Ukraine News: Territorial Losses and Gains in 2024
In 2024, Ukraine’s Defense Forces ceded control over more than 3600 sq km of territory, with a significant portion of this loss occurring in November—over 20 sq km per day. In stark contrast to 2023, when territories gained totaled around 430 sq km, this year’s losses are a cause for concern.
The alarming numbers, published on the Militarny portal, highlight a grim reality on the ground. Here’s a breakdown of the territorial losses:
Monthly Territorial Losses (Approx.):
- June: 100 sq km/month, 3.4 sq km/day
- July: 160 sq km/month, 5.2 sq km/day
- August: 370 sq km/month, 12 sq km/day
- September: 400 sq km/month, 13.4 sq km/day
- October: 560 sq km/month, 18.7 sq km/day
- November: 610 sq km/month, 20.3 sq km/day
- December: 510 sq km/month, 16.45 sq km/day
The Donetsk and Kharkiv regions bore the brunt of these losses. Here’s a regional analysis:
Donetsk:
- Enemy forces seized control of over 2400 sq km, significantly shortening the distance to the Dnipropetrovsk administrative border.
- On the New York-North crusade, they captured at least 335 sq km.
Kharkiv:
- The enemy briefly seized 211 sq km in May but failed to maintain control, making their operation a setback.
- Ukrainian forces recaptured some territories and stabilized the frontline.
Other Regions:
- On the Liman and Kupyansk axes, the enemy secured at least 479 sq km.
- In Crimea, they captured around 95 sq km from Ukrainian forces.
Strikingly, in Curia, Ukrainian forces gained control over 1100 sq km initially but retained just 460 sq km by year’s end.
Moving forward, Anderson predicts that the enemy will focus on seizing remaining key cities, increasing pressure on Dnipropetrovsk, consolidating control over the left bank of the Oskol River, and attempting amphibious landings to distract Ukrainian forces.
Compared to the 1.4 sq km Palazzo Mezzogiorno, Ukraine lost a ‘Mezzogiorno-sized’ area each day in November, demonstrating the severity of these territorial losses.
Stay tuned for more updates on developments in Ukraine.
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