Russia claims capture of twelve villages in Eastern Ukraine in February

Sunday 15 February 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Russia claims capture of twelve villages in Eastern Ukraine in February

Russia’s military leadership has announced further territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, stating that its forces seized a dozen villages during the first half of February amid ongoing hostilities.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov recently visited troops deployed in Ukraine and reported advances despite what he described as severe winter conditions. The claims could not be independently verified.

The announcement comes days before anticipated diplomatic talks in Geneva involving Moscow, Kyiv and Washington, as the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary. The large-scale offensive launched by Russia in February 2022 marked a dramatic escalation of tensions that have since reshaped European security dynamics.

Focus on donetsk region

Moscow has repeatedly declared its objective of securing full control over the eastern Donetsk region. While Russian forces have intensified operations since last autumn, they have yet to achieve complete territorial control of the area.

Kremlin officials maintain that any negotiated settlement would require Ukraine to withdraw from territories claimed by Russia — a demand Kyiv has firmly rejected.

Gerasimov indicated that Russian units are advancing toward Sloviansk, an industrial hub that briefly fell under the control of pro-Russian separatists in 2014. The city has since become a frequent target of military strikes and remains strategically significant due to its location and infrastructure.

Expanding military activity

Russia asserts sovereignty over four Ukrainian regions: Donetsk Oblast, Luhansk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Kherson Oblast. However, active fighting has extended beyond these territories.

Russian officials also reported efforts to expand what they describe as a “security zone” near the northeastern border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv, where limited pockets of territory are reportedly under Moscow’s control.

In addition, military planners are said to be reviewing potential future operations in the direction of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Although Russian forces pushed westward into parts of that area last summer, the Kremlin has not formally included it among the regions it claims.

Diplomatic uncertainty

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that Moscow seeks full control of Donetsk and is prepared to continue military operations if diplomatic efforts fail. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to call for the restoration of its territorial integrity under internationally recognized borders.

As diplomatic channels reopen ahead of the Geneva discussions, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides positioning themselves militarily while negotiations loom. The coming weeks may prove pivotal in determining whether the conflict shifts toward renewed talks or further escalation.