Reuters via CNN Newsource

By Billy Stockwell, Darya Tarasova and Victoria Butenko

(CNN) — Russia claimed on Monday to have captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, in what would be an important victory for its forces if confirmed – though Ukraine dismissed what it said were “loud statements” by Moscow aimed at influencing negotiations on ending the war.

The claim by Moscow, which CNN is unable to independently verify, comes after months of heavy fighting for control of the strategic hub. Moscow has sustained thousands of dead and injured in its assault on the city .

It comes shortly after high-level talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Florida on how to end the war, and just a day before US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Put

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