Ukraine has viewed that it has recaptured ground in Bakhmut, a rare advance after months of grinding Russian gains in the eastern city. Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said Ukrainian forces advanced two kilometres (1.2 miles) in a week. The claims signal a momentum shift in Bakhmut - but more widely, there is no clear evidence of the much-anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive. Russia has denied reports of Ukrainian gains, after claims from both sides. "The individual declarations on Telegram about a 'breakthrough' on several points on the frontline do not correspond to reality," Russia's defence ministry said. "The general situation in the special military operation zone is under control," it added, using Russia's term for the invasion.

As the intense, bloody battle has worn on, Bakhmut has become symbolically important - though many experts question its tactical value. In a post on Telegram, Ms Malyar said Bakhmut has become a target of "almost sacred" importance to Russia. She accused the Kremlin of simultaneously claiming false victories on one hand, while also spreading lies about being short on weapons and ammunition. Describing the "real situation" over the past week, Ms Malyar claimed Russia suffered significant troop losses, as Ukraine gained 2km without losing any positions.

On Thursday, Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group fighting on the Russian side, accused regular Russian troops of abandoning positions in Bakhmut. And Russian military bloggers reported Ukrainian advances or troop movements in several areas. The Institute for the Study of War also said Ukrainian forces had probably made gains of 2km in Bakhmut.

And the US-based think tank said the Russian defence ministry acknowledging "the Ukrainian counterattacks uncharacteristically quickly" - by denying them - indicated "increased panic". Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says his army needs more equipment ahead of counter-offensive Away from Bakhmut, the exiled mayor of Melitopol reported a large explosion on Friday morning in the centre of the city in south-eastern city, which has been occupied by Russia since start of the war. It's not known what caused the blast. But the Ukrainian air force made 14 strikes on Russian forces and military equipment on Thursday, Ukraine's armed forces said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP