Ukrainian forces reportedly are making advances in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, while Russian troops are gaining ground on the eastern front.

The Institute for the Study of War reported on Friday that Ukrainian forces continued their counteroffensive operations in Zaporizhzhia.

The US think tank said they made some advances as the Russian side expressed concern over a lack of troops.

CNN also reported that there are growing signs that Ukrainian forces have penetrated Russian defenses along part of the front in Zaporizhzhia, and are moving toward the strategic town of Tokmak.

Britain's defense ministry said on Saturday that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has put pressure on Russian forces in the eastern city of Bakhmut and southern Ukraine.

However, it also said Russian forces have made some limited local advances in the east. It went on to say that there is a possibility that Russia will increase the intensity of its offensive efforts on the eastern front in the next two months.

Meanwhile, Russia's Investigative Committee reportedly retrieved the bodies of 10 people killed in a plane crash in northwestern Russia on Wednesday, and is trying to identify the victims.

The leader of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is believed to be among those who died.

Many people visited Wagner's offices across the country to pay their respects. In central Moscow, people were seen placing flowers before photos of Prigozhin.

US media outlets have reported that the crash may have been caused by explosives planted onboard the aircraft, and suggested possible involvement of a Russian security agency.

The Kremlin flatly denied all allegations that the administration of President Vladimir Putin was involved, calling them an absolute lie.