The Russian forces have taken control of a district in the town of Chasiv Yar, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Bakhmut, a town captured by Moscow a year ago, the Russian Defense Ministry announced.

It is seen by both sides as a potential staging point for Russia to advance on the key cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

In other battlegrounds, the Russian forces destroyed two Ukrainian naval drones that were approaching its Black Sea port of Novorossiysk overnight.

"Two unmanned boats travelling in the direction of Novorossiysk were destroyed in the waters of the Black Sea," the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed in a post on Telegram.

Novorossiysk, a major port city on Russia's southeastern coast, is located 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the Crimean peninsula.

The Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the naval drones. The video depicted multiple bright rounds being fired into the sea at night from various directions, with several striking the water near a small craft before an explosion and fire ensued.

🇷🇺🇺🇦❗️ The Russian Ministry of Defence showed how the Black Sea Fleet repelled an attack by Ukrainian unmanned boats on Novorossiysk last night. Two naval drones were destroyed. https://t.co/lfsjnlS7k6 pic.twitter.com/CoN18toF2y

— Non Sibi Sed Aliis (@corRUSpondent) July 3, 2024

Since the start of the war in February 2022, Kiev has heavily targeted Crimea, including launching multiple attacks and attempted strikes on the Kerch bridge, a critical road and rail link between the peninsula and Russia.

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