Friday Briefing: Ukraine pushes for a breakthrough

Good morning. Ukraine is aiming to drive a wedge through Russian-occupied territory and a coup is underway in Niger.

Ukraine seeks a breakthrough

A day into what U.S. officials have described as the main thrust of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, Kyiv said it was pushing in two directions in southern Ukraine.

In his first direct comments about the counteroffensive, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, said fighting had intensified in a “significant” way. He claimed the Ukrainians had been repelled with heavy losses.

Ukraine hopes to divide Russian-occupied territory, cutting the route from Russia to the Crimean Peninsula and compromising Russia’s ability to resupply its forces. But it faces obstacles like minefields, tank traps, withering air assaults and artillery bombardments.

Details: Ukraine is hoping to reach the Sea of Azov by retaking the city of Melitopol, which is considered the gateway to Crimea, as well as Berdiansk, a port city about 70 miles (about 113 kilometers) to its east.

Russia-Africa summit: Putin pledged free grain to at least six African countries, hoping to polish Russia’s image after refusing to extend a key grain deal. The event drew far fewer African leaders than its 2019 iteration.

Niger’s army backs a coup

The West African nation of Niger is in crisis after soldiers seized power. The region has already had five military takeovers in three years.

The chief of Niger’s army declared his support for the mutineers yesterday. The country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, appears to still be detained at the presidential palace after his guards turned on him.

But Bazoum sounded a defiant tone, even though his chances of reversing the coup appeared to be receding last night. He vowed on Twitter to protect “hard won” democratic gains. Bazoum was freely elected two years ago in the country’s first peaceful democratic transfer of power since independence from France in 1960.

Geopolitics: Bazoum has been a close ally of the West in the fight against Islamic militants. By contrast, countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have turned to Russia’s Wagner group.

China evades questions about ousted official

A Chinese government spokeswoman decried the “malicious hype” surrounding the abrupt removal of Qin Gang, the former foreign minister. The intrigue is deepening: Some signs suggest that Qin — once a close ally of President Xi Jinping — had unexpectedly ran afoul of Communist Party leadership.

Ministry representatives have struggled to respond when reporters pressed them about Qin, saying they had no information or lashing out. In an Orwellian twist, a ministry transcript this week omitted at least 20 questions from reporters about him. All references to Qin have disappeared from the ministry’s website.

Analysis: The ministry’s floundering over Qin’s removal show its diminished influence under Xi, who has concentrated power and pursued an increasingly assertive, and — some say risky — foreign policy.

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Britain is taking it easy on Russian oligarchs, allowing them perks like private chefs, chauffeurs and housekeepers, despite having their bank accounts frozen. Some have been allowed more than $1 million a year in living expenses.

The exemptions, known as licenses, are an example of the country’s shaky financial sanctions system after Brexit.

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ARTS AND IDEAS

Put down your phone

Another incentive to unplug this weekend: “Phubbing” — a portmanteau of “phone” and “snubbing,” where you ignore your partner for the siren song of your cellphone — is bad for your relationship, according to recent studies.

And the tables can easily turn. One study found that perpetrators are more likely to be phubbed themselves, creating a kind of ripple effect. Here are strategies to help.

PLAY, WATCH, EAT

Try an 800-year-old recipe for hummus.

Take lessons in leadership from the Goth king of Italy.

“Streetwise” is a brutal story of China’s underworld and hustle culture.

Revisit 10 essential songs from Sinead O’Connor.

Play the Mini Crossword, and a clue: Golfer’s peg (three letters).

Here are the Wordle and the Spelling Bee. You can find all our puzzles here.

That’s it for today’s briefing. See you next time. — Amelia and Natasha

P.S. “The defining conflict of our generation.” Times reporters describe covering Ukraine.

Reach us at briefing@nytimes.com.

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