Large numbers of Russian forces are pushing to capture Avdiivka from multiple sides, the Ukrainian mayor of the town said. Russia said air defences intercepted four HIMARS rockets, destroyed over 100 Ukrainian drones and downed an MiG-29 aircraft in the past day. The new leader of the Wagner Group has released a video confirming the mercenary group’s integration with Russia’s national guard. Polish PM Donald Tusk launched a scathing attack on the US senate after Republicans voted against a bill to provide $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. Russian anti-war presidential candidate Boris Nadezhdin said the Central Election Commission (CEC) barred him from a March election.