Kyiv  - Ukraine has accused Russian forces of deliberately blowing up a major dam and hydroelectric power station in southern Ukraine, leading to the threat of a catastrophic flood that could displace hundreds of thousands of people. Russian news agency Tass quoted an unnamed Russian government official confirming the dam's collapse. Ukrainian authorities had previously warned of the potential release of 18 million cubic meters of water, which could flood multiple areas, including the city of Kherson, and pose a risk to a nearby Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called an emergency meeting to address the urgent crisis.

Ukrainian forces have made significant progress in the vicinity of Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine that is considered the focal point of the ongoing conflict, according to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar. Although she did not confirm whether a long-awaited counter-offensive had been initiated, the Ukrainian advances indicate a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict. Meanwhile, the Russian military announced that it had successfully repelled a fresh attack in the Donetsk region. It is important to note that these claims made by both Ukraine and Russia have not been independently verified.

In a separate development, in the early hours of Tuesday, air raid sirens were activated across Ukraine for several hours. According to preliminary information provided by city officials in Kyiv, more than 20 missiles were intercepted and destroyed, averting potential damage. Despite facing resistance, Ukrainian troops gained ground in multiple directions, with specific progress reported in villages close to Bakhmut.

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the fighters and reassured that Ukraine would emerge victorious. The battle for Bakhmut, considered the longest and bloodiest of the conflict, holds symbolic importance for both Kyiv and Moscow. The claims made by Ukraine and Russia have not been independently verified.

There are signs of a possible major Ukrainian counter-offensive in eastern Ukraine, although no official confirmation has been given. Increased military activity and reports of marginal gains by Ukrainian forces suggest that the long-anticipated offensive may have begun. The Russian defense ministry claims to have repelled a new attack in Donetsk, reporting heavy casualties and tank losses, but the veracity of these claims is uncertain.

Ukraine has been preparing for a counter-offensive and now claims to have enough weapons, but officials remain tight-lipped about its status. Public speculation is discouraged to avoid aiding the enemy. The liberation of territory taken by Russia will be a time-consuming process, and if Ukraine launches a counter-offensive, it is expected to be a lengthy endeavor.