Gerasimov claimed Russia seized 1,700 km² in 2026 and controls 70% of Lyman, but ISW’s evidence shows gains of only about one fifth of that area, none of the city, and territorial losses since 1 March.
Moscow's Security Council chief demanded Helsinki thank the Bolshevik leader for recognizing Finnish independence while issuing implicit threats about 20th-century conflicts not being in Finland's "favor."