Ukraine Claims Modest Battlefield Gains as Putin Derides ‘Failed’ Counteroffensive

A Ukrainian soldier of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade fires a 40mm grenade launcher at the front line near the town of Bakhmut, Donetsk region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on June 17, 2023. Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images

Since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive against Russia early last month, it has consistently claimed that its forces were making slow but steady advances.

Moscow, however, disputes that assertion, saying the much-anticipated counterattack has entirely failed to meet its objectives.