Russia Announces Capture Of Another Village In Ukraine’s Donetsk Region

Russia has declared that its troops have seized another settlement in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, intensifying their push deeper into contested territory. According to Moscow, its forces captured the villages of Sredneye and Kleban-Byk, describing the advance as part of a wider effort to move toward the strategic town of Kostiantynivka, a major Ukrainian logistics hub.

Ukrainian authorities, however, rejected Russia’s claims, stating that their forces had instead regained control of Zeleny Gai, another frontline village. Kyiv insisted that heavy fighting continues in multiple parts of Donetsk, and the situation remains fluid, with both sides trading conflicting reports that could not be independently verified.

The developments highlight the intensifying battle for Donetsk, where Russian troops have been gradually pressing forward while Ukraine seeks to hold defensive lines. Analysts believe the fight for control of towns and villages in the area could determine supply routes and military positioning in the months ahead.

Diplomatic efforts have been ongoing in parallel with the fighting, with discussions around potential peace talks gaining momentum. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued to call for international backing, while Russia has signaled openness to negotiations under its own conditions. Despite these gestures, there has been little tangible progress toward ending the war.

The new claims come as Ukraine marks its Independence Day, with President Zelenskyy vowing that the country will “push Russia to peace” through both military resistance and diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Moscow maintains that its advances demonstrate the inevitability of its long-term objectives in the region.