Russian Forces Capture Key Villages in Eastern Ukraine Amidst Ongoing Clashes

Russian forces have taken control of two front-line villages in Ukraine's Donetsk region after intense assaults. Ukrainian forces reported power outages in Russia's Kursk region due to attacks by Ukraine's Security Service. Both sides experience ongoing conflicts as they strive to control strategic areas and critical infrastructure.

Russian forces have overrun two front-line villages in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, after relentless assaults that are part of a Kremlin summer push to overwhelm battlefield defenses there.

Meanwhile, attacks in Russia's Kursk region by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeted several substations, causing power outages. This claim followed Russia's announcement that it thwarted a nighttime Ukrainian drone attack.

Oleh Chaus, chief sergeant of Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, reported that Russian troops non-stop pressed to capture Vovche and Prohres. The Kremlin recently declared control of these villages, but Ukrainian General Staff has not provided an official statement.

The villages, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Avdiivka in Donetsk, represent Russia's last major gain as the war reaches its third year. Russian forces outgunned Ukrainian troops with superior soldiers and weaponry, compelling retreats from defensive positions.

The 47th Brigade's deputy battalion commander, Oleksandr Shyrshyn, confirmed the villages' capture, citing poor training and insufficient weaponry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation in Donetsk as "extremely challenging." Russia's attritional warfare has yielded incremental gains with glide bombs and infantry movements aiming for significant breakthroughs.

Additionally, Russian troops are intensifying efforts to breach Ukrainian defenses around Pokrovsk, with 52 attacks launched in the past day.

In retaliation, Ukrainian forces carried out strikes in Russia's Kursk region, targeting infrastructure critical to Russia's military operations. Ukrainian General Staff reported explosions near substations, causing power outages. Russia claimed the drones were intercepted and destroyed.

Ukraine's high-tech drone strikes into Russia aim to hinder Moscow's war efforts and make the conflict more costly for Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)