Ukraine-Russia latest: Putin’s forces claim capture of strategic town as Zelensky makes demand for Trump talks to end war
Russia claimed that its forces captured the strategically important town of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region.
While it could not be independently verified, the Separate Mechanised Brigade – a ground force formed in 2022 – confirmed withdrawing strategically from some area to avoid encirclement, according to the Guardian.
The development came amid increased risk of Russian forces advancing in Donestsk region towards Pokrovsk, prompting Volodymyr Zelensky to replace the commander of military formation. This is the third time in one year that the Ukrainian president has replaced the in- charge of Khortytsia operational-strategic group, responsible for Ukraine’s eastern front.
Mr Zelensky has also made a demand for Kyiv to be included in talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine that he believes could happen under Donald Trump’s presidency.
The Ukrainian president also said on Saturday that the terms of any deal that might arise under the new US president were still unclear – and might not even be clear to Trump himself – because Vladimir Putin had no interest in ending the war.Meanwhile, Russia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 32 Ukrainian drones overnight, said country’s defence ministry this morning.
