Context:

A Ukrainian drone strike resulted in one death and two injuries in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod, targeting industrial zones and causing unspecified damage. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting and destroying 39 Ukrainian drones across several regions, as well as Crimea. The incident precedes a summit in Alaska, where Vladimir Putin aims to secure U.S. support for a peace deal that would solidify Moscow's territorial gains and limit Ukraine's NATO aspirations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains steadfast against conceding any Ukrainian territory to Russia or halting NATO ambitions, with European leaders supporting Ukraine's stance. On the ground, Ukrainian forces are struggling against Russian advances, and soldiers see little hope for a swift end to the conflict, anticipating further aggression from Moscow after a temporary lull in fighting.

Dive Deeper:

• A Ukrainian drone attack in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, killed one person and injured two, targeting industrial zones and causing unspecified damage, according to the regional governor.

• The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 39 Ukrainian drones in various Russian regions and over Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

• An upcoming summit in Alaska will see Vladimir Putin seeking to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to agree to a peace deal that acknowledges Moscow's territorial gains and prevents Ukraine from joining NATO.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory and remains committed to pursuing NATO membership, with backing from European leaders.

• Despite diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian forces face significant challenges on the battlefield, with little optimism for an imminent resolution to the conflict and concerns that Russia may soon intensify its military operations.