The short encounter came as relations between Washington and Moscow have plummeted over Russia’s war with Ukraine and tensions have soared amid a myriad of disagreements, complaints and recriminations.

Analysts say the fall of Bakhmut would be a blow for Ukraine and offer tactical advantages to Russia, but would not prove decisive to the war’s outcome.

The attacks raised questions about Russian defense capabilities more than a year after the country’s full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

The head of the United Nations says Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered “the most massive violations of human rights” in the world today

On the largely static front line between Ukrainian and Russian forces that stretch over hundreds of miles, from the Black Sea in the south to Ukraine’s northeastern border with Russia, Vuhledar has become one of the deadliest hot spots.