Russia Claims Capture of Two Ukrainian Settlements Amidst Widespread Strikes

Russian Ministry of Defense Announces Advances

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, that its forces have successfully captured two settlements in eastern Ukraine: Prylipka in the Kharkiv region and Andriivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This announcement was made amidst ongoing intense military operations in the region. The ministry also stated that Ukrainian forces suffered significant losses, with 1,405 combatants reportedly lost.

Context of Broader Conflict and Ukrainian Response

The Russian claims of territorial gains coincide with a major coordinated missile and drone bombardment launched by Moscow across Ukraine on the morning of December 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned these strikes, which he stated affected 13 regions and involved over 650 Shahed drones and 30 missiles. The attacks resulted in at least three fatalities, including a 4-year-old child, and caused emergency power outages across the country, with energy infrastructure in western Ukraine particularly affected.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that some areas could face prolonged power disruptions. President Zelenskyy described the attack as an 'extremely clear signal about Russia's priorities' and an 'attack carried out essentially in the midst of negotiations aimed at ending this war.' He urged Western allies to increase pressure on Russia.

Strategic Significance and Unconfirmed Claims

While Ukrainian authorities have not immediately commented on the specific claims regarding the capture of Prylipka and Andriivka, the reported advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is notable. This region has largely remained outside sustained ground occupation since the start of the conflict, although Russian forces re-entered the oblast in June 2025 and had established control over several settlements by December 22, 2025. The Kharkiv Oblast, where Prylipka is located, has seen recurring military activity throughout the war, with Russian forces reportedly attacking near Prylipka in the days leading up to this announcement. Independent verification of such claims remains challenging due to the active combat environment.