MOSCOW: Russia on Sunday claimed its forces had captured another village in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, the latest territorial gain for its advancing troops.
In a daily briefing posted on social media, Russia’s defence ministry reported that its troops had “liberated the village of Chigari” in the Donetsk region. This development follows Moscow’s assertion on Saturday of capturing another small village in the same area, which Ukrainian officials have identified as a focal point of intense fighting along the front lines.
Since the beginning of the year, Russia has steadily advanced its positions, starting with the capture of the industrial hub Avdiivka in February. The conflict has entered a prolonged and attritional phase, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in fierce battles without achieving a decisive breakthrough. Both sides claim to have inflicted heavy casualties on each other.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his demand on Friday for Ukraine to completely withdraw from the Donetsk region, along with three other regions in southern and eastern Ukraine, as a precondition for achieving peace. However, Ukraine has steadfastly rejected such demands, asserting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The United States and its European allies have imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia, accusing Moscow of aggression and violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
