Russia says it downed 345 Ukrainian drones in 24 hours, took two villages

State media say Russian forces are in control of Pokrovka and Minkivka

Photo: Reuters

Russia's defence ministry said on Monday that it had downed 345 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours and taken control of two settlements, state media reported.

The state RIA news agency said Russian forces had taken control of the settlements of Pokrovka and Minkivka in eastern Ukraine.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.