Moscow: Russia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that its forces have taken control of a settlement in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. The ministry stated that its troops had captured the village of Vovchanski Khutory, situated approximately five kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border.

According to Anadolu Agency, the village of Vovchanski Khutory, which had a population of around 1,300 according to Ukraine's 2001 census, is located just east of the town of Vovchansk. Russia claims to have captured Vovchansk in December.

In response to Moscow's claim, Kyiv has issued a denial. Ukraine's General Staff had earlier reported that Russian forces attempted to breach Ukrainian defenses near three settlements on the South Slobozhansk front, including Vovchansk.

As of now, Ukraine has not commented on Russia's latest assertion, and independent verification remains challenging due to the ongoing conflict.