Russia has announced the capture of the villages of Sredneye and Kleban-Bik in Donetsk, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict intensify.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it had captured the towns of Sredneye and Kleban-Bik, increasing military pressure in the Donetsk region, already annexed by Moscow. The conquest of Kleban-Bik is a strategic step towards the town of Kostiantinivka, crucial for Ukrainian logistics. In the context of the Russian advances, the prospect of a meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelenski, mentioned by Donald Trump, is becoming increasingly remote. Zelensky has reaffirmed that he will not cede Ukrainian territory despite Russia's occupation of 20% of the country.