Russian forces capture two more towns in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region

Russia's Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that its forces have taken control of the towns of Novopavlivka and Chervonaya Krinitsa in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region following intense offensive operations. The ministry also reported significant advances along all frontlines in the area of the special military operation.

In a statement carried by Sputnik news agency, the ministry said: "Units of the Eastern Group of Forces penetrated deep into enemy defenses and liberated the town of Chervonaya Krinitsa in Zaporizhzhia region."

The statement added that Russian forces used air power, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery to strike logistics centers, energy facilities, and transport infrastructure in Ukraine used by the Ukrainian armed forces.

According to the statement, air defense systems destroyed 13 guided bombs, one HIMARS missile, and 1,050 Ukrainian drones over the past 24 hours.

The ministry also reported that units of Russia's Central Group of Forces improved their tactical positions and inflicted losses of more than 365 Ukrainian troops, while the Eastern Group continued its advance into Ukrainian defenses, causing over 295 Ukrainian casualties.