Armed Forces of Ukraine

Amid the escalating violence in Ukraine's eastern front, recent developments indicate a significant deterioration in the situation, with the Ukrainian military openly acknowledging the challenges they face. The New York Times reports that despite substantial losses, enemy forces are intensifying their efforts, leveraging their manpower and ammunition advantage to gain tactical advantages.

In a move aimed at bolstering the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces amidst the ongoing war with Russia, the Verkhovna Rada has approved a bill in its first reading that would permit convicted individuals to serve in the military, as reported by Reuters.

In Ukraine, a drone attack has rocked the Odesa region in the south. Alongside this targeted strike, reports emerge of casualties from Russian assaults in various parts of the country.

Recent assessments from British military intelligence reveal a concerning trend: Russia is purportedly recruiting approximately 30,000 soldiers each month for its ongoing war against Ukraine.

France has announced plans to expedite the production and delivery of essential military equipment to support Ukrainian forces. The French government's decision comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with efforts focused on bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of continued Russian aggression.

Ukraine claimed Sunday to have hit two Russian military ships stationed at the annexed peninsula of Crimea in overnight strikes, as it suffered another night of "massive" Russian aerial attacks.

As an unnamed official of the Russian security services told Sputnik, the commanders of the Ukrainian army are not satisfied with the changes in the military leadership, which is why they are allegedly seriously considering the possibility of overthrowing the Ukrainian president.

According to the newspaper, although Zelensky promised his international partners that Ukraine would be able to fight if it received weapons and other forms of aid, the Ukrainian president and top military commanders have so far failed to come up with a clear plan to recruit thousands of critically needed new soldiers.

Bulgaria is gearing up to provide additional assistance to Ukraine, according to Defence Minister Todor Tagarev's remarks during a hearing in the parliamentary defence committee on Wednesday. The Minister informed lawmakers that a proposal submitted by the Council of Ministers awaits approval by the National Assembly, enabling the Defence Ministry to proceed with the process.

Day 714 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours: