Russia said its forces had captured two more villages in Ukraine, but Ukrainian military officials and analysts rejected the claims, insisting the areas remained under Kyiv’s control.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that its troops had taken Hraniv in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region and Vozdvyzhivka in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.
The villages are located in areas that have seen heavy fighting in recent months as Russian forces continue operations along the frontline.
Ukraine’s 14th Army dismissed Moscow’s statement on Hraniv, saying the village remained under Ukrainian control.
“Units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine are reliably holding designated defensive lines, effectively repelling enemy offensive actions, and inflicting significant losses on them in personnel and equipment.”
Ukrainian military blog DeepState also disputed Russia’s claim regarding Vozdvyzhivka.
It said Russian troops had briefly entered the village earlier this month but were later pushed out or killed.
“A group of Russian servicemen had briefly entered the village earlier this month but had been evicted or killed.”
On Tuesday, Ukraine’s 14th Army also rejected Russian claims that Moscow’s forces had seized one of two villages in the Sumy border region.
Russia has said it wants to create a buffer zone in parts of northeastern Ukraine bordering Russian territory.
Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory and has continued a prolonged campaign aimed at taking full control of the eastern Donetsk region.
Russian authorities regularly announce the capture of villages along the approximately 1,250-kilometre frontline.
However, Ukrainian officials say Russia’s advances have slowed in recent weeks and insist Kyiv’s forces are now in a stronger defensive position.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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