Ukrainian troops make gains on multiple fronts in ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian forces have advanced around Bakhmut, the "epicentre of hostilities" in the eastern Donetsk region, but it is unclear whether a long-awaited counter-offensive has begun. Russia's military said it had repelled a new attack in the region on Monday. The battle for Bakhmut has been the longest and bloodiest of the war. President Zelensky thanked Ukrainian fighters for delivering "the news we are expecting" on the Bakhmut direction. There has been a notable increase in military activity, with Ukraine claiming to have made marginal gains elsewhere on the front line.