Russian Forces Capture Krasni Kut in Donetsk, Ukraine
The Russian army announced on 28 July 2026 that its troops have taken control of the town of Krasni Kut in Donetsk province, citing “decisive actions of the Central Group of the Armed Forces” that “freed the city of the People's Republic of Donetsk.” The advance follows months of territorial gains in the Donbas region since the invasion began in February 2022.
In a separate development, Serbia’s bid to join the European Union faces new hurdles. EU officials say eight member states object to opening accession negotiations with Serbia, citing concerns over the rule of law and the country’s ambiguous stance toward sanctions on Russia. The European Commission, backed by France, Spain and a group of “Western Balkans friends,” argues that Serbia has made significant reforms.
Meanwhile, three major Russian grain terminals on the Black Sea—NZT and KSK at Novorossiysk and ZTKT at Taman—have restricted truck shipments because of heightened navigation risks after Ukrainian drone attacks on vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. One industry source said, “The risks have increased and there are fewer people willing to take them.” The terminals together can handle over 20 million tonnes annually, while Russia’s total maritime grain exports total about 50 million tonnes each year.
Entities: Donetsk province · European Union · Krasni Kut · Novorossiysk port · Serbia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia's total maritime grain exports are about 50 million tonnes per year; the three terminals have capacity of over 20 million tonnes annually. (industry sources)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Three Russian grain terminals (NZT, KSK at Novorossiysk and ZTKT at Taman) have limited truck deliveries due to navigation risks. (industry sources)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Eight EU member states oppose opening accession talks with Serbia. (European Commission)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Serbia's EU accession process is delayed due to concerns over rule of law and its stance on sanctions against Russia. (EU officials)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss diplomacy. (Zelensky)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Increased navigation risks stem from Ukrainian drone attacks on vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. (industry sources)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Russian Ministry of Defense said the Central Group of Forces freed the city. (Russian Ministry of Defense)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Russian forces captured the town of Krasni Kut in Donetsk province. (Russian Ministry of Defense)