Russia says its jets prevented U.S. bombers violating border over Barents Sea
NBCJul 18
Russia Claims Capture of Two Villages in Eastern Ukraine
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The Facts
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine on Sunday.
According to the ministry, Russian troops took control of Pishchane Nizhne in the Kharkiv region and Andriivka — referred to as Rozivka by Russia — in the Luhansk region. Ukrainian officials have yet to comment.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While Russia claims to have taken control of these two villages, if confirmed, they do not represent any major change to the frontlines where fighting has largely stalled after two and a half years.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia has liberated two more villages and its forces continue to eliminate Ukrainian fighters and equipment as they set the stage for further Russian advances in the coming weeks.
