In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian officials announced the capture of two more towns in the eastern region over the weekend. Myrnograd and Guliaipole are reportedly under Russian control, according to a statement from the Kremlin. This announcement comes just a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a peace plan aimed at ending the hostilities.
The Kremlin’s statement highlighted that President Vladimir Putin received a report from military commanders concerning the “liberation” of Myrnograd, also known as Dimitrov, and Guliaipole. Myrnograd, located in the Donetsk region near Pokrovsk, has strategic significance as a logistical hub. Russian forces had previously claimed dominance over Pokrovsk on December 1, paving the way for these new advances in the area.
Guliaipole, situated in the eastern part of the Zaporizhzhia region, has seen fewer Russian advancements compared to other areas, but the pace of military operations has reportedly increased in recent months. During a televised address, Putin remarked that the offensives in these regions were meant to “intensify the pressure” on the Ukrainian armed forces.
The timing of Moscow’s announcement has drawn attention, given that it precedes Zelensky’s crucial discussions in the U.S. aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict. Putin’s comments further escalated tensions, as he indicated that should the authorities in Kyiv refuse to pursue a peaceful resolution, Russia would take military action to resolve the issues at hand.
