Ukrainian counteroffensive has started, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has started, as evidenced by the use of strategic reserves.

"It is absolutely possible to state that this Ukrainian offensive has begun, and the use of strategic reserves testifies to it," Putin said, according to TASS.

The president added that the offensive potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) had not yet been exhausted, despite the failure of their attempts at a counteroffensive.

Ukraine's military has launched its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces, a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines told NBC News on June 8.

After months of buildup to a campaign that could prove crucial in Kyiv’s bid to reclaim occupied territory, a wave of attacks Thursday focused on the war's southeastern front lines and appeared to represent a significant new push.

Many see this new phase of the war as crucial to persuading Western allies to renew their support as Ukraine grapples with the fallout from the destruction of a critical dam in the region.

Ukraine’s government has consistently said there would be no public announcement of the start of the offensive. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations, while a Ukrainian military spokesman declined to comment.