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Russian Army Loses More Territory Than It Gains for First Time Since 2023
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For the first time since the summer of 2023, the Ukrainian army has successfully reclaimed more territory than it lost during the final weeks of February.
This shift marks a significant change in the frontline dynamics of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on March 11.
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The ISW reports that Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 257 square kilometers since the beginning of the year. Data shows a net gain of nearly 33 square kilometers between February 14 and 20, followed by an additional 57 square kilometers from February 21 to 27.
The last time such gains were recorded was during the 2023 summer counteroffensive, which saw peaks of 377 square kilometers in June and 257 square kilometers in July.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that “since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian troops have regained 460 square kilometers.” This figure represents about 10% of the territory lost to Russian forces throughout 2025.
The ISW noted that its own mapping methodology often reflects more conservative estimates. The organization typically illustrates the furthest extent of Russian advances until there is sufficient open-source evidence to confirm that Russian troops no longer hold those positions.
The complexity of the current frontline, which lacks continuous lines, also makes precise assessments of territorial control more difficult.
Despite the difference in specific numbers, the recent gains are considered notable. Analysts suggest these localized counterattacks have disrupted Russian efforts to prepare for a larger offensive planned for the spring and summer of 2026.
While these successes may not immediately lead to a wide-scale counteroffensive, they force Russian units to focus on establishing stable defensive positions to try and hold their current ground.
Ukrainian Defense Forces reclaimed 460 square kilometers of territory since the start of 2026, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Corriere della Sera published on March 3.
He noted that Russia suffered massive losses, reaching up to 35,000 personnel per month, while Ukraine successfully implemented technical solutions and increased drone production to compensate for manpower shortages.
According to the President, the Kremlin’s winter offensive failed to achieve its primary objectives, and efforts to break civilian morale through strikes on energy infrastructure proved unsuccessful.
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