Russian shelling as Ukraine forces reportedly cross Dnieper River

A view of the destroyed Antonivsky Road Bridge over the Dnieper River in Kherson, Ukraine. Russia has denied reports that Ukrainian forces have crossed the river, which is seen as a potential goal for an anticipated counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces [LIBKOS/AP]

Russia has pounded the southern Ukrainian cities of Kherson and Beryslav, destroying about 30 buildings and injuring civilians, as a Ukrainian advance has been reported in the Kherson region onto the eastern bank of the Dnieper River, which is controlled by Russian forces.

The US Institute for the Study of War said on Sunday that published geodata and reports by Russian military bloggers indicated that Ukrainian forces have taken up positions on the east bank of the river.