| Ukraine makes rare gains near Bakhmut |
| Ukrainian troops have broken through Russian positions outside the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut and forced Russian units back from a key position near a canal, commanders on both sides said, the first gains since March for Kyiv’s forces in the fight for the city. |
| Ukraine’s forces had not won any ground in the fight for Bakhmut since pushing Russian forces off a key access road two months ago. It is far from clear whether they can hold the minimal terrain they captured this week or if it marks a turning point. |
| The 11-month battle for Bakhmut has taken on a symbolic significance that goes far beyond its strategic value. Both countries have invested resources and sacrificed soldiers in a high-stakes effort to wear each other down, with Russian forces slowly gaining control of most of the city and its surroundings. |
| Context: The recent fighting in Bakhmut came amid an uptick in Ukrainian strikes behind Russian lines and reports of increased attacks in Russian regions bordering Ukraine, in advance of a major counteroffensive that Kyiv has said will begin soon. |
| In other news from the war: |
| The southern city of Kherson has gone from a symbol of jubilant hope to a kill zone. “Death is everywhere,” the deputy mayor said.Russia faced renewed pressure to extend the Black Sea grain deal, as world leaders accused Moscow of weaponizing hunger. |
