Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited eastern frontline troops near Kramatorsk, visibly weary after a fifth year of war. His trip underscores the critical shortage of air-defense missiles Ukraine desperately needs, diverted to the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. Supplies are being rapidly consumed there, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Russian drone and missile attacks. Air-defense missiles remain a top priority, yet the conflict in the Middle East has severely hampered their delivery.

The visit also highlighted the deadlock in peace talks, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede the entire Donetsk region, including territory it still holds. Donetsk region remains the biggest sticking point, stalling negotiations and leaving Ukrainian forces fighting on multiple fronts. Zelensky's proposal to trade Ukrainian interceptor drones for Russian ballistic missiles offers a potential, though complex, path forward, though Shahed drones continue to devastate cities daily.