Ukraine to directly sign contracts with global arms producers

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that Russian troops have managed to seize "three settlements" amid "fierce fighting" in the region.

Purported videos posted on social media appear to show a large explosion and subsequent fire emanating from the Starobesheve power plant in the occupied community of Novyi Svit in Donetsk Oblast, following a projectile strike on the target.

The Kyiv Independent marks its 4-year anniversary and launches its biggest membership drive

The gathering aims to demonstrate political support for Ukraine's EU aspirations as Kyiv faces opposition from Hungary, which has the power to block any future steps in the accession process.

The attack targeted Orsknefteorgsintez, a refinery in the city of Orsk that produces over 30 types of petroleum products.

"There will be meetings in the coming days, particularly in Turkey," National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.

Russian forces are advancing into Pokrovsk from the southern outskirts, using light equipment, according to the 7th Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces.

Romanian troops received a report of a drone crash near the village of Grindu, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Timur Mindich, a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky, is the co-owner of Kvartal 95, a production company founded by the president. According to the Kyiv Independent sources in law enforcement, Mindich had fled prior to the searches.

Major Andrii Kovalev, a spokesman for Ukraine's General Staff, told Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda that logistics to Pokrovsk still exist, and the troops, including wounded soldiers, are being rotated in and out.