Ukrainian forces have reclaimed approximately 282 square kilometers of territory in May, marking the second consecutive month of territorial gains against Russian troops according to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Key points
- The recent gains follow a period of continuous Russian advancement that began in October 2023 and started to slow significantly by late 2025.
- Ukraine's progress is attributed to successful medium-range drone campaigns that have disrupted Russian personnel transport and frontline logistics.
- While the reclaimed areas represent a small percentage of the total territory under Russian control, they signify a shift in the conflict's territorial momentum.
- Russian forces remain present in many of the areas where Ukraine has recently regained ground, often utilizing small, infiltrating units.
Why it matters
The shift in territorial control marks a potential turning point in the war of attrition, suggesting that Ukrainian tactical adjustments are successfully challenging the previous pattern of Russian dominance.
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