Russia and Ukraine continue territorial disputes amid peace talks with the U.S.

International Desk, PNN

In 2025, Russia has emphasized its territorial claims in Ukraine more aggressively to demonstrate military success and influence ongoing peace talks with the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently claimed that Russian forces have captured several key frontline cities in Ukraine. However, Western observers and analysts suggest that much of these claims do not align with reality.

In a year-end press conference last Friday, Putin stated that Russian troops have taken control of Siversk in Donetsk and Vovchansk in Kharkiv. He also claimed that Russia controls at least half of Lyman and Kostiantynivka, as well as Huliaipole in southern Zaporizhzhia.

However, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that satellite imagery and open-source data do not support Putin’s statements. Their analysis indicates that Russian presence in Huliaipole covers slightly over 7%, Lyman about 3%, and Kostiantynivka no more than 5%.

Even Russian military bloggers’ reports show major discrepancies with Putin’s claims. According to ISW, Russian forces have made limited advances in Lyman (up to 7%) and Kostiantynivka (around 11%).

Earlier, the Kremlin claimed full control of Kupiansk in Kharkiv and Pokrovsk in Donetsk, but Ukraine’s military leadership reported that Ukrainian forces had driven Russian troops out of several square kilometers in Pokrovsk during counterattacks.

There is also confusion within Russian military accounts. At the end of this year, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed that 6,300 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory had been captured, while ISW estimates the actual figure to be less than 5,000 square kilometers.

Meanwhile, discussions on a peace plan between the U.S. and Ukraine have intensified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that although Ukraine is willing to cooperate with the U.S., no consensus has been reached on territorial issues. Russia demands full withdrawal from four regions, which Ukraine has rejected.

The fighting has not ceased. In recent weeks, Russia launched over a hundred drone and missile attacks. Ukraine claims to have thwarted most attacks, though some resulted in civilian casualties. In response, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian military bases and energy infrastructure.

The European Union has decided to provide significant loans to Ukraine, which is expected to support its wartime economy. Additionally, hundreds of billions of dollars in funding have been pledged for post-war reconstruction.

Overall, the future of Russia and Ukraine hinges on the reality of territorial claims, international pressure, and potential peace agreements amid ongoing conflict.