbas, where Russia is attempting to complete the annexation of the region. According to the American plan for ending the war, currently under negotiation, a freeze on the front lines is proposed, primarily in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. However, this plan has not yet been finalized. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the agreement to end the war is 90% ready, but the remaining 10% is critical for the future of peace and the occupied territories. The situation remains uncertain, with territorial changes continuing despite diplomatic efforts.