Russia’s defense ministry announced on Sunday the capture of the tiny village of Umanskoye in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. This advance marks a significant territorial gain as Russian troops continue their offensive.
The village of Umanskoye, referred to by Russia as Umanske, had fewer than 180 inhabitants before the onset of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022. It is located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of Donetsk, the main city of the region, which is currently under Russian control.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov stated on Friday that Russia had made advances “in all tactical directions.” He claimed that Moscow’s forces had seized 880 square kilometers (340 square miles) of territory this year alone.
Ukraine’s forces, outnumbered and outgunned, have been under increasing pressure, especially since Russia launched a renewed push in early May around Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Russian soldiers have also been advancing towards Pokrovsk, a city around 30 kilometers northwest of Umanske.
Kyiv is hopeful that the imminent delivery of long-awaited Western munitions will enable its troops to regain the upper hand on the battlefield. Additionally, US President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Kyiv to use American-supplied weapons to strike certain targets inside Russia has provided Ukraine with a significant strategic boost.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in intense combat as Ukraine resists heavy attacks in the east amid Russia’s ongoing advance.
