President Volodymyr Zelensky says the gains were made in the east and south during a swift counter-offensive.

Questions are being asked as even state media reported the "tough" week, says the BBC's Russia editor.

The BBC's defence correspondent looks at what's behind Ukraine's potential breakthrough in the east.

Anti-immigration Sweden Democrats set to become the second largest party with vote too close to call.

The Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011 was a "watershed moment", Taoiseach Micheál Martin tells the BBC.

Over 1,000 migrants are thought to have died this year trying to cross the central Mediterranean.

On Saturday, Ukraine captured key eastern towns, as Russian forces withdrew to "regroup".

Monday saw Ukraine pressing a counter-offensive which has retaken swathes of territory in the north-east.

Ukrainian counter-attacks have broken through Russian lines in the Kharkiv region.

"They asked 'is anyone alive?' and I realised they were ours," says one woman. "They were so beautiful."

Power cuts have affected nine million people in revenge for a successful counter-attack, Ukraine says.

The family of Mariana Mamonova are calling for her release before her due date at the end September.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announces military support at a meeting with other ministers in Germany.

Ukraine's president says his troops have recaptured several settlements from Russian forces.

The head of the UN nuclear agency says the situation at a Russian-held nuclear plant cannot continue.

Violent crime is a top issue for voters going to the polls on Sunday.

America's top diplomat visits Kyiv to firm up European leaders' resolve as winter fuel shortages loom.

A Russian policeman’s takeaway order helped the group expose his identity, after he threatened and hit them.

Italy's next leader could come from the far right, so here is what you need to know about the election.

It is one of our favourite treats, but just what really goes into getting ice cream onto your cone?

The former Soviet leader's appearance in a 1998 pizza commercial played on his conflicted reputation.

The last Soviet leader is lionised in the West but opinion is far more negative in the old communist bloc.

The former president opened up the Soviet Union but failed to prevent its collapse in 1991.

Ice in the Swiss Alps provides water for rivers, crops and the cooling of nuclear power stations.

The BBC's Steve Rosenberg recalls his meetings with the late Mikhail Gorbachev over the past 20 years.

The BBC’s Analysis Editor examines the significance of Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces.

Ukraine's military says it has retaken territory from Russia, making its first significant gain in months.

The fire broke out in the industrial area of San Giuliano Milanese, near the Italian city of Milan.

Olena Zelenska says while the economic cost of war affects the world, Ukrainians are counting their casualties.

The former Soviet leader, who took power in 1985, died on Tuesday aged 91.