Ukraine, Russia locked in brutal battle in Bakhmut, casualties mount

Analysts expect a Ukrainian counter-offensive to begin in earnest over April-May when the weather improves and more military aid arrives, including heavy Leopard and Challenger tanks.

Ukraine faced relentless Russian attacks on Bakhmut in its eastern Donetsk region, with both sides reporting mounting enemy casualties as they battled across a small river that bisects the ruined town that now marks the front line.