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In 2025, the Russian occupation of Ukraine expanded significantly with approximately 4,300 square kilometers being captured. The occupation impacts numerous regions, including Sumy, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. As Russian forces maintain control over these territories, issues of human rights violations persist, highlighted by the UN's resolution condemning such actions. Ukrainian efforts to reclaim occupied territories and bring back displaced children continue, evidenced by the successful evacuation of multiple groups. The President's initiative, Bring Kids Back UA, plays a crucial role in these endeavors. Meanwhile, the geopolitical tensions rise as international bodies like the OSCE remain actively involved in mediation attempts to restore peace and resolve humanitarian issues in the occupied regions of Ukraine.

What is the current status of the Russian occupation in Ukraine?

The Russian occupation in Ukraine has expanded significantly in 2025, with over 4,300 square kilometers of territory under control. This occupation affects areas such as Sumy, Donetsk, and Kherson, with significant geopolitical and humanitarian implications, including widespread human rights violations and disrupted local governance.

How has the occupation affected human rights in Ukraine?

The occupation has led to numerous human rights violations, including forced seizures of property, restrictions on freedom of movement, and suppression of civil liberties. The UN General Assembly has adopted resolutions condemning these violations as it remains a significant concern affecting civilian populations in occupied regions.

What are the humanitarian efforts being made amidst the occupation?

Humanitarian efforts, particularly focusing on the evacuation of children and families from occupied regions, are ongoing. The Ukrainian President's initiative, Bring Kids Back UA, has successfully rescued numerous children from occupied territories, providing them with safety, medical care, and psychological support upon their return to Ukrainian-controlled areas.

How has the international community responded to the situation?

The international community, including bodies like the UN and OSCE, has responded with resolutions and calls for mediation to address human rights abuses and work towards a peaceful resolution. However, the geopolitical complexities and Russian military actions pose challenges to effective intervention.

What are the geopolitical consequences of the occupation?

The occupation exacerbates geopolitical tensions in the region, impacting Ukraine's sovereignty and regional stability. The ongoing conflict affects international relations, drawing responses from global entities and influencing diplomatic engagements focused on conflict resolution and peace efforts.

Are elections possible in the occupied territories of Ukraine?

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, elections cannot proceed in territories occupied by Russia, as the occupation undermines democratic processes and local governance, creating an environment that lacks the necessary conditions for fair and free electoral practices.

What regions in Ukraine have come under occupation in 2025?

In 2025, multiple regions have come under occupation, notably Sumy, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Russian military advances in these areas have led to control over strategic locations, contributing to significant territorial changes in the ongoing conflict.

What impact has the occupation had on the economy in the affected regions?

The occupation severely impacts local economies as businesses cease operations and resources become scarce. Employment rates plummet, exacerbating economic instability and hardships for residents amid the ongoing conflict and territorial occupation by Russian forces.

How are the occupied territories being managed by Russian forces?

Russian forces implement strict control in occupied territories, with enforced seizure of properties and restrictions on civilian movements. Authorities have been given explicit rights by the Russian government to maintain this control until 2030, further complicating the return to normalcy for affected populations.

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News occupation

Two more teens rescued from occupied Kherson region Two more teenagers rescued from temporarily occupied part of Kherson region Two more teenagers have been rescued from the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region. 289 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Five Ukrainian children returned from TOT and the Russian Federation Five Ukrainian children returned from Russia and occupied territories. VIDEO+PHOTOS Five more Ukrainian children have been returned from Russian-occupied territories and Russia thanks to the active efforts of the Ombudsman's Office team, as part of the Ukrainian President's Bring Kids Back Ua initiative and with the involvement of the Save Ukraine public organisation. 1 228 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Occupation court sentences pensioner to 15 years for supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine 69-year-old pensioner from Tokmak sentenced to 15 years for donations to Armed Forces of Ukraine. VIDEO The occupation court in the Zaporizhzhia region found Tokmak resident Svitlana Loy guilty of " high treason" for transferring money to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The woman, who had obtained a Russian passport, transferred 63,420 roubles from her Ukrainian pension. 68 292 21 Previously in trend: Ukrainians convicted in the Russian Federation

In Kherson region, schoolchildren were forced to write postcards to Russian soldiers In TOT of Kherson region, schoolchildren were forced to write postcards to Russian military personnel. PHOTO In the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of the Kherson region, schoolchildren in the "Kakhovka district" were forced to make greeting cards for Russian military personnel. 1 839 10 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Residents of occupied Donetsk extract water from frozen barrels Life in "DPR": residents of occupied Donetsk drill through ice in barrels to get water. VIDEO The situation with housing and utility services in Russian-occupied Donetsk continues to deteriorate, turning into a genuine humanitarian catastrophe. As Censor.NET reports, a telling video has appeared online demonstrating the realities of life in the city under occupier control. 6 830 37 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

occupiers, invaders DeepState: In January, pace of Russian troops’ advance slowed, with 245 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory occupied. INFOGRAPHICS Throughout January 2026, the Russian army occupied 245 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. This is almost half as much as in December or November last year. 1 712 10 Previously in trend: Russian advance

A group of children and teenagers were returned from occupation Group of children and teenagers were returned from Russian-occupied Kherson region, - RMA Another group of children and teenagers was successfully returned to Ukraine-controlled territory from the temporarily occupied Kherson region as part of the Ukrainian President's Bring Kids Back UA initiative and with the assistance of the Save Ukraine team. 904 4 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Occupation authorities report detention of Myrnohrad resident for "insult" Occupation authorities report detention of Myrnohrad resident for "insulting" Russian army. PHOTO The occupation authorities have reported the detention of a resident of Myrnohrad for "insulting" the Russian army. 5 155 18 Previously in trend: Situation in the Donetsk region

Video message from entrepreneurs in occupied Crimea "Ukraine provided work": Crimean entrepreneurs accuse occupying authorities of destroying their businesses. VIDEO Social tensions are growing in occupied Crimea due to economic pressure from the so-called "authorities". According to Censor.NET, market entrepreneurs in the village of Kurman (formerly Krasnohvardiiske) have staged an open protest against a sharp increase in rent, which effectively deprives them of their livelihoods. 7 341 47 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Smugglers detained in Germany: what is known Smugglers supplying drones to militants of "DPR" and "LPR" detained in Germany In Brandenburg, Germany, two people were detained on suspicion of illegally supplying drones to the temporarily occupied territory of eastern Ukraine—to militants of the "DPR" and "LPR." 2 148 8

Russia took children from Kherson region to military training in Russia Occupiers took group of teenagers from temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region to military training in Russia, - NRC The occupation administration of the Kherson region has launched another stage of systematic militarization of children from the temporarily occupied territories. A group of 24 teenagers was taken outside the occupied territory to Volgograd in the Russian Federation under the guise of an educational project called "Pride of the Nation. The Path of Development." 2 088 14 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Russia’s impact on children under occupation

The enemy has occupied territory in Zaporizhzhia Enemy occupies Krasnohirske in Zaporizhzhia region and advances in Donetsk region – DeepState. MAPS Russian invaders occupied the village of Krasnohirskе in the Zaporizhzhia region. 6 883 52 Previously in trend: Updated DeepState maps Update of DeepState map

Russia deploys military equipment near nuclear reactors at the ZNPP Russians have placed military equipment near nuclear reactors at ZNPP, - Voloshyn. VIDEO At the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russians have placed military equipment next to nuclear reactors, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. 3 714 1 Previously in trend: Russia’s occupation of ZNPP

Andrej Plenković Croatian PM Plenković says Ukraine should never de jure give up occupied territories Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said that Ukraine should never de jure give up territories occupied by Russia, as this would amount to a reward for the aggressor. 992 10 Previously in trend: Territorial concessions Security guarantees for Ukraine

Occupiers are inciting children in the temporarily occupied territories to war Occupiers use esports to incite children in temporarily occupied territories to war, - NRC The occupation administration of Skadovsk, with the support of the so-called "Ministry of Sports of the Kherson Region," held a "Decade of Sports and Health" event. 710 1 Previously in trend: Russia’s impact on children under occupation

Weapons smuggling in the Russian army: what did hackers discover? Russian army officers with "Kadyrovites" have established arms smuggling through occupied Crimea, - Inform Napalm The Russians are smuggling weapons from the combat zone to the temporarily occupied Crimea, which are then sold on the "black market" in regions of the Russian Federation, as well as in Europe, Western Asia and Africa. The Russian Federation's "shadow fleet" is also involved in this. 3 536 22 Previously in trend: Supply of weapons and ammunition to Russia

There is no occupation of Andriivka in Sumy region — the Armed Forces of Ukraine maintain control Andriivka in Sumy region remains under control of Armed Forces of Ukraine, - OTF "Kursk" The town of Andriivka in the Sumy region is under the complete control of Ukrainian troops. 1 002 7

New Year in destroyed Marinka Only resident of destroyed city of Marinka celebrates New Year’s Eve under the gaze of Russian propaganda cameras. VIDEO Russian propaganda media published a story about " New Year celebrations" in the completely destroyed city of Marinka in Donetsk Oblast, where after months of shelling, there is no infrastructure left for life. 14 356 43 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

New mass graves in Mariupol New mass graves are being recorded in Mariupol, - Andriushchenko. PHOTOS Dozens of new trenches for mass burials have appeared in Russian-occupied Mariupol. 7 873 17 Previously in trend: Occupation of Mariupol

Dynamics of the occupation of territory in December 2025 In December, enemy has occupied 445 km² of Ukrainian territory, most of it in Pokrovsk direction, - DeepState. INFOGRAPHICS In December, Russian invaders occupied 445km2 of Ukrainian territory — 12% less than in November. 1 489 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction Russian advance

UA War Infographics: Russia seized 4,322 sq km of Ukraine in 2025 Russian forces occupied about 4,300 sq km of Ukraine’s territory in 2025. INFOGRAPHICS In 2025, Russian forces captured more than 4,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. 2 579 20 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Russian advance

deepstate,siversk Hrabovske in Sumy Oblast and Siversk in Donetsk Oblast have come under control of Russian army, - DeepState Russian troops control the village of Hrabovske in Sumy Oblast. The city of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast is also completely occupied. 9 946 75 Previously in trend: Battles in the east of Ukraine Fightings near the border of the Sumy region

elections in Ukraine Elections cannot be held in occupied territories, - Zelenskyy Elections cannot be held in territories occupied by Russia. 1 917 22 Previously in trend: Elections during war

UN General Assembly UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Russia’s human rights violations in occupied territories of Ukraine The UN General Assembly has adopted an updated resolution on "The situation with human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol." 1 581 7 Previously in trend: Human rights violations in occupied territories

Ukraine brings back group of children from occupied Kherson region Another group of Ukrainian children brought back from occupied Kherson region Another group of children has been brought back from the temporarily occupied areas of Kherson region to territory controlled by Ukraine. 384 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Putin Putin has authorised seizure of Ukrainian homes in temporarily occupied territories until 2030 The Russian occupation authorities in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions have been granted the right by dictator Putin to seize the homes of Ukrainians who have fled the war, until 2030. 31 737 22 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

A large group of children and teenagers were returned from territories occupied by the Russian Federation Another group of children has been returned to territory controlled by Ukraine Another rescue operation took place on the temporarily occupied left bank of the Kherson region. Another group of children was returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine. 589 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

The dynamics of the occupation of Donetsk Oblast In 3 years and 8 months, Russian Federation has captured 23% of Donetsk Oblast, - DeepState. VIDEO Over the past 3 years and 8 months (44 months or 1,350 days), the enemy has captured 23% of the Donetsk region, while 22.6% remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. 3 015 11 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Situation in the Donetsk region

Elderly man shows the occupier the way to the cruiser Moskva Elderly man scolds occupier standing near entrance to high-rise building: "Bastards! Get out and don’t come back here! Look after your own Russia". VIDEO In the Kupiansk direction, a local resident openly expressed his attitude to the Russian occupiers about their presence and the destruction they had brought to Ukrainian land. 12 834 43 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Repression in occupied Luhansk region: woman sentenced to 16 years Woman who tried to help AFU soldiers was "sentenced" to 16 years in colony in occupied Luhansk region. VIDEO In the occupied Luhansk region, a resident of the town of Novoaydar was "sentenced" to 16 years in prison for allegedly hiding Ukrainian defenders. 3 707 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Russian repressions for supporting Ukraine

Russians are advancing in three areas: what is known? In November, enemy occupied 505 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. Greatest advances were made near Huliaipole, - DeepState. INFOGRAPHICS In November, the enemy occupied 505 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, which is almost twice as much as in September. 1 643 7 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Battles in the east of Ukraine

The US may recognise Russian control over Crimea US ready to recognise Russia’s control over occupied Ukrainian territories – The Telegraph The United States is prepared to recognise Russia’s control over occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, in order to reach a deal to end the war. 11 391 120 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas US peace plan

Destroyed houses on Yuvileina Street Collaborator and traitor strolls through occupied Bakhmut, filming his hometown destroyed by ruscists: "What beauty! Here is our beloved land". VIDEO A video circulating online shows a man accompanied by people in Russian military uniforms filming destroyed apartment blocks on Yuvileina Street in occupied Bakhmut. 12 992 38 Previously in trend: Fight for Bakhmut

Occupied Soledar from the height of a UAV Soledar after occupation: ghost city, burned to ground. VIDEO A video has been published online showing footage captured by a Ukrainian drone camera of the destroyed neighbourhoods of Soledar, which has been "liberated" by Russian occupiers. 7 403 10 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

The enemy has occupied Rivnopillia and Yablukove in Zaporizhzhia region Ruscists have occupied Rivnopillia and Yablukove in Zaporizhzhia region, - DeepState. MAP Russian troops have captured the villages of Rivnopillia and Yablukove in the Zaporizhzhia region. They are also advancing in the Donetsk region. 6 623 24 Previously in trend: Updated DeepState maps Update of DeepState map

Ground drone transports wounded soldier 64 km route, mission duration - nearly six hours: wounded soldier evacuated from occupied territory using UGVs. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders carried out a unique operation codenamed "GVER," during which a wounded soldier was rescued from an occupied settlement. 3 196 6 Previously in trend: Drone industry

The moment of the sinking of a floating crane in the bay of occupied Sevastopol Moment Russian floating crane PK-400 Sevastopol, built by occupiers for eight years, sinks. VIDEO A video has appeared online showing the moment the Russian floating crane PK-400 Sevastopol sank. The vessel, which had been under construction at the Sevastopol Shipyard for eight years, went down before work was completed. 14 947 47

vacancies,office,work Only 30% of population have jobs in TOT of Donetsk and Luhansk regions - National Resistance Center According to the DIU, more than three thousand enterprises have completely ceased operations in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. 590 4 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Russian occupiers seize gasoline at checkpoints in Crimea Due to fuel shortage, Russian military confiscates gasoline from civilians in Crimea At checkpoints in occupied Crimea, Russian soldiers are confiscating gasoline from people. 2 987 15

Two teenagers returned from occupation Two teenagers returned from Russian-occupied territories Two Ukrainian teenagers were successfully evacuated from territories temporarily occupied by Russia as part of the Ukrainian President's Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 434 0 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

occupiers, invaders Russia mobilizes residents of Luhansk region’s TOT to send them to southern Ukraine - Defense Forces The Russian command continues to replenish its units with conscripts from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, despite official statements to the contrary. 1 121 7 Previously in trend: mobilization in the temporarily occupied territories

Return from occupation Eight Ukrainian children and teenagers brought back from Russian-occupied territories Eight more Ukrainian children and teenagers have been evacuated from occupied territories to areas under Ukrainian control as part of President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 422 0 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

A destroyed high-rise building in Avdiivka Russia has actually admitted that it has no plan to rebuild destroyed Avdiivka - CCD Russia has effectively acknowledged that the reconstruction of occupied Avdiivka has been suspended. One representative of the occupation administration stated that the main works have been "suspended until the issue of restoring the coke plant is resolved." 3 609 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Destruction of Russian command observation post in Oleshky Ukrainian Air Force destroys occupiers’ command post in Oleshky. VIDEO The Ukrainian military conducted an air strike on a former police building in the temporarily occupied Oleshky, Kherson region. 6 058 2 Previously in trend: AFU aviation

The enemy occupied Ternove in the Dnipropetrovsk region Ruscists occupy Ternove in Dnipropetrovsk region and advance in Donetsk region – DeepState. MAPS Russian forces have captured the village of Ternove in Dnipropetrovsk region. 7 945 21 Previously in trend: Updated DeepState maps

Russians are seizing houses from Ukrainians in the occupied territories Russians have seized nearly 25,000 homes from Ukrainians in TOT, - Le Figaro Russians have confiscated tens of thousands of Ukrainian properties in the occupied territories. 1 656 5 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

children Russia forcibly gives children psychotropic drugs for disobedience in occupied territories, - Herasymchuk Ukrainian children in temporarily occupied territories are unable to study under the Ukrainian curriculum, as they or their parents may be punished for doing so. In some cases, Russian occupiers isolate children and forcibly give them psychotropic drugs for disobedience. 1 392 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

23 Ukrainian children rescued from Russian-occupied territories – Yermak 23 Ukrainian children and teenagers brought home from Russian-occupied territories As part of President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, 23 Ukrainian children and teenagers have been rescued from Russian-occupied territories. They are now safe and receiving medical, psychological, and humanitarian assistance. 432 3 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation