Russia claims taking control of village in Ukraine’s Donetsk region

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia claimed on Sunday that it took control of another settlement in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

A statement by the Defense Ministry said its forces captured the village of Bila Hora, located about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) southeast of the industrial city of Kostiantinyvka, a key target in the ongoing offensive in the Donetsk region.

The city is some 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) southeast of Kramatorsk, the provisional seat of the eastern region.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s General Staff claimed that three clashes were recorded near Bila Hora and Chasiv Yar, a front line city also in Kramatorsk.

Ukrainian authorities did not immediately comment on Russia’s claim, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing war, now in its fourth year.