Russia Claims Major Gains in Ukraine, Says Eight Settlements Captured in Kharkiv, Donetsk

Russia on Saturday claimed that its military “liberated” eight communities in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. The Russian defence ministry said Novaya Kruglyakovka and Petrovskoye in Kharkiv and Dyleyevka in Donetsk were “liberated” by its forces. The military offensive comes amid Vladimir Putin’s statement that Russia was ready for a third round of peace talks with Ukraine.