Ukrainian counter-offensive takes shape with first gains around Bakhmut

Russia’s defence ministry claimed a long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive had begun, pointing to intensifying attacks in eastern Ukraine over the past 48 hours.

The ministry on Friday said Ukraine had launched 26 assaults along a 60-mile stretch of the frontline near Bakhmut and the nearby town of Soledar, involving more than a thousand troops and up to 40 tanks. It conceded that Russian troops had redeployed to “more advantageous” positions in some locations but said it had stopped Ukrainian forces from making any breakthroughs.