Ukrainian offensive is 'taking place in several directions,' says official

A Ukrainian offensive is "taking place in several directions," Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television on Monday, as speculation mounted that Kyiv would soon launch a summer counteroffensive that could swing the course of the conflict.

"It is not only about Bakhmut. The offensive is taking place in several directions. We are happy about every meter. Today is a successful day for our forces," she said.

It is unclear if she was referring to Ukraine's much-anticipated offensive, which has been shrouded in secrecy despite clear signs that Kyiv is gearing up for a sweeping operation. Kyiv has indicated that the start of the counteroffensive would not be announced.

Both Ukraine and Russia have engaged in intense information campaigns to sway public opinion and mislead their opponents about their battle plans.

Maliar's comments came after the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops resisted a "large-scale" attack from Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donetsk region. The Russian military claimed in a statement to have killed 250 Ukrainians and destroyed armored vehicles used in the assault, but provided scant evidence.

Moscow is known to make inflated claims about Ukrainian losses. CNN has been unable to independently verify the claim.

A spokesperson for the Ukraine Armed Forces, Bohdan Senyk, told CNN that Ukraine does "not have information" on a purported "large-scale offensive" in Donetsk.