"Timeline of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Day 503 and Counting"

Ukraine makes a "definitive advance" on the southern flank of Bakhmut, while Russian forces repel Ukrainian attacks in Donetsk region. The UK claims Russia is struggling with combat medical provision, and an independent analysis reveals nearly 50,000 Russian men have died since the war began. The Kremlin confirms talks between President Putin and Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Turkish President Erdogan agrees to back Sweden's bid to join NATO, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urges NATO leaders to confirm Ukraine's membership. The US defends supplying cluster munitions to Ukraine, and Germany is expected to announce the delivery of military hardware to Ukraine during the NATO summit.