Russian forces occupied approximately 84 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in June. However, once territory recaptured by Ukrainian forces is included, the overall balance is slightly negative for Russia for the second consecutive month.
In May, the Ukrainian mapping project DeepState, recorded only 14 square kilometres of newly occupied territory, the lowest monthly figure in roughly three years, while Ukraine had recaptured around 100 square kilometres more than they lost during that month. Separate analyses using DeepState and Institute for the Study of War data have produced different totals, reflecting the difficulty of measuring fluid front lines and contested “grey zones,” but both indicate that Russia’s advances have become increasingly limited.
Ukraine’s most significant territorial gains have been registered on the southern front, particularly east of Zaporizhzhia, where Ukrainian forces have exploited weaknesses in Russian communications and logistics. Earlier in 2026, Ukrainian troops made their fastest gains since 2023 in this sector, retaking more than 200 square kilometres over several days. Ukraine has since intensified attacks on Russian supply routes, bridges, fuel depots and rear-area infrastructure, making it increasingly difficult for Russia to move troops and equipment toward the front.
Russia, meanwhile, is concentrating substantial manpower and resources on Kostiantynivka, a key city in Ukraine’s Donetsk “fortress belt.” Russian infantry units have begun infiltrating parts of the city and its outskirts, while seeking to sever Ukrainian supply routes and gradually encircle the urban area. The fighting is increasingly resembling a siege, although Russian progress remains slow and Ukrainian forces continue to contest infiltrated neighbourhoods.
The capture of Kostiantynivka would open the way toward the larger cities of Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, which form the core of Ukraine’s remaining defensive belt in northern Donetsk. Yet any battle for the city to be prolonged and highly attritional. Russia retains a manpower advantage, but Ukraine’s expanding use of medium-range drones against logistics and troop concentrations is reducing Moscow’s ability to translate that advantage into rapid territorial gains.
Footage below of Kostiantynivka being bombed by Russia. Feature image of the UAF in Zaporizhzhia.
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