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Russian forces captured just 14 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in May, the lowest monthly figure since October 2023, according to analysts from DeepState.
The monitoring group noted that Russian territorial gains decreased by 127 square kilometers compared with April. According to DeepState, this is the first month since Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive in which the net growth of Russian-controlled territory became negative.
Analysts said the war is entering a new phase and stressed that it is crucial for Ukraine’s Defense Forces to maintain the initiative on the battlefield. Despite a 37.5% increase in Russian assault activity and a record-high number of attacks — more than 7,000 during the month — DeepState believes Russian troops are showing signs of tactical degradation.
The report states that Russian forces continue attempting infiltration tactics but are finding it increasingly difficult to mass personnel for offensive operations. At the same time, analysts described the situation around the city of Kostyantynivka as particularly challenging.
DeepState also noted recent Ukrainian advances, including the liberation of Novoselivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region and progress near several other settlements. On the Oleksandrivka axis, Russian forces reportedly lost control of 46 square kilometers of territory.
