Russia has announced further progress in its eastern Ukraine offensive, claiming control over two additional towns in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
As reported by 20minutos, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces have "liberated" the settlements of Novoegorovka in Luhansk and Shevchenko in Donetsk.
Continued Advances in Eastern Ukraine
According to the Russian Defense Ministry's statement on Telegram, units of the Western Forces Group secured Novoegorovka, while the Central Forces Group took control of Shevchenko.
Both Donetsk and Luhansk, along with the partially occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, were annexed by Russia in October 2022—a move widely condemned by the international community, which also rejected Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Ukraine has not yet officially responded to Russia's latest claims of territorial gains.
Civilians Injured in Gorlovka Shelling
Meanwhile, in the Russian-controlled city of Gorlovka, located in Donetsk, at least eight civilians were reportedly injured by Ukrainian artillery fire.
Local authorities, cited by Russian media, claimed that projectiles hit the city center, damaging a hospital, residential buildings, and a cultural center.
Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), stated that one of the shells exploded near a hospital, shattering windows and causing further structural damage.
The attack, reportedly carried out with 155mm artillery shells, took place around 8:45 a.m. local time.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
Reports from Western intelligence suggest that Russia is ramping up pressure in Donetsk, potentially aiming for further advances towards the strategic town of Velika Novosilka.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain engaged in fierce battles across multiple fronts, with no sign of a resolution in sight.
