Putin says Ukrainian counter-offensive has begun as drones strike within Russia

Tens of thousands of civilians already facing the misery of regular shelling fled for higher ground on both sides of the swollen and sprawling waterway.

Vladimir Putin (Ramil Sitdikov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Vladimir Putin says Ukrainian troops have started a long-expected counter-offensive and are suffering “significant” losses.

The Russian president’s comments, hours after a string of drone strikes inside Russian territory, formed his latest effort to shape the narrative of the invasion he ordered more than 15 months ago, sparking widespread international condemnation and reviving Cold War-style tensions.