By Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia claimed on Monday that its forces have taken control of another settlement in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, where Moscow is continuing its advance.
According to a Russian Defense Ministry statement, its forces have captured the village of Novoolenivka, located about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) southwest of the city of Pokrovsk, a key front in Moscow's offensive in the 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.
Earlier, Ukraine’s General Staff claimed that the army had prevented 43 Russian assaults near several settlements along the Pokrovsk front, including Novoolenivka.
However, Ukrainian authorities have yet to comment on Russia’s recent claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the ongoing war.