Many soldiers from the southern port city of Kherson spent months trying to liberate their homes. The Russian retreat last week was a major blow to Moscow's war effort.
Russia says it's withdrawing from the southern city of Kherson, but Ukraine says it's not seeing a pullout. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is asking Ukraine to show a willingness to negotiate.
Born in Ukraine, Kirill Stremousov had switched to Russia's side and mimicked its claims about Nazi rule, becoming spokesman and deputy governor of the Moscow-installed administration in Kherson.
Those who've left Kherson and others who still have loved ones there describe a community in fear of the Russian occupiers — and hopeful that increased shelling means the Ukrainians are coming.
As the war has changed over the months, Ukrainian soldiers have had to adapt quickly and learn new skills — even if it means figuring out how to fire anti-tank missiles by watching YouTube videos.
Sixty percent of Ukrainians who fled their homes for other parts of the country have lost their jobs, as Russia's invasion has upended industries and destroyed businesses.
Russia, which had suspended participation over the weekend, says the grain deal is back on after assurances that shipping corridors would not be used for military purposes.
Countries are scrambling to salvage a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain, after Russia said it pulled out indefinitely, a decision that risks worsening global hunger.
Ukrainian forces have made significant gains in recent weeks, recapturing wide swaths of territory in the east and northeast. Now they're bracing for what may be one of their toughest battles yet.
Russia's defense minister says the military reached its target of adding 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine. The recruitment effort led many Russians to protest and flee the country.
The war in Ukraine hasn't only destroyed lives and buildings. It's also ripped apart trust in communities that endured Russian occupation. Neighbors now see each other as collaborators with the enemy.
Young volunteers blast techno music while helping people in destroyed villages and then hold dance parties to blow off steam. "Listening to music keeps us balanced, so we can keep working," one says.
