Ukraine stated that it would hold its first war crimes trial about the Russian invasion. At the same time, Moscow accused Kyiv of shelling a Russian city in the most recent escalation of hostilities.

The battle has destroyed towns and uprooted millions. There are rising concerns about its broader international repercussions as European gas supplies have been affected by the cessation of Russian gas exports through Ukraine.

Since the invasion began on February 24, Kyiv has regularly accused Russian troops of committing atrocities. On Wednesday, Ukrainian officials announced they would initiate the first war crimes prosecution of the conflict.

According to the prosecutor general's office, 21-year-old Russian serviceman Vadim Shishimarin is suspected of murdering an unarmed 62-year-old civilian while fleeing in a stolen car with four other service members.

Prosecutor Iryna Venediktova's office issued a statement stating, "The man died on the spot just a few dozen metres from his home,"

If proven guilty, Shishimarin risks possibly life imprisonment.

The office of Venediktova has received reports of over 10,000 alleged war crimes and has identified 622 suspects.

Nearly six million residents have fled due to the Russian invasion, with many citing torture, sexual abuse, and indiscriminate damage.

On Thursday, the UN Human Rights Council will convene a special session on Ukraine.

Moscow has prioritized eastern and southern Ukraine since it failed to capture Kyiv in the opening weeks of its offensive.

According to Kyiv, the recovery of four towns close to the Russian border near the northeastern city of Kharkiv bolstered Ukraine's armed forces.

In the Russian city of Belgorod, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Kharkiv, Ukrainian bombardment reportedly resulted in one death and six injuries.

The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, described the scene as "the most difficult situation" since Russia moved soldiers into Ukraine eleven weeks ago.

Authorities in Russian regions that border Ukraine have often accused the Ukrainian military of launching attacks.

According to Gladkov, Ukrainian helicopters attacked a petroleum storage facility in Belgorod.