**Russia Captures Key Town in Eastern Ukraine**
Russian forces claim to have captured the town of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. This is a significant gain for Russia, as Kurakhove is close to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk.
Kurakhove has been at the center of Russian advances in recent months. It’s an important stepping stone to Pokrovsk, which means the town’s fall could give Russians a new way to attack Pokrovsk from a different direction.
**Ukraine Denies Loss**
However, Ukraine says it still controls Kurakhove. Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s forces, told Reuters that Ukrainian troops were still fighting Russian forces inside the town as of Monday morning. An image appears to show a Russian flag being held up in Kurakhove, but this has not been verified by the BBC.
**Battle Continues**
Fierce fighting is also taking place in Russia’s Kursk region after Ukraine launched a counter-attack on Sunday. This is part of Ukraine’s effort to push back against Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.
**Russian Gains**
Russia says it has also captured the village of Dachenske, which is about 8km south of Pokrovsk. If true, this would be another significant gain for Russia in the region.
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