MOSCOW: Russia’s armed forces on Saturday claimed that they had seized the Ukrainian village of Ivanivske, just west of Bakhmut, the city Moscow captured 10 months ago.
The Russian defence ministry confirmed the capture, stating that the village of Krasnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic had been “liberated,” using an older Russian name for the settlement.
Bakhmut fell under Russian control in May following an intense battle that left the city heavily damaged. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former head of the Russian Wagner paramilitary group, claimed that 20,000 fighters from his group had perished in attempts to capture Bakhmut.
The seizure of Ivanivske adds to a series of recent territorial gains by Russian forces, who have reportedly taken control of several frontline settlements in recent weeks. These advancements come as Ukrainian troops face challenges, including shortages of troops and ammunition.
Last month, Russian forces captured Adviivka, located near Donetsk city, a stronghold held by Russia further south. This victory was hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as evidence that Russian forces were regaining offensive momentum.
