Russia claims control of Burlatske, Skudne in eastern Ukraine

Russia's Defense Ministry announced the capture of two villages, Sudne and Burlatske, in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, as part of its ongoing military campaign. Concurrently, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes resulted in one death and 19 injuries across various regions, including Odesa and Kharkiv. The Ukrainian air force intercepted 103 of the 154 drones launched by Russia, with several drones disappearing from radar without causing damage. In a related update, Ukrainian forces successfully reclaimed a strategic village near Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub, amidst ongoing Russian advances in the area. This development comes as Russia seeks to solidify its control over the region, facing significant resistance from Ukrainian troops. Additionally, President Putin's recent meeting with a senior North Korean official hints at increasing military cooperation between the two nations.