A commander called "Genius" by his men, who used to run an organisation helping children, says Ukraine is running low on troops and equipment. He is sceptical about the US president-elect striking a deal with Russia - and expects fighting in the Kursk region to intensify.

Russia’s military is employing World War One-style tactics, involving relentless human wave attacks and heavy artillery, to make incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, notably around urban centers like Vuhledar.