Ukrainian forces reclaim strategic village from Russians in southward advance

Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive in the Russian-occupied southeast, recapturing the strategic village of Staromaiorske as part of their push to drive a wedge through Russian defensive positions. Ukrainian officials report slow but steady progress, while Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that every Ukrainian assault has been beaten back. The counteroffensive aims to sever the land bridge created by Russian forces between the occupied areas in the east and Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy toured southern and eastern regions, discussing the damage caused by Russian airstrikes and shelling. Despite recent gains, Russia still holds about 20% of Ukraine's land.