The ongoing battle for Bakhmut: Ukraine's defense and Russia's territorial gains.

Ukraine's military leaders are determined to defend the eastern sector that includes Bakhmut, despite analysts saying it has little strategic value. Meanwhile, journalists working for AFP have reported seeing white phosphorus munitions fired from Russian positions in eastern Ukraine. British investor and Putin critic Bill Browder has called for more to be done to stop Russia's access to money to fund its war, including an embargo on Russia and measures against countries that are not cooperating. Russia expert Angela Stent said Putin had used the war to consolidate his power.