Russian Army’s advance in Ukraine slows to lowest rate in a year
During the past week (January 19–25, 2026), the intensity of Russian offensive operations on the front reached its lowest level since spring 2025.
According to reports citing the DeepState map, the Russian forces captured only 30.4 square kilometers of territory during this period — a 10-month low. For the incomplete month of January, total territorial gains by the aggressor amounted to 152 square kilometers, nearly three times less than December (423 sq. km) and four times less than November (489 sq. km).
Territorial dynamics in January 2026:
- Donetsk Direction: The highest activity remains between Siversk and Kostiantynivka (59.6 sq. km for the month) and around Pokrovsk (37.6 sq. km). However, in the last week, progress near Pokrovsk slowed to a critical 6.4 sq. km.
- Southern Front: Near Huliaipole, where Russian advances were rapid in December, the offensive has practically stalled. Analysts from CIT suggest that the Ukrainian General Staff successfully corrected previous mistakes, stabilizing this sector.
Reasons for the Slowdown: Military observers link the “temporary pause” to short daylight hours, severe frosts limiting infantry operations, and intensive drone use by both sides. In addition, Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive near Kupiansk forced the enemy to redeploy reserves.
The lull on the frontline coincided with diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi, where the first three-way talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia took place on January 23–24. While American intermediaries, including special envoys of Donald Trump, reported progress on territorial control in the east, Russia continues to demand the full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk. The slowdown in offensive momentum deprives Moscow of a significant leverage point at the negotiating table, forcing it to adjust tactics.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces forced Russian occupiers to retreat from Oleksiivskyi Island in Kherson region.
Reminder: The Ukrainian military also eliminated Russian operational reserves in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.
