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Ukraine-Russia: Russian forces lose nearly 300 sq km of territory
Analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that Russian forces have lost significant ground in Ukraine. Between March and September 2026, Russian forces lost control of nearly 300 square kilometers of territory.
In September 2026 specifically, Russia gained 175.54 square kilometers but lost 256.35 square kilometers, resulting in a net monthly loss of 80.81 square kilometers. This represents an average daily loss of 2.69 square kilometers. When accounting for infiltrations and non-consolidated actions, the net loss for the month was estimated at 175.18 square kilometers.
A major factor in these shifts was Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi, which contributed to the liberation of at least 147 square kilometers, including significant gains in the Lyman area such as the settlements of Shandrolove, Derylove, and Drobysheve.
Regarding personnel, ISW reported that Russian casualties in September reached approximately 46,320, marking the third consecutive month with losses exceeding 40,000 and the highest monthly figure for Russia in 2026. Additionally, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured over 250 Russian servicemen during this period.
Entities
Institute for the Study of War · Lyman · Russia · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 250 Russian servicemen were captured by Ukrainian armed forces. zonanews.bg
- [● 10 SOURCES] Russian forces lost control of nearly 300 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory between March and September 2026. www.forchecaudine.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it · www.inliberta.it · zonanews.bg · www.adnkronos.com · +5 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Russian military casualties in September 2026 reached approximately 46,320. zonanews.bg · fakti.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ukraine liberated at least 147 square kilometers in the Lyman area through Operation Vivaldi. www.forchecaudine.com · zonanews.bg · fakti.bg
- [● 10 SOURCES] In September 2026, Russia gained 175.54 square kilometers but lost 256.35 square kilometers, resulting in a net loss of 80.81 square kilometers. www.forchecaudine.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it · www.inliberta.it · zonanews.bg · www.adnkronos.com · +5 more