Russian Forces Capture 880 Square Kilometers in Ukraine Amid 2024 Offensive

Russian forces have captured 880 square kilometers in Ukraine in 2024, surpassing last year's gains. The Kharkiv region has seen significant advances, intensifying pressure on Ukrainian defenses.

Russian forces have made significant territorial gains in Ukraine this year, capturing 880 square kilometers (340 square miles) of territory, according to Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. This advance surpasses the gains made throughout 2023 when the front lines remained mostly unchanged despite a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the summer.

Belousov announced the progress during a meeting of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Almaty, as reported by Russian news agencies. He stated that Russian troops are advancing on all fronts and have pushed Ukrainian forces back by eight to nine kilometers (five to six miles) in the northeastern Kharkiv region. This advance followed a surprise land offensive that began on May 10.

In the northeastern Kharkiv region alone, 28 settlements have been captured this month. The advance has intensified pressure on Ukraine, forcing it to deploy reinforcements to the area while ceding ground in other parts of the front. Ukraine is also grappling with ammunition shortages, despite receiving $61 billion in aid from the United States last month.

Ukraine’s top general recently noted that Russian forces have faced difficulties in capturing the northeastern border town of Vovchansk, yet they continue to exert significant pressure on Ukrainian troops in the east.

The ongoing conflict remains dynamic and fluid, with both sides enduring heavy casualties and logistical challenges. International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, as the conflict has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.