Ukraine Launches Counteroffensive to Break Battlefield Stalemate.

Ukrainian forces are attempting to break through Russian defensive lines in southeast Ukraine for a second day, in what may be the start of a long-anticipated counteroffensive after 15 months of war. While Russian officials are trying to portray the Ukrainian attacks as the start of the counteroffensive, Kyiv authorities said their forces were indeed increasing offensive operations and making gains, but suggested some of the Russian announcements were misinformation. The Ukrainian counteroffensive would involve a series of moves and take weeks, according to analysts.