Russia says it captured 2 villages in eastern Ukraine

Russia's Defence Ministry claimed on July 26 its forces had captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, including one in Dnipropetrovsk region where Moscow says its troops have begun to make advances.

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MOSCOW - Russia's Defence Ministry claimed on July 26 its forces had captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, including one in Dnipropetrovsk region where Moscow says its troops have begun to make advances.

Ukrainian forces made no acknowledgement that the villages had changed hands, but reported heavy fighting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an assessment of the situation along the 1,000km front line, said the logistics hub of Pokrovsk remained the focal point of battles.

He also said Ukrainian forces had recorded "successful actions" in the Sumy region on Ukraine's northern border, where Russian forces have established a foothold in recent weeks.

Reuters could not independently confirm battlefield accounts from either side.