A 34-year-old designer has pivoted from crafting furniture to leading Ukraine’s largest private defense company. Once focused on building benches, she is now at the forefront of the country’s drone program targeting Russian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his appeal for enhanced military aid, urging the United States to send additional Patriot missile systems. The request highlights Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts amid the wider backdrop of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.