Ukraine lost an area equivalent to the size of New York City to Russian forces in November – the worst monthly figure for Ukrainian defenders since September 2022.

After the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia gained ground quickly before being pushed back in a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Last year, with the conflict mostly at a stalemate, Institute for the Study of War (ISW) data shows that Russian forces took 2,233 sq km (862 sq miles) of territory. Already in 2024 they have taken about 2,656 sq km.

The area seized by the Russians in November amounts 1,202 sq km, roughly the same size as New York City. But experts have argued that a large proportion of the land is rural and not of huge strategic or operational value. Russian forces have mostly encircled but not yet taken major cities, and few major rail or road arteries have been severed recently.

Russian control of Ukrainian territory has increased from 17.4% in November 2023 to 17.9% as of 30 November 2024.