Kyiv: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces are conducting a counteroffensive operation in the eastern Donetsk region, claiming the capture of 100 Russian soldiers. In a video address shared on Telegram during his visit to the region, Zelenskyy described ongoing clashes near Pokrovsk and Dobropillia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy did not specify the start date of the counteroffensive but reported that Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant losses on Russian troops. He claimed that Ukrainian forces have regained control of 160 square kilometers and seven settlements, while clearing over 170 square kilometers and nine settlements of Russian presence.

Zelenskyy also claimed that nearly 100 Russian soldiers have been taken as prisoners of war. Russian authorities have not commented on these claims, and verification remains challenging due to the prolonged conflict.

In another development, an Israeli military analyst reported on the situation in Gaza City, where the Israeli army's advance has been slow. Doron Kadosh of Army Radio indicated that the army's current phase involves gradual troop movements rather than a full-scale assault. This pace is influenced by the rate of Palestinian displacement.

Kadosh noted that Hamas fighters in Gaza City have largely withdrawn to avoid direct confrontations, with many moving underground. The army's deployment of the 36th Division was delayed due to slow evacuations, but it is expected to join soon as the pace of departures increases. Criticism has emerged over the initial opening of only one evacuation route, which created bottlenecks.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the population of Gaza City has decreased significantly due to the Israeli offensive that began in August. The United Nations recently confirmed allegations of genocide in Gaza by Israeli forces, with the ongoing campaign causing severe devastation and famine in the region.