**Russian Strikes Kill One in Eastern Ukraine, Another in the North**
Russian forces have continued their attacks on key towns in eastern Ukraine, killing at least one person and injuring several others. The strikes were reported in Donetsk region, where Russian troops are making a slow advance westward.
In Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, two cities that have been under frequent attack since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Russian forces struck on Saturday. One person died and three were injured in Sloviansk, with buildings reduced to rubble. In Kramatorsk, at least one person was trapped under rubble and several residents were injured.
A drone attack on the town of Nizhyn near the Russian border also killed one person and damaged local infrastructure.
**Russia Advances Westward**
The Russian military said its forces had captured another village in Donetsk region, bringing them closer to their goal of taking control of the entire region. However, Ukrainian officials claim that Russian troops are being held back by Ukrainian forces in several areas.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces listed several villages where Kyiv’s forces have repelled Russian attacks, including Zaporizhzhia village, which was reportedly captured by Russian forces on Saturday. It is distinct from the city of Zaporizhzhia, a large industrial hub located to the southeast.
**Fighting Intensifies Around Kupiansk**
Reports from Kharkiv region in the northeast suggested that Russian troops were closing in on the city of Kupiansk, which has been a target of repeated Russian attacks in recent months. Both Russian and Ukrainian military bloggers have reported an upswing in fighting around Kupiansk this past week.
Kupiansk was first occupied by Russian forces in the early weeks of the 2022 invasion but was recaptured by Ukrainian troops later in the year in a lightning counter-offensive.
**Commentary**
The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine is a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of war. The civilian casualties and infrastructure damage are just some of the terrible costs of this conflict. As both sides continue to exchange blows, it is clear that a resolution to this crisis remains elusive.
The slow advance of Russian forces through Donetsk region and their attempts to take control of Kupiansk suggest that Moscow’s military strategy is focused on taking key territory rather than making a decisive breakthrough. However, the resilience of Ukrainian forces in holding back Russian attacks suggests that Kyiv may be able to withstand the pressure.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for international leaders to remain engaged and committed to finding a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
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