Russian forces managed to take control of the city of Korakhiv in eastern Ukraine, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, today, Monday, marking a significant advance after several months of military gains in the region.

The ministry noted that the city, which had a population of around 22,000 before the war, had turned into a “fortified area” due to Ukrainian defenses.

With this advance, Moscow seeks to strengthen its gains in the region before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.