Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited troops near the front line in the southern Zaporizhia region on Thursday, amid escalating clashes with Russian forces. Kyiv reported strikes on Russian-occupied oil facilities in Zaporizhia and Crimea, while Moscow claimed control of two additional villages in the east.

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Zelenskyy Boosts Troop Morale

During his visit, Zelenskyy met with soldiers of the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade near the town of Orikhiv, sharing photos of the meeting on social media.

“I listened to a report on the operational situation in this sector, enemy activity, and losses among the occupiers,” Zelenskyy said. “We are doing everything to strengthen our warriors.”

The visit comes as Ukrainian forces launched attacks on Russian-controlled oil infrastructure, using domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles and drones. The strikes targeted:

• An oil terminal in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014
• An oil depot in the occupied Zaporizhia region

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Russian Advances and Casualties

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated its forces captured the villages of Danylivka in Dnipropetrovsk and Synelnykove in Kharkiv, adding to previous gains in the partially occupied south.

Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv killed at least three people near the village of Bohuslavka, with one more injured, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

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Ukraine Suspends Peace Talks

Kyiv recently suspended peace negotiations with Moscow, citing lack of progress. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya told The Times that Kyiv requested allies’ help to arrange a direct summit between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has so far declined.

In response, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Ukraine would eventually return to negotiations from a “much worse position,” claiming Kyiv’s situation is deteriorating daily.

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Germany Presses Ukraine on Corruption

Alongside military updates, Ukraine faces political challenges. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Zelenskyy, urging more decisive action against corruption. The call followed a major energy-sector scandal, which saw $100 million allegedly siphoned from state resources.

Zelenskyy responded by:

• Ordering sanctions against an associate central to the corruption case
• Accepting resignations from Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers
• Pledging full transparency and support for anticorruption authorities

Zelenskyy assured Germany of swift measures to restore trust among citizens, European partners, and international donors.

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Key Takeaways

• Zelenskyy visited Zaporizhia front-line troops amid intensified fighting.
• Ukraine attacked Russian oil facilities in Zaporizhia and Crimea using domestic missiles and drones.
• Russia claimed control of Danylivka and Synelnykove, adding to prior advances.
• Peace talks with Russia remain suspended, while Moscow predicts Kyiv will eventually return under pressure.
• Germany urged Ukraine to combat corruption amid an energy-sector scandal, prompting ministerial resignations.