Ukraine claims Bakhmut gains despite Russian denials

Kyiv’s claimed gains near the epicentre of the war’s fiercest battle have been refuted by Moscow, but come as expectations build over the anticipated, high-stakes fightback.

Ukraine said Friday that its forces had recaptured chunks of territory around the embattled city of Bakhmut, even as President Volodymr Zelensky insists his army needs more time before launching an expected spring offensive.

Kyiv's claimed gains near the epicentre of the war's fiercest battle have been refuted by Moscow, but come as expectations build over the anticipated, high-stakes fightback.

China said it would send a special envoy next week to visit Ukraine, Russia and European nations as Beijing pursues efforts to cast itself as peacemaker.

Beijing plans to send its high-ranking diplomat Li Hui to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany and Russia to "communicate with all parties on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".

From Ukraine to the Middle East, Beijing in recent months has sought to position itself as a mediator with a leading role in solving the world's crises.

But while China says it is a neutral party on the Ukraine war, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for the invasion.

On the battlefield, Ukraine said its forces advanced two kilometres (around one mile) near Bakhmut — the scene of the longest and bloodiest battle since Moscow's more than year-long invasion.