Russia Claims Control Over Two Villages in Ukraine's Donetsk Region

Russian Forces Report Territorial Gains

Moscow announced on Saturday that its military has secured control over two villages in Ukraine's Donetsk region within the last 24 hours, according to reports from a news agency.

The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the villages of Seredne and Kleban Byk were captured following operations conducted by its Southern and Western military groups.

Additionally, the ministry reported that Russian forces targeted a Ukrainian military-industrial complex and temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian troops and foreign fighters across 143 locations.

It was claimed that Russian air defenses effectively countered Ukrainian air assaults, successfully intercepting four guided aerial bombs and 160 drones over the past week.

This development occurs as the United States seeks to facilitate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy mentioned, 'I spoke with President Ramaphosa at his request, updating him on our diplomatic efforts and productive meetings with President Trump in Washington.'

'I reiterated my openness to any format of meeting with the Russian leader. However, it appears that Moscow is attempting to prolong the situation. It is crucial for the Global South to send appropriate signals to encourage Russia towards peace,' he added.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reiterated on Friday that sanctions against Russia could be imposed if there is no progress towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine within two weeks, expressing frustration with Moscow following his recent meeting with Putin in Alaska.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that there are currently 'no plans for a meeting' between the two leaders, emphasizing that the agenda is not yet prepared.

Trump indicated that both Putin and Zelenskyy had agreed to meet after his discussions with European leaders, including EU President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and others at the White House.

He shared on Truth Social, 'After the meetings, I contacted President Putin to arrange a meeting between him and President Zelenskyy at a location to be determined. Following that, we will have a trilateral meeting with the two Presidents and myself.'

Lavrov remarked that Putin is 'prepared to meet Zelenskyy when the agenda is ready for a summit,' but noted that it is 'not ready at all.'

'Washington insists on several principles, including no NATO membership and discussions on territorial issues, which Zelenskyy has rejected,' Lavrov concluded.