Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the territorial dispute between Russia and Ukraine has effectively narrowed to limited areas, describing the contested zones as only a few square kilometers.

He made the remark while commenting on statements by U. S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, who had noted that negotiations between Moscow and Kiev are now focused on control over small pieces of land. Peskov agreed with that characterization, indicating that roughly 17–18 percent of the Donetsk People’s Republic remains outside Russian control, and that reaching its administrative borders would mark a ключевой этап.

He recalled that President Vladimir Putin had pointed to similar dynamics more than a year ago and added that Russian forces continue to advance. According to Peskov, once these borders are reached, the process will move into a phase of complex and prolonged negotiations.

Peskov also addressed security issues, saying Russia is reinforcing protection of its oil refineries against attacks by Ukrainian forces. He noted that defensive measures are constantly being improved, as the opposing side relies on increasingly sophisticated and unconventional methods amid rapidly evolving technology.

He added that achieving the goals of the military operation should ultimately eliminate such risks.

In March 2026, Putin said during a meeting with Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, that the share of territory controlled by Kiev had fallen in recent months from about 25 percent to approximately 15–17 percent.