**Ukrainian Troops Raise Flags in Two Eastern Villages, Disputing Russian Claims**
In a bold move, Ukrainian soldiers have raised flags in two eastern settlements near the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. This development comes as Russia continues to push forward with its summer offensive, which has been ongoing since May.
According to a statement from Ukraine’s 20th Corps, released on July 17, Russian claims of capturing Yalta and Voskresenka are nothing but propaganda. The Ukrainian military says that while Russia boasts about its “advances” and “capture of new positions,” Ukrainian soldiers have been quietly entering these territories and raising their flags.
The 20th Corps published footage showing Ukrainian soldiers raising flags in what they said was Yalta and Voskresenka, as well as recordings of first-person-view drones targeting Russian soldiers. While some reports suggest that Russia has occupied Yalta as of July 16, DeepState, a Ukrainian open-source monitoring group, says that Voskresenka remains largely under Ukrainian control.
**A Strategic Region**
The two villages in question lie at the western edge of Donetsk Oblast, close to the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. This region has been a key target for Russian forces over the past few months as they attempt to gain a foothold in central-eastern Ukraine.
Kyiv has acknowledged small Russian units entering the village of Dachne, just 5 kilometers east of Yalta, on several occasions. However, Ukrainian defenders have managed to push back against these advances, preventing Russia from making significant gains.
**Concerns for Donetsk Oblast**
The news comes as concerns grow about a potential escalation in the conflict in Donetsk Oblast. Experts believe that Russian forces may scale up their offensive in the coming weeks, aiming to advance toward strategically important towns like Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.
Last month, Russia launched a new offensive in northeastern Sumy Oblast, attempting to carve out a buffer zone in the area. However, its advances have been limited, with Ukraine successfully defending against these incursions.
As the situation on the ground continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Ukraine remains committed to defending its territory and pushing back against Russian aggression. The bravery and resilience of Ukrainian soldiers, as seen in this latest development, are a testament to their determination to protect their country.
