Russia Claims New Frontline Gains, Ukraine Disputes Them

Russia says its troops have seized two more villages in Ukraine, while Kyiv and Ukrainian military analysts have disputed the claim.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said its forces had taken Hraniv in the Kharkiv region and Vozdvyzhivka in the Zaporizhzhia region as part of continuing offensive operations along several sections of the front.

Ukraine’s 14th Army Corps said Hraniv remained under Ukrainian control and that Russian attacks were being repelled with heavy enemy losses. Ukrainian outlet Liga.net and RBC-Ukraine also reported the denial by the 14th Army Corps.

In Vozdvyzhivka, the Ukrainian military analysis project DeepState said a small group of Russian soldiers had entered the village but was later pushed back or destroyed. Censor.NET reported DeepState’s denial that the village had been occupied.

Moscow has regularly reported the capture of smaller settlements in recent months, particularly in Donbas and border regions. Ukraine, meanwhile, says the pace of Russia’s advance has slowed and that its army is in a stronger position than a few months ago.

(reuters, mja)