Russia claims to have occupied the Ukrainian village of Novovasylivka, foreign media report.
The village is about 11 kilometers (seven miles) southwest of Pokrovsk, a key town that Russia is said to be taking after months of efforts, writes A2 CNN.
While Sky News could not independently verify Russia's claim of taking the village, maps of the battlefield published earlier today by the Ukrainian General Staff showed it was at least partially under Russian control.
Russia has pursued a relentless campaign to take control of the eastern Donetsk region.
More details have also emerged on reports that Russian forces are closing in on the key town of Pokrovsk.
Ukraine's General Staff said troops had repelled 71 Russian military attacks on Pokrovsk over the previous 24 hours, meaning almost half of Russia's attacks along the entire 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line occurred around Pokrovsk. (A2 Televizion)
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