Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at their fastest rate since the early days of the 2022 invasion, capturing an area half the size of London over the past month, according to analysts and war bloggers.
After sweeping through parts of Ukraine in early 2022, Russian troops had been largely held in eastern and southern regions along a static 1,000 km (620-mile) front line for two years.
However, smaller-scale advances began in July, marking a shift in momentum.
The conflict is entering what some officials describe as its most dangerous phase, with reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia and Kyiv retaliating with Western-supplied missiles inside Russian territory.
Moscow, while not confirming the involvement of North Korean troops, recently used a hypersonic missile in Ukraine, and Kyiv reported the largest Russian drone attack to date.
“Russia has set new weekly and monthly records for the size of the occupied territory in Ukraine,” reported independent Russian news outlet Agentstvo.
Over the past week, Russian forces captured nearly 235 square kilometers (91 square miles), a weekly record for 2024.
In November, they seized 600 square kilometers (232 square miles), according to DeepState, a platform analyzing combat footage and front-line developments.
In Kharkiv, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the capture of the village of Kopanky, while Ukraine claimed to have cleared it of Russian forces.
Ukrainian officials also stated they repelled Russian advances on Kupiansk, a key logistical hub.
Military analyst Pasi Paroinen estimated Russian forces gained control of 667 square kilometers (257 square miles) this month, possibly including delayed reports from October.
President Vladimir Putin asserts Russian forces are advancing effectively, aiming to achieve all objectives in Ukraine, although these have not been fully detailed.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes Russia seeks to occupy the Donbas region and expel Ukrainian forces from parts of Kursk.
Currently, Russia controls 18% of Ukraine, including Crimea and large parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
Both sides face staggering casualties, with entire regions turned into wastelands, while Ukrainian officials struggle with delays in receiving Western military aid and mobilizing new forces.