Russian forces are advancing in the Donetsk oblast, according to reports, as maps showed the latest state of play on the front line in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel Politika Strana said on Wednesday that Moscow's troops had made "significant progress" in the Vuhledar,

Russia’s ministry of defence claims it’s forces have captured two small settlements around the city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine

Southern group of forces captured settlement of Zhelanne Druhe, according to Russian Defense Ministry - Anadolu Ajansı

Russian forces “liberated the settlement of Zhelannoye Vtoroye” in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, the defence ministry said, using the Russian name for the village of Zhelanne Druge. The village is located close to Pokrovsk, a logistics hub for the Ukrainian army that is threatened by the advance of Russian troops.

The Ukrainian decision last week to pull its forces out of Vuhledar, a staunchly defended bastion that lies on the hinge of the eastern and southern fronts, has added to the gloom about the country’s prospects.