Velyka Novosilka

Many are likely to be exchanged for Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russian forces.
Russians passing through Kramatorsk surrendered after brutal fire as Ukrainian forces attacked Russia's first line of defense near the town of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region.

Ukrainian troops have retaken seven villages spanning 90 square kilometers (35 square miles) from Russian forces in the past week, the deputy defense minister said Monday as the early stages of Kiev's counteroffensive notched small successes.

Ukrainian military officials said Monday their troops have retaken another southeastern village from Russian forces, among the first — small — successes in stepped-up counteroffensive operations as the war drags on into its 16th month.