Russia Claims Gains in Ukraine as Fighting Continues

The Russian military says it has taken control of several towns, while Ukraine continues to target Russian military positions.

The fighting in Ukraine is heating up. Russia says it has made progress on the battlefield. On August 15, 2026, the Russian government announced that its forces have taken control of 19 settlements in the southeast part of Ukraine over the course of their summer campaign. Russian officials also specifically mentioned capturing a town called Petrivka in the Donetsk region. Another report from the Russian Defense Ministry stated they have taken two more towns in the Sumy and Donetsk areas. Meanwhile, Ukraine is not just standing by. They report that their forces are still fighting back by hi…