Russian attack kills four in Ukraine’s Sloviansk as both sides claim gains

Amid the ongoing four-year war, both Ukrainian and Russian officials are claiming battlefield gains. On Tuesday, Russian attacks on Sloviansk, Ukraine, killed at least four people and wounded 16 others, including a child, with Russian forces reportedly using guided bombs. Overnight drone strikes on other Ukrainian cities injured at least 17. Ukraine's air force claims to have intercepted the majority of drones launched by Russia. A Ukrainian Major-General stated that Ukrainian forces have retaken territory in the Dnipropetrovsk region, while the heaviest fighting persists near Pokrovsk and Oleksandrivka. The Institute for the Study of War suggests Ukrainian counterattacks may be disrupting Russia's offensive plans.

Russia and Ukraine are both claiming battlefield successes in their ongoing war, with Ukraine reporting pushing back Russian forces in some areas, while Russia insists its invasion is progressing. Simultaneously, Russia continues its aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas, including a strike on Sloviansk that killed four and wounded at least 16. Overnight drone strikes on other Ukrainian cities wounded at least 17 more. Ukraine claims to have intercepted the majority of drones launched by Russia. US-brokered talks between the two countries are currently stalled, reportedly due to the US focusing on the conflict involving Iran.