The Ukrainian military denied a Western media report on Thursday that Kiev had begun its upcoming counter-offensive against Russian forces. Moscow did not comment on the news, but said it had destroyed a column of Ukrainian tanks that were on their way towards the front lines.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Ukraine of blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant to cover up its losses during the attempt to carry out the counterattack. Ukrainian authorities continue rescue operations for residents in the flood-ravaged southern Kherson region.