Russian military says it has taken control over 500 square kilometres

Russian forces have reportedly occupied 17 settlements and taken control of more than 500 square kilometres since early January, according to Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, following an inspection of units based in the Western Military District.

Gerasimov said Russian troops had made progress in establishing what he described as a buffer or "security zone" along the border. He stated that over the past month alone, the Northern military group had taken control of four settlements in border areas, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

According to Gerasimov, the Northern Group of Forces is continuing combat operations aimed at expanding a "security zone" in the border regions of Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

He also said that forward units of the Dnipro military group are positioned 12 to 14 kilometres from the southern and south-eastern outskirts of the city of Zaporizhzhia. 

Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the statements.

By Sabina Mammadli