In a new push in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that its forces took control of the settlements of Kleban-Byk and Srednee in the Donetsk region. This move edges Moscow's troops closer to Kostyantynivka, a fortified gateway on the road to the major logistics hub at Kramatorsk.
According to TASS, the ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted four guided aerial bombs and 160 drones overnight. The statement also said Russian forces targeted a Ukrainian military-industrial facility, temporary deployment points and foreign mercenaries in the region.
On Friday, Russia said its troops captured three villages in Donetsk that it claimed back in September 2022. But on Saturday, Ukrainian military officials took to Telegram to announce they had stopped the advance and recaptured the village of Zeleny Gai in the same region.
Amid the shifting front lines, South Africa stepped into the diplomatic arena. President Cyril Ramaphosa held telephone discussions on Saturday with Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Finnish President Alexander Stubb to explore peace efforts.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the South African president, said Ramaphosa will continue talks with other European leaders in the coming days. He emphasized the need to sustain momentum toward a summit between Ukraine and Russia and work toward a durable peace.
As front lines shift and global voices call for dialogue, the search for a pathway to peace continues in one of Europe's most contested regions.
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Russian forces advance on key town, South Africa calls for peace
cgtn.com
