Assessing Russia's Military Situation in Ukraine: Updates and Analysis.

Russia's Defense Ministry denies reports of "defensive breakthroughs" at the front lines in Ukraine, stating that the situation is under control. The ministry also claims to have thwarted three attempts at speculative fire and repelled eight attacks at the Donetsk front. Wagner Group mercenaries are reportedly advancing towards the western section of Bakhmut. Pro-war Russian Telegram channels had reported that Ukraine's counteroffensive had begun, but Kyiv has not commented on the reports.