MOSCOW: Russia said on Monday that its forces have captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, intensifying pressure on the Ukrainian army in several directions for weeks.
The Russian defence ministry reported capturing Novopokrovske in the eastern Donetsk region and Stepova Novoselivka in the north-eastern Kharkiv region. These gains follow Russia’s claims of taking control of two other villages over the weekend.
Novopokrovske, situated north of previously captured areas, represents a strategic push westward from Avdiivka, an industrial centre seized by Moscow earlier this year. Stepova Novoselivka, located southeast of Kupyansk, has also seen prolonged military activity since Russia’s initial offensive in 2022, despite Ukrainian forces temporarily reclaiming Kupyansk in subsequent operations.
Throughout the summer, Russia has maintained control over various villages in Ukraine’s eastern regions almost weekly, underscoring its sustained military operations amid international condemnation and economic sanctions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian counter-drone attacks have targeted Russian border regions, causing disruptions in power supply and infrastructure. Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities and ammunition depots have prompted Russia to retaliate, leading to widespread power outages and mandatory blackouts across Ukraine.
In response to recent Ukrainian drone attacks, Russian regions adjacent to Ukraine, such as Belgorod and Voronezh, reported significant disruptions. Belgorod’s regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed casualties from the attacks.
Belgorod mayor Valentin Demidov highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that power cuts had affected the water supply and disrupted essential services. Traffic lights and emergency sirens were rendered inoperative.
In the neighboring Kursk region, Governor Alexei Smirnov warned of potential electricity deficits due to technical issues stemming from the conflict, compounded by Ukrainian drone activity targeting energy infrastructure.
