In Ukraine, the mercenary Wagner Group says it has captured eastern Bakhmut, the site of protracted deadly fighting. Ukraine has vowed to keep defending the city, saying it has repelled significant attacks, and warning its loss would lead to an “open road” through Ukraine’s east for Russian forces.

Meanwhile, Kyiv has denied any involvement in September’s attack on the Nord Stream pipelines, after The New York Times reported unnamed U.S. intelligence officials suggested a pro-Ukrainian group was responsible — but that there is no evidence the group was directed by Ukrainian officials.