Russia claims control of 2 Ukrainian settlements

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia claimed on Friday that it has taken control of two Ukrainian settlements in the Donetsk region.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the settlement of Yurivka was taken by the Russian Center group of forces, while Urozhaine was taken by the Vostok (East) group of forces.

Russian air defense systems reportedly shot down three Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets, eight US-made ATACMS missiles, ten French-made guided Hammer bombs, a modified anti-aircraft guided missile from the S-200 complex for ground targets, 44 US-made HIMARS missiles, and 305 drones over the past week, the ministry added.

"In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the armed forces of Ukraine have lost 630 aircraft, 277 helicopters, 27,841 unmanned aerial vehicles, 552 anti-aircraft missile systems, 16,611 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,379 multiple rocket launchers, 1,059 field artillery and mortars, as well as 23,829 special military vehicles," the ministry claimed.

Ukraine has yet to comment on Russia's claims.

Independent verification of these claims is challenging due to the ongoing conflict.