Russian Army Claims Significant Territorial Gains in October Amidst Intensified Conflict in Eastern Ukraine
In a notable development in the ongoing conflict, the Russian military advanced into Ukrainian territory by 478 square kilometers (approximately 184.5 square miles) throughout October, marking its most substantial territorial gain since March 2022. This analysis, released on Monday by AFP, draws on data from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
By October 27, Russian forces had surpassed their territorial conquests from both August and September 2024, during which they seized 477 and 459 square kilometers, respectively. Much of these territorial shifts occurred in the eastern Ukraine region, particularly around the city of Pokrovsk. Russian troops are now positioned just a few kilometers from the city, advancing from the south and east.
This aggressive push emphasizes the increasing challenges faced by Ukrainian forces on the eastern front, where they are contending with a numerically superior and better-equipped Russian military. Additionally, Russian forces have made strides in the northern section of the front, capturing over 40 square kilometers (15.4 square miles) near Kupiansk. This town, initially taken by Russian troops in the war’s early days, was recaptured by Ukraine in a counteroffensive in September 2022.
Historically, significant Russian territorial advancements were last recorded in March 2022 when they advanced toward the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. However, the fluid nature of the frontline has since diminished. To date in 2023, Russian forces have gained a total of just 584 square kilometers (225.4 square miles). In stark contrast, from January 1, 2024, they have already claimed over 2,660 square kilometers (1,027 square miles)—an area slightly larger than that of Moscow.
Since the conflict began on February 24, 2022, Russian forces have seized a total of 67,192 square kilometers (25,943 square miles) of Ukrainian territory. Alongside the annexed Crimean peninsula and regions under the control of Moscow-backed separatists prior to the February offensive, Russia now holds approximately 18.2 percent of Ukraine’s borders established in 2013.
This analysis by AFP relies on the daily data provided by ISW, which compiles information from both warring sides as well as satellite imagery. The ongoing situation remains critical as Ukraine continues to defend its territory against escalated Russian incursions.
