**Sweden to Boost Defense Ties with Ukraine**
Sweden’s Defense Minister Pal Jonson spoke with the Kyiv Independent about strengthening ties between Sweden and Ukraine’s defense industry. This move aims to boost production of military equipment.
Ukraine has made significant advancements in drone technology, using innovative tactics to counter Russia‘s advantage in numbers and materials.
**War Updates**
A nurse at a Moscow hospital reported that wounded Russian soldiers are being brought in by the trainload. This shows the high number of casualties suffered by Russian forces.
US officials confirmed that Russia is suffering heavy losses, partly due to the lack of battle experience among its soldiers.
Russian Telegram channel 112 reported that suspects had already confessed to authorities, but no details were provided.
**International Support**
Ukraine’s allies have doubled down on economic and military support for Kyiv. This includes allocating funds from the presidential drawdown authority.
Slovakia imports 3 billion cubic meters of gas per year through Ukraine from Russia’s energy giant Gazprom.
The head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that real negotiations for a lasting peace would begin only when Russia no longer had resources to continue the war.
**Economic Impact**
Shares of Russian gas giant Gazprom fell to their lowest level since January 2009, according to The Moscow Times.
**Ukrainian Successes**
Two Ukrainian documentaries, “The Porcelain War” and “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine,” have been shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards.
German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall received an order to supply Ukraine with additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles.
**Key Meetings**
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Lviv to discuss bilateral cooperation and coordination with Western partners.
NATO assumed responsibility for coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine through the NATO Security Assistance and Training center.
**Ukrainian Troop Positions**
Analysts warn that Ukrainian troops in Makarivka are almost surrounded by Russian forces, according to DeepState’s map.
A survey found that 55% of respondents prioritized ending the conflict over Ukraine’s territorial integrity, up from previous percentages.