In brief
Independent observers report nearly zero new territory for Russia in 2026, and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries block a U.S.‑backed diesel export deal. The stalled shipments pressure Russia’s oil logistics and intensify battlefield losses, underscoring the shift in war dynamics.
On Friday, Al Jazeera reported that Russian forces captured a mere 117.38 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2026, the smallest gain in the country’s recent history. Independent observers confirm the figure, noting that Russia has made virtually no new territorial advances this year.
Territorial Gains
The 117.38 sq km figure represents almost no territorial movement by Russian troops, a stark indicator of the stalled front lines. Analysts say the battlefield stalemate reflects broader strategic challenges for the Russian army.
Diesel Export Deal
The same report details Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries that have thwarted a U.S. agreement to ship 1.8 million tonnes of diesel. The failed export would have supplied Russia’s oil and gas sector, and its cancellation has weakened Russia’s logistics capacity amid ongoing conflict. The U.S., initially involved in the deal, has now pulled back, citing the safety of transportation routes and the viability of the target infrastructure.
