Russian Forces Capture Strategic Settlement in Ukraine's Donetsk Region

Russia's defence ministry announced the capture of Lozuvatske in the Pokrovsk sector of Ukraine's Donetsk region. This area has seen intense fighting, with Ukrainian forces noting heavy combat. Russian forces have been steadily advancing, marked by recent progress since taking Avdiivka.

Russia's defence ministry announced on Saturday that its forces have taken control of Lozuvatske in Ukraine's contested Donetsk region. This area has seen some of the most heated frontline battles in the 29-month-old conflict.

While Ukraine's General Staff did not mention Lozuvatske, they reported intense fighting in the surrounding area. Unofficial military bloggers noted the loss of at least two other localities. Russia has been making steady advances in the Donetsk region, achieving incremental gains since capturing Avdiivka in February.

The Russian defence ministry added that its center grouping captured Lozuvatske and launched strikes on nearby localities, repelling three Ukrainian counter-attacks. Ukrainian forces have reported repelling 17 attacks in the area, with ongoing clashes. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the sector with his top commander amid the fierce combat.

Unofficial reports from DeepState mentioned the fall of two villages, Prohres and Vovche, but official Ukrainian sources have not acknowledged these losses.

(With inputs from agencies.)