Russia Says Captured 2 Villages in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region

In Ukraine’s Donbas, a Vital Highway Under Siege — And the Soldiers Trying to Shield It

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Russia on Saturday said its forces in eastern Ukraine had taken two villages in the Donetsk region, upping military pressure on the ground as world leaders struggle to broker an end to the conflict.

Russian forces are slowly advancing in the embattled eastern region, grinding closer to Kyiv's key defensive line in costly meter-for-meter battles.

Moscow's Defense Ministry said on Telegram that Russian forces captured the villages of Sredneye and Kleban-

The taking of Kleban-

On Friday, Russia said its troops had captured three villages in the Donetsk region it claimed to have annexed in September 2022.

The latest Russian advances come as hopes dim for a summit between Russian and Ukrainian presidents — a solution campaigned for

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday "no meeting" was planned as Trump's mediation efforts appeared to stall, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was trying to prolong the offensive.

Also Friday, Trump told

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