Russia claims to have taken control of 2 more settlements in eastern Ukraine

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia on Wednesday claimed that its forces had taken control of two more settlements in its ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine.

A Russian Defense Ministry statement claimed that its forces captured the village of Novomlynsk, located about 21 kilometers (13 miles) northeast of the city of Kupiansk, a major front in Moscow's offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

The statement also claimed the capture of the village of Baranivka, located about 26 km (16.1 mi) east of the city of Pokrovsk, a key front in Moscow's offensive in the Donetsk region.

Russia has frequently claimed territorial gains in recent months, particularly in the Donetsk region, where fighting has intensified around Pokrovsk.

The city serves as a critical logistics hub for Ukraine's military in the region, which shares a border with Russia.

Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on Russia's claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the war, which will be three years old later this month.