Russia Captures Two Settlements Donetsk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russian forces have claimed control of two settlements, Kleban-Byk and Sredneye, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, marking a continued push towards key Ukrainian defensive positions such as Kostiantynivka, which houses a major logistics base. These territorial gains follow earlier captures of additional villages in the Donetsk region, intensifying the ongoing conflict. Russian defense officials also reported shooting down multiple Ukrainian drones and aerial bombs in recent days. Despite these military advances, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denying plans for a summit with Ukraine, while President Donald Trump has indicated he will make a significant decision regarding peace efforts within two weeks, including the possibility of imposing sanctions or taking no action. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deliberately prolonging the war amid these developments. The fighting and diplomacy continue against a backdrop of high casualties and slow progress on the battlefield.