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Russia claims capture of Soledar as Ukraine denies full control

Ukrainian officials say fighting continues in the eastern town, despite Moscow's claims of victory.

Russia's defense ministry claimed on Friday that its forces had captured the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar, a development that would mark a rare battlefield success for Moscow after months of setbacks.

Moscow said that the capture of Soledar was a “major step” in its military operation in Ukraine, while Ukrainian officials denied having lost full control of the town.

Status of Soledar

Ukrainian military spokesman Serhiy Cherevaty said that Ukrainian forces were still fighting in Soledar, adding that “the enemy disinforms about the alleged capture of the entire city”.

The conflicting claims could not be independently verified, and it is not clear if Russian forces are in full control of Soledar.