Russian forces capture two towns in Donetsk region

Russia's Defense Ministry announced that its armed forces have captured the towns of Orikhovatka and Krasnobudoli in the Donetsk People's Republic.

According to a ministry statement, cited by Russia's Sputnik news agency today, "Units of Russia's Southern Group have liberated the town of Orikhovatka in the Donetsk People's Republic following decisive operations." The statement added that, as a result of military actions, units from Russia's Central Group have also taken control of Krasnobudoli in the same region.

The ministry further stated: "Forces from Russia's Dnipro Group inflicted losses on Ukrainian mechanized and mountain assault brigades near the towns of Kirovo, Pryobrazhenka, and Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia region."

The Defense Ministry also confirmed that "units from Russia's Northern Group improved their tactical positions, with the enemy losing more than 200 soldiers, four armored combat vehicles, 11 vehicles, and a counter-battery radar station."

The statement continued: "Units from Russia's Western Group secured more fortified positions and neutralized personnel and equipment belonging to two Ukrainian mechanized brigades, an assault brigade, and a territorial defense brigade."