NESKUCHNE, Ukraine -In the village of Neskuchne, Reuters journalists have provided independent confirmation of Ukraine's significant progress against Russia's invasion. The sight of Ukraine's blue and yellow flag flying over a ruined grocery store and Russian soldiers lying dead in the street marks the country's most significant advancements in seven months. While Russia has not acknowledged these Ukrainian gains, President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that he currently sees no necessity for mobilizing additional troops to counter the Ukrainian counteroffensive initiated the previous week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he currently sees no need for another mobilization of troops in response to Ukraine's counteroffensive. The ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces along a 1,000-kilometer front line has not reached Kyiv, the capital. Putin acknowledged Russia's failed attempt to capture Kyiv after the invasion began in 2022. He also threatened to withdraw from the Black Sea grain deal, accusing the West of deception and expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in liberalizing Russian grain exports. The grain deal, facilitated by the United Nations and Turkey, will expire on July 17 unless extended by Russia.

The village of Neskuchne, which had been under Russian control, was found empty as Ukrainian troops advanced in their counteroffensive. Ukrainian soldiers rode through the streets on a tank and pick-up truck, accompanied by the sound of artillery fire. Reuters journalists witnessed the aftermath, including damaged buildings and the bodies of three dead Russian soldiers. This serves as the first independent confirmation of Ukraine's progress in the area southwest of Donetsk. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, during a meeting with US President Joe Biden, highlighted the impact of NATO's support for Ukraine on the battlefield. While Ukraine has made gains, Russia has prepared defensive lines, meaning Ukraine's advance may not necessarily indicate a breach through the front. Ukraine reported retaking seven settlements and claimed advancements of up to 6.5 km and 90 square km of territory. President Putin, on the other hand, stated that Ukraine's counteroffensive had not been successful and alleged that Ukrainian casualties exceeded Russian losses. The Russian defense ministry reported repelling Ukrainian attacks in other villages and released video footage claiming to show captured tanks. The accuracy of the footage could not be immediately verified.