Ukrainian Media Reports "Catastrophic Deterioration" of Forces in Donetsk; Russia Claims Control of 9 New Settlements

Ukrainian media outlets have revealed the "catastrophic situation" of Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donetsk region amid continuous Russian shelling. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) disclosed Ukrainian casualty figures over a 24-hour period and confirmed its forces' control over 9 new villages and settlements in the combat zones, particularly in Donetsk.

Deterioration in Donetsk

Ukrainian media reports indicated a significant and accelerating deterioration of the situation for Ukrainian forces around the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in eastern Donetsk.

• The reports suggest the deterioration is due to intensive activity by Russian drones and continuous shelling.

• Media accounts stated that some Ukrainian positions on maps "no longer exist" or are occupied only by wounded soldiers.

Total Casualties and Capture of Settlements

In a statement issued Saturday, the Russian MoD disclosed the total personnel losses for the Ukrainian forces on the front lines during the last 24 hours, totaling 1,630 Ukrainian soldiers across various sectors, distributed as follows:

The Ministry stated that in the area of operations of the Center Group, Ukrainian forces lost more than 500 soldiers, while the East Group reported losses exceeding 340 soldiers. The South Group reported that Ukrainian forces lost up to 285 soldiers, while the West Group announced Ukrainian losses exceeding 240 soldiers. It added that the "Dnipro" Group confirmed the elimination of more than 75 soldiers, and the North Group stated that Ukrainian forces lost up to 190 soldiers in recent clashes.

Control of 9 Settlements Over the Week: The Russian MoD also announced in a separate statement on Friday the capture of 9 villages and settlements over the past week, including Bologovka in the Kharkiv region, and 3 settlements in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk. The Ministry said: "Russian forces liberated the villages of Bologovka in the Kharkiv region, Dronovka and Prumin in the Donetsk People's Republic, and Pershotravneve in the Dnipropetrovsk region." The statement added: "Over the past week, units of the 'South' Group penetrated deep into the enemy's defenses, liberating the settlement of Plishcheve in the Donetsk People's Republic." It further stated: "As a result of decisive operations, units of the 'Center' Group liberated the settlements of Chunishino, Lenino, and Prumin in the Donetsk People's Republic, as well as Ivanovka in the Dnipropetrovsk region."