**Russian forces intensify shelling in Donetsk region after taking Soledar**
Russian forces intensified their shelling in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine on Saturday, a day after Moscow claimed to have captured the strategically important town of Soledar. The Ukrainian military said Russian forces were shelling the towns of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, and Paraskoviivka in the Donetsk region, as well as the city of Kharkiv in the northeast. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The capture of Soledar, if confirmed, would represent a small but significant victory for Russia after months of setbacks on the battlefield. The town is located about 10 miles north of Bakhmut, a larger city that has been a key target of Russian forces for months. The capture of Soledar would allow Russian forces to encircle Bakhmut from the north and cut off its supply lines.
However, Ukrainian officials have disputed Russia’s claim to have captured Soledar, saying that fighting is still ongoing in the town. The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russian forces were attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Soledar area, but that their attacks had been repelled.
The battle for Soledar is part of a larger Russian offensive in the Donetsk region that began in late December. Russian forces have made some gains in the region, but they have been met with stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces. The fighting has been particularly intense in the city of Bakhmut, which has been reduced to ruins by months of shelling.
The war in Ukraine has now entered its 11th month, and there is no end in sight. The fighting has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced from their homes and thousands killed. The war has also had a significant impact on the global economy, leading to rising energy prices and food shortages.
**In other news from the Russia-Ukraine war:**
* The United States announced on Friday that it will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The tanks are part of a larger package of military aid that also includes Bradley fighting vehicles and other equipment.
* The European Union is considering a new round of sanctions against Russia in response to the war in Ukraine. The sanctions could target Russia’s energy sector and its access to technology.
* The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes after Russia vetoed a resolution that would have condemned the war and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The war in Ukraine is a complex and rapidly evolving situation. The information in this report is based on the latest available sources, but it is possible that some details may change as more information becomes available. Please check back for updates as the situation develops..
