The Unfolding Conflict in Ukraine: Insights and Updates.

The Ukrainian army is gathering strength for a major counteroffensive against Russian forces in Bakhmut and Avdiivka, as evidenced by the deployment of fresh battalions and Ukrainian counterattacks on Wagner mercenary positions. However, Russian mercenaries are making inroads in Bakhmut's suburbs, and the Russian federal army has begun an offensive north and southwest of Avdiivka, putting the city at risk of being fully enveloped. Ukraine is also conducting a major assault in the Zaporizhzhia region, but Russian forces deflected the assault.