Ukraine gains upper hand in battle for Bakhmut, Russia takes notice.

Russia has acknowledged that Ukraine has made territorial gains in the battle for Bakhmut, where Kyiv's forces are said to be advancing on the flanks of the Donetsk city. Despite not having an equipment or personnel advantage, Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 500 meters in the direction of Bakhmut in a day, "liberating Ukrainian land." Russian forces have likely committed to reinforcing their offensive efforts in the area, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Ukraine said its air defenses had successfully shot down 29 Russian missiles, two kamikaze drones, and two reconnaissance drones during an eight-hour barrage from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.