MOSCOW 

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on Saturday that Russian forces took over another settlement in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

The ministry said the village of Oleksandropil fell under Russia's control as a result of an operation carried out by its Yug (South) group of forces.

Other Russian units improved their positions, destroying and taking Western-made weapons and military equipment as trophies, the ministry reported.

Ukraine has yet to comment on Russia's claims, and independent verification is challenging due to ongoing combat activities.

The eastern Donetsk region, bordering Russia, has faced a Russian-supported insurgency since before the Ukraine war began, in February 2022.