Russian forces have taken control of two more settlements along the 1,000-km front line in the Donetsk region, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry on Saturday. This follows Moscow’s claim a day earlier of capturing three other villages as part of its gradual advance across eastern Ukraine.

The newly named villages—Kleban-Byk, northwest of Toretsk, and Seredne, near the Kharkiv region border—were added to Friday’s list, which included Katerynivka and Rusyn Yar near Kostiantynivka.

Ukraine has not confirmed the loss of any settlements but said its forces retook Zelenyi Hai, on the edge of Dnipropetrovsk region, where Russian troops have reportedly been pushing forward. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) said it conducted joint operations to halt Russian advances in Donetsk and attempts to break through toward Dnipropetrovsk.

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With inputs from Reuters

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