By Smartencyclopedia Newsdesk with Agencies
In a dramatic escalation of the war in Ukraine, Russian troops have seized approximately 235 square kilometers in the past week, marking the most significant territorial expansion since the initial phase of the invasion in 2022. This rapid advance, reported by independent Russian outlet Agentstvo, underscores a shift in momentum on the battlefield.
Accelerated Gains in Eastern Ukraine
Russian forces have gained 574 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since November 1, with an average daily advance of 22 square kilometers, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Although these figures pale in comparison to the early months of the invasion—when Russian forces captured up to 1,265 square kilometers daily—they represent a marked acceleration in recent months.
The latest gains are concentrated in the Donetsk Oblast, with Russian troops pushing toward the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Military analysts warn that breaching Ukrainian defenses near Kurakhove could enable Russian forces to move westward toward Zaporizhzhia while consolidating their positions in the east.
Strategic Implications
Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, claimed on November 26 that Russia has achieved “complete strategic initiative on the battlefield.” This assertion is echoed by Russian military bloggers, who suggest that recent gains could pave the way for broader offensives.
However, the Ukrainian military acknowledges the eastern front as its most difficult battlefield of the year. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pointed to delays in Western military aid, particularly from the United States, as a factor hampering Ukraine’s ability to counter these advances.
The situation is further complicated by reports of North Korean troops allegedly supporting Russian operations and Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles to target Russian territory.
Current Territorial Control
Russia now occupies an estimated 18% of Ukraine’s territory, encompassing Crimea, over 80% of Donbas, and more than 70% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. This level of control highlights the enduring challenges for Ukraine as it seeks to reclaim occupied regions.
War Enters a Dangerous Phase
The rapid territorial changes come as both Russian and Western officials warn of the war entering a potentially more perilous phase. Analysts from Finland’s Black Bird Group estimate that Russian forces have taken control of nearly 667 square kilometers this month, potentially incorporating delayed reports from October.
The international community remains deeply concerned about the trajectory of the conflict. The United States and its allies continue to deliberate over military aid packages to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, but time remains a critical factor as Russia consolidates its recent gains.
As winter approaches, the pace of the war may slow, but the rapid advances seen this month demonstrate that neither side is prepared to concede ground. For Ukraine, the challenges are mounting, and for Russia, the latest developments mark a critical moment in its prolonged campaign.