Daily review

Russia faces setbacks near Avdiivka, starts a new offensive in the Lyman-Kupiansk sector where Ukraine is well-prepared for defense. The UK believes Russia may launch strikes on Ukraine from the Black Sea. The EU urged China to back Ukraine's peace formula and stop supporting Russia. The US remains committed to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Russia's biggest offensive on Avdiivka since 2014 was repelled by Ukrainian forces, resulting in the loss of over 100 Russian vehicles to ambushes and mines. The assault involved 2,000 Russian troops, tanks and intense bombardments. Meanwhile in Brussels, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with NATO defense ministers and received pledges for more military and financial assistance.

In a show of solidarity, EU foreign ministers gathered in Ukraine's capital to discuss backing Kyiv's peace plan. The meeting is the first ever held outside the EU. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones disrupted Russian missile production by striking a factory in Smolensk.

Ukraine turned a Russian officer into a double agent, using him to enable the surrender of 11 Russian soldiers in an intelligence operation. Ukraine is adapting its village battle tactics to counter escalating Russian airstrikes in the east. Turkish drone maker Baykar announced a $100 million defense investment in Ukraine.

In an embarrassing blunder, Russian forces shot down their own Su-35 jet near Ukraine. Hundreds of Wagner mercenaries return to frontline positions. Ukraine implicates Skripal poisoners in 2015 attack on major ammo warehouse.

Ukraine is urging Western allies to provide long-range missiles capable of striking drone production facilities in Russia, Iran and Syria. This comes as Russia increasingly strikes Ukraine with Iranian-made kamikaze drones. France, UK defense ministers visit Ukraine in show of support.