Russia says it took control of Leninske village in Ukraine’s Donetsk region

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia announced on Tuesday that it has taken control of the village of Leninske in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the settlement was captured by the Russian military's Center group of forces.

The ministry also reported that other Russian military units have "improved their positions" along the frontline.

"Since the beginning of the special military operation, 631 aircraft, 278 helicopters, 28,692 drones, 556 anti-aircraft missile systems, 16,725 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,393 multiple rocket launchers, 12,567 field artillery and mortars, and 24,201 special military vehicles have been destroyed," the ministry claimed.

In a separate statement, the head of the city of Horlivka, Ivan Prikhodko, reported that a woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the city center.

"As a result of Ukrainian armed aggression, a tram driver was killed in the center of Horlivka. Eternal memory to the innocent victim. Condolences to the family and friends," he said.

Ukraine has not yet commented on Russia's claims.

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