Ukraine’s army pierces Russian lines near Kharkiv

lost anything and will not lose anything,” Vladimir Putin told an economic forum in Vladivostok on September 7th. Even as he spoke, his troops were falling back. On September 6th Ukraine announced a surprise offensive in north-eastern Kharkiv province, throwing Mr Putin’s creaking army into turmoil. All eyes had been on a long-awaited Ukrainian offensive in southern Kherson province, which began on August 29th. Russia had thinned out its forces in the east to reinforce the south. On September 6th Ukraine’s army took advantage, slicing through a weak point in the front lines east of Kharkiv city. It rapidly encircled Balakliya and was reported to have advanced 20km to Volokhiv Yar. By September 7th Ukrainian forces were advancing towards Shevchenkove, a similar distance away.