Dec 02, Kathmandu - Russian forces have claimed to have captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, which has been under siege for nearly two years. It is considered a key supply hub.

The government cited Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov as saying the Russian military had also captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Gerasimov informed President Vladimir Putin of the liberation of these areas during a visit to the frontline command center on Sunday afternoon, according to the Russian news agency Tass.

Pokrovsk is a major transport hub in Donetsk Oblast, one of four regions in eastern Ukraine that Russia claims to have annexed.

The city, which has a population of 60,000, has been repeatedly hit by Russian drones, artillery and bombs in recent weeks, destroying many buildings.

Ukraine has not yet confirmed that the city has fallen into Russian control. However, Moscow has released video footage showing soldiers marching through the streets of Pokrovsk and waving Russian flags, Reuters reported.

According to TASS, President Putin later congratulated the Russian military on the victory.

“I would like to thank you for your victory in Krasnoarmeysk (the Russian name for Pokrovsk). Congratulations also to the entire command and combat group. Especially the fighters who completed combat missions deserve thanks,” Putin said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with US and European leaders this week to discuss ways to end the war.

Zelensky says he has prioritized not making any concessions that would cede any territory to Russia.