Russian Armed Forces approach settlements of Novodonetske, Novomaiorske, Pavlivka - Russian Defense Ministry

MOSCOW. March 12 (Interfax) - The Russian Armed Forces have further advanced in the territory of Ukraine for 21 kilometers during the special military operation, Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said at a briefing on Saturday.

"The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have approached the settlements of Novodonetske, Novomaiorske, and Pavlivka and are continuing an offensive on a wide front in joint flanks with the forces of the militia of the Donetsk People's Republic. The forces advanced by 21 kilometers further over the past 24 hours," Konashenkov said.

"Militia units of the Donetsk People's Republic with fire support from the Russian Armed Forces continued its offensive actions, took control of the settlements of Valerianivka and Zelenyi Hai and blocked Novoandriivka off from south and east. They advanced nine kilometers further," Konashenkov said.

"Units of the Luhansk People's Republic continued its offensive actions, took control of the settlements of Surovtsivka, Shchdryshcheve, and Zhitlivka and blocked Rubezhne off. They advanced six kilometers further," Konashenkov said.