Frontline Command Shake-Up: Zelenskyy visited troops at the southeastern front and appointed commanders Andrii Biletskyi and Denys Prokopenko to lead new defence groupings aimed at holding Donetsk’s “fortress belt.” Civilian Harm & Legal Fallout: A Ukrainian strike on a passenger bus in Russian-occupied Luhansk killed nine, with the UN calling it a violation of international law; Russia also claims Ukraine is using European-supplied capabilities to target buses. Drone and Missile Arms Race: Ukraine says it is adding jet-powered interceptor drones (“Alexa Spatium”) and unveiling maritime drone “MV11,” while British Defence Intelligence assessed damage to Russia’s Novomoskovsk Azot chemical plant from drone strikes. Diplomacy Under Strain: Zelenskyy says there’s a window for U.S. mediation via a one-page proposal (ceasefire plus a free economic zone), as CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s secret Moscow trip sparks questions and Ukraine was reportedly asked to pause strikes on Moscow/St. Petersburg. State Support & Politics: Poland’s President Nawrocki sent Zelenskyy a letter wishing victory and restored borders; Hungary formally designated Russia a threat while reaffirming support for Ukraine. Aid and Industry: Norway pledged 85 billion kroner for Ukraine in 2027; Italy requested €8bn in EU SAFE defence loans after delays. Cyber & Governance: A pro-Russian group claimed a cyberattack on Norwegian government services after Norway renewed security cooperation with Ukraine.