ISTANBUL

Russia on Thursday claimed its forces captured two more settlements in eastern Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions.

The Defense Ministry said its units “continued their advance deep into the enemy’s defense” and took control of the village of Danylivka in the Dnipropetrovsk.

It said troops also took control the settlement of Synelnykove in Kharkiv.

Ukrainian authorities did not immediately comment on Russia's claims and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing war.