Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that its forces succeeded in liberating two new towns in Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

Units of the Russian forces managed to liberate Stelmakhovka town in Lugansk People’s Republic, and inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian forces, the ministry said in its daily report on the progress of the special military operation.

The report added that other units also succeeded in liberating Nikolaevka town in Donetsk People’s Republic and repelled seven counterattacks launched by Ukrainian offensive groups against their positions.

Total losses of the Kiev regime forces during the battles in the direction of Russian Kursk region amounted to more than 5,500 soldiers, 71 tanks, and various military equipment.