Published on, Aug. 23 -- August 23, 2025 5:46 PM

Russia has announced the capture of two more villages in Ukraine's Donetsk region, further intensifying its military push in the east. The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that its forces had taken control of Sredneye and Kleban-Byk, marking another step toward Ukraine's key defensive positions.

Kleban-Byk lies on the route to Kostiantynivka, a strategically important town near Kramatorsk, where Ukraine has a major logistics base. This advance signals growing pressure on Ukrainian forces, as Russian troops continue inching forward in the heavily contested region.

On Friday, Russia claimed the capture of three additional villages in Donetsk, which it considers part of its territo...