With howitzer strikes, Putin's men crush the advance and defend Bakhmut.

The battles for Bakhmut have reignited with Ukraine suffering heavy losses as its troops are unable to penetrate Russia's defences. In the latest, Russian artillery was seen crushing Ukrainian troops as it hunted them down in forests and rained non-stop fire. Earlier, six Ukrainian pilots also lost their lives in combat missions in Bakhmut. Meanwhile in Kupyansk, Russian T-72B3 tank crews are stalling Ukrainian advances