- Category
- War in Ukraine
Putin Claims 6,500 Square Kilometres Seized in Ukraine. The Reality Is 45 Times Smaller
Prefer U24 Media on Google
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow’s forces had captured approximately 6,500 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and 310 settlements since the beginning of 2026. However, independent battlefield assessments suggest Russia’s actual territorial gains are roughly 45 times smaller than the Kremlin’s claims.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its October 16 assessment, Putin and Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov significantly overstated Russian advances across several frontline regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia.
ISW estimates that Russia achieved a net territorial gain of approximately 144.5 square kilometers between January and September 2026. Russian forces also experienced periods of territorial losses, including a net loss of approximately 122 square kilometers since September 1.
-a50726027ceb3a9c51ac1e4f0550a6a5.png)
Gerasimov separately claimed that Russian troops had captured more than 1,800 square kilometers and 92 settlements since September. ISW’s findings contradict those figures, indicating that Ukrainian counterattacks have reversed Russian advances in several sectors.
In Donetsk region, Putin claimed that Ukrainian forces controlled only around 10% of the territory. ISW instead estimates that Ukraine retains approximately 5,530 square kilometers, representing more than 20% of the region.
The institute also found no evidence supporting Russian claims of capturing Dobropillia or entering Druzhkivka. Russian forces remain at least 12 kilometers from Druzhkivka and nine kilometers from Kramatorsk, according to the assessment.
Similar discrepancies were identified in Zaporizhzhia region. While Putin claimed Ukraine controlled just 16.5% of the region, ISW assessed Ukrainian control at approximately 24.6%.
-9ea95fbce6c23692fb420162acc31ab9.jpg)
Gerasimov also claimed Russian forces were within five kilometers of Zaporizhzhia city. ISW placed their positions at least 20.95 kilometers away, or approximately 11.6 kilometers when accounting for limited Russian infiltration attempts.
In Sumy region, Russian commanders reported capturing more than 300 square kilometers during the summer and autumn. ISW estimated Russian territorial gains in the region at just 99.1 square kilometers since the beginning of 2026.
ISW assessed that the Kremlin’s exaggerated battlefield claims form part of a broader information campaign intended to portray Russian advances as inevitable and pressure Ukraine and its Western partners into accepting Moscow’s negotiating demands.
Earlier, Russia’s net territorial gains in Ukraine fell to their lowest monthly level since June 2023, according to the Finland-based Black Bird Group. Ukrainian counterattacks in northern Donbas disrupted Russian advances, while expanded drone operations further slowed Moscow’s offensive.
Discuss this article:
