Kharkiv breakthrough: what happened by 7 September 2022

How far had Ukraine's forces moved by 7 September 2022? As reported at the time, a renewed counter-offensive in Kharkiv Oblast had broken through Russian defences and advanced more than 30 kilometres into Russian-held territory. Ukrainian forces were reported to have captured many towns and cities, including Balakliia.

The southern front

The push in the east followed activity in the south. On 4 September 2022, Ukrainian forces recaptured Vysokopillia in Kherson Oblast, a town that had been under Russian occupation since March. The Ukrainian flag was raised over the town's hospital.

Taken together, the reports pointed to Ukrainian operations on two fronts within days of each other: one in Kharkiv Oblast and one in Kherson Oblast.

Pressure beyond the front line

The war was also felt in European politics. On 3 September 2022, an estimated 70,000 people marched in Prague, the Czech capital, demanding that the government do more to control soaring energy prices. Marchers also voiced opposition to the country's involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Political groups including the Communist Party organised the demonstration.

The three developments span the battlefield and the wider region. In Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts, the reports described territory changing hands. In Prague, the protest showed public concern over energy costs linked to the wider energy crisis.