On July 28, 2024, Russia's Defence Ministry announced the capture of the village of Lozuvatske in Ukraine's Donetsk region, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.

This announcement follows Moscow's claims of capturing several villages in Donetsk throughout the month, including Lozuvatske.

Russian troops have reportedly made advances toward the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, asserting control over two villages near Pokrovsk.

In addition to territorial gains, Russian forces have conducted strikes on various localities and successfully repelled three counter-attacks from Ukrainian forces.

Over the weekend, Russian strikes in Ukraine's Donetsk region resulted in the deaths of five civilians and injuries to 15 others, highlighting the ongoing violence.

Casualties were reported in various regions, including eight civilians wounded in Nikopol and another eight in southern Kherson province due to Russian shelling.

On the same day as the Lozuvatske announcement, Russia's Defense Ministry reported the downing of seven Ukrainian drones over its territory, with one drone strike causing a fire at an oil depot.

Ukrainian sources indicated that drones were also used to attack a refinery and three airfields in Russia, specifically in the regions of Saratov, Ryazan, and Murmansk.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed skepticism about Ukrainian peace talks, citing mixed messages from Ukrainian leaders as a reason for distrust.

In the backdrop of these developments, approximately 200 billion euros of Russian assets have been frozen in the EU, with a significant portion located in Belgium.

The European Union has announced a release of 1.5 billion euros in aid for Ukraine, utilizing profits from the frozen Russian assets since the conflict began.