Ukrainian forces have launched a counter-offensive after wreaking havoc on Russia ’s supply chain.
Moscow’s troops are facing ground attacks while their ammunition supplies have been battered in recent weeks by guerilla and artillery strikes. At least 10 key ammo dumps have been destroyed in seven days.
Several more attacks deep inside Crimea caused huge blasts, severely hitting Russian morale and crippling their ability to re-supply frontline soldiers.
The main counter-offensive is concentrated on the Kherson region, in the south, much of which has been occupied since early in the invasion.
Ukrainian southern military command spokeswoman Natalia Humeniuk said recent strikes on Russia’s southern logistical routes had “unquestionably weakened the enemy”.
It comes amid claims some Russian troops have deliberately injured themselves to avoid battle and 1,000 refused to return from duties in Kazakhstan.
A mission from UN nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was due to arrive in Kyiv on Monday.
Both countries have accused each other of shelling the plant, Europe’s largest, and threatening to spark a disaster worse than Chernobyl.
Russian proxy officials claim that they will ensure inspectors’ safety.
Meanwhile Russian shelling killed two people and wounded 11 in Mykolaiv on Monday.
