Prominent Ukrainian commanders to lead defence of eastern region demanded by Russia

President Zelenskiy appointed Andrii Biletskyi and Denys Prokopenko to lead defence of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk strongholds.
Russian forces are closing in on key cities — Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk — with intensified ground, air and artillery attacks.
Both leaders are seen as a new-generation, tech-savvy command duo from Azov units, praised for combat efficiency and NATO-style, "network-centric" tactics.