A shortage of infantry troops and supply routes under Russian drone attacks have dealt a blow to Ukrainian forces around the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk.

Beattie is an anti-establishment media figure who has led the right-wing news aggregator Revolver News. A critic of American foreign policy, including funding for Ukraine, his reported appointment has prompted social media users to voice concern about what it signifies for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the war is setting Ukraine back 100 years. Zelenskyy responded by inviting him to visit — to witness firsthand the destruction, but also see Ukraine's technological advancements, particularly in drone warfare, where he says Ukraine remains decades ahead of the world.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that excluding his country from talks between the U.S. and Russia about the war in Ukraine would be “very dangerous.”

Russia has lost about twice as many men to death and serious injury as Ukraine. But the trends favor the Kremlin.

President Donald Trump says his administration has already had “very serious” discussions with Russia about its war in Ukraine and that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin could soon take “significant” action toward ending the grinding conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says excluding his country from talks between the U.S. and Russia about the war in Ukraine would be "very dangerous."