Pro-Kremlin figures now doubt Vladimir Putin's strategy as troops lose in eastern Ukraine

Russian pro-government figures have begun to voice concern and frustration over the success of the Ukrainian counter-offensive. Kyiv forces managed to recapture almost all of the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine from Russian forces. Observers consider this to be the biggest setback for Russian troops since the start of the invasion. On the other hand, Russia's Defense Ministry called the rapid withdrawal of troops a "regrouping" into separatist-held areas in the Donbas region.