Ukraine reports 'heavy combat' after Putin says offensive has begun

A handout photo. Firefighters work at a site of residential area heavily damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Zviahel, Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released on June 9, 2023.PUBLISHED ONKYIV - Moscow and Kyiv both reported heavy fighting in Ukraine on Friday , with bloggers describing the first sightings of German and US armour, signalling that Ukraine's long-anticipated counterattack was under way.

"For our soldiers, for all those who at this time are engaged in particularly heavy combat. We see your heroism, and we are grateful for every moment of your lives," he said in his nightly video address. "Ukraine is as free as you are strong." Russia, which has had months to prepare its defensive lines, says it has repelled attacks since the start of the week. Kyiv has said its main effort has yet to begin.

"They've got a choice of how many they commit initially and how many they keep in reserve in case the battlefield dynamics change," Barry said, adding that Ukraine's initial priority would be trying to keep the Russians off balance and gain tactical surprise through deception and camouflage. The initial days of the counteroffensive have been overshadowed this week by a huge humanitarian disaster after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam holding back the waters of the Dnipro River that bisects Ukraine.

In Hola Prystan on the Russian-occupied side of the river, rescuers evacuated residents in rubber dinghies. Villagers carried pets or small children to safety.

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