In the ongoing conflict, Russia has gradually advanced in fierce skirmishes along a 1,000-kilometer frontline, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Kyiv describes the situation as a costly stalemate with minimal territorial losses, while Moscow claims continuous strategic progress.

According to Deepstate, a Ukrainian resource that maps the frontline using open-source imagery, Russian forces have taken complete control of a small southern section of a key city. The majority of the city remains a contested “grey zone” under no clear control.

A Ukrainian military official, requesting anonymity, refuted claims that special forces had been eliminated and confirmed that their operations are still underway.

A Ukrainian military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, denied that the special forces had been killed and said the operation was continuing.