"Ukraine's counter-offensive yields territorial gains and prisoner exchange with Russia"

Ukrainian forces have recaptured three villages in the Donetsk region, marking the first gains since President Zelensky announced the start of a counter-offensive against Russian troops. Meanwhile, Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up another dam in the Zaporizhzhia region, following the destruction of the major Nova Kakhovka on Monday. In a prisoner swap, 94 Russian servicemen and 95 Ukrainian troops were exchanged. Russia's Wagner mercenary group has refused to sign a contract with the country's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu. Russia claimed to have destroyed seven German-made Leopard tanks and five US-made Bradley vehicles while repelling Ukrainian attacks and also took down a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region.