ISTANBUL

Russia claimed on Monday that its forces took control of two more settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

A statement by the Defense Ministry said its forces captured the village of Belhiika, about five kilometers (3.1 miles) south of the city of Pokrovsk, a key front in ongoing clashes in the Donetsk region.

Moscow has repeatedly claimed territorial gains in recent months, particularly in Donetsk, where heavy fighting has intensified around Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk serves as a critical logistics hub for Ukraine’s military operations in the region.

The Defense Ministry also said that its forces took control of the village of Boikivka, about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) northeast of Pokrovsk.

Ukrainian authorities did immediately comment on the claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing war, now in its fourth year.