Russian forces are continuing their fierce attacks in eastern Ukraine amid indications that they are preparing for a renewed major offensive.

Ukraine's defense ministry said on social media on Wednesday that Russia is aiming to take full control of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the country's east. It said Russian troops are mainly attacking Bakhmut in Donetsk and other targets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian forces are defending the state. He said on Tuesday that his country is stepping up its defenses on every front, and that his government is assessing all scenarios presented by Russia.
In Moscow, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting on Tuesday that his troops' operation near Bakhmut is developing successfully.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, said in an analysis on Monday that, "Russian forces continued ground attacks northeast and south of Bakhmut but still have not encircled the settlement."

The institute referred to the Russian defense ministry's meeting. Its analysis on Tuesday said, "Shoigu is likely attempting to posture" the ministry as "an effective and involved leadership apparatus" as the military "prepares for a renewed major offensive in Ukraine."