Kiev: Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on Monday that Russian troops have captured the important city of Kurakhov after months of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Kurakhov is an important stronghold for the Ukrainian army on the eastern border line. It has an industrial zone and a thermal power plant. It is located on the highway connecting eastern and southern Ukraine. Russia has made this claim amid the completion of almost three years of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, there has been no response from Kiev regarding this claim. 

Ukrainian army invades Russian territory

A day earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Ukrainian army had launched a new offensive in Russia's Kursk border region. The war is uncertain in view of the newly elected US President Donald Trump being sworn in two weeks later. Efforts have been intensified by both sides to gain an edge in the battlefield before any possible peace talks. 

Trump's arrival will have an impact

Trump has not detailed his plans to accomplish his goal of ending the war, but his presence in the White House is likely to have a significant impact on the state of the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is hoping for help from his allies to strengthen air defenses. He has said he will call on his allies to increase their air defenses at a meeting this week in Germany.