Russian armed forces aim to capture the remaining 20 percent of Ukraine's partially occupied eastern Donetsk region by year-end, having missed 14 previous deadlines, according to Kyiv.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian territorial gains have collapsed this year even as casualties have risen. In the first half of 2025, Russia seized 2,190 square kilometers, compared to just 622 square kilometers in the same period this year.

The rate of advance has dropped to 1.03 square kilometers per day this year from 16.6 square kilometers per day in the first half of 2025. Excluding infiltrations and including Ukrainian counter-advances, Russia's net gain in the first half of 2026 is only 97 square kilometers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian casualties have reached catastrophic levels, with 1,298 casualties per square kilometer taken in June, compared to 68 in June 2025. Total Russian casualties are estimated at 1.4 million.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has implemented a 'Logistical Lockdown' strategy, disrupting fuel and ammunition supplies to Russian frontlines. In June, Ukrainian drones struck a target every 52 seconds.

Russia's economy is also under strain: oil export revenues fell by 30 percent from January to May compared to last year. Fuel shortages were reported in most Russian regions in June.

Putin claims Russia is 'standing firm,' but military setbacks and economic difficulties are mounting. At the current pace, capturing Donetsk could take 14 years.

Source: www.aljazeera.com