Ukrainian forces reclaim strategic village from Russians in southward advance

Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive against Russian-occupied territories, recapturing the village of Staromaiorske in the southeast. The focus of the counteroffensive is to secure villages on the southward push and areas around the city of Bakhmut. Ukrainian officials report slow but steady progress, while Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that every Ukrainian assault has been beaten back. The Ukrainian forces aim to sever the land bridge created by Russian forces, linking the occupied areas in the east and Crimea. Despite previous gains, Russia still holds about 20% of Ukraine's land.