Overview

• Ukrainian forces successfully repelled Russian attempts to capture the strategic city of Pokrowsk after months of intense fighting, marking a significant defensive victory.
• President Zelenskyj has urged NATO and neighboring countries to closely monitor Russia's Sapad 2025 military drills in Belarus, citing concerns over potential covert preparations for aggression.
• Russian forces are reportedly attempting to establish a buffer zone in Ukraine's Sumy region near the Russian border but have made no significant progress, according to regional officials.
• The Kremlin announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to coincide with Victory Day celebrations, though Ukraine has rejected the move as insincere.
• NATO allies, including Poland and Germany, are bolstering their readiness through planned large-scale exercises and modernization efforts in response to the Sapad 2025 drills.