The Russian President Vladimir Putin told a conference in Sochi on Friday that Ukraine had begun its expected counteroffensive against Russian forces, but without success.
In footage posted on Telegram, he can be heard saying:
The offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has begun. This is evidenced by the use of strategic reserves.
Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals in any sector – thanks to the courage of Russian soldiers, proper organisation of troops.
These claims have not been independently verified.
These images from the wires show the damage done to a block of flats in Voronezh, Russia today after a reported drone attack.
In a Telegram post Friday, the governor of Russia’s Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev, said the drone attack injured three residents who were hurt by shards of glass from broken windows.
These claims have not been independently verified.
The drone strike is thought to be a frontline push by Ukrainian forces in what appears to be the early stages of a long-awaited counteroffensive. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
The governor of Russia’s Voronezh region claimed the drone attack injured three residents. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
