Ukraine holds grimly to parts of Bakhmut

Ukraine says its troops are holding on to parts of the eastern city of Bakhmut, the focus of a prolonged Russian assault, while the head of a major pro-Russian government force says his men are making progress. Meanwhile the Pope says the Vatican is involved in a peace mission to try to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

A Ukrainian soldier at a shelter near Bakhmut Source: AAP / LIBKOS/AP

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