Russian forces captured Kurakhove early morning, though conflicting reports emerged throughout the day about ongoing battles at the thermal power station. The capture follows intensifying combat in the Pokrovsk sector over previous days.
Ukrainian special forces captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk region, providing first direct evidence of DPRK troops in combat roles - a significant development following Zelenskyy's earlier claims about North Korean casualties. The prisoners are being interrogated by security services.
Massive drone exchanges continued, with Ukraine repelling 70 drones while launching strikes on Russian territory, including a major oil refinery in Tatarstan. By evening, combat intensity increased to 157 engagements, concentrated in the Pokrovsk sector.
The first tranche of EU loans backed by frozen Russian assets arrived, while reports surfaced of Biden administration leaving $4 billion in unused Pentagon aid.