Russian forces have claimed to have captured the key Ukrainian fortress city of Pokrovsk, in a major boost for Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin announced that its forces have taken control of the eastern Ukrainian city, timing the declaration to coincide with US special envoy Steve Witkoff's planned visit to Moscow later today for peace negotiations.
Should the claim prove accurate, the fall of Pokrovsk would mark Moscow's most substantial territorial gain on the battlefield in almost 24 months.
The announcement emerged as high-ranking American and Ukrainian officials concluded discussions in Florida regarding potential pathways to end the conflict.
Kyiv has yet to directly address Moscow's assertion about the city's capture.
The Kremlin disclosed that General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, informed Mr Putin of Pokrovsk's capture during the president's Sunday inspection of a frontline command post.
The Russian President said: "I would like to thank you for the results of the operations in Pokrovsk – both you, the entire command and personnel of the group, and, of course, the fighters, our guys who are carrying out these combat missions."
Footage released by Moscow and verified by CNN depicts Russian soldiers raising their national flag in Pokrovsk's central district.
Russian troops held up their flag in Pokrovsk
|REUTERS
Andriy Kovalenko, who heads Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation, suggested Russia would attempt numerous frontline pressure tactics accompanied by dramatic declarations aimed at Western audiences to increase diplomatic leverage.
Pokrovsk served as a crucial transport junction in the Donetsk region, housing approximately 60,000 residents before the conflict.
Russian forces have pursued the city for over 20 months, sustaining substantial casualties throughout their campaign.
The strategic importance of Pokrovsk has waned as Ukrainian forces established alternative supply lines following persistent drone and artillery strikes on the primary highway and railway connections.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Pokrovsk has been a key target for Russia for nearly two years
|REUTERS
Moscow's announcement included claims of seizing Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, part of the four eastern Ukrainian territories Russia asserts it has annexed.
Recent weeks witnessed intensive bombardment of Pokrovsk, reducing numerous structures to debris through sustained drone, artillery and aerial attacks.
Mr Witkoff's Moscow visit follows October telephone conversations with Mr Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, where the American envoy proposed modelling Ukraine peace efforts on Donald Trump's Gaza agreement framework.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently visiting European capitals, stated that avoiding territorial concessions legitimising Russian occupation remains his primary objective.
During Monday's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr Zelensky indicated the latest proposals appeared more favourable.
Mr Putin has expressed willingness to consider Mr Trump's suggestions as potential groundwork for agreements, whilst maintaining that no finalised version exists and showing no indication of moderating Russian demands.
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