Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to increase the number of troops by nearly 170,000 to a total of 1.32 million.

In Russia, the pain and loss of the war in Ukraine are felt most profoundly in small villages, where a soldier’s burial produces not just grief but a yearning to find meaning in his death.

Russian soldiers in Ukraine are lamenting their nation's war efforts and some who have been captured are actually "relieved," according to a new report. Ukraine's current counteroffensive has been somewhat stymied in areas like Avdiivka,

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to increase the number of troops by nearly 170,000, to a total of 1.32 million.

Russia has claimed its troops are advancing along every section of the Ukrainian front, despite observers seeing little movement.

Russia's army is advancing "in all directions" in Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed on Friday. His comments come as Russian forces ramp up pressure on the eastern front, following Kyiv's largely unsuccessful summer counteroffensive.

Russia said on Friday its troops were advancing in every section of the Ukrainian front, despite observers seeing little movement.