Russian forces have asserted control over the villages of Spirne and Novooleksandrivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, as announced by the Russian defense ministry on Sunday.
In a brief statement released via the Telegram messaging app, the ministry reported that Russian forces had not only taken over the villages but had also strengthened their positions along the frontline surrounding these areas.
Spirne, situated in the eastern part of Donetsk near the border with Ukraine’s Luhansk region, and Novooleksandrivka, located approximately 130 km (80 miles) west of Spirne, have become focal points of recent military activity.
Ukraine’s General Staff provided its daily update, acknowledging “heavy fighting” in the vicinity of these villages but did not disclose any casualties or losses incurred during the clashes.
The Donetsk region, along with Luhansk and parts of Ukraine’s south and east, remains a contentious area since Russia’s contested annexation claims in late 2022. Despite Russia’s assertions of control, these regions are not internationally recognized as part of Russian territory.
The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing military engagements affecting local populations and geopolitical dynamics in the region.