Russian Territorial Gains in Ukraine Slow Sharply in September
In September, Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine dramatically decreased, with forces capturing 44% less land compared to August, totaling approximately 259 square kilometers. This gain, which represents only 0.04% of Ukraine’s total area, is the smallest monthly advance since May. Key losses for Ukraine were concentrated near Novopavlivka in Donetsk Oblast, a challenging front line, and heavy fighting persisted around Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. However, Ukrainian forces have been pushing back Russian troops in the Pokrovsk direction, reclaiming villages and slowing the enemy’s advance.