Ukraine Mulls “Strategic Pullout” From Bakhmut, 4 Russian Drones Downed, 650 Russian Troops Killed

Ukraine’s General Staff said Russian forces carried out attacks in the east and southern parts of the country on Feb. 28. Ukraine’s General Staff said Russian forces continue their assault on Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that around 800 Russian troops have been killed since Feb. 23. Zelensky added that the country’s biggest challenge is defending the city of Bakhmut. Zelensky’s economic adviser has said that Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut could "strategically pull back" if needed. Vladimir Putin signed a law that formally suspends Russia's participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Meanwhile, a top Pentagon official claims that Russia does not have the resources for an "unconstrained" nuclear arms race. The US has said it does not expect Russia to make significant territorial gains in Ukraine in the near-term.