For months, much of the world has been watching and waiting as Ukraine prepares for a major counteroffensive in its war with Russia. That battle is now underway, and it’s not what was expected.

Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The New York Times, reports from the front line.

Guest: Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Military analysts said it would take weeks or months to gauge the success of the attacks Ukraine mounted last week across a broad stretch of the front line.
• As Ukraine pushes to recapture territory, Russia has moved ahead with elections in occupied areas.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.