Putin DAYS CLOSE TO CAPTURING All Of Ukraine? Russia’s Expanding Control Since 2022 EXPLAINED!

Since February 24, 2022, the Russia–Ukraine war has been a constantly shifting conflict, with Russian territorial control swinging between rapid advances and Ukrainian counteroffensives. Analysts categorize areas as fully controlled, partially contested, or claimed but not fully occupied. During the initial invasion, Russia seized roughly 20% of Ukraine, capturing key cities like Kherson, Mariupol, and Melitopol, but fierce Ukrainian resistance quickly slowed the advance. Ukrainian counteroffensives later reclaimed large swathes of territory, including Kharkiv, Kherson, and parts of Sumy, reducing Russian control to around 18–19% by the end of 2022. Over 2023–2024, the war became attritional, with battles for towns like Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Soledar exacting heavy human and material costs, while Ukraine slowly regained villages amid entrenched defenses. By early 2026, Russia controls roughly 19–20% of Ukraine, with contested and claimed zones keeping the war in a stalemate. The conflict is not just about land—it is a story of strategy, attrition, and survival in a prolonged and unpredictable war.