Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday that its forces have captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, continuing a string of claimed territorial gains. According to the ministry’s statement, Russian troops have taken control of Stepova Novoselivka in the Kharkiv region and Novopokrovske in the Donetsk region.
This announcement marks the second consecutive day that Moscow has reported new territorial acquisitions. However, Ukrainian military officials have partly refuted these claims. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, in its evening report, asserted that Ukrainian troops had successfully repelled 17 attacks in the Kupiansk sector near Kharkiv, including those near Stepova Novoselivka. Intense fighting is reportedly ongoing near Synkivka, located further west.
Russia has steadily announced incremental advancements since the capture of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region in February. Both Donetsk and Kharkiv regions remain critical hotspots along the extensive 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line in Ukraine’s east and south.
The Ukrainian military has also reported repelling Russian attacks near Novooleksandrivka and Spirne in the Donetsk region, a day after Russian forces claimed to have seized control of these areas. The evening update indicated that fierce battles continue near these localities.
The report highlighted the Pokrovsk front as the site of the most intense fighting, with Ukrainian forces having repelled 44 Russian assaults in the last 24 hours and 14 clashes still ongoing. Additionally, the Ukrainian military noted a sustained Russian military presence across the border from Ukraine’s northern Chernihiv and Sumy regions. Moscow’s forces are reportedly increasing the density of minefields and engaging in sabotage activities in these areas.
These developments are being closely monitored for any indications that Russia may be planning to open a new front to exert additional pressure on Ukraine’s defenders. In May, Russia launched an assault into the northeastern region of Kharkiv, expanding the conflict that has now lasted for 28 months.
Despite these aggressive maneuvers, Kyiv’s latest report confirmed that Ukrainian troops continue to hold the contested areas, having turned back 11 Russian assaults near three towns, including Vovchansk, situated just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the border.
Sources By Agencies
