Russia lost Ukraine ground in October, AFP says

Russian forces lost a net 28 square kilometres across the Ukrainian front in October, according to an AFP analysis of Institute for the Study of War data.

The analysis found that Moscow's territorial gains in Ukraine have slowed since the start of 2026, from an average of about 400 square kilometres a month in 2025 to 11 square kilometres a month this year. Russia now controls nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, according to the analysis.

Recent front-line movement has centred on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region. AFP's September analysis of ISW data showed Ukrainian forces gained 172 square kilometres during a counter-offensive around Kramatorsk and Lyman. The operation continued in October, with Kyiv's troops recapturing another 60 square kilometres, while Russian forces advanced south of Kramatorsk.

Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet in the United Arab Emirates in November for US-mediated talks. Negotiations to end the war have been stalled since February.