Massive Battles in Ukraine as Flooding Crisis Continues

By Stefan J. Bos  

More clashes 

Fighting has also been reported elsewhere in the eastern region of Donetsk.

Additionally, Russian officials say Ukraine's military has launched attacks on occupying Russian forces in the critical southern Zaporizhzhia region. 

Observers say Kyiv's advance south of the city of Zaporizhzhia might block the land corridor between mainland Russia and the occupied Crimea peninsula. That would cut off Russian military supply lines.

However, Russia also attacked Ukraine overnight using cruise missiles and attack drones in strikes that authorities said killed at least one person. 

Evacuations continue 

The fighting came as much of southern Ukraine still copes with the aftermath of flooding caused by the damage to the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant and dam. 

Evacuations continued Friday as thousands of residents living along the Dnipro River have been impacted by the flooding in the Kherson region, where several deaths were reported. 

Yet rescues have been hampered by what officials say is Russians shelling on the flooded city of Kherson. Footage shows water flying in the air as people seek cover in boats or on higher ground. 

Russia had earlier accused Ukraine of shelling an evacuation point, killing two rescue workers. 

President Vladimir Putin made clear Friday that Europe's most significant armed conflict in decades could further escalate. 

He told his visiting Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko that Russia would start deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus after the facilities are ready on July 7 or 8. 

Moscow had previously announced these nuclear plans with its ally Belarus saying they are in response to similar moves by the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.