The Latest Breaking News on 6 months inside Ukraine's special forces show how covert missions shape the war behind the frontline

Moscow acknowledged on Friday that its forces had fallen back north of Ukraine's battlefield city of Bakhmut after a new Ukrainian offensive, in a retreat that the head of Russia's Wagner private army called a rout. 

Russia's defence ministry said on Friday its forces repelled a surge of attempted Ukrainian attacks against positions in eastern Ukraine, but indicated that its troops had fallen back in one area for what it said were tactical reasons.

A Ukrainian brigade commander fighting in the ruins of Bakhmut said Russian mercenary forces have stepped up shelling and artillery attacks in recent days and were not facing a munitions shortage, despite its chief's claims to the contrary.

Ukraine is holding fire until more armoured vehicles arrive before it starts its long-awaited counteroffensive to recapture territory.

Britain on Thursday became the first country to begin supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, which will allow Kyiv's forces to hit Russian troops and supply dumps deep behind the front lines. The development comes as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country’s military needed more time to prepare an…

The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group said on Thursday that his forces' flanks were under pressure near the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, resulting in the loss of ground that his men had captured at heavy cost.

What happened in the 63rd week of Russia’s war in Ukraine?

A Ukrainian unit said it had routed a Russian brigade near the stronghold of Bakhmut on Wednesday.

As the war enters its 442nd day, we take a look at the main developments.