Russian forces capture new city in Donetsk region

Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that units from its Western Group of Forces have taken control of the city of Sviatohirsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic, in addition to making significant advances along all frontlines in the area of the special military operation.

In a statement carried by Russia’s Sputnik agency today, the ministry said: “Russian forces are clearing the liberated city of Sviatohirsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic of remaining Ukrainian militants hiding in building basements.” The statement added that Russian armed forces targeted Ukrainian supply and distribution centers, as well as a military airfield belonging to the Ukrainian armed forces, over the past 24 hours.

The ministry also reported that air defense systems shot down four guided aerial bombs, two US-made HIMARS missiles, and 464 fixed-wing drones. It added that the Western Group of Forces seized advanced positions and inflicted losses of more than 205 Ukrainian soldiers.

The statement noted that Russia’s Southern Group of Forces improved its positions along the front line, inflicting losses of more than 140 Ukrainian troops. It also said the Eastern Group of Forces continued to advance into Ukrainian defensive lines, causing losses of over 325 Ukrainian soldiers.