Russia refutes Ukrainian forces' progress on front line.

Russia's defence ministry has denied reports of Ukrainian advances on the front line in east Ukraine. Pro-Russian sources had claimed that Ukrainian soldiers had made advances on the front line. Ukraine's president said it was too early to start a counteroffensive. The expected attack could be decisive in the war, redrawing frontlines that have remained unchanged for months. Western officials estimate between 20,000 and 30,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded at Bakhmut, while Ukraine's military has also paid a heavy price.