Russia claims advances in southern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region

Russian forces are reportedly advancing in southern Ukraine, breaching Ukrainian defenses near Zaporizhzhia. They claim to have captured the village of Stepove, with pro-Russian sources stating they also entered Maly Shcherbaky. The Russian Defence Ministry announced these developments, but Ukraine has not yet commented. The situation marks a shift in the ongoing conflict, with Russian forces making gains after previous Ukrainian efforts to distract them. These claims have not been independently verified by Reuters. The conflict continues to evolve as both sides engage in military actions.