Ukraine says it is ready to carry out its counter-offensive aimed at recovering territories occupied by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky conceded that the loss of life could be heavy because of Russian air superiority.
At the same time, the fighters of the Wagner militia said they were ready to go and defend the Belgorod border region. In recent days, the region has been hit by an intensity of fire not seen since the beginning of the Russian offensive in Ukraine at the end of February.