According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Russia has claimed significant territorial advances in Ukraine, stating that its forces have taken control of 80 settlements and more than 1,700 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory since the start of 2026.
The announcement was made by Valery Gerasimov, who said the latest gains reflect intensified military operations across multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict. According to him, Russian forces captured 34 settlements and approximately 700 square kilometres of territory during March and April alone.
Gerasimov further asserted that Russian troops have now established full control over the Luhansk region, a key area that has remained central to Moscow’s military objectives since the early stages of the war.
He also reported continued advances in the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk–Kostiantynivka defensive belt, describing it as a heavily fortified zone. Six settlements in the area were said to have been captured in March, followed by the town of Dibrova in April.
In addition, Russian forces are reportedly pushing forward in northern and northeastern regions, including parts of Sumy and Kharkiv, where Gerasimov said efforts are underway to create what Moscow describes as a “security zone.” He claimed that 15 settlements were seized in March in these areas, with further gains recorded in April, including Vovchanski Khutory and Zybine.
According to the Russian military chief, some of the most intense fighting is currently taking place in Krasnyi Lyman, where he said Russian forces now control about 70 percent of the city. Additional advances were reported in the Donetsk region, including the capture of Hryshyne and Pavlivka.
Gerasimov also indicated that Russian units are attempting to establish another buffer zone in the Dnipropetrovsk region, with ongoing combat around Novopavlivka. He claimed that more than 75 percent of the settlement is currently under Russian control.
Further south, Russian forces are said to be advancing west of Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. Gerasimov reported the capture of Boikove and Luhivske, as well as continued movement toward the regional centre, including control of Veselianka…..See More
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