Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive Gathers Pace - Infographics

Ukraine's military has launched attacks on occupying Russian forces in the key Zaporizhya region in what appears to be the first heavily armoured assaults of its long-anticipated counter-offensive.

Russian officials and military bloggers say Ukrainian troops – backed by tanks, artillery, and drones –are trying to advance south of Orikhiv, BBC reports.

Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed local official, said Russian troops were holding their positions amid "active fighting" towards Tokmak, seen as a key target for Ukraine as it seeks to advance to the Sea of Azov.

Ukrainian forces hope to secure a breakthrough in the south and sever the “land bridge” connecting Russia with Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces, cutting off supply lines to the Crimean peninsula currently under Moscow’s control.