Ukraine-UK Diplomatic Friction: Zelensky criticized Reform UK councils for removing Ukrainian flags from British civic buildings, warning it could “break a big friendship” despite the UK’s $26.7B aid since 2022. IMF & Fiscal Leverage: The IMF agreed to release nearly $700M to Ukraine after allowing a delay on parcel-tax implementation, pushing the deadline to July while the next program review is set for September. Defense Pay & Manpower: Zelensky announced higher military wages—30,000 hryvnias for rear roles and ~300,000 for frontline infantry—plus fixed-term contracts and a push to recruit more foreign fighters. AI-Driven Warfare: Ukraine’s Defense AI chief says AI will create a “war of operating systems,” linking battlefield data and speeding decisions. Defense Industry Deals: Skyfall signed a strategic partnership with Airbus Defense and Space to strengthen air defense against drones and missiles. Ukraine’s Drone Pressure on Russia: Putin said Ukraine’s strikes damage Russia’s economy but Moscow is “recovering quickly,” as attacks continue to hit oil and energy infrastructure. Corruption Probe: NABU searched Ukraine’s State Financial Monitoring Service over alleged embezzlement tied to its head, Filip Pronin.