Ukrainian air defense systems downed two Russian ballistic missiles over the capital in the third aerial bombardment of the city in just five days.

Oleksandr Syrsky, who commanded Ukraine's lightning autumn 2022 counteroffensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, will take Zaluzhny's place.

Ukraine has vowed to defend "fortress Bakhmut" but it has faced Russian troops determined to take the city that has turned into a political prize.

Russia said it was pulling back troops from the eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine as Kyiv announced massive territorial gains in its lightning counteroffensive...