Bild read messages in the Russian telegram, was impressed and informs readers that Ukraine is winning again.
But the reality is that Ukraine forces have tried to attack at various locations for the last 3 days. Small, poorly supported and quickly pushed back which is why I've not bothered to mention them but WP and the WSJ have started to report them as well so,
Ukrainian military analysts:
"Many of the positions taken yesterday in the Bakhmut region have been brought back under their control by the units of Wagner and the Russian army, so the information about the breakthrough of the Russian lines and the encirclement of the Russian forces in Bakhmut is premature.
The Russian army launched 46 air strikes, as well as 6 missile strikes, and carried out 69 attacks from the MLRS, the evening summary of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.
At the same time, the aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine inflicted 13 strikes.
As of morning, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have already recorded 59 air and 95 attacks from the MLRS on the positions of Ukrainian troops, according to a recent summary of the General Staff.
Total: 145 air strikes, 6 missile strikes and 164 shelling from MLRS were inflicted on Ukrainian targets in a day.
Meanwhile China about to start tour of region in prep for negotiations.
China's special envoy on Eurasian affairs Li Hui will travel to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany and Russia to communicate with all parties on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press conference on Friday.
With the west only ever seeking continuous micro escalations but never enough to actually beat Russia this is probably Ukraine's best chance of survival.
