Ukraine's counteroffensive threatens Russian troops near Bakhmut.

Russian forces have retreated north of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, acknowledging a coordinated push by Kyiv to encircle them. Reports suggest that Ukraine has made significant gains around the city, with both sides reporting the biggest Ukrainian gains in six months. The head of Russia’s Wagner private army called the retreat a “rout”. Moscow has been preparing for an expected onslaught since late last year and has built lines of anti-tank fortifications along hundreds of miles of front.