Russia Claims Capture of Three Villages in Eastern Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russian forces have announced the capture of three villages—Derylove and Maiske in the Donetsk region, and Stepove in the Dnipropetrovsk region—as part of a gradual advance through eastern Ukraine amid intense fighting. The Russian Ministry of Defence states that since the start of 2025, approximately 0.8% of Ukraine's territory has been seized. Ukrainian officials reported casualties and infrastructure damage from overnight Russian shelling in the Kherson and Odesa regions, while a Ukrainian drone strike recently forced the suspension of operations at an oil pumping station in Russia's Chuvashia republic. Both sides continue targeting military and energy infrastructure, with Ukraine focusing on disrupting Russian energy revenues. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled as it approaches its fourth year, with President Donald Trump expressing optimism that Ukraine could reclaim all lost territories, even as Russia vows to maintain its offensive.