Russia and Ukraine have been fighting for months now to control Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine. But the battle has turned into the bloodiest fight of the war so far. It comes as Ukraine prepares to launch an important spring counteroffensive.

• Plus, the safety issues at dollar stores.
• And - what about using potatoes in place of Easter eggs this year?

Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, Nathan Bomey and Kelly Tyko.

Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go Deeper:

• What Putin's partners gain from standing with Russia over Ukraine
• Dollar General and Dollar Tree keep prices low, but critics say worker safety neglected
• Potatoes sprout as cheaper Easter egg substitute