Russian defence ministry says 250 Ukrainian troops killed in attack, in claims that could not be independently verified
Russia has claimed its forces thwarted a “major offensive” in the south-eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops, but its statement could not be verified by news agencies and Ukrainian officials made no comment.
Russia’s defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions at five points along the front in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory.
