Intense Fighting Erupts in Bakhmut as Russia Claims Gains

Ukrainian and Russian armed forces are engaged in bloody battles in the eastern city of Bakhmut, with pro-Kyiv forces still holding on despite the Wagner mercenary group capturing two more areas of the city. The battle for Bakhmut has been the longest and deadliest of the war for both sides, with infantry ground combat of an intensity unseen in Europe since World War Two. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated Kyiv's desire to join NATO as soon as possible, but gave no details on effective security guarantees needed before that happens.