Ukraine-Russia war – live: Kyiv says gains made against Putin’s forces in ‘fruitful’ days of counteroffensive

Ukraine has made gains against Vladimir Putin’s forces in a “particularly fruitful” few days in the war with Russia, a top official has said. Oleksiy Danilov, one of Ukraine’s most senior security officials, said Ukraine’s army were achieving their “main tasks” as he spoke about the counteroffensive on Tuesday. “At this stage of active hostilities, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are fulfilling the number one task - the maximum destruction of manpower, equipment, fuel depots, military vehicles, command posts, artillery and air defence forces of the Russian army,” Mr Danilov wrote on Twitter. “The last few days have been particularly fruitful,” he said, without providing any details from the battlefield. His comments come after Ukraine’s president Zelensky said on Monday his troops had made progress after a “difficult” week. Ukraine said on Monday its troops had regained more ground on the eastern and southern fronts although deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said fighting had surged around the eastern city of Bakhmut, captured by Russian forces in May. Maliar said the Ukrainian military had taken back 37.4 square kilometres of territory in the past week. Read More Vladimir Putin claims Russia ‘united as never before’ as prominent journalist is beaten Ukrainians honor award-winning writer killed in Russian missile attack on restaurant Putin claims Russia is united than ever just days after Wagner troops march on Moscow Georgia condemns Ukraine for its protests over health of former president Saakashvili