Russian forces occupy less than 1% of Ukraine's territory since November 2022
- Since November 2022, Russian forces have captured only 0.97% of Ukraine's territory.
- Russian territorial gains peaked in the early days of the invasion, but Ukraine has since reclaimed substantial ground.
- The situation emphasizes the ongoing stalemate and complex negotiations regarding Ukraine's sovereignty.
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have made minimal territorial gains since the full-scale invasion began. Data from the OSINT project Deep State indicates that since November 12, 2022, Russia has captured only 5,842 square kilometers, which represents approximately 0.97% of Ukraine's territory. As of August 17, 2025, the total area under Russian occupation increased to 114,493 square kilometers, showing that significant portions of land were reclaimed by Ukraine during counteroffensives, particularly in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions. The early months of the invasion saw Russia achieve considerable territorial gains, causing alarm among Ukrainian forces and their international allies. However, as Ukraine regrouped and launched counteroffensives, they successfully recaptured large areas previously lost. The recent analysis highlights that after the initial surge, Russia's military actions have not led to substantial advancements, with control stagnating in many areas despite ongoing military operations. As of the current date, reports indicate that approximately 20% of Ukraine remains under Russian control, a figure that encompasses both the land taken since the beginning of the full-scale war in February 2022 and the territories occupied since 2014. This long-standing conflict, characterized by harsh fighting and fluctuating territorial control, underscores the international community's concerns regarding violations of sovereignty and human rights. Negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have not yielded fruitful results, as each side maintains rigid positions. While Putin demands control over the Donbas region, Zelenskyy firmly rejects any concessions on Ukrainian territory. The stalemate illustrates the ongoing complexity of the war, making peace efforts challenging. The situation remains tense as the war persists, with high uncertainties regarding future developments in the conflict.