Eight months into the Russian invasion, fighting is intensifying in various parts of Ukraine. Pro-Russian authorities in the southern city of Kherson are recruiting residents in an apparent bid to ease a shortage of military personnel.

The governor of Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine said that Russian attacks on Monday damaged residences as well as educational and power transmission facilities.

Ukrainian forces have been stepping up counteroffensives in the east and south since September, aiming to retake more territory from Russia.

In the south, Ukrainian troops are carrying out counterattacks to take back the major city of Kherson.

Pro-Russian authorities are moving residents out of the area in response. They are also calling on people who want to remain in Kherson to take part in a newly formed local militia unit.

The move is seen as an attempt to gather troops in regions Moscow claims to have annexed, as it faces personnel shortages.

The mobilization of reservists in Russia from September has caused anxiety and discontent among the public.

In the face of Ukrainian advances, Moscow this month introduced martial law to Kherson and other regions, enabling authorities to take stronger measures.