Russia claims capture of three of Ukrainian villages

Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that its forces seized control of three key frontline villages in Ukrainian territory on July 17th, according to Arab News via Reuters. 

The reported Russian advances include heavily contested areas: Popiv Yar in the Donetsk region, Kamianske in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, as well as Dehtiarne in northeastern Kharkiv. 

However, reports from Kyiv have challenged parts of Moscow’s account, particularly regarding Kamianske — a strategically significant village near the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia.

Reuters has not been able to independently verify the battlefield accounts provided by either side.

These developments come as part of a broader Russian offensive, with Moscow’s forces steadily advancing westward through Donetsk, frequently announcing new territorial gains. 

Vladyslav Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military, stressed that controlling Kamianske is vital to safeguarding the city of Zaporizhzhia from potential attacks. However, he acknowledged that the village has been heavily damaged after prolonged fighting. Ukrainian forces have reportedly withdrawn from the area yet continue to carry out effective strikes against advancing Russian units.

Voloshyn was quoted saying, “The Russians cannot go into the village and hold it. There is not a single dwelling left intact, not a single wall left standing, nothing to hold, nothing to enable you to take cover.”

Kyiv has not confirmed the loss of Popiv Yar, a village northeast of Pokrovsk that has faced heavy Russian attacks in recent months. The settlement has remained in a contested “grey zone” for at least a week. Similarly, there has been no official update from Ukrainian authorities regarding the situation in Dehtiarne.

At present, Moscow controls under 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and claims sovereignty over four key regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.Kyiv, along with most Western countries, considers these actions illegal and has imposed numerous sanctions on Russia in response. 

Russia had previously annexed Crimea in 2014, another move widely condemned by the international community.

Arab News via Reuters, Maghrebi.org