Ukrainian counteroffensive underway against destabilizing Russian forces.

Well-trained and well-equipped Ukrainian combat forces are in "assembly areas" close to the front line, indicating a potential concerted attack on Russian positions. Ukraine has increased its offensive operations to create more favorable conditions ahead of a counteroffensive. Recent Ukrainian gains in areas near Bakhmut are part of a "bigger plan" which will eventually lead to the counteroffensive. Western officials caution that a large-scale assault could still be "weeks" away, and Ukraine is currently engaged in "shaping operations" to destabilize the Kremlin and the Russian military.