Ukraine makes gains despite fierce resistance in ongoing conflict with Russia.

Russia plans to hold elections in occupied parts of Ukraine in three months, despite a Ukrainian counteroffensive that has pushed its forces back in some areas. Ukrainian troops have made significant advances, capturing at least seven settlements and 100 square km of territory in two major pushes in the south. The decisive battles still lie ahead, and the Ukrainian military has yet to reach the heaviest Russian defensive fortifications. Russia has not acknowledged any setbacks and claims to have inflicted severe casualties on Ukrainians. The US is coordinating donations of Western arms to Ukraine.