Military spokesperson says troops liberated over 400 square kilometers in southern region that was quickly taken over by Moscow at start of invasion

G7 may punish countries that back Moscow's claims on Ukrainian regions, Washington warns; EU vows to 'never recognize' move; Italian far-right leader slams 'neo-imperialist' Putin

Russian leader signs treaties after referendum derided in West as sham, says residents of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia are its 'citizens forever'

Putin to lead ceremony in Kremlin that will formally incorporate Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas into Russian territory, spokesperson says

Moscow-installed officials in occupied areas say they'll ask Putin to absorb them into Russia following votes that Israel and other Western countries have rejected

Separatist Donetsk leade calls referendum widely denounced as pretense 'a historical milestone'; vote clears way for Moscow to claim Ukrainian forces are attacking Russia itself

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says ballot results in four regions controlled by Moscow would make new borders 'irreversible,' in move that could escalate fighting

Kyiv estimated to have seized 2,500 km² in eastern breakthrough, as Moscow claims forces 'regrouping' in Donetsk; Zelensky: Russian army doing 'the best it can — showing its back'

Moscow-backed official insists referendum will be held 'no matter what,' as Ukrainian forces claim gains in bid to retake captured territory

Clashes focus on Kherson region with speculation looking around a long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive