Russia Continues Fighting , for Control of Ukraine's , Donbas Region.br According to 'Newsweek,' mixed reports br are coming out of Ukraine regarding Russia's br recent military operation in Soledar.br On January 11, Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko br told the 'Kyiv Independent' that Russia had failed to br take over Soledar, located to the south of Bakhmut.br On January 11, Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko br told the 'Kyiv Independent' that Russia had failed to br take over Soledar, located to the south of Bakhmut.br Two days earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky br said that the city saw carnage on both sides br and claimed that there was "almost no life left.".br Two days earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky br said that the city saw carnage on both sides br and claimed that there was "almost no life left.".br However, on January 10, an intelligence report published br by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense (MOD) said br that Russia was "likely in control" of most of Soledar.br The mixed reports come br after four days of fierce br fighting in the Donbas city.br This is one of the best defense strongholds br that Ukraine has along all fronts; it was built br up in the course of the 2014 Donbas war. , Mikhail Alexseev, political science professor br at San Diego State University, via 'Newsweek'.br Control over Bakhmut gives Russia access br to more rapid mass advances, particularly br toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk—the latter br being an important industrial center, Mikhail Alexseev, political science professor br at San Diego State University, via 'Newsweek'.br Control over Bakhmut gives Russia access br to more rapid mass advances, particularly br toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk—the latter br being an important industrial center, Mikhail Alexseev, political science professor br at San Diego State University, via 'Newsweek'.br Russia's Ministry of Defense has br denied that Soledar has been taken over, br adding that "fighting is ongoing.".br Overall, these operations indicate br that the Kremlin intends to keep br fighting and keep gaining advantages br with the force of numbers, Mikhail Alexseev, political science professor br at San Diego State University, via 'Newsweek'.