Russian Troops Advancing Fast Along Ukrainian Frontline

Russian troops have pushed Ukrainian forces out of almost 4,500 square kilometers (1,737 square miles) of territory this year and are advancing an average 30 square kilometers (11.5 square miles) per day, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said Monday.

Some 427,000 servicemen have signed contracts with the army this year, Belousov told a meeting of defense officials and President Vladimir Putin.

Military spending had reached 6.3% of gross domestic product, he said, a figure in line with Russia's budget proposals.