Russia Claims Control of Two Villages in Ukraine

Russia has announced the capture of two villages in eastern Ukraine: Krasnyi Yar in the Donetsk region and Nevske in the Luhansk region, escalating its ongoing offensive in the area. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops attacked Ukrainian positions in 138 locations and intercepted several Ukrainian drones and rockets. Concurrently, Ukraine reported intense fighting across multiple fronts, successfully repelling attacks near Krasnyi Yar and attempting to defend Nevske. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky introduced a 'victory plan', aiming to expedite the end of the conflict within a year, highlighting NATO membership as a key goal. Evacuations have been ordered in the northeastern city of Kupiansk as the situation remains dire, with continuous shelling affecting utilities. This military escalation is part of Russia's broader strategy to gain control of eastern Ukraine's crucial logistics hubs.