forces are close to encircling bakhmut. the u.s. is downplaying the strategic significance if russia wins this round of the war. also tonight, republicans are presented with the sharpest contrast yet between donald trump and ron desantis. we re breaking down dueling speeches by the former president and the current florida governor as they gear up for a potential 2024 primary showdown. and a series of new airline scares is raising serious questions about aviation safety here in the united states. from a bird strike that caused engine failure and smoke in the cabin to the wings of two commercial jets clipping on the many close cal? welcome to our viewers here in the united states and around the world. i m wolf blitzer. you re in the situation room. we begin on the front lines of eastern ukraine right now, where the battle for bakhmut is growing more urgent by the hour. russian fighters making gains as they move to surround the city. cnn s alex marquardt is joining us live
senator, are you leaving the door open to a possible run for the democratic presidential nomination? i ll make no decisions on anything until the end of the year. that s all i can say, wolf. all right. i m not even thinking about politics. i m thinking about doing my job. senator joe manchin of west virginia, thanks as usual for joining us. thank you. nice to be with you, wolf. just ahead, terrifying video captures a commercial airliner filling with smoke after a bird strike. we ll have details on the incident and a closer look at the recent string of aviation scares. plus, another norfolk southern train derails in ohio. we ll have a live report from the scene of the crash. gena® hyt lightweight. clinically proven. 48-hour hydration. for that heaealthy skin glow. neutrogena®. for peoplele with skin. the day you get your clearchoice dental implants makes every day. a let s d mm.n day. .a chow down day.