Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at a pace not seen since the start of the invasion in 2022, according to the independent Russian outlet Agentstvo.
Using data from the DeepState monitoring group, the outlet reported on November 25 that Russia’s recent gains have set records for 2024.
Over the past week, Russian forces captured 234.79 square kilometers (90 square miles) of territory—the largest weekly gain this year.
Since early November, they have taken 600 square kilometers (232 square miles), more than the total progress made in October. This marks the fastest advance since early 2022.
Most of the recent advances occurred near Velyka Novosilka, a village in southern Donetsk Oblast near the border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Analysts believe this region could be a key focus of future Russian efforts.
Other areas of progress include:
Southern Ukraine: 187 square kilometers (72 square miles) captured.
Donetsk Oblast: 33 square kilometers (12.7 square miles) near Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub.
Eastern Ukraine: 10 square kilometers (3.8 square miles) gained in Kharkiv Oblast.
Near Chasiv Yar: 4 square kilometers (1.5 square miles) seized.
These advances show increasing momentum for Russian forces.
This progress comes as Ukraine faces serious challenges. Its military is struggling to replenish ranks, and deliveries of Western weapons have slowed.
The Biden administration is trying to speed up aid before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but uncertainty about U.S. support under Trump adds pressure on Kyiv.
Trump has promised to push for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which could disadvantage Ukraine if it enters talks after losing more territory.
Ukrainian officials are warning of a potential new Russian offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast while Russian troops continue advancing in Donetsk and Kharkiv. Despite strong resistance, Ukraine’s efforts are hampered by limited resources and slower arms deliveries.
