Ukraine's Counteroffensive Gains Momentum, Securing New Territories

Ukraine's counteroffensive in the south and east of the country continues, with recent gains in the villages around Bakhmut in Donetsk. Ukrainian forces have liberated Andriivka and Klishchiivka, although Russia is attempting to regain lost positions. Explosions have been reported at the Russian administration building in occupied Donetsk. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy acknowledges the slow progress of the counteroffensive but emphasizes that Ukrainian forces are advancing and liberating territory every day. Russia has called on the World Court to throw out Ukraine's genocide case. The UK's Defense Ministry reports that Russia is likely reinforcing its defenses in southern Ukraine, deploying additional elite airborne units and improving defenses in the town of Tokmak. China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, visits Russia to discuss deeper mutual political trust and prepare for a possible visit by President Putin to Beijing.