Ukrainian ground forces tried to break through Russian defenses in eastern Ukraine, in an area of the front that had not shifted significantly for months, and staged large-scale assaults across much of the frontline, Russian authorities and bloggers aligned with the Kremlin said.
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Ukraine's promised counteroffensive could be one of the bloodiest phases in the 15-month war.
"We're going to die, probably," said one recruit who volunteered for a five-week crash course in basic training in England.
The curriculum for young Russians is increasingly emphasizing patriotism and the heroism of Moscow's army, while demonizing the West as "gangsters." One school features a "sniper"-themed math class.