Russia’s defense ministry has announced that its forces have recaptured 10 settlements previously seized by Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russia has begun counter-offensive actions, which aligns with Ukraine’s strategic plan.

Russia stated that its North Forces had reclaimed the settlements over two days in the area around Snagost.

Ukraine’s offensive was launched with the apparent aim of diverting Russia from its advance into eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine now claims control over up to 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory, although Russian forces continue to seize villages in eastern Ukraine, closing in on the strategic town of Pokrovsk.