Russian army rapidly losing captured territories across the entire front

According to ISW data, the Russian army has lost a net of nearly 300 square kilometers of previously occupied positions from March to September 2026. A key factor was the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation "Vivaldi," during which at least 147 square kilometers were liberated. In September, the territorial balance for Russia was negative — minus 80.81 square kilometers. Monthly personnel losses exceeded 46,000 servicemen.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian army has lost a net of nearly 300 square kilometers of previously occupied positions from March to September 2026. A key factor was the operation "Vivaldi" conducted by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, which managed to regain control of at least 147 square kilometers of territory. In September, Russian forces occupied 175.54 square kilometers but lost control of 256.35 square kilometers, resulting in a negative balance of minus 80.81 square kilometers. Monthly personnel losses exceeded 46,000 servicemen. A significant portion of September's statistics was shaped by the liberation of lands in the Lyman direction. The Ukrainian command maintains an operational silence policy. Earlier reports indicated that since the start of the offensive operation in the Oleksandrivka direction in January, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have liberated 26 settlements and over 700 square kilometers of territory. In the near future, up to ten more settlements may come under Ukrainian control.