Ukraine live briefing: Ukraine needs more time for spring counteroffensive, as battle for Bakhmut intensifies

Ukraine needs more time before launching its long-anticipated spring counteroffensive against Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Speaking to the BBC and European public broadcasters, Zelensky said the offensive could proceed now “and be successful” but would incur an “unacceptable” level of loss.

Ukraine has reclaimed more than a mile of territory near Bakhmut, military officials said Wednesday, marking a crucial breakthrough after months of pitched battles for control of the besieged front-line city. The Ukrainian advance in the east pushed back Russian armed forces, as well as mercenaries from the private militia Wagner Group, officials said.