Ukraine faces strong Russian resistance in counteroffensive near Bakhmut.

Ukrainian troops are facing "desperate resistance" from Russian forces around the eastern city of Bakhmut, according to Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The situation in the east is tense, and Russia is bringing its best divisions into the Bakhmut sector with backup from artillery and aircraft. The Ukrainian military said last week it had started to push Russian forces back in and around Bakhmut, and Kyiv said on Thursday it had regained control of about 100 square km of territory in just over a week of its counteroffensive against Russian forces.