By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Saturday that its forces captured the village of Yablunivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
The ministry said in a statement that the operation was carried out by the Tsentr (Center) group of forces.
Ukraine responded with air raids, the ministry said, adding that overnight, Russian air defense systems shot down a Su-27 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, two guided aerial bombs, two rocket projectiles from the US-made HIMARS rockets, and 457 drones.
In a separate statement, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviation) said six Russian airports were forced to halt operations due to Ukraine's drone attacks.
Ukraine has yet to comment on the claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing armed conflict.