Russia claims it took control of 2 more settlements in Ukraine's Donetsk region

A Defense Ministry statement said Russian forces captured the village of Mykolaivka, located about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) east of the city of Pokrovsk, a major front in Russia's offensive in Donetsk, where Moscow has frequently reported gains in recent months.

Pokrovsk serves as a key logistics hub for Ukraine’s army in the region, which borders Russia.

The statement further claimed that Russian forces also captured the village of Serebrianka, just over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of the city of Siversk.

Siversk holds strategic importance for Russia, as control of this area could facilitate a broader offensive toward Kramatorsk, which Ukraine has designated as the region's provisional seat since Russia seized control of the Donetsk city in 2014.

Ukrainian authorities have yet to comment on Russia's claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the ongoing conflict.