Ukraine enters key town as counter-attack gathers pace

Ukrainian forces have entered the key eastern town of Kupiansk, as their rapid counter-attack makes further gains, the BBC reports.

Kupiansk is a vital supply hub for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine and fell a week after February's invasion.

Ukrainian special forces posted photos to social media which they said showed their officers in the town.

In addition, the command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces raised the Ukrainian flag in the liberated city of Balakliya, Kharkiv region.

The advances would be the most significant since Russia withdrew from areas around Kyiv in April.

If confirmed - and held - the gains would be used as a sign that Ukraine's army can take back Russian-occupied territory, while the country continues to ask for military support from the West.