Ukraine war: Russia 'will lose' says Zelenskyy, Kyiv claims gains near Bakhmut, Denmark F-16s

Ukraine recaptured a small area from Russian forces last week near the eastern city of Bakhmut, the country's deputy defence minister claimed on Monday. 

There was no change on the southern front, however. 

"An additional three square kilometres were liberated" near Bakhmut in seven days, said Ganna Maliar on Ukrainian television, adding Ukraine's armed forces had taken more than 43 km2 since June.

Bakhmut, in the hotly contested Donetsk region, was captured by Russian forces in May. This came after months of deadly fighting, involving the notorious Wagner mercenary group. 

"In the south, the situation has not changed significantly, our defenders continue to advance towards (the occupied cities) of Berdyansk and Melitopol," continued Maliar, without detailing whether concrete gains were made.

Ukraine launched a massive counter offensive in June to try and liberate regions occupied by Moscow.

This operation has so far achieved only modest gains, capturing a handful of villages after more than two months of fighting. 

Russian forces have had months to fortify their positions with trenches, anti-tank traps and extensive minefields covering hundreds of kilometres.

Russia recently launched an attack of its own in northeastern Ukraine, forcing civilians to evacuate, though Maliar claimed the Ukrainian line was holding firm.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said in its daily report its soldiers have "improved" their positions in this sector.

UNESCO has launched a programme to train 15,000 school psychologists to help tackle the mental health impacts of the war on Ukrainian students and teachers.  

In coordination with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, the UN agency said on Monday it was "committed to helping Ukraine improve mental