Ukraine: Kyiv purges defence ministry, counteroffensive gains, human rights in Russia 'degraded'

Ukrainian troops have broken through the Russian defence line near the town of Bakhmut, the commander of Kyiv's ground forces General Oleksandre Syrsky said on Monday.

Following the recapture of the villages of Andriivka and Klichtchiivka over the past few days, "the enemy's defence line has been breached", said General Syrsky.

The re-capture of the village Klishchiivka on the eastern front came just a day after the Ukrainian flag was raised over Andriivka.

Ukraine claimed on Monday to have liberated 7 square kilometres of territory over the past week from Russian troops in the south and east.

Russia has not officially commented on Ukraine's claims, but its supporters in the Donetsk region have dismissed the significance of the victories saying the two villages are unoccupied and reduced to rubble.

“Our warriors, our heroes on the front line. I am proud of each of them. And I am grateful to each brigade for its strength!”, wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Twitter, now called X.

He also used his Sunday night address to thank the armed forces for capturing Klishchiivka near Bakhmut in the country’s east.

Grinding battles along the front in Donetsk have left few buildings, or even trees, standing.

Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in June to retake territories occupied by Russia, after receiving Western weapons and training.

Ukrainian soldiers now appear to be closing in on Bakhmut, the scene of one of the bloodiest battles in the war so far. Should they recapture the town it would be a major symbolic victory.

An ex-Wagner Russian mercenary told Euronews in July detailed harrowing accounts of the fighting in Bakmut, alongside lies and mutiny on the front. 

Six Ukrainian deputy defence ministers were fired on Monday,