Putin Pursues Intensified Offensive in Donbas

President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's primary objective to capture Ukraine's Donbas region, stating that Moscow is successfully pushing back Ukrainian forces from the Kursk area. Ukraine's air force reported a significant defense effort, downing 68 out of 78 drones in a recent attack, amidst ongoing missile strikes that killed dozens, including children, in Poltava and Lviv. Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, have resigned ahead of a government reshuffle as the country faces intensified Russian offensives, particularly around strategic locations like Pokrovsk. The situation in Donetsk is worsening, with Russian forces reportedly advancing rapidly and threatening key logistics routes for Ukrainian defenses. Experts suggest the Ukrainian military is struggling with personnel shortages, which may hinder their ability to hold the line against Russian advances. As Ukraine seeks increased military support from allies, the battle for Donbas remains critical for both sides.