ISTANBUL

Russia claimed on Wednesday that it took control of another settlement in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

The Russian forces captured the village of Kalynove, located about 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) east of the city of Pokrovsk, a key front in Moscow’s offensive actions in eastern Ukraine, according to a Defense Ministry statement.

Russia has frequently claimed territorial gains in recent months, particularly in the Donetsk region, where heavy fighting has intensified around Pokrovsk.

The city serves as a critical logistics hub for Ukraine's military in the region, which shares a border with Russia.

Kalynove is also situated about 18 kilometers (11.1 miles) southwest of the industrial city of Toretsk, which Russia claimed it captured back in early February.

Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on Russia's claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the ongoing war.