Ukraine Bolsters Defenses as Russia Continues Assault on Eastern Town

Ukrainian defense intelligence chief's wife hospitalized with apparent poisoning amid escalating conflict

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a countrywide initiative to strengthen defensive positions, particularly in areas of heavy fighting, as the war with Russia enters a new phase.
Russia continues to bear down on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, with reports of tactical advances in the outskirts of the town.
Ukraine claims defensive actions in and around Avdiivka are inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops and equipment.
A Ukrainian defense source claimed a fire on a strategic rail tunnel in eastern Russia was the work of the Ukrainian Security Service, marking a potential strike deep within Russia.
Marianna Budanova, wife of Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief, was hospitalized with apparent heavy metals poisoning, raising concerns that Russia may have the capacity to target senior Ukrainian leadership.