Escalation of Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has intensified as Ukrainian and Russian forces clash in multiple areas on the eastern front. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar reported that Russian forces have been attacking in the direction of Kupyansk and around the city of Bakhmut, while Ukrainian forces are fending off Russian attacks near Avdiivka and Maryinka. Despite incremental gains, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine's counteroffensive is "not succeeding" and attempts to break through Russian defenses have failed.