Russian advance slows in the east

Russian officials have said their forces are fighting for the "complete liberation" of the Donbas, which broadly refers to Ukraine's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where Russian-backed separatists held significant territory before the invasion.

Russia has made slow but significant advances in the east, with the governor of Luhansk saying in May that Russians forces controlled more than 90% of the region.

But a decision by both the US and UK to send new longer-range weaponry to Ukraine means it should be easier for the Ukrainians to defend their positions against Russian artillery strikes in the future.

Last week, Russian forces had reportedly gained control of most of Severodonetsk, but Ukrainian counterattacks over the weekend have pushed them back to the eastern outskirts of the city, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Taking the city is one of Russia's key aims as it would mean they control almost all of the Luhansk region.

According to the ISW, the success of the Ukrainian counterattack in Severodonetsk is an indication of Russia's declining combat power in Ukraine.

Russian troops have moved north from Popasna, with the key supply route from Bakhmut to Lysychansk being bombarded by Russian artillery.

Should the route be taken by Russia, Severodonetsk and Lysychansk would be left with one supply road via Siversk.

Recent reports of Russian reinforcements being sent to Bakhmut, suggest that Russian forces have suffered heavy losses in the area, according to the ISW.

Lyman is now under Russian control, but further efforts to converge on the city of Slovyansk from Lyman and Izyum, further west, have stalled as the heavy fighting over Severodonetsk has taken centre stage.