Russians achieve largest annual territorial expansion
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has demanded significant concessions from Kyiv, including the cession of four eastern regions and the annexed Crimean peninsula, as well as the renunciation of Western military aid and NATO membership. These demands, however, have been categorically rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Despite Zelensky's refusal to withdraw Ukrainian troops from the Donbass region, Russian forces have made ongoing territorial gains in Ukraine. Between July 15 and August 12, they captured 241 square miles of Ukrainian territory, marking a 7% increase over the previous period. As of August 19, Russia occupies around 114,526 square kilometers (approximately 44,219 square miles) of Ukrainian land, according to Ukrainian OSINT data.
Russian forces have also made gains in various contested areas, such as near Pokrovsk, and have made advances in northern Sumy Oblast and near Lyman, Toretsk, and Velykomykhailivka. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the capture of two more villages in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine: Suworowo and Nikanoriwka.
On the night of August 20–21, Russian forces launched the third largest missile strike of the war against Western Ukraine, signaling continued military pressure. Despite this, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to continue negotiations within the Istanbul format. However, Moscow has demanded a veto right over Western security guarantees to Ukraine, a move aimed at undermining Western and Ukrainian efforts for lasting peace.
President Zelensky has warned of a possible new Russian offensive, reflecting continued concerns over large-scale Russian attacks despite ongoing battlefield fluctuations. Analysts suggest Putin will not pursue peace terms until facing decisive military defeat.
The upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska is considered a "personal victory" for Putin by Zelensky. However, the meeting is also thought to delay further sanctions against Russia. The Russian army took control of a significant area on Tuesday, May 24, 2024, marking the largest land gain in 24 hours since over a year.
Zelensky has identified potential targets of the offensive he believes Moscow is planning, naming Pokrovsk and Novopavlovka as potential targets. Despite the ongoing conflict, Zelensky is not invited to the meeting in Alaska. Previous talks on a ceasefire in the nearly four-year-long Russian invasion have failed.
The conflict remains active with Russian territorial gains and large military strikes ongoing, while diplomatic efforts are stalled by Moscow’s conditions. Zelensky continues to caution about further major offensives ahead. The meeting in Alaska, while freeing Putin from international isolation as it takes place on U.S. territory, does not seem to bring any immediate resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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