Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1303: Pokrovsk becomes Putin’s Stalingrad

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The Bulat tanks are tired. But Ukraine can't afford to ditch them.. They used to be Ukraine's best tanks. But they're worn out and they're too heavy, so the Bulats are fading away.

The battlefield around Pokrovsk is "a total mess." And it's about to get worse.. How many Russians are left in their salient northeast of Pokrovsk, and where are they? No outsiders know for sure.

Ukraine's construction defies war as apartment building surges 45%. Ukraine issued permits for nearly 49,000 new apartments in six months.

Putin needs Pokrovsk to unlock the Donbas—but it's costing him everything. With 602 tanks lost, the Donbas fortress city is becoming this war's Stalingrad

Military

Frontline report: Ukrainian forces decimate Russian offensive capabilities in Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces have launched a comprehensive strike campaign across the Donbas front, targeting Russian bases, training camps, and troop concentrations to systematically degrade Moscow's offensive capacity. Kyiv exploits blind spot in Moscow's air defense strategy as Russia prioritizes power over profits. Kyiv proves Moscow can't guard all of its facilities, hitting targets that power its war machine. Ukraine liberated 160 square km in Donetsk Oblast counteroffensive – Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces have liberated seven settlements and inflicted over 2,500 Russian losses in the past few weeks. Russia's "squeeze-out" strategy targets 2 key Ukrainian cities. Russian troops are attempting to complete encirclement and have created a "kill zone" around the Pokrovsk city, where any movement or resupply by Ukrainian troops is targeted by drones and artillery 1,300 km deep into Russia, Ukraine's drone hits Gazprom's Salavat refinery, setting it ablaze (video). The attack targeted the ELOU-AVT-4 unit, vital for crude oil processing.

Intelligence and technology

Ukrainian intel: Nearly 20,000 Cuban mercenaries fighting on Russia's side against Ukraine. Florida lawmakers and Ukrainian officials highlighted the threat to US and regional security. First American weapons arrive in Ukraine under PURL agreement – media. The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) allows NATO allies to fund US weapons stockpiles, which are then shipped directly to Ukraine under a coordinated support program. Ukraine and Poland to sign battlefield drone agreement — and it could redefine NATO's strategy. Warsaw's forces will gain hands-on experience from Ukraine's drone crews, who fight daily. Leader of Russia's most elite drone unit identified – RFE/RL. An investigation by RFE/RL reveals the leadership and structure of Rubicon, Russia's elite drone formation, whose advanced tactics have outmatched other unmanned forces and severely disrupted Ukrainian operations. Ukraine and Poland to create a joint drone unit to counter "common enemy"- Shmyhal. Defense chiefs from Ukraine and Poland signed agreements on drone operation training and joint industrial projects during a ministerial meeting in Kyiv

International

Ireland sends 34-vehicle non-lethal military aid package to Ukraine: ambulances, pickups, and demining tech. The two Irish convoys also included three Reacher Robots for the demining coalition. Russian Gerbera drone wreckage washes onto Latvian beach after drifting from sea. The tail section was discovered in Ventspils district and secured for inspection. Russia, Belarus again tried to attack Poland while border remains closed. Interior Minister Kamiński describes the border situation as "very tense." Poland plans to triple defense budget to record $55 billion, while learning drone defense from Ukraine. Warsaw also urges NATO allies to reach 5% GDP defense spending by 2030. Australia slashes Russian oil price cap 21% while sanctioning 95 shadow fleet tankers. The coordinated Western assault on Putin's energy revenues intensifies as Australia joins allies in targeting the maritime network. WSJ: EU sees a trap in Trump's Russia demands for Europe — and some fear it's meant to fail on purpose. Diplomats believe the US President is creating impossible conditions to avoid action on Moscow. UK arrests three suspected Russian agents — police say foreign spies now recruit British "proxies". Counter-terror police swooped on two addresses, detaining suspects accused of aiding a foreign intelligence service.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russia struck Kostiantynivka with guided FAB-250 bomb – 5 civilians killed. Kostiantynivka, a city in Donetsk Oblast close to the front line, has been a frequent target for Russian aerial strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion. 1,000 bodies of fallen soldiers repatriated to Ukraine. Authorities are set to conduct examinations and identify the remains in the coming days.

Political and legal developments

Europe prepares war reparations for Ukraine — but Russia doesn't want to stop war. The mechanism emerges after 18 months of Hague negotiations. ISW: Putin removes top Kremlin aide Kozak who allegedly warned him to end the war in Ukraine. Dmitry Kozak lost his role after advising Putin to hold peace talks and reduce the power of the security services.

New developments

New front opens for unexpected category of Ukrainians — yet joining remains choice, not command. Volunteers can sign one-year contracts after health checks. Read our earlier daily review here.