Russia announced on Friday that its forces had seized control of three villages in eastern Ukraine, including areas that Kyiv had recaptured during its counter-offensive three years ago.

According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, troops took control of Pishchane and Tykhe in the Kharkiv region, as well as Pryvillia in the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region, AFP reported.

The ministry said the advances were part of ongoing operations along the eastern front, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks. The claims could not be independently verified, and Ukrainian authorities have not immediately commented on the reported developments.

Kharkiv, one of the regions heavily contested since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, was largely reclaimed by Ukrainian forces during their 2022 counter-offensive, which pushed Russian troops back from several occupied towns and villages.

The reported gains come as both sides continue to exchange heavy fire along multiple frontlines, with Moscow seeking to consolidate its hold in eastern and southern Ukraine amid mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.