"Kyiv Takes Action: Defence Ministry Purged Amidst Russia's Degrading Human Rights"

Ukrainian troops have breached the Russian defense line near the town of Bakhmut, recapturing several villages in the process. The Ukrainian president praised the armed forces for their progress. In a separate development, six Ukrainian deputy defense ministers were fired, following the dismissal of the defense minister amid a corruption scandal. Meanwhile, a UN report highlighted the degradation of human rights in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. The report criticized Moscow's restrictions on freedoms and called for the release of political opponents. Both Russia and Ukraine claimed to have shot down each other's drones and missiles in recent clashes. US and NATO officials warned that the war in Ukraine may be long-lasting and difficult to resolve.