Russian forces advance in Bakhmut and Avdiivka, Ukraine vows fightback.

Ukrainian military officials reported that Russian forces have made some progress in the frontline city of Bakhmut, but Ukrainian fighters are still holding on. The UN nuclear watchdog chief has put aside plans for a security zone around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia power plant to propose specific protection measures acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv. The Zaporizhzhia power station was captured by Russian troops a year ago, and attempts to reduce fighting and shelling around it have failed despite fears of a nuclear disaster.