Russia's Defense Ministry, through army chief Valery Gerasimov, announced that Russian forces have seized a dozen villages in eastern Ukraine during February. This declaration was made in conjunction with an upcoming round of talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for nearly four years since the full-scale invasion by Russia. Gerasimov's visit underscores the Kremlin's ongoing military activities while it simultaneously proposes negotiations with Ukraine.

Despite these claims of territorial gains, the situation remains tense as Moscow's forces have struggled to achieve their broader goal of fully capturing the Donetsk region since the invasion. Gerasimov emphasized that Russian troops have been operating in harsh winter conditions to achieve these objectives, suggesting a notable escalation in military efforts. However, these assertions by the Russian government remain unverified by independent sources, raising questions about the accuracy of the claims.

The conflict is complicated by Russia's demands for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk region as a precondition for any peace deal, a stipulation that Kyiv has rejected. As the war continues, the imbalance of power and the ongoing military operations reflect the complexity of negotiations and the significant challenges both sides face in achieving a lasting resolution. The announcement of village seizures highlights both a military agenda and the precarious nature of diplomacy in the region.