Ukraine 'holding back' powerful Russian offensive, Kyiv top commander says

FILE PHOTO: A member of the Siberian Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' International Legion throws a hand grenade during military exercises, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 10, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo

(Reuters) - Ukrainian forces are restraining one of Russia's most powerful offensives since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion on its smaller neighbour, the top commander of Kyiv's forces said on Saturday.

Russian troops advanced in September at their fastest rate since March 2022, the month after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion, according to open-source data. Ukraine in August took part of Russia's Kursk region.