Moscow: The Russian Ministry of Defense announced today, Wednesday, that its forces had taken control of two new towns in eastern Ukraine. The ministry stated that units of the “Center” group forces were able to take control of the towns of Suvorov and Nikanurovka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. It confirmed the death of 385 Ukrainian soldiers in this area of the fighting, and the destruction of an infantry fighting vehicle, six armored vehicles, and a small truck.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, units of the “North” group forces targeted personnel and equipment of mechanized brigades and assault regiments of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as a territorial defense brigade, in areas of the Sumy region.

In recent weeks, Russia has escalated its operations and advances in eastern Ukraine, ahead of the expected meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, the day after tomorrow, Friday, in Alaska, to discuss ways to reach a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.