Ukraine's counteroffensive inflicts heavy losses on Russian forces near Bakhmut.

Ukrainian troops are facing "desperate resistance" from Russian forces around the eastern city of Bakhmut, while inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops in the south. The situation in the east is tense, with Russia bringing its best divisions into the Bakhmut sector with backup from artillery and aircraft. Ukrainian forces are conducting offensive actions in separate directions, occupying dominant heights and strips of forest to force the enemy gradually out of the outskirts of Bakhmut. The Ukrainian military said last week it had started to push Russian forces back around Bakhmut.