MOSCOW, Russia: Russia announced advances in eastern Ukraine, capturing the village of Izmailivka, located near the strategic industrial town of Kurakhove.
This recent gain reflects Moscow’s incremental progress along the frontline as it pushes to consolidate control over eastern territories.
The capture of Izmailivka, which lies close to other key positions, is part of Russia’s broader effort to encircle Ukrainian-held areas around Kurakhove, AFP reports.
Amid these ground advances, drone warfare has intensified. Russia claimed to have intercepted 109 Ukrainian drones over several of its regions, including Bryansk and Belgorod, both bordering Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry also reported drone interceptions farther south, including in Kursk and Tambov. Russian officials attributed these drone attacks to Kyiv’s response to Moscow’s ongoing strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin reiterated a warning against Western nations potentially allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike Russian territory.
He suggested that Moscow would respond decisively if Ukraine received such capabilities, a plea Ukraine has echoed to its Western allies, arguing that these weapons would pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
The US and Britain have signaled potential support but have yet to authorize these long-range arms amid heightened tension.
