Russia claims control of eight Ukrainian localities; strikes hit energy, data centers

Russian forces claim to have seized eight settlements across Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv, while launching six combined strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, data centers, and fuel depots. The territorial gains, if confirmed, mark a continued advance in eastern Ukraine, but the claims are unverified. The strikes on energy and data infrastructure signal a deliberate effort to degrade Ukrainian resilience and command capabilities.