Significant Expansion of Russian Territory in Ukraine over a Daily Span in a Calendar Year - Massive Expansion of Russian Territory in Ukraine over Past 24 Hours in the Previous Year
In the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, Russian forces have made limited advances, according to recent reports by the Associated Press (AFP). The villages of Suworovo and Nikanorovka, previously declared "liberated" by the Ministry of Defense in Moscow, are situated near Dobropillia, a town currently held by the Ukrainian army.
These villages, Suworovo and Nikanorovka, have been seized by Russian troops, as per the Ministry's announcement on Wednesday. However, the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has confirmed Russian troop advancement of up to ten kilometers near Dobropillia.
The Russian army's progress in Ukraine this year has predominantly occurred in the Donetsk region, with about 70 percent of advances being recorded there. As of August 12, Russia controlled or claimed 79 percent of the Donetsk region, an increase from 62 percent last year.
Despite these territorial gains, the pace of advancement has been slow and incremental. For instance, Toretsk was seized by Russian forces on August 1, 2025, after approximately 14 months of fighting and a 6.4-mile advance northwestern across its outskirts. Similarly, the settlement of Chasiv Yar was claimed by Russian troops on July 31, 2025, but independent observers have yet to confirm full control.
Between mid-July and mid-August 2025, Russian forces gained about 241 square miles of Ukrainian territory, a 7% increase over the previous month’s gain of 226 square miles. These gains are relatively modest compared to expectations of rapid advances and represent protracted, costly campaigns against well-fortified Ukrainian positions.
The slow rate of territorial gain is consistent with the difficulties Russia has faced since its full-scale invasion began in 2022. Russian forces have repeatedly struggled to capture key towns in eastern Ukraine over prolonged periods, such as nearly two years in Kupyansk and over two years to reach Western Chasiv Yar since capturing Bakhmut.
The Ukrainian armed forces have vowed to "destroy" the Russian troops near Dobropillia, indicating a continued resistance against the Russian advance. As of now, Russia currently has full or partial control over 19 percent of Ukrainian territory.
The advance of the Russian army comes just before the meeting of US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine war. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not invited to the meeting. Talks about a ceasefire in the nearly four-year-long Russian aggression have so far failed.
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