ISW: This Is The First Time This Has Happened Since 2024

• 4.05.2026, 8:19

Russia lost more territory than it gained.

In April 2026, Russian forces recorded net territorial losses on the frontline for the first time since the Ukrainian operation in Kursk region in August 2024. This is stated in the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) of May 2.

The analysts estimate that Russia lost control over about 116 km² of territory during the month. At the same time, the calculations do not include areas where Russian forces could only temporarily advance without establishing full control.

The ISW experts note that the pace of the Russian army's offensive has been consistently decreasing since November 2025. Among the reasons cited are active counterattacks by Ukraine, strikes on targets at medium range, restrictions on Russian units' use of Starlink satellite terminals, and internal difficulties exacerbated by restrictions on Telegram's operation in Russia.

In total, between November 2025 and April 2026, Russian forces occupied about 1,443 km², down markedly from 2,368 km² during the same period a year earlier.

The average daily rate of advance has also decreased significantly: in the first four months of 2026, it was about 2.9 km² per day compared to 9.76 km² in the same period in 2025.

Separately, the report emphasizes that since the fall of 2025, the Russian army has increasingly used the tactic of small groups infiltrating enemy positions. This complicates comparisons with previous periods, as such actions do not always mean establishing sustainable control over territory.