Russia Extends Eastern Ukraine Advance with New Village Captures
Russian military forces have successfully taken control of three additional villages in eastern Ukraine, marking another step in their gradual but persistent advancement along the sprawling frontline. The development continues Moscow's pattern of territorial gains amid its ongoing military operation.
Latest Territorial Gains Confirmed
According to an official statement from the Russian defence ministry released on Monday, troops have seized the villages of Slodkie and Nove in the Zaporizhzhia region, along with Gnativka in Donetsk. These captures represent the latest in a series of Russian advances that leverage Moscow's current advantages in both manpower and military equipment across the extensive eastern front.
This announcement follows recent Russian claims of capturing two other villages just weeks earlier. Those previous gains included Ivanivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region and Pavlivka in Zaporizhzhia. Moscow considers Zaporizhzhia among the four territories it unilaterally declared as part of Russia, despite international recognition remaining contested.
Strategic Crossings and Previous Reclaims
Russian media outlets reported additional strategic movements last month, indicating that paratroopers and other military units had successfully crossed the Dnipro River to take control of Karantynnyi Island near the southern city of Kherson. This area holds particular significance as Russian forces initially captured it during the early stages of their February 2022 invasion but subsequently lost control to Ukrainian counteroffensive operations.
Earlier military announcements from Moscow had detailed the capture of Pishchane and Tykhe in Kharkiv, alongside Pryvillia in Dnipropetrovsk. These territories had previously been reclaimed by Kyiv's forces during their surprise counteroffensive three years ago, making their recent recapture by Russian troops particularly noteworthy in the ongoing conflict dynamics.
The consistent pattern of village captures demonstrates Russia's methodical approach to securing territory in eastern Ukraine, despite facing determined Ukrainian resistance and ongoing international support for Kyiv's military efforts.
