Russia Claims Capture of Two Ukrainian Villages

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that its forces had taken control of Rozkishne in the Donetsk region and Ochrimivka in the neighboring Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian military has not confirmed the claim.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported Russian attacks near Ochrimivka, but did not say the village had fallen.

Ukraine is also under pressure near Kostiantynivka, which has long resisted Russian attacks. Ukrainian sources describe the situation on this part of the front as difficult. Hromadske quoted Serhiy Jare, a commander in the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade, as saying the town’s defenders were partially surrounded after a Russian advance from the east.

Moscow said it used reconnaissance operations, artillery and drones to capture the two villages. Ochrimivka lies near the Russian border, where Russia has long sought to establish a buffer zone.

Ukrainian officials say the Russian advance is slowing because of intensified strikes on targets deep in the Russian rear, particularly oil infrastructure.

(reuters, bak)