Escalating Tensions: Ukraine Claims Success in Pushing Back Russian Forces While Experts Warn of Possible Chemical Attacks

Ukrainian forces are pushing back Russian troops in parts of Bakhmut, with the head of Ukraine's ground forces claiming that Russian troops have retreated up to 1.2 miles on certain parts of the front line. The fight for Bakhmut has been ongoing for nine months, with the town reduced to ruins. Ukraine has held on to the town despite semi-encirclement by Russian forces and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, the EU is discussing new sanctions that would crack down on the circumvention of Russian trade curbs, and two Ukrainian drones attempted to attack a military facility in the Voronezh region in southwestern Russia.