Russia Claims Eight More Ukrainian Settlements; Kyiv Disputes Claims

Russia’s defense ministry said its forces had taken control of eight more Ukrainian settlements, including Dobropillia in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukraine’s General Staff disputed the claim, saying Ukrainian forces still controlled Dobropillia. Spokesperson Andriy Kovaliov also rejected Russia’s assertion that it had captured more than 1,800 square kilometers of territory and 92 settlements since September 1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian strikes hit more than 15 energy facilities overnight. The battlefield claims could not be independently verified by Reuters.