Moscow: Russia on Wednesday asserted that its military forces have seized control of two additional settlements amid its ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its troops have captured the village of Novomlynsk, situated approximately 21 kilometers northeast of Kupiansk. Kupiansk is recognized as a significant front in Russia's northeastern offensive within the Kharkiv region.

The ministry's statement further detailed the capture of the village of Baranivka, located about 26 kilometers east of Pokrovsk. This area is a pivotal front in Russia's operations within the Donetsk region. Russia has made frequent claims of territorial advancements, especially in Donetsk, where the conflict has escalated around Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk is considered a vital logistics hub for the Ukrainian military in the region, which shares a border with Russia. However, Ukrainian authorities have not yet responded to Russia's claims. Independent verification of these claims remains challenging due to the ongoing conflict, which approaches its three-year mark later this month.