Russian-backed forces make gains in Bakhmut, Ukrainian commander killed in strike.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group, claimed that his forces killed Ukrainian commander Major General Ihor Tantsyura in a strike near Bakhmut. However, Ukraine's defense ministry denied the claim, stating that Tantsyura is "alive, healthy, unharmed and continues to perform his duties." The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Russian ultranationalists seek to frame any Russian operations as delaying potential Ukrainian counteroffensive actions.