Putin Claims Russia Captured 5000 sq km in Ukraine This Year
Vladimir Putin claims Russian forces captured nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2024. Ukraine disputes these claims, saying Russian offensives have failed to take major cities. The conflicting reports come as fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his forces have seized nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2024. He made these claims during a meeting with top military commanders on his 73rd birthday.
Putin asserted Russian troops liberated 4,900 square kilometers and 212 communities. He said Moscow maintains complete strategic initiative on the battlefield.
Ukrainian forces are withdrawing along the entire front line despite fierce resistance attempts, according to Putin's statements. Russia now controls approximately 20% of Ukraine's territory.
Ukrainian military officials previously dismissed Russian offensives as unsuccessful. They noted Moscow's forces haven't captured any major cities this year.
General Valeriy Gerasimov, head of Russia's military staff, said Russian troops are advancing in practically all directions. The most intense fighting now occurs around Pokrovsk city and toward the Dnipro region.
Russian forces are also moving toward Siversk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region. They're making progress in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro areas while establishing a buffer zone in Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
Ukrainian authorities counter that their own forces have advanced in Donetsk region. They specifically mention gains around Dobropillia near strategically important Pokrovsk.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops recaptured areas in Sumy region near the Russian border. Russian forces had established a foothold there earlier.
Putin repeated that Russia's war objectives remain unchanged since the February 2022 invasion. He stated the goals are to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine.
The conflicting claims highlight the ongoing information war surrounding the conflict. Both sides regularly present competing narratives about battlefield developments.