Intense Clashes Erupt in Ukraine's Northeast

Heavy fighting continues in northeast Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces holding their lines and making gains in some areas. Russia claims to have halted Ukrainian forces and shot down three Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy stated that the war is gradually returning to Russia's territory. Russian forces launched air attacks, including striking a building in Kharkiv, causing a fire. The death toll from a Russian strike on a school in Sumy has risen to two. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Maliar reported that Russian forces are trying to drive them out of elevated positions in the northeast, but Ukrainian troops are resisting and pushing back with heavy losses. Ukraine launched a counter-offensive last month, focusing on a southward campaign and winning back ground around Bakhmut. Fierce fighting has also occurred in Kupiansk and Lyman. Russian forces claim to have destroyed a Ukrainian armored brigade near Svatove and repelled four Ukrainian attacks near Lyman.