Last week, Russia captured the most land in Ukraine so far this year, and the Ukrainian-held territory in Kursk is shrinking.

Last week, Russia seized more territory in its war with Ukraine than at any time in 2024. In recent months, Russian troops have made significant advances in the east of Ukraine, gaining territory despite suffering substantial losses. Since August 6, the Russian Federation has seized 1,146 square kilometers in Ukraine, which is about 25% more than in the first seven months of the year. Over the past week, the Russian military has also advanced 200 square kilometers.

According to Estonian intelligence, Moscow has captured 150 square kilometers of the Donetsk front line over the past week. The occupiers captured the city of Selidove, and the aggressor state’s next targets are the cities of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, important logistics centers for Ukraine’s military.

Moreover, Ukrainian troops are gradually losing ground in the Kursk region as Russia ramps up its attacks. If Ukraine plans to maintain its presence in Kursk, more troops will likely have to be sent there, weakening other fronts.