Russia claims control of two more settlements in eastern Ukraine

MOSCOW — Russia announced on Saturday that its forces have taken control of two additional settlements in Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, marking further territorial advances.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces captured Pershotravneve in the Kharkiv region and Kurakhivka in the Donetsk region.

The ministry also reported improvements along the entire frontline, asserting that Russian forces have destroyed and seized Ukrainian military equipment.

“Since the beginning of the special military operation, a total of 647 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,169 drones, 585 air defense systems, 19,023 tanks and other armored vehicles, 1,484 multiple rocket launchers, 17,176 field artillery and mortars, and 27,930 special military vehicles have been destroyed,” the ministry said.

Ukrainian authorities have yet to comment on Russia’s claims, and independent verification remains challenging amid the ongoing conflict. — Agencies