Ukraine readies for counteroffensive against Russia in ongoing conflict.

Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, with senior officials stating that they are "preparing the battlefield for the new phase of the war." Ukrainian troops have been training and preparing for battle, with the deputy defense minister stating that Russian attacks have decreased in the besieged city of Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian officials insist that the battle is far from over, with troops holding the heights overlooking the city and a portion of the outskirts. Meanwhile, a drone attack caused an explosion in Russia's Pskov region near the border with Belarus.