Zelenskyy Visits Pokrovsk Front, Orders Drone Surge and Funding Boost

Overview

• Urban combat in Pokrovsk continues as Russian forces intensify assaults using artillery, drones, and guided aerial bombs.
• Zelenskyy met frontline units including the Azov-led 1st Corps, the 4th Rapid Response Brigade, the 7th Rapid Response Corps, the 25th Sicheslav Brigade, and the 414th unmanned brigade, presenting state awards to distinguished defenders.
• Senior commanders briefed the president on efforts to clear and hold Shakhove, reinforce flanks protecting Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, and safeguard logistics while Russia attempts to retake positions on the Dobropillia salient.
• The leadership prioritized a rapid scale-up of drone production and closer integration of drone and ground units, including work on fiber‑optic technologies and expanded use of interceptor drones led by the 25th Brigade.
• Zelenskyy directed increased funding for corps on key axes, emphasized direct brigade financing and simplified procurement, and discussed steps toward a contract-based force structure and expanded drone crews and supplies.