Defeat would leave Russia brutal and vindictive even if Putin ‘disappeared’, says RAF chief – as it happened

Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigston says Russian threat to UK could get worse if Putin was ousted. This blog is now closed

• The intensity is increasing': Ukraine says first steps in counteroffensive have begun
• Day 458 of Russia's war against Ukraine

Russian forces have temporarily eased their attacks on the besieged eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to regroup and strengthen their capabilities, a senior Kyiv official said on Saturday.

Russia's Wagner private army began handing over its positions to regular Russian troops this week after declaring full control of Bakhmut after the longest and bloodiest battle of the war, Reuters reported.