Russia makes significant advances in Donetsk, Ukraine repels Russian attacks in multiple directions: reports

Russia said on Wednesday that its forces had made significant advances in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine, on the same day, reported repelling Russian attacks in multiple directions.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its latest report that over the past 24 hours, its military captured 96 buildings in the city of Kostiantynivka, seized six defensive positions and 61 buildings in Lyman, and destroyed the Ukrainian army's last local supply route -- the Siverskyi Donets River crossing in Maiaky.

In addition, the Russian forces also seized a residential settlement in Donetsk region, the ministry said.

Also on Wednesday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 237 clashes along the front line in the past day, saying Ukrainian troops repelled Russian assaults in multiple directions.

According to Ukrainian sources, their air force, missile units, and artillery struck 11 Russian troop concentrations, three artillery pieces, and one command post.

Meanwhile, Ukraine also claimed to have shot down 2,052 Russian drones.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 107.58 points, or 0.2 percent, to 53,732.41. The Standard and Poor's 500 sank 13.23 points, or 0.17 percent, to 7,785.76. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 73.86 points, or 0.28 percent, to 26,729.16.

Six of the 11 primary Standard and Poor's 500 sectors ended in the green, with energy and utilities leading the gainers by going up 1.36 percent and 0.55 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, health and technology led the laggards by losing 0.6 percent and 0.42 percent, respectively.