Russia claims it captured Ukraine's stronghold of Kurakhove

Russia on Monday claimed that it captured two settlements in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, including the city of Kurakhove, a key Ukrainian stronghold and supply hub.

An initial statement by the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Kurakhove was defended by over 15,000 Ukrainian troops, with the city's capture having "significantly complicated the logistical and technical support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces group in the Donetsk direction."

The statement further claimed that its capture of the city has deprived Ukraine of the possibility to conduct artillery strikes on the city of Donetsk.

It added that the city's capture will allow Russian forces to increase the pace of its offensive in the Donetsk region.

A later statement claimed that Russian forces also took control of the village of Dachenske, located just over 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of the city of Pokrovsk, another key front in Moscow's offensive in the Donetsk region.

Russia has frequently claimed territorial gains in recent months, particularly in the Donetsk region, where fighting has intensified around Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.

Ukraine's General Staff claimed earlier in the day that its forces prevented 27 Russian attacks in the Kurakhove front, including some near the city of Kurakhove itself.

However, Ukraine has not yet commented on Russia's recent claims, and independent verification of the claims remain challenging amid the ongoing conflict.