After four years of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the geography of control has evolved into a more complex scenario than initially anticipated. Moscow, which had anticipated a quick resolution, now finds itself in a prolonged and exhausting conflict, while Kyiv continues to fight despite the significant human and economic costs. According to an interactive map presented by Al Jazeera, based on data from the Institute for the Study of War, Russia controls approximately 19-19.4% of Ukrainian territory, including the annexed Crimean Peninsula since 2014.

The control map indicates strong Russian presence in the Donbas region, with nearly 99% of Luhansk and around 80% of Donetsk under its control, while battling continues in various sectors. Despite similar territorial gains, the situation remains fluid, with some battlefronts in Donetsk still active even four years into the conflict. This raises questions about why Russia has struggled to secure definitive victories in these strategic areas.

By 2025, Russia reportedly advanced its territorial control in Ukraine by nearly 4,300 square kilometers, bringing the total area under Moscow's control to approximately 116,000 square kilometers. This ongoing territorial contest emphasizes the intricate and evolving nature of the war in Ukraine, suggesting a potentially protracted conflict ahead.