Ukraine repels Russia’s attempt to cross Donbas river, and drives invaders away from Kharkiv

Russia incurred heavy losses during Siverskyi Donets operation, according to UK MoD, and Ukraine also claimed success around Kharkiv

• Russia-Ukraine war: latest updates

Ukrainians have repelled multiple attempts by the Russians to cross a strategically significant river in the Donbas, inflicting heavy losses in the process, according to local officials and British intelligence.

Ukrainian forces have also driven Russia from the second-largest city of Kharkiv in their fastest advance since Kremlin troops pulled away from Kyiv and the north-east over a month ago to focus their offensive on the Donbas.