Russian-backed forces make advances towards Bakhmut: UK

Russian-backed forces have made tactical advances over the past three days towards the centre of Bakhmut, a strategically important town in the eastern Donetsk region, and have likely advanced into villages south of the town, according to the UK military intelligence daily briefing.

Bakhmut sits on a main road leading to the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Private military company Wagner Group "likely remains" heavily involved in the Bakhmut fighting, said the briefing.