Russia’s territorial advance in Ukraine has slowed sharply despite continued military operations, according to recent analyses. Ukrainian officials also reported heavy Russian casualties during June. Meanwhile, independent observers say the conflict continues to exact a significant human and military toll.
Territorial Gains Decline Despite Ongoing Offensive
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces captured 622 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory during the first half of 2026. By comparison, they seized 2,190 square kilometres during the same period in 2025. Consequently, the reported pace of Russia’s advance has declined considerably.
The ISW also said Russia’s daily rate of territorial gains dropped from 16.6 square kilometres in early 2025 to just over one square kilometre this year. Furthermore, the think tank estimated Russia’s net territorial gain falls to 97 square kilometres after accounting for Ukrainian counteroffensives and areas without firm Russian control.
Ukraine has stated that Russia aims to capture the remaining areas of the partially occupied Donetsk region. However, Kyiv claims Russian forces have repeatedly failed to meet previous operational objectives.
Ukraine Reports Rising Russian Casualties
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has suffered around 1.4 million casualties since the war began, citing estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He argued that continued mobilisation would impose further costs on Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military estimated that Russian forces sustained nearly 40,000 casualties during June alone. Ukrainian officials also claimed those losses exceeded Russia’s monthly recruitment capacity.
The ISW further reported that Russian casualty rates have increased sharply relative to territorial gains. However, casualty figures released by both sides cannot be independently verified during the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine also continued long-range strikes against targets inside Russia as fighting persisted across several fronts.
