Russian forces have reported fresh gains on the Druzhkovka axis in the Donetsk People’s Republic, pushing deeper into the area after capturing Ivanovka and Novoye Shakhovo.

Military sources say Russian units have broken through into Novyy Donbass, where fighting is now underway as they attempt to take control of the settlement.

The advance east of Dobropolye is said to cover roughly four square kilometers, marking another step forward on this stretch of the фронт.

Ukrainian sources have also acknowledged clashes in Novyy Donbass, stating that Russian troops have secured several positions to the east of the village.

Earlier, units from Russia’s «Center» group reportedly restored control over areas around Nikanorovka, Dorozhnoye, Sofiyevka, Novopavlovka, Shakhovo, Mayak, Vladimirovka, Pankovka and a number of other nearby settlements.

The developments come against the backdrop of recent Ukrainian claims that their forces had launched a counteroffensive near Dobropolye and trapped Russian units in what was described as a «cauldron». Russian forces, however, continue to advance through one settlement after another inside what they describe as this supposed encirclement.