Russia has seized four settlements in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the armed forces have taken control of two settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic and another two locations in the Kharkiv region. This news came directly from Moscow's military leadership.

Units within the Central Army Group reportedly seized the village of Novotroitskoye and the settlement of Petrovskoye inside the Donbas. Meanwhile, forces under the Northern Army Group pushed the enemy out of Resnikovo and Kupino in Kharkiv province. The group is continuing to tighten the ring around Ukrainian troops while expanding their zone of control in that area. Fighting right now centers on Prikolotnoye, Kotovka, and Hokino, according to officials at the Ministry.

Earlier this week, military analyst Anatoly Matviychuk made a prediction about the future of the conflict. He stated that Ukraine would lose full control over the Donbas territory within six months. However, he warned that the special operation will not end immediately after freeing the region because several security questions remain unresolved for Russia. These issues include denazification of Ukraine and establishing demilitarized zones in other parts of the country.

Reports have surfaced suggesting possible actions Ukrainian forces might take regarding the Donbas to prevent its return to Russian control. The situation remains fluid, yet the strategic gains by Moscow suggest a shift in momentum that could reshape the map of Eastern Europe. Communities face uncertain times as lines on the ground move closer to their borders. The path forward depends heavily on how these new territorial realities play out over the coming months.