Moscow announced on Saturday that its forces had seized two additional villages in eastern Ukraine, as Kyiv reported multiple casualties from Russian strikes. According to the Russian defense ministry, its troops have captured the villages of Sudne and Burlatske in the southern part of the Donetsk region. These villages are located near Velyka Novossilka, which the Russian army took control of at the end of January.
This latest advance signals continued Russian efforts to gain ground in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, which has been the site of intense battles since the start of the invasion. The situation on the front lines remains volatile, with Ukraine’s military struggling to hold strategic locations amid relentless Russian offensives.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 154 drones overnight. Of these, Ukrainian forces successfully downed 103 drones, while 51 disappeared from radar. Officials stated that the drone attack did not cause significant damage or casualties. However, local Ukrainian authorities confirmed that at least one person had died and 19 others were injured in Russian strikes across different regions.
In the southern Odesa region, prosecutors confirmed one fatality and three injuries due to Russian attacks. The northeastern Kharkiv region also witnessed heavy shelling, resulting in 12 people sustaining injuries. The southern Kherson region saw two additional injuries, while the rail and mining hub of Pokrovsk was also hit. Russian forces are reportedly making gains in this area, raising concerns about its strategic importance as a key logistical hub for Ukrainian troops.
Pokrovsk’s vulnerability underscores Ukraine’s broader challenges in maintaining its supply lines and troop reinforcements in the eastern front. The city plays a crucial role in logistics and military transport, and its capture by Russian forces would be a significant setback for Ukraine’s defense strategy.
As the war grinds on, Ukrainian officials continue to call for increased military support from Western allies to counter Russia’s advances. With Moscow showing no signs of slowing its offensive, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to fortify its defenses and respond to the growing challenges on the battlefield.
