Russian forces lost control of 80.81 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine during September.
According to assessments by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), this marks Russia’s first monthly net territorial contraction since late spring.
September Net Territorial Changes
ISW data indicates that Russian troops captured 175.54 square kilometers of land in September but lost control over 256.35 square kilometers. As a result, Russia experienced a net territorial loss of 80.81 square kilometers for the month.
First Monthly Loss Since May
This development represents the first monthly net loss of territory for Russia since May, when Russian forces recorded a net loss of 281.1 square kilometers.
According to ISW calculations, Russian-controlled territory had slightly expanded throughout June, July, and August before reversing in September.
