Eyes on Kherson as Ukraine claims bold move on Russians

Vladimir, 66, stands next to the wreckage of his house after being bombed by Russians in Chernihiv, Ukraine (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

A surge in fighting on the southern front line and a Ukrainian claim of new attacks on Russian positions have fed speculation that a long-expected counteroffensive to try to turn the tide of war has started.

But Ukrainian officials warned against excessive optimism in a war that has seen similar expectations of changing fortunes before, and the Russian Defence Ministry claimed an attempt by Ukraine’s troops to launch an offensive had failed and caused heavy casualties.