KYIV, Ukraine, June 11, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Ukraine on Sunday announced its forces had retaken the village of Neskuchne in the eastern Donetsk region, the second reported gain of its new offensive.

After months of building expectations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that a counteroffensive against Russian forces was underway but refused to provide any details.

"Neskuchne of the Donetsk region is under Ukrainian flag again," the state border guard service said after Kyiv earlier announced its troops had retaken the village of Blagodatne, also in the region of Donetsk.

Experts have noted that Ukraine is seeking weaknesses on Russia's heavily fortified lines in order to break through and recapture its territory.

Washington-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said Saturday that Kyiv's forces had conducted counteroffensive operations in at least four front-line areas.