Ukraine is sending mixed signals about its long-anticipated counteroffensive, but its forces are on the move, and Russians are feeling the war more than ever.

The Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine has been destroyed, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of responsibility.

Kyiv authorities didn’t confirm the attacks Monday and suggested the claims that major battles are underway were a Russian misinformation ruse.

Russia said on Monday its forces had thwarted a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the front in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk and killed hundreds of troops while Ukraine accused Moscow of spreading lies.

Ukraine’s former Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk talks to Bianna Golodryga about the breaking of a critical dam, and how it might impact Kyiv’s offensive.

Separately, Russia's military said it had repelled a new attack in the eastern Donetsk region on Monday. Bakhmut has for months been at the heart of fierce fighting. It has little strategic value - but is important symbolically both for Kyiv and Moscow.