The offensive in the south was the most highly anticipated military action of the summer. Ukraine is making gains, but the fighting is grinding, grueling and steep in casualties.
Ukraine’s army has built up pressure in the south, with forces striking Russian military strongholds and targeting sites used by local officials loyal to the Kremlin.
In one small town in the Donbas region, everything suddenly fell apart. It was part of Vladimir Putin’s grand plan, and it helped lay the groundwork for the invasion of Ukraine. Now things are heating up again.
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