During October, Russia captured 470 km² of Ukrainian territory — the most since March 2022 — Die Welt

The Russian army continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine, capturing more than 470 square kilometers of territory in October.

These advances are Russia’s most significant since March 2022, according to “Welt” on October 29.

Last week, Russian forces intensified their activity on the front, occupying 196 square kilometers from October 20 to 27. The news agency AFP also reported that since the beginning of October, Russian forces have advanced over 478 square kilometers of Ukrainian land.

According to “Welt”, as of October 27, Russian forces control more territory than in August and September, when their gains were 477 and 459 square kilometers, respectively. Journalists note that the front line has seen substantial changes over two months, particularly around the strategically important city of Pokrovsk.

Two-thirds of Russia’s territorial gains in October occurred in Donetsk Oblast, where they continue to advance from the south and east, leveraging a numerical advantage and heavy weaponry.

The last time Russian forces achieved similar success was in March 2022, during their attempt to capture Kyiv. Including previously occupied territories, such as Crimea (annexed in 2014) and parts of Donbas taken before the full-scale war, Russia currently controls approximately 18.2% of Ukraine’s territory.

It’s worth noting that, according to the ISW report, Russian forces advanced in several directions on October 27 and 28. They carried out limited offensives northeast of Kharkiv, particularly in the areas of Vovchansk, Kupiansk, and Vuhledar.