Ukrainian soldiers from the 5th Heavy Mechanized Brigade raised the Ukrainian flag in Tolstoi, Donetsk oblast, at coordinates 48.039332, 36.679193, according to reports from UAControlMap, GeoConfirmed, and AndrewPerpetua. This action occurs amidst assessments suggesting a significant decline in Russian military capabilities and morale. Sources indicate that Russia may be "running out of steam," with recruitment numbers reportedly one-third of what is needed to compensate for losses, and low troop morale exemplified by alleged "mass self shootings by airborne forces." Units are reportedly being destroyed and not rebuilt, and Russia's new marine division is said to be on hold. Tactics have allegedly shifted to small teams planting flags for propaganda purposes, and the army is facing major issues with food, fuel, and ammunition. Major units like the 35th and 36th CAAs, prominent 18 months ago, appear to have been depleted. Russia is reportedly struggling to capture Pokrovsk with elements of the 5th Army Corps, facing challenges with various assault tactics and a high turnover of senior military leaders, which is contributing to declining soldier confidence. In parallel, Ukrainian forces have been utilizing advanced, US-supplied ADM-160B MALD airborne decoys with their Su-27 Flanker aircraft. These decoys, with a range of over 550 miles, are reportedly being used to bait and confuse Russian air defense units, which Ukrainian Flankers have heavily targeted. Meanwhile, Lithuanian intelligence has stated that Russia-Belarus military drills will involve "significantly fewer" troops than in previous iterations. In domestic Russian news, President Putin has reportedly awarded the head of the Prosecutor General's Office, Igor Krasnov, following the nationalization of assets valued at 2.4 trillion rubles. Separately, a new regulation in Russia states that publishing images of Satan could result in a fine.
