Ukraine's Revamped Army Prepares for Counteroffensive Against Russian Forces.

Ukraine has increased its activity along the front line, seeking to pin Russia down and inflict maximum casualties around the flashpoint town of Bakhmut. President Zelensky has been on a tour of European allies, winning pledges of increased military support. Ukraine is seeking to take back control of territory occupied by Russian forces in the wake of the February 2022 invasion and also areas seized by Russia in 2014. The battle for Bakhmut has turned into the longest standoff since the Russian invasion, and Ukraine is now saying it is advancing in the area, retaking Russian positions in Bakhmut's suburbs. Analysts say Ukraine is conducting local counteroffensives to roll back Russia's flanks and gauge defenses in the region, but it remains unclear whether the full planned counteroffensive has begun.