Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his top commanders are in a "positive" mindset as troops engage in intense fighting along the front line. 

He confirmed yesterday, for the first time, that the Ukrainian Counter Offensive has begun. 

“Counter offensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. On which stage I won't say details and we've assured they’ll feel all of it,” he said.  

Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline will seek to break through Russian defences and gather momentum, pushing through the Black Sea coast and isolating Crimea.  

Naming top military officials in Ukraine by name, the president said "they are all in a positive mood. Pass that on to Putin". 

Russia

President Zelenskyy’s comments come after a week of reports from Russia claiming victories against Ukrainian forces on the frontline.  

President Putin also claimed the Ukrainian counter offense had already begun before President Zelenskyy confirmed it.  

Despite that, President Zelenskyy said the world shouldn’t take much notice of Russia’s claims.  

“I wouldn't trust those other telegram channels,” he said. “Especially Putin.” 

Russia also claimed it destroyed large amounts of Ukrainian military equipment supplied by the West, but there has been no external verification of this claim.  

Dam flooding

A huge dam in the Russian-controlled area of southern Ukraine was destroyed on June 9th, unleashing a flood. 

Many residents are relying on bottled water, as access to fresh water in the region surrounding the dam has been severely affected. 

Ukraine's military and Nato have accused Russia of blowing up the dam, while Russia has blamed Ukraine.