Russia Claims Its Forces Advance Deeper into Eastern Ukraine, Reports Reuters

Moscow reported on Friday that it had seized control of the village of Marynivka, located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, where its forces are advancing towards the crucial logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

In an evening update, Ukraine’s General Staff did not mention any change in control of Marynivka, stating that the village was one of several locations where Russian troops faced significant resistance. The report indicated that two Russian offensives in the area were ongoing and identified the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove fronts as particularly challenging on the eastern front. It was noted that 42 Russian attacks against the Pokrovsk front had been successfully repelled.

Independent verification of the battlefield accounts from either side has not been possible.

In recent weeks, Russian forces have intensified their operations in Donetsk, capturing a number of towns and villages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the United States this week to seek additional support. U.S. President Joe Biden announced over $8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s need to “win this war.”