Ukraine ‘corrodes’ Russian forces in southern counteroffensive

Russian servicemen stand on military vehicles near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and among the 10 largest in the world, in Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region, southeastern Ukraine [File: AP Photo]

Ukraine has deepened a counteroffensive in the south of the country in the 23rd week of the war, striking Russian garrisons and ammunition stockpiles, forcing Russia to bring in reinforcements and weakening other fronts as a result.

Ukraine also scored a diplomatic victory: Russia has agreed to lift its blockade of Black Sea ports to allow Ukrainian grain exports, which Ukraine estimates will bring in $10bn in much-needed revenue.