Russia has announced the capture of four more villages across eastern Ukraine, claiming advances in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions as the war grinds into its fourth winter. Kyiv disputes the claims, with Ukrainian military analysts saying the areas remain under their control. Analysts say Moscow is using small assault teams to infiltrate defences and symbolically “plant flags.” The brutal frontline battles have left towns in ruins and millions displaced.