Ukraine punches through Russian lines as surprise offensive retakes land in the east

Ukrainian forces surged forward in the country's east Friday after punching through Russian defenses in a surprise counteroffensive that could prove a decisive turning point in the war.

Kyiv said its military had recaptured swaths of territory in a thrust centered on the region around Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

Officials shared a flood of images and videos from the region, with some verified by NBC News showing soldiers raising Ukrainian flags over once-occupied towns and villages or posing victoriously next to road signs. Others appeared to show troops being met by residents who offered soldiers everything from heartfelt thanks to pancakes.