Russian forces have taken control of Matyashevo and Nikolaypolye in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to the Russian Defense Ministry’s August 20 report on the course of the military operation in Ukraine.

Units of Russia’s Center group of forces were involved in the capture of Matyashevo. The settlement lies south of Dobropolye, near the Vodyanoy Yar gully. Vodyanskoye is located to the east; the Defense Ministry reported a day earlier that Russian troops had also taken control of that settlement.

According to the ministry, the capture of Matyashevo allowed Russian forces to cut off routes used by Ukrainian units and created conditions for a further advance toward Dobropolye.

During the assault, Russian troops cleared around 100 buildings. To dislodge Ukrainian forces from houses converted into firing positions, they used grenades, mines and targeted drone strikes.

Nikolaypolye was taken by units of Russia’s South group of forces. The settlement is located southeast of Druzhkovka, roughly nine kilometers from the city.

The Defense Ministry also reported that total Ukrainian Armed Forces losses over the previous 24 hours amounted to about 1,390 troops.