Ukraine claims '8000 sq km' reclaimed from Russia, aims for full liberation

Ukraine president Volodomir Zelenskiy addresses an August press conference in Kyiv

Following several days of battlefield success, Ukraine's aim is to liberate "all the territories occupied by the Russian Federation", officials say.

Ukraine has set its sights on freeing all territory occupied by invading Russian forces after driving them back in a speedy counter-offensive in the northeast.

In an evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said around 8000 square kilometres have been liberated so far in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.

"Stabilisation measures" had been completed in about half of that territory, Zelenskiy said, "and across a liberated area of about the same size, stabilisation measures are still ongoing".

Flow spoke with Australian National University professor of international diplomacy and intelligence studies John Blaxland on Monday about Ukraine's recent gains:

Reuters was not able to immediately verify the full scope of battlefield successes claimed by Ukraine. 

Since Moscow abandoned its main bastion in the northeast on Saturday, marking its worst defeat since the early days of the war, Ukrainian troops have recaptured dozens of towns in a stunning shift in battleground momentum.

In Washington, the White House said the United States is likely to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine in "coming days". 

Russian forces have left defensive positions, particularly in and around Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, a US official said.

They still control much of the country's south and east, but Ukraine is now on the offensive in both areas.

Speaking in the central square of Balakliia, a crucial military supply hub taken by Ukrainian forces late last week, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said 150,000 people had been liberated from Russian rule in the area.

Ukrainian flags had been raised and a large crowd gathered to receive bundles of humanitarian aid. 

"The aim is to liberate the Kharkiv region and beyond - all the territories occupied by the Russian Federation," Malyar said on the road to Balakliia, which lies 74km southeast of Kharkiv.

Meanwhile, repair crews have restored the two main power lines supplying Kharkiv city and its surrounds, power firm Ukrenergo said after Russian shelling caused blackouts.

The Kyiv government fears Russia will step up attacks on its energy networks as winter approaches and is pleading for anti-aircraft technology from the West to protect the infrastructure.

With Russian forces under pressure, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Scholz called on Putin to find a diplomatic solution as soon as possible, based on a ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Russian troops, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, a German government official said.

In Verbivka, a village northwest of Balakliia, Nadia Khvostok, 76, described the traumatic occupation and the arrival of Ukrainian troops, saying residents greeted them "with tears in our eyes".

"We could not have been happier. My grandchildren spent two and a half months in the cellar," she said. 

The village school, where the Russians were based, was destroyed and trees on the road to the village and a cement factory showed battle scars. Elsewhere were abandoned Russian vehicles, including a military truck with a smashed windscreen.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syehubo said the authorities were trying to record crimes committed by Russians during their occupation of the area, and recover the bodies of victims.

"We're asking everyone around about all the places of burial which can be found," he said.

Moscow denies its forces have committed atrocities in areas they have controlled since Putin ordered the invasion on February 24.

Ukraine's military on Tuesday accused retreating Russian soldiers of stealing at least 300 private cars loaded with looted property as they fled. The Russian defence ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

During the day, Ukrainian forces repelled enemy attacks in six towns and settlements to the north of Donetsk, the general staff said, but made no mention of captured territory.

The Ukrainian advance could soon spread into Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, where Russia has concentrated its forces for months to expand territory held by separatists since 2014.