Ukraine says battle for Bakhmut is ‘stabilising’

A Ukrainian soldier on the frontline during a battle with Russian troops near Bakhmut, Donetsk region (Libkos/AP)

The top commander of Ukraine’s military has said that his forces are pushing back against Russian troops in the long and grinding battle for the town of Bakhmut.

British military intelligence also says Russia appears to be moving to a defensive strategy in eastern Ukraine.