Escalating Conflict: Mercenary Group and Russian Military Clash in Ukraine

The leader of the mercenary group that helped Russia capture Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine has said his soldiers will refuse to join Russia's regular forces, further intensifying his feud with Russian military leaders. Meanwhile, Ukraine's counteroffensive has begun, and the Kakhovka dam collapse has disrupted the usual supply of fresh water to Crimea, forcing Russian authorities to impose rationing and bring in bottled water. The early going of the offensive is expected to be extremely difficult for Ukraine's forces, as Russia has had months to set up defenses. Another American has been arrested on drug charges in Russia.