As Ukraine seeks to gain approval to strike deeper into Russian territory with US weapons, its forces are facing challenges in the eastern front, specifically near Pokrovsk. Russian officials claim that volunteer forces are being formed in border regions to counter Ukraine's counter-offensive. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for more Western air defense systems, emphasizing the need for long-range strikes to protect against Russian attacks, particularly after a deadly missile strike in Ukraine. The US and Germany remain hesitant about allowing Ukraine to attack deep into Russia, despite support from the UK and France. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to advance towards Pokrovsk, with reports indicating they are less than eight kilometers away from the city. Amidst these developments, concerns over Ukraine's operational capacity and potential demoralization have emerged as the conflict continues to evolve.