Russian strikes batter Druzhkivka as Moscow reports drone attacks and eastern advances

Russian forces have claimed the capture of two villages, Matyashevo and Nikolaypolye, in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, according to Russia's Defence Ministry. The claims remain unconfirmed by Ukrainian authorities and have not been independently verified.

Simultaneously, sustained Russian artillery barrages and air strikes have heavily damaged the frontline town of Druzhkivka, a key settlement within the fortified Kramatorsk defense belt. Local officials report that Druzhkivka's population has fallen from nearly 56,000 before the invasion to fewer than 4,000 residents.

The fighting on the ground coincided with extensive overnight aerial exchanges. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that Russian air defenses intercepted over 200 Ukrainian drones directed at the capital area out of a wider wave, leaving three people injured.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV