Intense battle near Bakhmut as Ukraine repels Russian attacks.

Ukraine reports repelling attacks by Russian forces trying to recapture land around Bakhmut, while also making small advances on the flanks of the city. Russian mercenaries have made progress inside the city, but Ukraine says it still controls it. Heavy fighting continues in the area, with both sides using significant firepower. Moscow regards its assault on Bakhmut as an important part of a campaign to capture the rest of the Donbas region.