Russia claims to have seized 2 villages in Ukraine’s Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia regions

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia claimed on Thursday that its forces have captured two more villages in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and southeastern Zaporizhzhia regions.

According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, its forces have taken control of the village of Vesele, which is located about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) northwest of the strategic town of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region.

Earlier, Russia claimed to have seized the strategic town on Jan. 27, which lies about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the junction of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

According to the statement, its forces also captured the village of Lobkove, located about 42 kilometers (26 miles) southeast of Zaporizhzhia city.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff claimed in an earlier statement on Telegram that its forces repelled 13 Russian assaults near five settlements along the Novopavlivka front, including Vesele.

However, Kyiv has yet to comment on the latest Russian Defense Ministry claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing war.