Ukrainian forces liberated the settlement of Pankivka and its surrounding areas in the Dobropilsk direction, according to the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov". In the past 29 minutes, Ukrainian forces reported clearing the settlement as part of coordinated actions. The enemy continues to increase troop groupings, with four infantry brigades and one marine infantry regiment deployed as reserves to strengthen the Russian Federation's offensive potential in the area of responsibility of the "Azov" corps. The Defense Forces of Ukraine are actively working to halt enemy advances and prevent defensive breakthroughs. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for NATO to intercept Russian drones over Ukraine, stating on X at 7:24 AM UTC, "To save lives, and protect Europe, intercept Russian drones above Ukraine today - rather than above us tomorrow!" This plea follows earlier statements from Zelensky and Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, suggesting Ukraine should respond to continued Russian attacks by striking "painful points of the Russian Federation." Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, has previously threatened full-scale war against NATO countries if they intercepted Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Ukraine. President Donald Trump stated this morning that "NATO and Europe need to step up" and that European allies are still buying Russian oil, which he called "unacceptable." He urged for tougher sanctions from European nations, stating, "Right now, they talk but don’t act. We don’t buy Russian oil. They shouldn’t either." Ukraine intelligence released a recording of an intercepted conversation, purportedly of a Russian woman discussing her loved-one, identified as "Dimka," who was injured in Ukraine. The recording claims that out of 25 individuals in his unit, only two survived, and "Dmitry has more holes than he should." This information has not been verified. FPV drones, referred to as "Wormbusters," are reportedly being used effectively. Support for drone operations is being solicited through various platforms, including bank transfers and payment cards.
