Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Escalates with Heavy Losses on Both Sides.

Russian soldiers fighting against anti-Putin militia in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine complain that "entire regiments" are being wiped out due to poor leadership, lack of reinforcements, and equipment. Two Russian rebel groups, including defectors from the Russian armed forces and Russian and Belarusian volunteers, entered Belgorod last week, and intense fighting has been ongoing since. The soldiers were mobilized eight months ago and were later taken to Ukraine's so-called Luhansk People's Republic for training. The British Ministry of Defence assessed on June 2 that Russian commanders now face an "acute dilemma" of whether to strengthen defenses in Russia's border regions or reinforce their lines in occupied Ukraine.