Armed Forces of Ukraine win back territory larger than Denmark– ISW

Since the end of March, the Russian occupiers have lost control over the territory of Ukraine larger than Denmark.

“Since Russian forces resumed offensive operations following a pause on July 16 Russian forces have gained about 450.84 km2 (roughly 174 square miles) of new territory, an area around the size of Andorra. Russian forces have lost roughly 45,000 km2 of territory since March 21 (the estimated date of Russian forces’ deepest advance into Ukraine), an area larger than Denmark,” reads the report by the US Institute for the Study of War.

At the same time, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated that Russian forces are slowing down the overall pace of their offensive operations in Ukraine while reaffirming that Russia’s objectives in the war have not changed.

“Shoigu's statement may also represent an attempt by the Russian MoD to set information conditions to explain and excuse the negligible gains Russian forces have made in Ukraine in the last six weeks,” the analysts explain.

The ISW also notes that Russian authorities continue to face partisan and internal challenges to the administration in the occupied territories.

Ukrainian forces continued to target Russian military assets and ground lines of communication in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, the report says.

Meanwhile, Russian proxy leadership is continuing efforts to oversee the legislative and administrative integration of occupied territories into Russian systems.