Putin visits Russian-controlled Ukraine's Kherson and Luhansk regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Russian-controlled Ukraine's Kherson and Luhansk regions. The Kremlin said that Mr. Putin attended a military command meeting in Kherson and visited a national guard headquarters in Luhansk on Monday.

According to media reports, the visit comes as Ukrainian troops prepare for a fresh



counteroffensive to reclaim the territories. Last month, the Russian President visited Crimea and Mariupol in the Donetsk region which are also under Russian control.

Ukraine’s ground forces said that Russian forces are stepping up their use of heavy artillery and air attacks in Bakhmut.