Russia’s Ministry of defence stated on Wednesday it had captured a series of villages in eastern Ukraine, as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive. The claimed gains include settlements near Bakhmut, Lyman, and Kreminna, areas witnessing intense fighting for months.
The Russian advance,if confirmed,represents a potential setback for Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to reclaim territory occupied as the full-scale invasion began in february 2022. Control of these villages could allow Russia to consolidate its defensive lines and complicate Ukraine’s attempts to push further east, potentially prolonging the conflict and impacting future supply routes.The fighting underscores the grinding nature of the war, with both sides locked in a battle of attrition despite Ukraine receiving substantial military aid from Western allies.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, its forces took control of Blahodatne, Lohvynove, and nadiya in the Bakhmut sector, as well as Klishchiivka and Andriivka near the city of Lyman. They also reported seizing villages near Kreminna, including Chervonopopivka and Zherebiane. These claims have not been independently verified by Reuters.
ukrainian military officials have not yet commented on the reported Russian advances, but have acknowledged heavy fighting in the eastern regions. Earlier this week, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar stated Ukrainian forces were making “slow but sure” progress in the Bakhmut area, facing fierce resistance.
The battle for eastern Ukraine has been particularly brutal, with Bakhmut becoming a focal point of intense fighting for over a year. Russia fully captured Bakhmut in May after months of relentless assaults, but Ukraine continues to attempt to encircle the city and disrupt Russian logistics. The region’s strategic importance lies in its proximity to key transportation hubs and its potential to serve as a launching pad for further offensives.
