Russia announced on Sunday that its armed forces had taken control of the village of Ocheretyne in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, marking another incremental territorial gain for Moscow.
Following the capture of the nearby industrial hub of Avdiivka in February, Russia has leveraged its manpower and weaponry superiority on the battlefield, making gradual advancements into Ukraine, penetrating several kilometers deeper into the country in certain areas.
According to the defense ministry, Russian troops have "completely liberated the village of Ocheretyne in the Donetsk People's Republic."
Situated approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Avdiivka, Ocheretyne's capture represents a strategic movement for Russia in the region.
Last week, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, acknowledged that Kyiv had withdrawn from three villages in the eastern Donetsk region and was in the process of constructing new fortifications.
Facing challenges due to delays in receiving crucial Western weapons supplies, Kyiv is banking on the arrival of US arms to bolster its position on the front lines.