Ukraine Liberates 20 Regions, Downs 18 Missiles, Blackout In Eastern Region, Putin Sacks Top General

The Ukrainian military has reportedly reached the border of the Kharkiv region with Russia in the north. Ukrainian forces claim to have “retaken” the settlement of Lyptsi and the border town of Hoptivka in the Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian army claims Russian invaders retreated from their positions in some populated localities in Kherson. Ukraine’s General Staff claims Russian troops are retreating from Svatove in Luhansk Oblast. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on the country's second-largest thermal power plant in Kharkiv reportedly caused blackouts in several Ukrainian regions. Putin has reportedly sacked Lieutenant General Roman Berdnikov just 16 days after his appointment. Berdnikov is believed to have been sacked due to the failure of Russian troops in retaining vast swathes of occupied territory in Kharkiv.