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Russia Loses 120 km² in Ukraine, First Retreat Since 2023

5/5/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Center

Russia Loses Ground

Russia recorded a net loss of territory in Ukraine in April, the first negative change since the summer 2023 counteroffensive.
The Institute for the Study of War reports Russia ceded about 120 square kilometers in Ukraine between March and April.
U.S.-led diplomatic talks on the war have stalled as the Middle East conflict continues.
ISW links problems to midrange strikes, a February 2026 Starlink ban, and Kremlin throttling of Telegram.

Left

Ukrainians Regain Ground

Ukrainian forces reclaimed more territory than they lost for the first time since summer 2023.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces liberated 460 sq km since early 2026, roughly 10% of the land lost the previous year.
April 2026 Russian troops seized 12% less land than March, even as assaults rose 2.2%.
Donetsk region accounted for 36% of Russian advances, capturing 53 sq km; fronts saw smaller gains.

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Russia Loses Ground

Russia recorded a net loss of territory in Ukraine in April, the first negative change since the summer 2023 counteroffensive.
The Institute for the Study of War reports Russia ceded about 120 square kilometers in Ukraine between March and April.
U.S.-led diplomatic talks on the war have stalled as the Middle East conflict continues.
ISW links problems to midrange strikes, a February 2026 Starlink ban, and Kremlin throttling of Telegram.

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