Ukraine has struck Russian airfields and equipment near the cities of Luhansk and Berdiansk in territory controlled by Russian forces.

The Ukrainian armed forces said this morning that they had carried out “well-aimed strikes on enemy airfields and helicopters”.

This was disputed by a Russian-installed official in parts of the Zaporizhzhia region controlled by Moscow in Ukraine’s southeast disputed, however, who said the strikes on Berdiansk were not successful.

“According to preliminary information, our air defence system successfully intercepted enemy rockets,” Vladimir Rogov said on Telegram. 

“Information about victims and possible damage is being clarified.”

Since the start of its counteroffensive in June, Ukraine has made frequent air attacks on Russia-controlled territory, aiming to destroy military equipment and undermine Moscow’s war efforts.

Russia begins ‘most significant offensive this year’ in east

Russia has “highly likely” begun a “coordinated offensive” across the east of Ukraine, the UK defence ministry has said.

In its latest intelligence update, officials say Russian forces are conducting a “combined arms offensive” in the eastern town of Avdiivka – where fighting has intensified in recent months.

“Russia’s attack is likely being carried out with multiple armoured battalions, which are attempting to envelop the town,” the update says.

This is “likely to be the most significant offensive operation undertaken by Russia since at least January 2023”, the update says.

The report adds that “successfully clearing Avdiivka looks increasingly unlikely in the short term”.