Russia claims to have seized another settlement near Bakhmut in Ukraine's Donetsk region

ISTANBUL

Russia claimed on Wednesday that its troops have taken control of the village of Klishchiivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, its troops also caused damage and losses to Ukrainian forces near the settlements of Heorhiivka and Hostre, as well as the city of Kostiantynivka, located about 31 kilometers (19 miles) west of Klishchiivka.

The village, situated about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) south of Bakhmut city, was captured by Russian forces in January 2023 but later retaken by Ukrainian forces in September 2023 during a large-scale counteroffensive.

The statement claimed that Russian forces on the Kharkiv front have advanced deeper into Ukraine's defenses, repelling three counterattacks near the settlements of Vovchansk and Lyptsi.

Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement that Russian military activities can be observed, particularly in the directions of Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, indicating that Russian troops are still trying to advance towards Lyptsi in the direction of Kharkiv.

It said Russia launched attacks near Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Paraskoviivka, and Kostiantynivka.

Kyiv authorities have yet to comment on the claims concerning Klishchiivka village, and independent verification of Russia's claims is difficult due to the ongoing war.

On May 10, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said Russian forces attempted to breach the country’s defenses in the Kharkiv region, opening a new front in the over two-year-long conflict that is concentrated in the country’s east and south.

Clashes in the region have intensified since then, particularly near Vovchansk, located about 74 kilometers (45 miles) from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Russia claims to have seized control of multiple border settlements since the start of its offensive on the Kharkiv front, as well as other fronts including Donetsk.