MOSCOW/HELSINKI - Russian forces have taken control of eight settlements in the Donetsk region over the past week, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

It said that the units of the Center group of forces had liberated five settlements in the Donetsk region, while two other groups liberated three more settlements in the region over the past week.

Over Sept 7-13, Russian forces launched 39 group strikes with high-precision weapons destroying oil, gas and energy facilities, we well as Ukrainian military and industrial infrastructure, the ministry noted.

The Russian forces also advanced their operations in the Kursk region with units of the North group of troops liberating 10 settlements in the region, according to the ministry.

Finland's aid for Ukraine

Also on Friday, the Finnish government announced in a press release that the country will provide an additional 118 million euros ($131 million) in defense aid for Ukraine.

The decision was made by Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the government's proposal on Friday. According to the press release, this will be the 25th defense material package sent to Ukraine.

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Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen said in the release that Finland will continue to provide material assistance to Ukraine. The ministry did not disclose further details on the contents, method of delivery, or schedule.