Despite their small size, capturing the villages is an incursion into the first line of Russian defenses and could allow Ukrainian forces to try a deeper thrust into occupied areas.

Myroslav Semeniuk, spokesman for the brigade, told the Associated Press that an assault team captured six Russian troops after entering several buildings where some 60 soldiers were holed up.

Zelensky said that ‘the counteroffensive, defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine. I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in.’