At the same time, Ukraine is struggling to hold back Russian advanced further south, around the city of Kurakhove, which has been surrounded from three sides for months. Earlier this week, Zelensky called the situation around Kurakhove “the most difficult area” of the frontline.

The Russian military’s relentless offensive in Ukraine continues to produce staggering casualties. Daily losses for Russian forces are estimated at around 1,500, with about 10,270 troops lost in the past week and nearly 800,