Ukraine launches counteroffensive against Russia

Ukraine — Ukraine's military has launched its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces, one senior officer and one soldier near the front lines told NBC News.

After months of buildup to a campaign that could prove crucial in Kyiv’s bid to reclaim occupied territory, a wave of attacks Thursday focused on the war's southeastern front lines and appeared to represent a significant new push.

This new phase of the war, which many see as crucial to persuading Western allies to renew their support, comes as Ukraine grapples with the fallout from the destruction of a critical...