Russian advances dominate Donetsk in new offensive surge
In the past month, the Russians have occupied approximately 725 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. This exceeded their gains in October when they seized around 610 square kilometres, according to the AFP agency, citing data from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The main Russian offensive is concentrated in the Donetsk region, where the city of Pokrovsk is located. This area serves as a strategic logistical hub for the Ukrainian army, facilitating further defensive actions.
According to AFP, 690 square kilometres, or 90% of the territory taken by the Russians in November, is situated in this region.
In recent weeks, Moscow has declared the capture of numerous localities south and east of Pokrovsk, with the Russian army advancing to within less than 5 kilometres, as calculated by AFP.
The Ukrainian army controls less than one-third of the Donetsk region. In January 2024, Ukrainian forces held 40% of this region.
The Russian offensive has gained momentum. the biggest since the start of the war
The Russian offensive only gained momentum in the spring of 2024. Including the territories seized in November, Moscow has managed to occupy about 3,500 square kilometres of Ukraine in 2024. This is six times more than in 2023.
The last time Russia captured Ukrainian territory at such a rapid pace was at the start of the invasion. In March 2022, Moscow controlled approximately 45,440 square kilometres of Ukraine; however, at that time, the front line was much more flexible, and the aggressors were on the outskirts of Kyiv, noted AFP.
In total, from the start of the full-scale aggression in February 2022 to 30 November 2024, Russia has occupied around 68,020 square kilometres of Ukraine. Including Crimea and part of the Donbas, Moscow currently controls 18.4% of Ukraine's territory.
