Russia claims near total control of Bakhmut amidst increased shelling and air strikes.

Ukrainian grain and food products will resume transit through Poland; Russian drones struck Ukraine's Odesa region; a Russian-imposed official reports that the occupied city of Nova Kakhovka is under fire from Ukrainian forces; a former Wagner mercenary admits to killing and torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war; South Korea may extend support for Ukraine beyond humanitarian and economic aid; Brazil's president calls for mediation to end the war; Putin visits a military headquarters in Russian-occupied Ukraine; G7 criticizes Russia's threat to station nuclear weapons in Belarus; Poland plans to install cameras and motion sensors along its border with Russia's Kaliningrad enclave; Absolut vodka ceases all exports to Russia; Russian authorities cancel nationwide victory day processions due to security concerns.