ISTANBUL

Russia claimed on Wednesday that it has taken control of another village in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as its offensive continues to make advances.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces captured the village of Verkhniokamianske, located nearly 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) east of the city of Siversk.

Siversk holds strategic importance for Russia, as control of this area could facilitate a broader offensive toward Kramatorsk, which Ukraine has designated as the region's provisional seat since Russia seized control of Donetsk city in 2014.

Ukrainian authorities have yet to comment on Russia's claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the ongoing conflict.