Ukraine war: Russia gains ground, Kyiv ire at tank 'indecision', Moscow air defence drill

The Russian army said on Saturday it carried out "offensive operations" in the Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine, enabling it to take "advantageous positions".

"As a result of offensive operations, units of the Eastern Military District took more advantageous lines and positions," the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement. 

It did not give any further details.

Fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region intensified on Friday, as Russian forces claimed to capture a village in the region, just 50 kilometres from the local capital. 

The area is home to Europe's largest nuclear power stations, with fighting there raising fears of a possible catastrophe. 

Yesterday, Ukraine's energy minister said the situation at the plant was dire due to the phycological state of its Ukrainian staff and the condition of their equipment. 

A report by Euronews has looked at the Chechen fighters spilling blood on both sides of the Ukraine war. 

Those fighting alongside Ukrainian troops include Russian President Vladimir Putin's oldest and fiercest enemies, veterans of the separatist wars in their homeland, alongside radical Islamists who have fought in Syria. 

Meanwhile, Russia has used Chechens loyal to the Kremlin to discipline and reportedly even execute dissenting soldiers, as well as intimidate civilians in Ukraine.

Chechnya is a restive part of southern Russia in the Caucus region. After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, its primarily Muslim population tried to break away and establish their own state. This led to two horrific wars during the 90s, which ended in Moscow establishing control over Chechnya.

Chechens waging war for Russia in Ukraine today, say experts, are those who teamed up with Moscow to break the rebellion of their own