Russian forces make gains in Bakhmut, says pro-Russian leader.

Russian forces are advancing in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, with the bulk of Ukrainian forces forced to pull back from the AZOM metals factory, according to Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed leader of the region. The battle for Bakhmut has been the focal point of Moscow's war on Ukraine, with both sides claiming heavy casualties. Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group are spearheading the offensive, with Telegram channels associated with the group publishing images of Ukrainian fighters being flushed out. Ukrainian military commanders have said their own counter-offensive is not far off, but have stressed the importance of holding Bakhmut in the meantime.