Continuing their advance in the east of Ukraine, Russian forces have gained control of the village of Mykhailivka. According to the Kiev government, the situation in the war is “very difficult.”

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian forces have taken control of the village of Mykhailivka in eastern Ukraine and are advancing towards the key logistical center of Pokrovsk.

The Ukrainian army reported in its daily briefing that their forces repelled 36 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk region, including near Mykhailivka.

As Russian forces have been advancing westwards in the Donetsk region for months, Kiev reported this weekend that the situation is “very difficult.” The Russian Defense Ministry stated that their forces have taken control of the gates of the town of Selydove and the south of Pokrovsk. Selydove has suffered heavy damage due to months of bombardment, and most of its population has fled. Russia is also attempting to seize Pokrovsk, a mining town hosting around 60,000 people.