Russian forces have been focusing their offensives to take control of Bakhmut in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, while continuing aerial attacks using missiles and drones.

Russia's Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that over the past 24 hours in Bakhmut, "the assault detachments have liberated three quarters in the west part of the city".

The ministry says "Airborne Troops have been blocking the enemy on the flanks, and supporting the assault detachments to take control over the city."

Russian forces are believed to have already taken control of the eastern Bakhmut.

In the US, the Institute for the Study of War, pointed out on Friday that Russia's Wagner forces have likely captured the railway station in central Bakhmut.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced on Saturday that Russian forces conducted three missile attacks and 30 air strikes the previous day.
It said that "the likelihood of further missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high."

In Friday's report, the institute said "Russian forces used a new delivery of Shahed drones to strike Ukraine for the third consecutive day, targeting Kyiv for the first time in 25 days."

While Ukraine continued to suffer Russian forces' airborne attacks, representatives from the United States and European countries met in Germany on Friday. They agreed to work together to help Ukraine enhance its air defense capabilities.

Last Wednesday, the Ukrainian government announced it received Patriot surface-to-air missile systems from the United States, the Netherlands and Germany.

A Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson said on Saturday, "Our armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to keep Russian planes at a slightly greater distance from our borders."

The official added that with F-16 fighter jets, which the United States has not yet agreed to provide, the country's air defense capabilities would be strengthened further.