Fact Check: Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Fact Check: "Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory."

What We Know

The claim that "Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory" refers to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated significantly after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent military actions in Eastern Ukraine. As of October 2023, estimates suggest that Russia occupies various territories in Ukraine, including parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. According to Britannica, the conflict has resulted in significant territorial changes, with Russia asserting control over several areas.

Reports from various sources indicate that the extent of Russian control fluctuates due to ongoing military operations and counter-offensives by Ukrainian forces. While some estimates suggest that the total area under Russian control may be around 20% of Ukraine's total land area, these figures can vary based on the source and the timing of the assessment. For instance, the Ukrainian government has consistently disputed the accuracy of Russian territorial claims and emphasizes the ongoing efforts to reclaim occupied lands.

Analysis

Evaluating the claim requires a careful examination of the available data and the reliability of the sources. The assertion that Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory is supported by several military analysts and geopolitical experts who track the conflict closely. However, the exact percentage can be contentious and subject to change due to the dynamic nature of the conflict.

The reliability of sources reporting on this topic varies. For example, Britannica is generally considered a credible source for historical and geographical information, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation. In contrast, other sources may present more biased perspectives depending on their geopolitical affiliations or interests.

Additionally, the situation on the ground is fluid, with ongoing military engagements that can alter territorial control rapidly. This makes it challenging to provide a definitive percentage that accurately reflects the current state of control at any given moment.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim that "Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory" is unverified due to the lack of consensus among sources and the fluid nature of the conflict. While there are indications that Russia occupies a significant portion of Ukrainian land, the exact percentage remains contested and subject to change. Therefore, without a reliable and consistent source confirming this figure, it remains unverified.

Fact Check: Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.