A top Ukrainian general says the next six months are the critical window to force Russia into peace talks on Ukraine's terms — good news for Ukraine, bad for Putin.

• A Ukrainian commander says six months of battlefield gains could push Russia to negotiate by year's end.
• Russia's advance has stalled, and it's now losing more troops than it can recruit.
• Ukraine's drones dominate, hitting oil terminals, refineries, and even St. Petersburg during Putin's big economic forum.
• Crimea faces severe fuel shortages and the damaged Kerch Bridge can no longer carry trains.
• Putin's own elite and state pollsters are signaling lost faith and falling support, and Europe is sending big new military funding.

Outlook: Ukraine plans to press its drone advantage over the summer to drag Russia to the table, but winter and a Russian recovery could close the window fast.