Russia claims to have taken control of 2 villages in Ukraine

​​​​​​​By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Thursday that it captured two villages in eastern Ukraine.

It said Razine in the Donetsk region and Milove were captured as a result of an operation by the Tsentr (Center) group of forces

Russian forces also carried out a strike using aviation, drones, artillery and missiles, targeting Ukraine’s military industry enterprises, assembly shops for drones and storage sites, a parking lot for US-made multiple launch rocket systems, HIMARS, as well as temporary deployment points for Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries in 137 districts.

Russian air defense systems shot down eight guided aviation bombs and 169 drones in the last 24 hours, it said.

Ukraine has yet to comment on the claims, and independent verification is challenging due to the armed conflict.