Kyiv claims ‘astonishing’ advances in east Ukraine

Kyiv has said its forces are making lightning gains in the east of the country in a shock counteroffensive to recapture territory that fell to Russia.

“Ukrainian troops are advancing in eastern Ukraine, liberating more cities and villages. Their courage coupled with Western military support brings astonishing results,” foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said in a statement on social media.

“It’s crucial to keep sending arms to Ukraine. Defeating Russia on the battlefield means winning peace in Ukraine,” he added.