Ukraine claims break through of most difficult Russian defences

Ukrainian troops say they’ve managed to break through the most difficult line of Russian defences in the south – which should help them advance more quickly in their mission to take back territory.

Ukrainian officials have been under pressure to speed up the pace of their counter offensive –  but defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov said it was not a Hollywood blockbuster and Ukraine would not send soldiers to die in battle without results.

Emily Wither has the latest.