Russian forces asserted on Saturday that they had seized two villages within the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, intensifying military operations as international efforts to mediate a resolution to the conflict face setbacks.

Russian troops are gradually progressing through the contested eastern territory, inching closer to Kyiv’s primary defensive perimeter through intense, localized combat.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced via Telegram that its forces had taken control of the villages of Sredneye and kleban-Byk.

The capture of Kleban-Byk possibly marks further advancement toward Kostiantynivka, a strategically crucial fortified town along the route to Kramatorsk, which serves as a major Ukrainian logistical hub.

On Friday, Russia reported the capture of three additional villages in the Donetsk region, an area it unilaterally claimed to have annexed in September 2022.

“No meeting” was planned as Trump’s mediation efforts appeared to stall, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was trying to prolong the offensive.

These recent Russian advances occur amidst fading prospects for a summit between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, a solution advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of his initiative to resolve the conflict.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Friday that “no meeting” was scheduled, as Trump’s mediation efforts seemed to falter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attempting to prolong the offensive.

Also on Friday, TRUMP informed reporters that he would make a notable decision regarding Ukraine peace initiatives within two weeks, suggesting that Moscow could face substantial sanctions or that he might “do nothing.”