Zelensky praises Ukraine's military advances amidst counteroffensive speculation.

Ukrainian President Zelensky praised his troops for advances claimed near Bakhmut, while Russia said it had repelled a large-scale attack. The contrasting claims came as Pope Francis's peace envoy, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, arrived in Kyiv for two days of talks. The war has escalated in recent weeks, with increased attacks on both sides of the border with Russia. Military experts expect Ukrainian forces to test Russian defenses for weaknesses before starting a full-blown offensive.