Analysts from the prestigious American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) thoroughly examined the statements of Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and found that the figures in them do not correspond to reality. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
In the daily analytical report published on August 31, it was noted that Gerasimov exaggerated the achievements of the Russian army during the spring-summer campaign in Ukraine. Since March 2025, Gerasimov stated that Russian forces had occupied 149 populated areas and more than 3,500 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine.
However, after analyzing photos and videos from the front, ISW reported that the Russian army actually controls 2,346 square kilometers and approximately 130 populated areas. Additionally, Gerasimov claimed that 79 percent of Donetsk region, 76 percent of Kherson region, and 74 percent of Zaporizhzhia region were under Russian control.
ISW provided more precise figures: 76.7 percent in Donetsk, 73.2 percent in Kherson, and 73 percent in Zaporizhzhia region. Only the figures for Luhansk region were close, with both sides reporting 99.7 percent.
The ISW report emphasized that the Kremlin is attempting to exert psychological influence on Western countries through such statements, aiming to create the impression that Russia is advancing quickly and successfully on the front. The report states that the Kremlin seeks to promote the idea among Western politicians and the public that Russia’s military objectives are being achieved, Ukraine should comply with Russia’s demands, and that the West should cease supporting Kyiv.
Thus, the ISW analysis once again demonstrated the necessity of viewing the figures in statements by Russian officials with skepticism. Experts stressed that behind every number provided by Moscow there may be propaganda or political motives.
