Russia Claims Capture of Strategic Eastern Ukrainian Town Amid Renewed Fighting

UAUkraine|

Russia has announced the capture of Velyka Novosilka, a strategically significant town in eastern Ukraine, part of its ongoing military campaign in the Donetsk region. This development comes after months of heavy fighting, and, if confirmed, it marks the first major territorial gain for Russia in 2025. The town had a pre-war population of around 5,000 residents.

Ukrainian sources, however, have disputed Russia's claim, asserting that their forces strategically withdrew from the town to avoid encirclement, rather than being outright defeated. The 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade stated that while some positions were relinquished, combat operations continue in the area. They emphasized their ability to withdraw skillfully under challenging conditions.

Analysts have indicated that the ongoing confrontations in Donetsk are critical for both Russia and Ukraine as each side seeks to secure territorial advantages ahead of potential peace negotiations. With Ukrainian NGOs facing financial disruptions due to a sudden pause in US funding, the overall military support dynamics remain uncertain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reassured that military aid will persist, yet it remains unclear how humanitarian support will be impacted. This situation could hinder operations of non-governmental organizations providing assistance to war veterans and their families, with some already announcing the suspension of services.

As the conflict approaches its third anniversary in February, the stakes continue to rise, with both sides preparing for intensified military engagements.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Ukraine

Ukraine Reveals Grim Fate of 16,000 Civilians Held in Russian Prisons

Ukrainian authorities have identified nearly 16,000 individuals held in a network of 180 prisons across Russian-occupied Ukraine and Russia, including remote regions like Siberia. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing crisis involving civilians abducted amid the conflict, as reported by Sky News on May 16, 2025. Human rights lawyer and Nobel Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk emphasized the horrifying conditions faced by those in captivity. "Survivors describe being beaten, raped, and subjected to electrical shocks," Matviichuk stated, revealing the extent of torture reported by individuals who managed to escape. Among those missing is Dmytro Khilyuk, who was detained after Russian forces captured territory near Kyiv in March 2022. His mother, Halyna, expressed the anguish of uncertainty, stating, "We've been without our only child for four years now." Fellow detainees who have been released confirm the brutal treatment suffering by Khilyuk and others, raising concerns about their mental and physical well-being. Despite clear violations of international law, including the Geneva Convention, there has been minimal pressure on Russia to stop these abductions or disclose information about the detained civilians.
UAUkraine

Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for a full temporary ceasefire with Russia starting May 12, 2025, as he prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey for negotiations. Zelenskyy called for an unconditional 30-day truce, aligning with demands from European allies for a ceasefire before any talks could commence. However, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia rejected the ceasefire proposal, favoring direct negotiations without preconditions instead, which Putin deemed necessary for achieving a lasting peace. After a meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland warned that tougher sanctions would be imposed on Moscow if it did not accept the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored that a ceasefire should precede any discussions, signaling ongoing skepticism toward Russia's intentions, as claims of renewed military actions by Moscow raised concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to agree to negotiations, emphasizing the need for dialogue, despite expressing doubts about the chances of a suitable deal being reached.
UAUkraine

Ukraine Claims Historic Downing of Russian Fighter Jet by Maritime Drone

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence reported that a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was shot down by a maritime drone in the Black Sea, marking a potential milestone in military technology. The incident occurred on Friday near Novorossiisk, a significant Russian port, when a missile fired from a Magura V5 drone targeted the aircraft, which is valued at approximately $50 million. Ukrainian officials stated that the operation was executed by a military intelligence unit called Group 13, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and various armed forces units. A video released by Ukrainian authorities purportedly shows the fighter jet “engulfed in flames mid-air before crashing into the sea.” The Russian Defence Ministry has yet to comment on the claim, although a Russian blogger associated with military circles confirmed that the jet was indeed shot down about 50 kilometers west of Novorossiisk. Amid these developments, the mayor of Novorossiisk declared a state of emergency after a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly caused damage to a grain terminal and injured five people. In retaliation, Russia conducted a drone strike on Kyiv, damaging multiple residential buildings.
UAUkraine
All Ukraine News ->