(ANSA-AFP) - PARIS, FEB 24 - The Russian army seized more territory during the fourth year of the Ukraine war than in the preceding two years combined, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Since February 24, 2025 -- the third anniversary of Russia's invasion -- Moscow's troops have taken 4,524 square kilometres (1,750 square miles), an area slightly larger than the US state of Rhode Island, according to data from the ISW. This is in addition to 731 square kilometres claimed by Russia that is neither confirmed nor refuted by the ISW, which works with the Critical Threats Project (part of the American Enterprise Institute, or AEI), another US think-tank specialising in conflict. The second year of the conflict was relatively stable in terms of land gains, while the third year saw Russia take 4,143 square kilometres. Of the area gained during the fourth year, more than half was territory where Moscow has taken full control. The remaining area consists of territories where the Russian army has advanced but does not exercise complete control. The gains represent 0.8 percent of Ukraine's territory. Moscow now occupies slightly more than 19 percent of Ukraine, the majority acquired during the first weeks of the conflict. (ANSA-AFP).