Russia says it has taken five villages in Ukraine

Russia’s defence ministry claims to have captured five villages in Ukraine’s eastern regions, including four in Kharkiv and one in Donetsk. However, Ukraine’s President Zelensky vehemently denies Russia’s assertion of taking the strategically vital city of Kostiantynivka, calling it another fabrication. This city is crucial for Ukraine’s defence line in the industrial Donetsk region, and its capture would significantly aid Russia’s northern advance.