Russia says south-east Ukraine is now main focus of fighting in the war

A soldier of Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade gives first aid to his wounded comrade near Bakhmut (Libkos/AP)

The Zaporizhzhia region of south-east Ukraine has become the most recent hot spot for battles in the 18-month war, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu has said.

It comes as Kyiv’s forces press ahead with their counteroffensive.