Ukraine advances in the south, Russian officials admit

Reports suggest that Ukrainian forces have recaptured territory in the south of the country - it's their biggest breakthrough there since the start of the war. Russian-installed officials have acknowledged Ukraine's advances in the Kherson region - one of four that Russia illegally annexed last week. Photos shared on social media appear to show soldiers raising the Ukrainian flag in several villages. Unverified reports suggest Ukrainian troops have advanced as much as forty kilometers in a single day.

Ukrainian forces are also pushing on with their counteroffensive in the north-east. Yet as Russian forces withdraw from the region, evidence is emerging of a brutal occuption.