Kiev, 29 August 2022 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian troops have broken through Russian front lines in the southern region of Kherson, the Ukrainian media outlet Hromadske reported on Monday, citing a military spokesperson. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine have begun offensive operations in many sections in the south of Ukraine," Nataliya Humenyuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defence Forces, was quoted as saying by Hromadske. Donetsk separatist units and supporting Russian marines were reportedly forced to retreat. More precise locations of the battlefield gains were not given and the information could not be independently verified. Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine just over six months ago. Since then, it has captured large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine. Since June, the Ukrainian leadership has been nurturing hopes of a major counteroffensive in the south.