Ukrainian tanks during an offensive to recapture territory occupied by Russia. - AFP
Ukrainian tanks during an offensive to recapture territory occupied by Russia. - AFP© AFP

Vladimir Putin has fired the general leading Russia’s forces in the Donbas after Ukrainian troops recaptured swathes of territory in a recent offensive in the east.

Lieutenant General Roman Berdnikov, who only came into the post of commander of Russia’s West grouping on August 26, is said to be blamed for Russia’s chaotic defeat over the weekend.

A veteran of Russia’s military intervention in Syria, Lt Gen Berdnikov has been replaced by Colonel General Alexander Lapin, according to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence.

Ukraine claims to have recaptured about 3,000 square kilometres of territory, including the key cities of Izyum and Kupiansk, in a lightning offensive that began last week.

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06:15 PM

Today’s top stories

  • Himars rocket systems and other Western weapons have allowed Ukraine to begin a new phase of its war against Russia.
  • Vladimir Putin has sacked a top Russian general after Ukraine retook swathes of territory in a lightning offensive.
  • Speaking on state television, a Russian war commentator has claimed Ukraine ‘cannot be defeated’.
  • In its first response to Ukraine’s advances, the Kremlin has said Russia is determined to achieve the goals of its "special military operation".
  • In a rare show of criticism of the war, local politicians in Moscow and St Petersburg have signed a petition calling on Vladimir Putin to resign.

05:55 PM

Russian commentator claims Ukraine 'cannot be defeated'

A war commentator invited onto Russian state television told viewers that Vladimir Putin has been misled by advisers and said Ukraine cannot be defeated, in what appeared to be a rare example of sanctioned criticism, writes Nataliya Vasilyeva.