Russia’s battlefield gains in Ukraine during 2025 were the largest since the first year of the conflict, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Critical Threats Project. Last year, the Russian army captured more than 5,600 square kilometres (2,160 square miles), representing approximately 0.94% of Ukrainian territory.

This includes areas that Kyiv and military analysts say are controlled by Russia, as well as those claimed by Moscow’s army. While the total gain in 2025 exceeds the combined advances of the previous two years, it remains below the more than 60,000 square kilometres seized in the first year of the war in 2022.

November saw Russia’s largest monthly advance, with 701 square kilometres captured, while December accounted for the smallest gain since March, at 244 square kilometres. 

Efforts to mediate in the conflict continue, with U.S. president Donald Trump engaging in discussions with both sides in recent days in an attempt to end the fighting. Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met on Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, saying they are close to a potential peace deal—while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.