Russia Claims Capture of Strategic Eastern Ukrainian Town Amid Renewed Fighting

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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.

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