Russian forces advance in Bakhmut, Ukraine retreats.

Russian forces, including regular units and the Wagner Group, are launching a coordinated three-pronged attack on the Ukrainian defenders of Bakhmut, the site of the war's longest and bloodiest fight. Seizing Bakhmut would have public relations and tactical military value for Moscow, but would be unlikely to prove decisive in the war's outcome. Ukrainian officials are buying time by depleting Russian forces in the battle while preparing a counteroffensive. The Ukrainian president argues that if Russia wins the Bakhmut battle, Putin might be able to begin building international support for a deal that would require Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises to end the war.