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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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Photo news occupation

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. 7 748 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. 1 398 6 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction Russian advance

Two families with children returned from occupation Two Ukrainian families with children returned from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO Two Ukrainian families with children have been brought back from the temporarily occupied territories as part of the President's Bring Kids Back UA initiative. One of the families had lived in the occupation for more than four years. 1 043 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

return from occupation Three more teenagers brought back from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO As part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, three teenagers were rescued from the temporarily occupied territories. 480 0 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

Another 22 children and teenagers have been returned from the occupied territories Another 22 Ukrainian children and teenagers returned from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO A further 22 Ukrainian children and teenagers have been rescued from territories temporarily occupied by Russia under the President’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 740 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

Return from occupation Two young people were returned from TOT: both had already been handed summonses during occupation. PHOTO Two more young people have been rescued from the territory temporarily occupied by Russia as part of the President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 2 727 2 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

Collaborator Volodymyr Leontiev killed in Nova Kakhovka by drone attack Collaborator Volodymyr Leontiev liquidated in Nova Kakhovka: he gave orders to torture Ukrainians. PHOTOS On Wednesday, 1 October, the so-called head of the occupation "Council of Deputies of Nova Kakhovka" in Kherson region, Volodymyr Leontiev, died of injuries sustained as a result of a drone strike. 10 403 34 Previously in trend: Elimination of collaborators and traitors

Return from occupation Three more young men brought back from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO Three more young people aged 18, 19, and 20 have been rescued from Russian-occupied territories as part of President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 612 3 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

Return of children from occupation Three Ukrainian teenagers brought back from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO Three more Ukrainian teenagers have been rescued from temporarily occupied territories under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 765 4 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

Mariupol Russians prepare Mariupol as hub for offensives: build bypass road for equipment, cargo and military convoys. PHOTOS Russian occupiers are preparing Mariupol as a hub for new offensives: a bypass road is being built outside the city for equipment, cargo, and military convoys. 4 326 17 Previously in trend: Occupation of Mariupol

children, return 14-year-old girl brought back from TOT after more than three years under occupation. PHOTO As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, a 14-year-old girl who had been separated from her mother for more than three and a half years has been returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory. 1 887 6 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Czech Senate Czech Senate Adopts Resolution on Forced Assimilation of Ukrainians in Temporarily Occupied Territories. PHOTOS The Senate of the Czech Republic has adopted a resolution on the systematic crimes committed by Russian occupation forces against the Ukrainian population in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including forced passportization and Russification aimed at the violent assimilation of Ukrainians. 1 389 6 Previously in trend: Forced assimilation of Ukrainians

children Two groups of Ukrainian children returned from temporarily occupied territories. PHOTO As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, two groups of children and young people have been returned from temporarily occupied territories. 947 2 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Return of children from occupation Three Ukrainian children and young man were returned from Russian Federation. PHOTO Three more children and a young man have been returned to Ukraine as part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine, Bring Kids Back UA. 1 153 9 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Three children returned from Russia and TOT What is known Two teenagers and 8-year-old girl were returned from temporarily occupied territories and Russia. PHOTOS Three more Ukrainian children have been returned from the temporarily occupied territories and from Russia. 1 104 4 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

transfer of Russian equipment Occupiers move equipment to Novopavlivka and Pokrovsk directions – Andriushchenko. PHOTOS On Friday, July 25, Russian equipment movements were recorded on the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region, heading toward the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions. 2 928 1 Previously in trend: Hostilities in the Novopavlivka direction Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction

Russian captain Solovov sentenced to 12 years He held 369 civilians hostage during occupation of Chernihiv region: Russian captain Solovov sentenced in absentia to 12 years. PHOTO Another ruscist who committed war crimes during the occupation of part of the Chernihiv region was sentenced to 12 years in prison in absentia. 1 176 3 Previously in trend: War crimes of Russia

Russians have occupied two settlements in the Kharkiv region Russians have occupied Milove and Stroivka in Kharkiv region, - DeepState. MAP Russian troops managed to occupy two settlements in the Kharkiv region. 6 881 21 Previously in trend: Update of DeepState map

The young man was returned to Ukraine 17-year-old boy returned from Russia to Ukraine: he is now with his family. PHOTO As part of the President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA initiative, a 17-year-old boy who was separated from his family by the war back in 2022 was returned. 1 950 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Russians occupied two more villages in Sumy region Russians have occupied Andriivka and Vodolahy in Sumy region, - DeepState. MAP Russians managed to occupy two more villages in Sumy region. 12 402 34 Previously in trend: Update of DeepState map

Natalka Cmoc got a tattoo in support of Ukrainian women in the temporarily occupied territories Canadian Ambassador Cmoc gets tattoo in support of Ukrainian women’s resistance under occupation. PHOTO Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc, got a tattoo on her arm in solidarity with "Zla Mavka" (Evil Mavka) — a Ukrainian women’s resistance movement operating in the temporarily occupied territories. 5 817 20 Previously in trend: Resistance movement in TOT

Mariupol Journalists from France and Netherlands are currently in Mariupol - Andriuschenko Journalists from two European countries are in occupied Mariupol. 3 107 8 Previously in trend: Journalists in the occupied territories

enemy has occupied Oleksandropil Russians occupied Oleksandropil, - DeepState. MAP Russian troops managed to occupy Oleksandropil in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk region. 16 910 20 Previously in trend: Updated DeepState maps

lubinets, return Another 45 Ukrainians returned from temporarily occupied territory, oldest is 93 years old - Lubinets. PHOTOS Thanks to the coordinated work of the Ombudsman's Office, government agencies, humanitarian organisations and international partners, 45 Ukrainian citizens were safely returned from the TOT, as well as from the territories of the Russian Federation and Belarus. 2 572 8 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

woman with Ukrainian flag in occupied Mariupol Woman with Ukrainian flag took to street of occupied Mariupol. VIDEO&PHOTOS In the temporarily occupied Mariupol, a woman went out into the street wrapped in a Ukrainian flag. 102 488 60 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Return of children from occupation and Russia Another 11 children returned from occupation and Russia – Lubinets. PHOTOS We managed to return 9 children from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, and two more from Russia. 443 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Children returned to Ukraine from occupation and Russia 11 children were managed to return to Ukraine from occupation and Russia, - Lubinets. PHOTOS Following citizens' appeals to the Ombudsman's Office and as part of reintegration measures, they facilitated the return of 9 children from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine and two more from the territory of the Russian Federation. The return was carried out within the framework of the approved action plan of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA. 898 0 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Fire in area of training ground in Berdiansk Large-scale fire in occupied Berdiansk near training ground, Russians say "reeds" are burning. VIDEO+PHOTOS A huge fire has broken out near the occupation military training ground in Novopetrivka near Berdiansk. Russians claim that reeds are on fire. 9 184 15 Previously in trend: Fire near training ground in Berdiansk

Volyn region: SSU detains traitor who worked for occupants in Nova Kakhovka He headed "Russian police" in occupied Nova Kakhovka: SSU detains traitor in Volyn region. PHOTO A traitor was detained who, in the first months of Russia's full-scale invasion, headed the occupation "police" in Nova Kakhovka. 6 655 13 Previously in trend: Disclosure of collaborators

occupiers were served with a notice of suspicion Two Russian soldiers who threatened to shoot civilians during occupation of Bucha will be tried - National Police. PHOTO National Police investigators sent to court an indictment against two occupiers who threatened civilians with executions. 1 918 5 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Russians occupied Novoocheretuvate Russian troops occupied Novoocheretuvate - DeepState. MAPS Russians managed to capture Novoocheretuvate in Volnovakha district of Donetsk region. 9 201 33

return of children from TOT Eight more children returned from temporarily occupied territories. PHOTOS On 14 February, eight more children were returned from the territories temporarily occupied by Russia to Ukraine-controlled territory. 850 2

Enemy occupied Velyka Novosilka Russians have occupied Velyka Novosilka, - DeepState. MAPS Russian troops captured Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk region and advanced near four other settlements. 16 295 45

Russian advance in Kurakhove direction Russian troops occupied Pishchane, Slovianka, and Yasenove - DeepState. MAP Russian troops managed to occupy three settlements in the Donetsk region. 15 754 68 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

Russian advance in Kurakhove area Russians occupied Yantarne and advanced near 5 settlements - DeepState. MAP Russian troops occupied the village of Yantarne in the Pokrovsk district of the Donetsk region and advanced near 5 other settlements. 8 525 22 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War

The advancement of Russians Defense Forces regain position in Shevchenko, enemy occupies Zelene near Pokrovsk - DeepState. MAP The Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to regain the position in Shevchenko, while enemy troops occupied Zelene, south of Pokrovsk. 9 244 2

17 Ukrainians returned from occupation Another 17 Ukrainians returned from occupation - Lubinets. PHOTOS Thanks to the efforts of state authorities, the Ombudsman's Office staff, volunteers and international partners, 17 more Ukrainian citizens were returned from the occupation. 1 435 2

Russians advance in Kursk region Russians occupied 6 settlements at once: Petropavlivka, Vozdvyzhenka, Solone, Novoivanivka, Leonidovo and Oleksandriia - DeepState. MAPS Russian troops seized 6 settlements in Donetsk and Kursk regions. 24 670 114

Ukraine rescued three children from occupied territories Three children evacuated from TOT: 17-year-old boy, who was persecuted by occupiers, and two toddlers. PHOTO As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, a 17-year-old boy who was persecuted for helping the Ukrainian armed forces and two young brothers separated from their mother were evacuated from the temporarily occupied territories. 1 836 3 Previously in trend: War

Russians captured Lozova Enemy troops captured Lozova, Ivanivka and Shevchenko - DeepState. MAP The enemy managed to capture three settlements at once: Lozova in Kharkiv region, and Shevchenko and Ivanivka in Donetsk region. 24 896 39

Russian advance north of Kurakhove Enemy occupied Ukrainka and advanced near 7 settlements in Donetsk region - DeepState. MAP Enemy troops occupied the village of Ukrainka in the Donetsk region. 12 812 31 Previously in trend: War

Ukraine returns son of servicewoman Bring Kids Back UA initiative succeeds in returning home son of Ukrainian servicewoman who remained in occupation for last three years - OP. PHOTO As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, we managed to return the son of a Ukrainian servicewoman who spent three years in occupation in the Luhansk region. 2 165 3 Previously in trend: War

Russians are approaching Kurakhove Russians occupied Novoselydivka and Petrivka and advanced near 12 settlements - DeepState. MAP Russian troops managed to occupy Novoselydivka and Petrivka. They also advanced in the vicinity of 12 settlements. 13 074 48 Previously in trend: War

Просування росіян на Курахівському напрямку Russians occupy Katerynivka and Yuriivka near Kurakhove - DeepState. MAP Russian troops managed to occupy Katerynivka and Yuriivka in the Donetsk region. 12 179 31 Previously in trend: War

Торецьк Russians occupy Dalne and advance to Toretsk and Kurakhove - DeepState. MAP Russian troops managed to capture the village of Dalne in Donetsk region. 7 982 25 Previously in trend: War

Руйнування в Кураховому Russians occupied Nova Illinka near Kurakhove - DeepState. MAP Enemy troops captured Nova Illinka and advanced towards Kurakhove in Donetsk region. 6 356 17 Previously in trend: War

Просування росіян в районі Курахового Russian army captures Rivnopil and continues to advance to Kurakhove - DeepState. MAP Russians occupied Rivnopil and advanced near a number of settlements in the Kurakhove area. 20 438 47 Previously in trend: War

5 українців повернули з окупації 5 Ukrainians returned from occupied territories - Lubinets. PHOTOS Five Ukrainians who were in occupation were returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine. 1 089 2 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas