Putin Claims Russia Has Captured 5,000 Square Kilometers of Ukrainian Territory in 2025

Oct 08, 2025 07:51 am CST

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces have captured approximately 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles) of Ukrainian territory in 2025, claiming full strategic initiative on the battlefield. Speaking on his 73rd birthday, Putin stated that Ukrainian forces are retreating across all front sectors despite fierce resistance, with Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov reporting advances in multiple directions, including the Donetsk region where the heaviest fighting is concentrated.