The Facts
Ukraine's counteroffensive in the north-eastern Kharkiv region is reportedly continuing to make advances, with visual reports seemingly confirming that Ukrainian forces have retaken the city of Balakliya, 55 mi (90 km) south-east of the city of Kharkiv. Imagery also confirmed the presence of Ukrainian troops on the outskirts of Kupiansk, reportedly a key logistical hub for Russian forces in the region.
According to a statement released on Fri. by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, troops advanced roughly 30 mi (50 km) in three days, and more than 20 settlements were liberated from Russia. The statement also claimed Ukraine had made advances in the region of Donetsk, namely in the directions of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, though the claims couldn't be independently verified at this stage.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after an election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.