Putin Pushes For Max Gains Before Ceasefire; Russia ‘Claims 5 Ukrainian Towns’ Russian forces reportedly seized five key towns in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, including Novoselovka, Stavki, Maslyakovka, Yampol, and Petropavlovka. The Russian Defense Ministry described the operations as “liberations,” claiming heavy Ukrainian losses including soldiers, tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed President Putin on continuing offensives in Kupyansk, Pokrovsk, and Vovchansk, asserting Ukrainians offered stiff resistance. TASS said most losses occurred over the past month and a half. Ukrainian military sources denied territorial changes and dismissed Russian claims as propaganda. Fighting continues intensely amid an approaching ceasefire, with both

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