Russia Claims Control of Two More Ukrainian Towns

Russia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that its forces have taken control of two additional settlements in Ukraine. According to a statement, units of the Center group of forces captured the settlement of Svitle in Ukraine's Donetsk region, while the North group took control of the village of Nova Sich in the Sumy region, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

In response, Ukraine's General Staff reported that its forces struck one of Russia's largest oil refineries located in the city of Ryazan. The refinery has an annual processing capacity of approximately 17 million metric tons of crude oil. Earlier on Wednesday, Ryazan regional Governor Pavel Malkov stated that six people had been hospitalized following a Ukrainian drone attack on the region. Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, announced that it had evacuated its logistics center in Ryazan and suspended operations at the facility in line with safety procedures.

Separately, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi held his first telephone conversation with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and US European Command chief General Alexus Grynkewich. Drapatyi outlined Ukraine's military priorities, including expanding long- and medium-range strikes and strengthening its positions. He also thanked Grynkewich for efforts to secure additional air defense systems for Ukraine and for US military assistance provided through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), under which European countries finance the purchase of US military equipment for Kyiv, including Patriot interceptor missiles.

According to Mehr News, the developments highlight the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both sides reporting military gains and strikes.