Putin blames West for Ukraine invasion in BRICS speech as Ukraine pushes back Russia's replacement forces

Vladimir Putin has repeated claims the West is to blame for Russia's invasion of Ukraine at a summit of the BRIC nations.

Meeting in Johannesburg, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, who have not criticised Russia for the invasion of Ukraine, were addressed by Putin.

"Our actions in Ukraine are dictated by only one thing - to end the war that was unleashed by the West and its satellites against the people who live in the Donbas," Putin said.

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"I want to note that it was the desire to maintain their hegemony in the world, the desire of some countries to maintain this hegemony that led to the severe crisis in Ukraine."

Meanwhile, Russian forces that have replaced troops in Ukraine have faced increased resistance, as Kyiv reported to have recaptured three kilometres around Bakhmut.

Kyiv has also made gains in the south with Ukrainian forces reportedly having entered the village of Robotyne.

The southeastern village of Robotyne is strategically important, according to analysts because it may provide a route for the Ukrainians to avoid the densest Russian minefields and allow them to pin down and degrade Russian forces in the area.