Ukraine war: Kyiv claims first victories of counter-offensive - BBC News

Kyiv says it has liberated four villages - the first since President Zelensky announced the offensive.

Ukraine says it has liberated four villages in the south-east, calling these the first settlements won back from Russia since Kyiv's counter-offensive began
On Monday morning, officials reported that "the national flag is once again waving" over Storozhove, in the Donetsk region
A day earlier, footage showed Ukrainian troops celebrating in Blahodatne and Neskuchne - and a minister said nearby Makarivka was also taken
The settlements are relatively small - and Moscow is yet to confirm any retreat
The Institute for the Study of War backs up Kyiv's claims, saying Ukraine captured "multiple settlements" along the frontline over the weekend
On Saturday, President Zelensky acknowledged that the long-awaited counter-offensive was under way