Ukraine launches counteroffensive against Russian forces.

Ukraine has launched attacks in the eastern Donetsk region, sending in mechanized brigades and conventional troops to assault several locations in the southern Donetsk region where Russian troops are entrenched. The operation signals the start of the counteroffensive, with most of the fighting taking place near Novodonetsk and Velyka Novosilka. Despite growing pressure on Russian forces, Ukraine has yet to commit its main forces to the battle. The surge in attacks may be a sign that the counteroffensive has begun, but Ukraine faces sky-high expectations to succeed, potentially imperiling continued Western support if troops fail to retake significant chunks of territory from Russia.