Russia claims it captured 4 settlements in Ukraine over past week

MOSCOW

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Friday that its forces had captured four settlements in Ukraine's Donetsk region over the past week.

According to a ministry statement, the Southern Group of Forces seized control of the settlements of Kalynove and Valentynivka, while the Tsentr (Center) Group of Forces took Yelyzavetivka and Preobrazhenka.

The ministry also reported conducting nine coordinated strikes over the past week using precision-guided weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles, targeting Ukrainian defense industry facilities, military airfield infrastructure, weapons and ammunition depots, missile stockpiles, drone and naval drone bases, as well as training centers for drone operators and temporary encampments of Ukrainian forces and foreign fighters.

On Friday morning, Russia launched a "group strike" using long-range precision weapons and drones, aimed at production facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles and key airfield infrastructure in Ukraine, it said.

"The objectives of the strike have been achieved. All designated targets were hit," the ministry noted.

Ukraine has not commented on the claims, and independent verification remains difficult due to the ongoing hostilities.