Evidence of Russia’s poor performance in its war in Ukraine, both militarily and economically, has been mounting over the past week.The US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has confirmed earlier assessments that Russia has lost territory it previously occupied in Ukraine.“Ukraine retook approximately 400 square kilometres in and around Dnipropetrovsk – more territory than at any time since late 2022 – during the quarter,” a report to Congress revealed on May 18.Russia has still made a net territorial gain in 2026, but its advance is slowing down, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank.The ISW found that Russia advanced by a net 104 sq km (40 sq miles) between January 1 and May 26, 2026, compared to its seizure of 1,619 sq km (625 sq miles) during the same period last year.It said Russian forces had infiltrated and contested another 628 sq km (242.5 sq miles), but did not take control.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian casualties had increased to 145,000 this year, of which 86,000 were killed and 59,000 troops seriously wounded.Ukraine says it has drone video of each confirmed kill.Al Jazeera cannot verify casualty claims by either side.Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, said it meant 179 Russian losses per square kilometre of advance, …
