The Russian military has liberated 133 settlements since the beginning of 2026.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have liberated 133 settlements in the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as in Novorossiya. This was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 3.

"Since the beginning of this year, Russian troops have liberated 133 settlements and taken control of more than 3,000 square kilometers of our land in Donbas and Novorossiya," he said at a meeting.

Putin noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces militants are trying to hold their positions, but are forced to retreat with heavy losses under the onslaught of the Russian Armed Forces.

The news is being updated