KYIV, Ukraine — On Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its troops have made significant progress in an ongoing battle, claiming they have advanced into the center of Velyka Novosilka, a town deemed strategically critical in eastern Ukraine. They allegedly raised the Russian flag in the town after months of fierce fighting.

According to the ministry’s statements, Russian forces are still engaged with the Ukrainian military defenders who remain in Velyka Novosilka, which had a population of approximately 5,000 residents prior to the onset of war. However, the authenticity of these claims remains unverified by independent sources.

Ukrainian officials have yet to respond to the reports, although there have been indications of an increased concentration of Russian troops in that area recently. For over a year, Russian forces have been actively engaged in a robust campaign aimed at breaching Ukraine’s defenses within the Donetsk region, seeking to diminish Kyiv’s control over eastern territories. This extensive and costly offensive has forced Ukraine to relinquish control of several towns, villages, and smaller settlements.

In the backdrop of these developments, former President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to swiftly mediate a peace agreement involving Ukraine. As the situation unfolds, both Moscow and Kyiv are pursuing military victories that would bolster their positions ahead of any future negotiations.

If confirmed, the fall of Velyka Novosilka would mark the first major urban settlement to yield to Russian advances in 2025, amidst a protracted assault in Donetsk against Ukraine’s overstretched and fatigued military forces. As the conflict approaches its three-year anniversary in February, the stakes continue to escalate.

Last year, Russian forces succeeded in capturing Avdiivka and Vuhledar, both key cities in Donetsk, after prolonged and arduous confrontations. These areas were significantly damaged by relentless artillery strikes, glide bombs, and drone attacks before succumbing to Russian control. Russian troops have also been persistently attempting to seize other crucial strongholds in Donetsk, including Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar.