ISTANBUL 

Russia claimed on Monday that its forces seized control of the settlement of Katerynivka in Donetsk as part of ongoing operations in eastern Ukraine.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry said the “decisive actions” of the West group of forces led to the “liberation” of the settlement, adding that operations also targeted Ukrainian positions across Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions.

The ministry said its forces also destroyed US-made armored vehicles, electronic warfare systems, artillery pieces, and ammunition depots in strikes. 

However, Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on Russia's claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the ongoing war.