Russia announced on Sunday that its forces had gained ground in eastern Ukraine, capturing the frontline village of Izmailivka just a few kilometers north of the Ukrainian-held industrial hub of Kurakhove.
This advance is part of Moscow’s steady push over recent months, capitalizing on an overstretched Ukrainian military.
In a daily briefing, Russia’s defense ministry reported the “liberation” of Izmailivka, a small settlement with a pre-conflict population of under 200. The village lies eight kilometers (about five miles) north of Kurakhove, a significant industrial area, and close to Kurakhivka, a frontline town Moscow is attempting to encircle.
The announcement came amid Russia’s claim on Monday that it had downed 109 Ukrainian drones in a single day, targeting several of its regions, including those near the Ukrainian border. According to the defense ministry, 45 drones were intercepted in the Bryansk region, bordering Ukraine and Belarus, while 26 were destroyed further south in Belgorod. Additional drones were downed in the Tambov and Kursk regions, with some incidents resulting in minor injuries and damage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western nations on Sunday against allowing Ukraine access to long-range weaponry that could target deep inside Russian territory, stating Moscow would “respond” if such weapons were deployed. “It’s too early to say yet, but of course our military department is thinking about it and will offer various responses,” Putin commented in an interview aired on state TV.
The warning follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ongoing requests for permission from Western allies to deploy long-range missiles. Zelensky argues that such weapons could motivate Moscow to seek peace. The United States and Britain have indicated a decision is forthcoming, though recent deliberations have stalled after Putin’s warning that such an escalation could risk NATO’s involvement in the conflict.
“They didn’t tell me anything about it, but I hope they heard,” Putin said, referring to his warning on Western involvement.
Kyiv has said that its increasing drone strikes, often targeting Russian energy infrastructure, are in direct response to Moscow’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian territory. Russia now reports downing Ukrainian UAVs almost daily, underscoring the escalating intensity and reach of aerial skirmishes across the region.
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