Ukraine and Russia work to gain advantage in annexed regions

Following mounting setbacks, the Russian military has worked to cut off power and water in far-flung populated areas while also fending off Ukrainian counterattacks in occupied areas.

A destroyed car is seen next to a crater created by an explosion after a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine (Leo Correa/AP)

Regions of southern Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally annexed saw more heavy fighting as Ukrainian soldiers pressed a ground campaign to recapture one – and Russian forces exploded long-range missiles and Iranian-made drones in another.

A missile strike also seriously damaged a key energy facility in Ukraine’s capital region, the country’s grid operator said.