Zelensky said Ukraine had delayed launching the operation because its military was not sufficiently prepared a year ago. “It's not finished yet,” he said, putting the territory recaptured at about 125 to 140 square kilometers. On Sept. 30, he had reported total gains of 176 square kilometers over three phases and discussed plans for a fourth.
The Institute for the Study of War assessed that Russian forces lost control of a net 293.59 square kilometers across the front between March and September, after adjusting for Vivaldi gains made before their disclosure in September. The institute said Ukraine's secrecy surrounding the operation complicates monthly comparisons of territorial gains and losses.