Russian forces said on Friday that they had captured two villages in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, adding to pressure along one of the war’s most active fronts. The claim could not be independently verified, and Kyiv has not confirmed the losses.

Ukrainian military officials said their troops repelled a series of attacks near the front line, underscoring how control of several positions remains contested. The fighting comes as both sides seek advantages in a grinding conflict that has devastated civilian areas across eastern Ukraine.

Donetsk has remained a focal point of Russian assaults since the full-scale invasion began, with villages and small settlements frequently changing hands or coming under heavy fire. Even when advances are limited, the battles often bring fresh displacement, damage to homes, and further strain on local communities.

As the war continues, battlefield claims from both sides remain difficult to verify in real time. Independent reporting and official battlefield assessments will be key to determining the scope of any territorial changes.