Russian Troops Secure Strategic Villages Amidst Escalating Tensions

Russian forces have taken control of Sopych in Ukraine's Sumy region and Kalenyky in Donetsk, intensifying the ongoing conflict. Conflicting claims continue between Russia and Ukraine regarding territorial advances. President Zelenskiy asserts Ukrainian forces disrupted a planned Russian offensive while Russia reports intercepting 35 drones over Krasnodar.

Russian troops have captured the villages of Sopych in Ukraine's northern Sumy region and Kalenyky in the eastern Donetsk region, according to the Russian Defence Ministry's announcement on Tuesday.

This development follows conflicting reports from Moscow and Kyiv about who is making advances along the 1,250 km frontline of the protracted conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Monday that Ukrainian forces disrupted a Russian offensive plan, while the Russian Defence Ministry claimed their air defense intercepted 35 Ukrainian drones over the Krasnodar region.

(With inputs from agencies.)