Russia says it captures two villages in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv reports frontline battles

Russia's Defence Ministry announced that its forces have successfully captured two villages in eastern Ukraine. According to the statements, the seized settlements include Vasyutinske, located a few kilometers east of the key Kramatorsk fortress city, and Toretsk, situated southwest of Druzhkivka.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian officials in Kyiv reported ongoing frontline battles across the region as defensive forces engage the advancing Russian troops. The territorial claims highlight the continued intensity of military engagements in eastern Ukraine's contested Donetsk sector.