diff --git a/.rubocop_todo/gitlab/bounded_contexts.yml b/.rubocop_todo/gitlab/bounded_contexts.yml
index 1375f30acd2..dacde782cd8 100644
--- a/.rubocop_todo/gitlab/bounded_contexts.yml
+++ b/.rubocop_todo/gitlab/bounded_contexts.yml
@@ -3185,7 +3185,6 @@ Gitlab/BoundedContexts:
     - 'ee/app/services/epic_issues/list_service.rb'
     - 'ee/app/services/epic_issues/update_service.rb'
     - 'ee/app/services/epics/base_service.rb'
-    - 'ee/app/services/epics/close_service.rb'
     - 'ee/app/services/epics/descendant_count_service.rb'
     - 'ee/app/services/epics/epic_links/destroy_service.rb'
     - 'ee/app/services/epics/epic_links/list_service.rb'
diff --git a/.rubocop_todo/layout/empty_line_after_magic_comment.yml b/.rubocop_todo/layout/empty_line_after_magic_comment.yml
index f6ac558d3cc..dd56c867295 100644
--- a/.rubocop_todo/layout/empty_line_after_magic_comment.yml
+++ b/.rubocop_todo/layout/empty_line_after_magic_comment.yml
@@ -279,7 +279,6 @@ Layout/EmptyLineAfterMagicComment:
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/design_management/save_designs_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/notes/quick_actions_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/users/update_service_spec.rb'
-    - 'ee/spec/services/epics/close_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/issue_promote_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/issue_feature_flags/list_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/milestones/update_service_spec.rb'
diff --git a/.rubocop_todo/rspec/before_all_role_assignment.yml b/.rubocop_todo/rspec/before_all_role_assignment.yml
index e3d439eed61..d3f8455a889 100644
--- a/.rubocop_todo/rspec/before_all_role_assignment.yml
+++ b/.rubocop_todo/rspec/before_all_role_assignment.yml
@@ -543,7 +543,6 @@ RSpec/BeforeAllRoleAssignment:
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/two_factor/destroy_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/work_items/import_csv_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epic_issues/update_service_spec.rb'
-    - 'ee/spec/services/epics/close_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/issue_promote_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/related_epic_links/list_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/transfer_service_spec.rb'
diff --git a/.rubocop_todo/rspec/expect_in_let.yml b/.rubocop_todo/rspec/expect_in_let.yml
index bb5ec55220e..108a4534cea 100644
--- a/.rubocop_todo/rspec/expect_in_let.yml
+++ b/.rubocop_todo/rspec/expect_in_let.yml
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ RSpec/ExpectInLet:
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/merge_requests/reopen_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/notes/create_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/ee/users/migrate_records_to_ghost_user_service_spec.rb'
-    - 'ee/spec/services/epics/close_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/groups/destroy_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/projects/destroy_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/projects/group_links/destroy_service_spec.rb'
diff --git a/.rubocop_todo/rspec/named_subject.yml b/.rubocop_todo/rspec/named_subject.yml
index eaf7b4c02b9..406eefefdda 100644
--- a/.rubocop_todo/rspec/named_subject.yml
+++ b/.rubocop_todo/rspec/named_subject.yml
@@ -869,7 +869,6 @@ RSpec/NamedSubject:
     - 'ee/spec/services/epic_issues/destroy_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epic_issues/list_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epic_issues/update_service_spec.rb'
-    - 'ee/spec/services/epics/close_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/epic_links/list_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/issue_promote_service_spec.rb'
     - 'ee/spec/services/epics/related_epic_links/destroy_service_spec.rb'
diff --git a/GITALY_SERVER_VERSION b/GITALY_SERVER_VERSION
index f5cea0fe971..d1d4aa01747 100644
--- a/GITALY_SERVER_VERSION
+++ b/GITALY_SERVER_VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-ab88e3894dc8f759c768d0324b2614c7274dd56d
+2b6810dc5688ebdbf4024b4885fdc59686a3f1fa
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint.vue b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint.vue
index 8e084722fbe..5985cdf7728 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint.vue
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 <script>
 import { GlButton, GlFormCheckbox, GlLink, GlAlert } from '@gitlab/ui';
 import CiLintResults from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/components/lint/ci_lint_results.vue';
-import lintCiMutation from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/client/lint_ci.mutation.graphql';
+import ciLintMutation from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/ci_lint.mutation.graphql';
 import SourceEditor from '~/vue_shared/components/source_editor.vue';
 import HelpIcon from '~/vue_shared/components/help_icon/help_icon.vue';
+import { CI_CONFIG_STATUS_VALID } from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/constants';
 
 export default {
   components: {
@@ -16,10 +17,6 @@ export default {
     HelpIcon,
   },
   props: {
-    endpoint: {
-      type: String,
-      required: true,
-    },
     lintHelpPagePath: {
       type: String,
       required: true,
@@ -28,6 +25,10 @@ export default {
       type: String,
       required: true,
     },
+    projectFullPath: {
+      type: String,
+      required: true,
+    },
   },
   data() {
     return {
@@ -52,19 +53,25 @@ export default {
     async lint() {
       this.loading = true;
       try {
-        const {
-          data: {
-            lintCI: { valid, errors, warnings, jobs },
+        const { data } = await this.$apollo.mutate({
+          mutation: ciLintMutation,
+          variables: {
+            projectPath: this.projectFullPath,
+            content: this.content,
+            dryRun: this.dryRun,
           },
-        } = await this.$apollo.mutate({
-          mutation: lintCiMutation,
-          variables: { endpoint: this.endpoint, content: this.content, dry: this.dryRun },
         });
 
+        const ciConfigData = data?.ciLint?.config || {};
+        const { errors, stages, warnings, status } = ciConfigData;
+
         this.showingResults = true;
-        this.isValid = valid;
+        this.isValid = status === CI_CONFIG_STATUS_VALID;
         this.errors = errors;
         this.warnings = warnings;
+        const jobs = stages.flatMap((stage) =>
+          (stage.groups || []).flatMap((group) => group.jobs || []),
+        );
         this.jobs = jobs;
       } catch (error) {
         this.apiError = error;
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/index.js b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/index.js
index 382059eb17e..67f5f27b2bb 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/index.js
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/ci_lint/index.js
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ const apolloProvider = new VueApollo({
 
 export default (containerId = '#js-ci-lint') => {
   const containerEl = document.querySelector(containerId);
-  const { endpoint, lintHelpPagePath, pipelineSimulationHelpPagePath } = containerEl.dataset;
+  const { lintHelpPagePath, pipelineSimulationHelpPagePath, projectFullPath } = containerEl.dataset;
 
   return new Vue({
     el: containerEl,
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ export default (containerId = '#js-ci-lint') => {
     render(createElement) {
       return createElement(CiLint, {
         props: {
-          endpoint,
           lintHelpPagePath,
           pipelineSimulationHelpPagePath,
+          projectFullPath,
         },
       });
     },
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate.vue b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate.vue
index 43ab4b9d00f..e56e8f20ae9 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate.vue
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate.vue
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@ import { s__, __ } from '~/locale';
 import Tracking from '~/tracking';
 import { helpPagePath } from '~/helpers/help_page_helper';
 import HelpIcon from '~/vue_shared/components/help_icon/help_icon.vue';
-import { pipelineEditorTrackingOptions } from '../../constants';
+import { pipelineEditorTrackingOptions, CI_CONFIG_STATUS_VALID } from '../../constants';
 import ValidatePipelinePopover from '../popovers/validate_pipeline_popover.vue';
 import CiLintResults from '../lint/ci_lint_results.vue';
 import getBlobContent from '../../graphql/queries/blob_content.query.graphql';
 import getCurrentBranch from '../../graphql/queries/client/current_branch.query.graphql';
-import lintCiMutation from '../../graphql/mutations/client/lint_ci.mutation.graphql';
+import ciLintMutation from '../../graphql/mutations/ci_lint.mutation.graphql';
 
 export const i18n = {
   alertDesc: s__(
@@ -159,25 +159,29 @@ export default {
       this.state = VALIDATE_TAB_LOADING;
 
       try {
-        const {
-          data: {
-            lintCI: { errors, jobs, valid, warnings },
-          },
-        } = await this.$apollo.mutate({
-          mutation: lintCiMutation,
+        const { data } = await this.$apollo.mutate({
+          mutation: ciLintMutation,
           variables: {
-            dry: true,
+            projectPath: this.projectFullPath,
             content: this.yaml,
-            endpoint: this.ciLintPath,
+            ref: this.currentBranch,
+            dryRun: true,
           },
         });
 
+        const ciConfigData = data?.ciLint?.config || {};
+
         // only save the result if the user did not cancel the simulation
         if (this.state === VALIDATE_TAB_LOADING) {
+          const { errors, stages, warnings, status } = ciConfigData;
+
           this.errors = errors;
+          const jobs = stages.flatMap((stage) =>
+            (stage.groups || []).flatMap((group) => group.jobs || []),
+          );
           this.jobs = jobs;
           this.warnings = warnings;
-          this.isValid = valid;
+          this.isValid = status === CI_CONFIG_STATUS_VALID;
           this.state = VALIDATE_TAB_RESULTS;
           this.hasCiContentChanged = false;
         }
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/client/lint_ci.mutation.graphql b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/client/lint_ci.mutation.graphql
deleted file mode 100644
index 2d42ebb6ac3..00000000000
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/client/lint_ci.mutation.graphql
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,21 +0,0 @@
-mutation lintCI($endpoint: String, $content: String, $dry: Boolean) {
-  lintCI(endpoint: $endpoint, content: $content, dry_run: $dry) @client {
-    valid
-    errors
-    warnings
-    jobs {
-      afterScript
-      allowFailure
-      beforeScript
-      environment
-      except
-      name
-      only {
-        refs
-      }
-      stage
-      tags
-      when
-    }
-  }
-}
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers.js b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers.js
index ed5be66d07a..b6536c19407 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers.js
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers.js
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-import axios from '~/lib/utils/axios_utils';
 import getAppStatus from './queries/client/app_status.query.graphql';
 import getCurrentBranch from './queries/client/current_branch.query.graphql';
 import getLastCommitBranch from './queries/client/last_commit_branch.query.graphql';
@@ -6,38 +5,6 @@ import getPipelineEtag from './queries/client/pipeline_etag.query.graphql';
 
 export const resolvers = {
   Mutation: {
-    lintCI: (_, { endpoint, content, dry_run }) => {
-      return axios.post(endpoint, { content, dry_run }).then(({ data }) => {
-        const { errors, warnings, valid, jobs } = data;
-
-        return {
-          valid,
-          errors,
-          warnings,
-          jobs: jobs.map((job) => {
-            const only = job.only
-              ? { refs: job.only.refs, __typename: 'CiLintJobOnlyPolicy' }
-              : null;
-
-            return {
-              name: job.name,
-              stage: job.stage,
-              beforeScript: job.before_script,
-              script: job.script,
-              afterScript: job.after_script,
-              tags: job.tag_list,
-              environment: job.environment,
-              when: job.when,
-              allowFailure: job.allow_failure,
-              only,
-              except: job.except,
-              __typename: 'CiLintJob',
-            };
-          }),
-          __typename: 'CiLintContent',
-        };
-      });
-    },
     updateAppStatus: (_, { appStatus }, { cache }) => {
       cache.writeQuery({
         query: getAppStatus,
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/groups/your_work/utils.js b/app/assets/javascripts/groups/your_work/utils.js
index 7f3de1e71d6..1c4e1a810ee 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/groups/your_work/utils.js
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/groups/your_work/utils.js
@@ -2,6 +2,6 @@ import { formatGraphQLGroups } from '~/vue_shared/components/groups_list/formatt
 
 export const formatGroups = (groups) =>
   formatGraphQLGroups(groups, (group) => ({
-    editPath: `${group.relativeWebUrl}/-/edit`,
+    editPath: `${group.webUrl}/-/edit`,
     avatarLabel: group.name,
   }));
diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/vue_shared/components/user_popover/user_popover.vue b/app/assets/javascripts/vue_shared/components/user_popover/user_popover.vue
index da522633263..0190f98d068 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/vue_shared/components/user_popover/user_popover.vue
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/vue_shared/components/user_popover/user_popover.vue
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ export default {
       return `@${this.user?.username}`;
     },
     cssClasses() {
-      const classList = ['user-popover', 'gl-max-w-48', 'gl-overflow-hidden'];
+      const classList = ['user-popover', 'gl-w-34', 'gl-overflow-hidden'];
 
       if (this.userCannotMerge) {
         classList.push('user-popover-cannot-merge');
diff --git a/app/assets/stylesheets/components/avatar.scss b/app/assets/stylesheets/components/avatar.scss
index bdd390c512c..6d6d4a6903e 100644
--- a/app/assets/stylesheets/components/avatar.scss
+++ b/app/assets/stylesheets/components/avatar.scss
@@ -189,21 +189,6 @@ $avatar-sizes: (
 }
 
 .user-popover {
-  // GlAvatarLabeled doesn't expose any prop to override internal classes
-
-  // Max width of popover container is set by gl-max-w-48
-  // so we need to ensure that name/username/status container doesn't overflow
-  // stylelint-disable-next-line gitlab/no-gl-class
-  .gl-avatar-labeled-labels {
-    max-width: px-to-rem(290px);
-  }
-
-  // stylelint-disable-next-line gitlab/no-gl-class
-  .gl-avatar-labeled-label,
-  .gl-avatar-labeled-sublabel {
-    @apply gl-truncate;
-  }
-
   &.user-popover-cannot-merge {
     .popover-header {
       background-color: var(--gl-feedback-warning-background-color);
diff --git a/app/models/project_statistics.rb b/app/models/project_statistics.rb
index 78b03f91a27..308d9a50582 100644
--- a/app/models/project_statistics.rb
+++ b/app/models/project_statistics.rb
@@ -9,8 +9,6 @@ class ProjectStatistics < ApplicationRecord
   attribute :wiki_size, default: 0
   attribute :snippets_size, default: 0
 
-  ignore_column :vulnerability_count, remove_with: '17.7', remove_after: '2024-11-15'
-
   counter_attribute :build_artifacts_size
   counter_attribute :packages_size
 
diff --git a/app/views/projects/ci/lints/show.html.haml b/app/views/projects/ci/lints/show.html.haml
index 2eb93458eee..c8798785399 100644
--- a/app/views/projects/ci/lints/show.html.haml
+++ b/app/views/projects/ci/lints/show.html.haml
@@ -3,4 +3,4 @@
 
 %h4.pt-3.pb-3= _("Validate your GitLab CI configuration")
 
-#js-ci-lint{ data: { endpoint: project_ci_lint_path(@project), pipeline_simulation_help_page_path: help_page_path('ci/yaml/lint.md', anchor: 'simulate-a-pipeline') , lint_help_page_path: help_page_path('ci/yaml/lint.md', anchor: 'check-cicd-syntax') } }
+#js-ci-lint{ data: { pipeline_simulation_help_page_path: help_page_path('ci/yaml/lint.md', anchor: 'simulate-a-pipeline') , lint_help_page_path: help_page_path('ci/yaml/lint.md', anchor: 'check-cicd-syntax'), project_full_path: @project.full_path } }
diff --git a/db/docs/batched_background_migrations/delete_orphaned_routes.yml b/db/docs/batched_background_migrations/delete_orphaned_routes.yml
index 18e0515190b..ba1321de0fe 100644
--- a/db/docs/batched_background_migrations/delete_orphaned_routes.yml
+++ b/db/docs/batched_background_migrations/delete_orphaned_routes.yml
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 ---
 migration_job_name: DeleteOrphanedRoutes
-description: Deletes the orphaned routes that were not deleted by the loose foreign key
+description: Deletes the orphaned routes that were not deleted by the loose foreign
+  key
 feature_category: groups_and_projects
 introduced_by_url: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/186659
 milestone: '17.11'
 queued_migration_version: 20250401113424
-finalized_by: # version of the migration that finalized this BBM
+finalized_by: '20250717232515'
diff --git a/db/post_migrate/20250717232515_finalize_hk_delete_orphaned_routes.rb b/db/post_migrate/20250717232515_finalize_hk_delete_orphaned_routes.rb
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..264aa2e932c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/post_migrate/20250717232515_finalize_hk_delete_orphaned_routes.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+class FinalizeHkDeleteOrphanedRoutes < Gitlab::Database::Migration[2.3]
+  milestone '18.3'
+
+  disable_ddl_transaction!
+
+  restrict_gitlab_migration gitlab_schema: :gitlab_main_cell
+
+  def up
+    ensure_batched_background_migration_is_finished(
+      job_class_name: 'DeleteOrphanedRoutes',
+      table_name: :routes,
+      column_name: :id,
+      job_arguments: [],
+      finalize: true
+    )
+  end
+
+  def down; end
+end
diff --git a/db/schema_migrations/20250717232515 b/db/schema_migrations/20250717232515
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..cf6e5efb5d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/schema_migrations/20250717232515
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+fe8ddd9c103327d9e10e8c55deb3d581470ab8f5ff6b86958bfb3a613f21520f
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/doc/api/graphql/reference/_index.md b/doc/api/graphql/reference/_index.md
index a10fe9b7906..ef6107067d3 100644
--- a/doc/api/graphql/reference/_index.md
+++ b/doc/api/graphql/reference/_index.md
@@ -2121,6 +2121,7 @@ Input type: `AdminSidekiqQueuesDeleteJobsInput`
 | <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobsclientmutationid"></a>`clientMutationId` | [`String`](#string) | A unique identifier for the client performing the mutation. |
 | <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobsfeaturecategory"></a>`featureCategory` | [`String`](#string) | Delete jobs matching feature_category in the context metadata. |
 | <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobsjobid"></a>`jobId` | [`String`](#string) | Delete jobs matching job_id in the context metadata. |
+| <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobskubernetesagentid"></a>`kubernetesAgentId` | [`String`](#string) | Delete jobs matching kubernetes_agent_id in the context metadata. |
 | <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobsmergeactionstatus"></a>`mergeActionStatus` | [`String`](#string) | Delete jobs matching merge_action_status in the context metadata. |
 | <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobsorganizationid"></a>`organizationId` | [`String`](#string) | Delete jobs matching organization_id in the context metadata. |
 | <a id="mutationadminsidekiqqueuesdeletejobspipelineid"></a>`pipelineId` | [`String`](#string) | Delete jobs matching pipeline_id in the context metadata. |
diff --git a/doc/user/project/merge_requests/changes.md b/doc/user/project/merge_requests/changes.md
index 5b763ce3666..085af2bdb3d 100644
--- a/doc/user/project/merge_requests/changes.md
+++ b/doc/user/project/merge_requests/changes.md
@@ -372,6 +372,69 @@ You can show scanner findings in the diff. For details, see:
 - [Code Quality findings](../../../ci/testing/code_quality.md#merge-request-changes-view)
 - [Static Analysis findings](../../application_security/sast/_index.md#merge-request-changes-view)
 
+## Download merge request changes
+
+You can download the changes included in a merge request for use outside of GitLab.
+
+### As a diff
+
+To download the changes as a diff:
+
+1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your project.
+1. Select **Code > Merge requests** and find your merge request.
+1. Select the merge request.
+1. In the upper-right corner, select **Code > Plain diff**.
+
+If you know the URL of the merge request, you can also download the diff from
+the command line by appending `.diff` to the URL. This example downloads the diff
+for merge request `000000`:
+
+```plaintext
+https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.diff
+```
+
+To download and apply the diff in a one-line CLI command:
+
+```shell
+curl "https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.diff" | git apply
+```
+
+### As a patch file
+
+To download the changes as a patch file:
+
+1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your project.
+1. Select **Code > Merge requests** and find your merge request.
+1. Select the merge request.
+1. In the upper-right corner, select **Code > Patches**.
+
+If you know the URL of the merge request, you can also download the patch from
+the command line by appending `.patch` to the URL. This example downloads the patch
+file for merge request `000000`:
+
+```plaintext
+https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.patch
+```
+
+To download and apply the patch using [`git am`](https://git-scm.com/docs/git-am):
+
+```shell
+# Download and preview the patch
+curl "https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.patch" > changes.patch
+git apply --check changes.patch
+
+# Apply the patch
+git am changes.patch
+```
+
+You can also download and apply the patch in a single command:
+
+```shell
+curl "https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.patch" | git am
+```
+
+The `git am` uses the `-p1` option by default. For more information, see [`git-apply`](https://git-scm.com/docs/git-apply).
+
 ## Add a comment to a merge request file
 
 {{< history >}}
@@ -400,3 +463,10 @@ This comment can also be a thread.
 1. Select the location where you want to comment.
 
 GitLab shows an icon and a comment field on the image.
+
+## Related topics
+
+- [Compare branches](../repository/branches/_index.md#compare-branches)
+- [Download branch comparisons](../repository/branches/_index.md#download-branch-comparisons)
+- [Merge request reviews](reviews/_index.md)
+- [Merge request versions](versions.md)
diff --git a/doc/user/project/merge_requests/reviews/_index.md b/doc/user/project/merge_requests/reviews/_index.md
index 319e543ed5e..059af51d543 100644
--- a/doc/user/project/merge_requests/reviews/_index.md
+++ b/doc/user/project/merge_requests/reviews/_index.md
@@ -295,51 +295,9 @@ another user with permission to merge the merge request can override this check:
 
 ## Download merge request changes
 
-### As a diff
-
-To download the changes included in a merge request as a diff:
-
-1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your project.
-1. Select **Code > Merge requests**.
-1. Select your merge request.
-1. In the upper-right corner, select **Code > Plain diff**.
-
-If you know the URL of the merge request, you can also download the diff from
-the command line by appending `.diff` to the URL. This example downloads the diff
-for merge request `000000`:
-
-```plaintext
-https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.diff
-```
-
-To download and apply the diff in a one-line CLI command:
-
-```shell
-curl "https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.diff" | git apply
-```
-
-### As a patch file
-
-To download the changes included in a merge request as a patch file:
-
-1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your project.
-1. Select **Code > Merge requests**.
-1. Select your merge request.
-1. In the upper-right corner, select **Code > Patches**.
-
-If you know the URL of the merge request, you can also download the patch from
-the command line by appending `.patch` to the URL. This example downloads the patch
-file for merge request `000000`:
-
-```plaintext
-https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.patch
-```
-
-To download and apply the patch in a one-line CLI command using [`git am`](https://git-scm.com/docs/git-am):
-
-```shell
-curl "https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/000000.patch" | git am
-```
+You can download the changes from a merge request as a diff or patch file.
+For more information and examples, see
+[Download merge request changes](../changes.md#download-merge-request-changes).
 
 ## Associated features
 
@@ -347,6 +305,8 @@ Merge requests are related to these features:
 
 - [Cherry-pick changes](../cherry_pick_changes.md):
   In the GitLab UI, select **Cherry-pick** in a merged merge request or a commit to cherry-pick it.
+- [Compare changes](../changes.md):
+  View and download the diff of changes included in a merge request.
 - [Fast-forward merge requests](../methods/_index.md#fast-forward-merge):
   For a linear Git history and a way to accept merge requests without creating merge commits
 - [Find the merge request that introduced a change](../versions.md):
@@ -363,5 +323,7 @@ Merge requests are related to these features:
 
 ## Related topics
 
+- [Compare changes in merge requests](../changes.md)
+- [Compare branches](../../repository/branches/_index.md#compare-branches)
 - [Merge methods](../methods/_index.md)
 - [Draft Notes API](../../../../api/draft_notes.md)
diff --git a/doc/user/project/repository/branches/_index.md b/doc/user/project/repository/branches/_index.md
index 9efad02461d..925248b4679 100644
--- a/doc/user/project/repository/branches/_index.md
+++ b/doc/user/project/repository/branches/_index.md
@@ -275,6 +275,71 @@ To compare branches in a repository:
 1. Select **Compare** to show the list of commits, and changed files.
 1. Optional. To reverse the **Source** and **Target**, select **Swap revisions** ({{< icon name="substitute" >}}).
 
+### Download branch comparisons
+
+{{< history >}}
+
+- [Introduced](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/217206) in GitLab 18.3.
+
+{{< /history >}}
+
+You can download the comparison between branches as a diff or patch file for use outside of GitLab.
+
+#### As a diff
+
+To download the branch comparison as a diff, add `format=diff` to the compare URL:
+
+- If the URL has no query parameters, append `?format=diff`:
+
+  ```plaintext
+  https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?format=diff
+  ```
+
+- If the URL already has query parameters, append `&format=diff`:
+
+  ```plaintext
+  https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?from_project_id=2&format=diff
+  ```
+
+To download and apply the diff:
+
+```shell
+curl "https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?format=diff" | git apply
+```
+
+#### As a patch file
+
+To download the branch comparison as a patch file, add `format=patch` to the compare URL:
+
+- If the URL has no query parameters, append `?format=patch`:
+
+  ```plaintext
+  https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?format=patch
+  ```
+
+- If the URL already has query parameters, append `&format=patch`:
+
+  ```plaintext
+  https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?from_project_id=2&format=patch
+  ```
+
+To download and apply the patch using [`git am`](https://git-scm.com/docs/git-am):
+
+```shell
+# Download and preview the patch
+curl "https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?format=patch" > changes.patch
+git apply --check changes.patch
+
+# Apply the patch
+git am changes.patch
+```
+
+You can also download and apply the patch in a single command:
+
+```shell
+curl "https://gitlab.example.com/my-group/my-project/-/compare/main...feature-branch?format=patch" | git am
+```
+
 ## Delete merged branches
 
 Merged branches can be deleted in bulk if they meet all of these criteria:
@@ -381,6 +446,9 @@ To do this:
 ## Related topics
 
 - [Protected branches](protected.md)
+- [Branch rules](branch_rules.md)
+- [Compare changes in merge requests](../../merge_requests/changes.md)
+- [Download merge request changes](../../merge_requests/changes.md#download-merge-request-changes)
 - [Branches API](../../../../api/branches.md)
 - [Protected Branches API](../../../../api/protected_branches.md)
 - [Getting started with Git](../../../../topics/git/_index.md)
diff --git a/doc/user/workspace/gitlab_agent_configuration.md b/doc/user/workspace/gitlab_agent_configuration.md
index 01d1e072993..6d188681364 100644
--- a/doc/user/workspace/gitlab_agent_configuration.md
+++ b/doc/user/workspace/gitlab_agent_configuration.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Prerequisites:
 To allow a cluster agent for workspaces in a group:
 
 1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your group.
-1. On the left sidebar, select **Settings > Workspaces**.
+1. On the left sidebar, select **Settings** > **Workspaces**.
 1. In the **Group agents** section, select the **All agents** tab.
 1. From the list of available agents, find the agent with status **Blocked**, and select **Allow**.
 1. On the confirmation dialog, select **Allow agent**.
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ Prerequisites:
 To remove an allowed cluster agent from a group:
 
 1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your group.
-1. On the left sidebar, select **Settings > Workspaces**.
+1. On the left sidebar, select **Settings** > **Workspaces**.
 1. In the **Group agents** section, select the **Allowed agents** tab.
 1. From the list of allowed agents, find the agent you want to remove, and select **Block**.
 1. On the confirmation dialog, select **Block agent**.
diff --git a/doc/user/workspace/set_up_gitlab_agent_and_proxies.md b/doc/user/workspace/set_up_gitlab_agent_and_proxies.md
index 7b464a2f50f..3b276bba528 100644
--- a/doc/user/workspace/set_up_gitlab_agent_and_proxies.md
+++ b/doc/user/workspace/set_up_gitlab_agent_and_proxies.md
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ Only one agent is required. You can create workspaces from all projects in a gro
 To allow your GitLab agent for Kubernetes in a group and make it available to all projects in that group:
 
 1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your group.
-1. Select **Settings > Workspaces**.
+1. Select **Settings** > **Workspaces**.
 1. In the **Group agents** section, select the **All agents** tab.
 1. For the GitLab agent for Kubernetes, select **Allow**.
 1. On the confirmation dialog, select **Allow agent**.
diff --git a/doc/user/workspace/set_up_infrastructure.md b/doc/user/workspace/set_up_infrastructure.md
index 5b215e0d759..a94d1320581 100644
--- a/doc/user/workspace/set_up_infrastructure.md
+++ b/doc/user/workspace/set_up_infrastructure.md
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ To create a token for the agent:
 
 1. Go to your group.
 1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your project.
-1. Select **Operate > Kubernetes clusters**.
+1. Select **Operate** > **Kubernetes clusters**.
 1. Select **Connect a cluster**.
 1. Enter a name for your agent and save for later use. For example, `gitlab-workspaces-agentk-eks`.
 1. Select **Create and register**.
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ pipeline can run.
 To configure CI/CD variables:
 
 1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your project.
-1. Select **Settings > CI/CD**.
+1. Select **Settings** > **CI/CD**.
 1. Expand **Variables**.
 1. In the **Project variables** section, add the following required variables:
 
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ resources in AWS.
 To run the pipeline:
 
 1. Create a new pipeline in your GitLab project:
-   1. On the left sidebar, select **Build > Pipelines**.
+   1. On the left sidebar, select **Build** > **Pipelines**.
    1. Select **New pipeline** and select **New pipeline** again to confirm.
 1. Verify the `plan` job succeeds, then manually trigger the `apply` job.
 
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ Next, you'll authorize the GitLab agent for Kubernetes to connect to your GitLab
 To authorize the agent:
 
 1. On the left sidebar, select **Search or go to** and find your group.
-1. Select **Settings > Workspaces**.
+1. Select **Settings** > **Workspaces**.
 1. In the **Group agents** section, select the **All agents** tab.
 1. From the list of available agents, find the agent with status **Blocked**, and select **Allow**.
 1. On the confirmation dialog, select **Allow agent**.
diff --git a/lib/api/helpers/kubernetes/agent_helpers.rb b/lib/api/helpers/kubernetes/agent_helpers.rb
index 5e7e082b5cb..cf3cd00fbda 100644
--- a/lib/api/helpers/kubernetes/agent_helpers.rb
+++ b/lib/api/helpers/kubernetes/agent_helpers.rb
@@ -144,6 +144,10 @@ module API
           access_token.user || raise(UnauthorizedError)
         end
 
+        def set_agent_on_context(agent:)
+          ::Gitlab::ApplicationContext.push(kubernetes_agent: agent)
+        end
+
         def access_token
           return unless params[:access_key].present?
 
diff --git a/lib/gitlab/application_context.rb b/lib/gitlab/application_context.rb
index 4fddf4abd49..8566ca101e9 100644
--- a/lib/gitlab/application_context.rb
+++ b/lib/gitlab/application_context.rb
@@ -36,7 +36,8 @@ module Gitlab
       :auth_fail_token_id,
       :auth_fail_requested_scopes,
       :http_router_rule_action,
-      :http_router_rule_type
+      :http_router_rule_type,
+      :kubernetes_agent_id
     ].freeze
     private_constant :KNOWN_KEYS
 
@@ -73,7 +74,8 @@ module Gitlab
       Attribute.new(:auth_fail_token_id, String),
       Attribute.new(:auth_fail_requested_scopes, String),
       Attribute.new(:http_router_rule_action, String),
-      Attribute.new(:http_router_rule_type, String)
+      Attribute.new(:http_router_rule_type, String),
+      Attribute.new(:kubernetes_agent, ::Clusters::Agent)
     ].freeze
     private_constant :APPLICATION_ATTRIBUTES
 
@@ -163,6 +165,7 @@ module Gitlab
         hash[:pipeline_id] = -> { job&.pipeline_id } if set_values.include?(:job)
         hash[:job_id] = -> { job&.id } if set_values.include?(:job)
         hash[:artifact_size] = -> { artifact&.size } if set_values.include?(:artifact)
+        hash[:kubernetes_agent_id] = -> { kubernetes_agent&.id } if set_values.include?(:kubernetes_agent)
       end
     end
     # rubocop: enable Metrics/CyclomaticComplexity
diff --git a/qa/qa/runtime/namespace.rb b/qa/qa/runtime/namespace.rb
index e949e43fa8f..7eed5a7c876 100644
--- a/qa/qa/runtime/namespace.rb
+++ b/qa/qa/runtime/namespace.rb
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ module QA
         #
         # @return [String]
         def sandbox_name
-          return "gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-#{Time.now.wday + 1}" if live_env?
+          return "gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-#{sandbox_number}" if live_env?
 
           "e2e-sandbox-#{SecureRandom.hex(6)}"
         end
@@ -39,6 +39,23 @@ module QA
           # There is no case to change gitlab address in the middle of test process so it should be safe to do
           @live_env = Runtime::Env.running_on_live_env?
         end
+
+        # Determines the sandbox group number for live environments
+        #
+        # Live environments (like .com) have exactly 8 pre-created sandbox groups
+        # (gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-1 through gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-8). This method
+        # maps CI_NODE_INDEX values to the available 1-8 range using modulo arithmetic
+        # to handle parallel jobs with more than 8 nodes. When CI_NODE_INDEX is not
+        # set, returns a memoized random number between 1-8.
+        #
+        # @return [Integer] A number between 1 and 8 inclusive, corresponding to available sandbox groups
+        # @example
+        #   ENV['CI_NODE_INDEX'] = '1'  # returns 1 (gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-1)
+        #   ENV['CI_NODE_INDEX'] = '9'  # returns 1 (wraps to gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-1)
+        #   ENV['CI_NODE_INDEX'] = nil  # returns random 1-8 (memoized)
+        def sandbox_number
+          ENV['CI_NODE_INDEX'] ? ((ENV['CI_NODE_INDEX'].to_i - 1) % 8) + 1 : @random_sandbox_id ||= rand(1..8)
+        end
       end
     end
   end
diff --git a/qa/spec/runtime/namespace_spec.rb b/qa/spec/runtime/namespace_spec.rb
index 849365b1bfe..c77e7556eda 100644
--- a/qa/spec/runtime/namespace_spec.rb
+++ b/qa/spec/runtime/namespace_spec.rb
@@ -9,6 +9,22 @@ RSpec.describe QA::Runtime::Namespace do
     described_class.instance_variable_set(:@time, nil)
   end
 
+  shared_examples "sandbox naming for live environments" do
+    context "when the job does not use parallel" do
+      it "returns a random sandbox name 1-8" do
+        expect(described_class.sandbox_name).to match(%r{gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-[1-8]})
+      end
+    end
+
+    context "when the job uses parallel" do
+      it "returns sandbox name based on CI_NODE_INDEX" do
+        stub_env('CI_NODE_INDEX', '3')
+
+        expect(described_class.sandbox_name).to match('gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-3')
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
   describe '.group_name' do
     it "returns unique name with predefined pattern" do
       expect(described_class.group_name).to match(/e2e-test-#{time.strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H-%M-%S')}-[a-f0-9]{16}/)
@@ -30,17 +46,13 @@ RSpec.describe QA::Runtime::Namespace do
     context "when running on .com environment" do
       let(:dot_com) { true }
 
-      it "returns day specific sandbox name" do
-        expect(described_class.sandbox_name).to match(%r{gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-#{time.wday + 1}})
-      end
+      it_behaves_like "sandbox naming for live environments"
     end
 
     context "when running on release environment" do
       let(:release) { true }
 
-      it "returns day specific sandbox name" do
-        expect(described_class.sandbox_name).to match(%r{gitlab-e2e-sandbox-group-#{time.wday + 1}})
-      end
+      it_behaves_like "sandbox naming for live environments"
     end
 
     context "when running on ephemeral environment" do
diff --git a/spec/features/projects/ci/lint_spec.rb b/spec/features/projects/ci/lint_spec.rb
index 37f7d5737ed..7bc466758eb 100644
--- a/spec/features/projects/ci/lint_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/features/projects/ci/lint_spec.rb
@@ -44,11 +44,22 @@ RSpec.describe 'CI Lint', :js, feature_category: :pipeline_composition do
       end
 
       context 'YAML is incorrect' do
-        let(:yaml_content) { 'value: cannot have :' }
+        let(:yaml_content) do
+          <<~YAML.strip
+            invalid: yaml content
+            that: has
+            multiple: lines
+            value: cannot have :
+            more: content
+          YAML
+        end
 
         it 'displays information about an error' do
           expect(page).to have_content('Status: Syntax is incorrect')
-          expect(page).to have_selector(content_selector, text: yaml_content)
+
+          expect(page).to have_selector(content_selector)
+          rendered_content = find(content_selector).text
+          expect(rendered_content.strip).to eq(yaml_content.strip)
         end
       end
     end
diff --git a/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint_spec.js b/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint_spec.js
index 7c8863adddd..854bda443d6 100644
--- a/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint_spec.js
+++ b/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint_spec.js
@@ -1,22 +1,28 @@
+import Vue, { nextTick } from 'vue';
+import VueApollo from 'vue-apollo';
 import { GlAlert } from '@gitlab/ui';
 import { shallowMount } from '@vue/test-utils';
-import { nextTick } from 'vue';
 import waitForPromises from 'helpers/wait_for_promises';
+import createMockApollo from 'helpers/mock_apollo_helper';
 import CiLint from '~/ci/ci_lint/components/ci_lint.vue';
 import CiLintResults from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/components/lint/ci_lint_results.vue';
-import lintCIMutation from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/client/lint_ci.mutation.graphql';
+import ciLintMutation from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/ci_lint.mutation.graphql';
 import SourceEditor from '~/vue_shared/components/source_editor.vue';
-import { mockLintDataValid } from '../mock_data';
+import { mockCiLintMutationResponse } from '../../pipeline_editor/mock_data';
+
+Vue.use(VueApollo);
 
 describe('CI Lint', () => {
   let wrapper;
+  let mockCiLintData;
 
-  const endpoint = '/namespace/project/-/ci/lint';
   const content =
     "test_job:\n  stage: build\n  script: echo 'Building'\n  only:\n    - web\n    - chat\n    - pushes\n  allow_failure: true  ";
-  const mockMutate = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(mockLintDataValid);
 
   const createComponent = () => {
+    const handlers = [[ciLintMutation, mockCiLintData]];
+    const mockApollo = createMockApollo(handlers);
+
     wrapper = shallowMount(CiLint, {
       data() {
         return {
@@ -24,15 +30,11 @@ describe('CI Lint', () => {
         };
       },
       propsData: {
-        endpoint,
         pipelineSimulationHelpPagePath: '/help/ci/lint#pipeline-simulation',
         lintHelpPagePath: '/help/ci/lint#anchor',
+        projectFullPath: '/path/to/project',
       },
-      mocks: {
-        $apollo: {
-          mutate: mockMutate,
-        },
-      },
+      apolloProvider: mockApollo,
     });
   };
 
@@ -44,37 +46,40 @@ describe('CI Lint', () => {
   const findDryRunToggle = () => wrapper.find('[data-testid="ci-lint-dryrun"]');
 
   beforeEach(() => {
-    createComponent();
-  });
-
-  afterEach(() => {
-    mockMutate.mockClear();
+    mockCiLintData = jest.fn();
   });
 
   it('displays the editor', () => {
+    createComponent();
     expect(findEditor().exists()).toBe(true);
   });
 
   it('validate action calls mutation correctly', () => {
+    createComponent();
     findValidateBtn().vm.$emit('click');
 
-    expect(wrapper.vm.$apollo.mutate).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-      mutation: lintCIMutation,
-      variables: { content, dry: false, endpoint },
+    expect(mockCiLintData).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+      projectPath: '/path/to/project',
+      content,
+      dryRun: false,
     });
   });
 
   it('validate action calls mutation with dry run', () => {
+    createComponent();
     findDryRunToggle().vm.$emit('input', true);
     findValidateBtn().vm.$emit('click');
 
-    expect(wrapper.vm.$apollo.mutate).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-      mutation: lintCIMutation,
-      variables: { content, dry: true, endpoint },
+    expect(mockCiLintData).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+      projectPath: '/path/to/project',
+      content,
+      dryRun: true,
     });
   });
 
   it('validation displays results', async () => {
+    mockCiLintData.mockResolvedValue(mockCiLintMutationResponse);
+    createComponent();
     findValidateBtn().vm.$emit('click');
 
     await nextTick();
@@ -88,7 +93,8 @@ describe('CI Lint', () => {
   });
 
   it('validation displays error', async () => {
-    mockMutate.mockRejectedValue('Error!');
+    mockCiLintData.mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('Error!'));
+    createComponent();
 
     findValidateBtn().vm.$emit('click');
 
@@ -99,11 +105,12 @@ describe('CI Lint', () => {
     await waitForPromises();
 
     expect(findCiLintResults().exists()).toBe(false);
-    expect(findAlert().text()).toBe('Error!');
+    expect(findAlert().text()).toBe('Error: Error!');
     expect(findValidateBtn().props('loading')).toBe(false);
   });
 
   it('content is cleared on clear action', async () => {
+    createComponent();
     expect(findEditor().props('value')).toBe(content);
 
     await findClearBtn().vm.$emit('click');
diff --git a/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/mock_data.js b/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/mock_data.js
index 1a9888817d0..8acc0fed3f4 100644
--- a/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/mock_data.js
+++ b/spec/frontend/ci/ci_lint/mock_data.js
@@ -1,42 +1,47 @@
-import { mockJobs } from 'jest/ci/pipeline_editor/mock_data';
-import { convertObjectPropsToSnakeCase } from '~/lib/utils/common_utils';
-
-export const mockLintDataError = {
-  data: {
-    lintCI: {
-      errors: ['Error message'],
-      warnings: ['Warning message'],
-      valid: false,
-      jobs: mockJobs.map((j) => {
-        const job = { ...j, tags: j.tagList };
-        delete job.tagList;
-        return job;
-      }),
-    },
+export const mockCiLintJobs = [
+  {
+    beforeScript: [],
+    afterScript: [],
+    environment: null,
+    allowFailure: false,
+    tags: [],
+    when: 'on_success',
+    only: { refs: ['branches', 'tags'], __typename: 'CiJobLimitType' },
+    except: null,
+    needs: [{ name: 'test', __typename: 'CiConfigNeed' }],
+    __typename: 'CiConfigJobV2',
+    name: 'job_test_1',
+    script: ['echo "test 1"'],
+    stage: 'test',
   },
-};
-
-export const mockLintDataValid = {
-  data: {
-    lintCI: {
-      errors: [],
-      warnings: [],
-      valid: true,
-      jobs: mockJobs.map((j) => {
-        const job = { ...j, tags: j.tagList };
-        delete job.tagList;
-        return job;
-      }),
-    },
+  {
+    name: 'job_test_2',
+    script: ['echo "test 2"'],
+    stage: 'test',
+    beforeScript: [],
+    afterScript: [],
+    environment: null,
+    allowFailure: false,
+    tags: [],
+    when: 'on_success',
+    only: { refs: ['branches', 'tags'], __typename: 'CiJobLimitType' },
+    except: null,
+    needs: [{ name: 'test', __typename: 'CiConfigNeed' }],
+    __typename: 'CiConfigJobV2',
   },
-};
-
-export const mockLintDataErrorRest = {
-  ...mockLintDataError.data.lintCI,
-  jobs: mockJobs.map((j) => convertObjectPropsToSnakeCase(j)),
-};
-
-export const mockLintDataValidRest = {
-  ...mockLintDataValid.data.lintCI,
-  jobs: mockJobs.map((j) => convertObjectPropsToSnakeCase(j)),
-};
+  {
+    name: 'job_build',
+    script: ['echo "build"'],
+    stage: 'build',
+    beforeScript: [],
+    afterScript: [],
+    environment: null,
+    allowFailure: false,
+    tags: [],
+    when: 'on_success',
+    only: { refs: ['branches', 'tags'], __typename: 'CiJobLimitType' },
+    except: null,
+    needs: [{ name: 'test', __typename: 'CiConfigNeed' }],
+    __typename: 'CiConfigJobV2',
+  },
+];
diff --git a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate_spec.js b/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate_spec.js
index ca3c0479a05..8f979d7cbcf 100644
--- a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate_spec.js
+++ b/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate_spec.js
@@ -1,43 +1,38 @@
 import Vue from 'vue';
 import { GlAlert, GlDisclosureDropdown, GlEmptyState, GlLoadingIcon, GlPopover } from '@gitlab/ui';
 import VueApollo from 'vue-apollo';
-import MockAdapter from 'axios-mock-adapter';
 
 import { mockTracking, unmockTracking } from 'helpers/tracking_helper';
 import { shallowMountExtended } from 'helpers/vue_test_utils_helper';
 import createMockApollo from 'helpers/mock_apollo_helper';
 import waitForPromises from 'helpers/wait_for_promises';
 
-import axios from '~/lib/utils/axios_utils';
-import { HTTP_STATUS_OK } from '~/lib/utils/http_status';
 import { resolvers } from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers';
 import HelpIcon from '~/vue_shared/components/help_icon/help_icon.vue';
 import CiLintResults from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/components/lint/ci_lint_results.vue';
 import CiValidate, { i18n } from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/components/validate/ci_validate.vue';
 import ValidatePipelinePopover from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/components/popovers/validate_pipeline_popover.vue';
 import getBlobContent from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/queries/blob_content.query.graphql';
+import ciLintMutation from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/mutations/ci_lint.mutation.graphql';
+import getCurrentBranch from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/queries/client/current_branch.query.graphql';
 import { pipelineEditorTrackingOptions } from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/constants';
 import {
   mockBlobContentQueryResponse,
+  mockCiLintMutationResponse,
+  ciLintErrorResponse,
   mockCiLintPath,
   mockCiYml,
+  mockCurrentBranchResponse,
+  mockDefaultBranch,
   mockSimulatePipelineHelpPagePath,
 } from '../../mock_data';
-import {
-  mockLintDataError,
-  mockLintDataValid,
-  mockLintDataErrorRest,
-  mockLintDataValidRest,
-} from '../../../ci_lint/mock_data';
-
-let mockAxios;
+import { mockCiLintJobs } from '../../../ci_lint/mock_data';
 
 Vue.use(VueApollo);
 
 const defaultProvide = {
   ciConfigPath: '/path/to/ci-config',
   ciLintPath: mockCiLintPath,
-  currentBranch: 'main',
   projectFullPath: '/path/to/project',
   validateTabIllustrationPath: '/path/to/img',
   simulatePipelineHelpPagePath: mockSimulatePipelineHelpPagePath,
@@ -46,12 +41,21 @@ const defaultProvide = {
 describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
   let wrapper;
   let mockBlobContentData;
+  let mockCiLintData;
   let trackingSpy;
 
   const createComponent = ({ props, stubs } = {}) => {
-    const handlers = [[getBlobContent, mockBlobContentData]];
+    const handlers = [
+      [getBlobContent, mockBlobContentData],
+      [ciLintMutation, mockCiLintData],
+    ];
     const mockApollo = createMockApollo(handlers, resolvers);
 
+    mockApollo.clients.defaultClient.cache.writeQuery({
+      query: getCurrentBranch,
+      data: mockCurrentBranchResponse,
+    });
+
     wrapper = shallowMountExtended(CiValidate, {
       propsData: {
         ciFileContent: mockCiYml,
@@ -80,14 +84,8 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
   const findResultsCta = () => wrapper.findByTestId('resimulate-pipeline-button');
 
   beforeEach(() => {
-    mockAxios = new MockAdapter(axios);
-    mockAxios.onPost(defaultProvide.ciLintPath).reply(HTTP_STATUS_OK, mockLintDataValidRest);
-
     mockBlobContentData = jest.fn();
-  });
-
-  afterEach(() => {
-    mockAxios.restore();
+    mockCiLintData = jest.fn();
   });
 
   describe('while initial CI content is loading', () => {
@@ -115,7 +113,9 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
       expect(findPipelineSource().props('disabled')).toBe(true);
     });
 
-    it('renders enabled CTA without tooltip', () => {
+    it('renders enabled CTA without tooltip', async () => {
+      await waitForPromises();
+
       expect(findCta().exists()).toBe(true);
       expect(findCta().props('disabled')).toBe(false);
       expect(findDisabledCtaTooltip().exists()).toBe(false);
@@ -162,24 +162,25 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
       expect(findCta().props('loading')).toBe(true);
     });
 
-    it('calls endpoint with the correct input', async () => {
+    it('calls ciLint mutation with the correct input', async () => {
       findCta().vm.$emit('click');
 
       await waitForPromises();
 
-      expect(mockAxios.history.post).toHaveLength(1);
-      expect(mockAxios.history.post[0].data).toBe(
-        JSON.stringify({
-          content: mockCiYml,
-          dry_run: true,
-        }),
-      );
+      expect(mockCiLintData).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        projectPath: defaultProvide.projectFullPath,
+        content: mockCiYml,
+        ref: mockDefaultBranch,
+        dryRun: true,
+      });
     });
 
     describe('when results are successful', () => {
       beforeEach(async () => {
-        findCta().vm.$emit('click');
+        mockCiLintData.mockResolvedValue(mockCiLintMutationResponse);
+        await createComponent();
 
+        findCta().vm.$emit('click');
         await waitForPromises();
       });
 
@@ -200,14 +201,15 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
           dryRun: true,
           hideAlert: true,
           isValid: true,
-          jobs: mockLintDataValid.data.lintCI.jobs,
+          jobs: mockCiLintJobs,
         });
       });
     });
 
     describe('when results have errors', () => {
       beforeEach(async () => {
-        mockAxios.onPost(defaultProvide.ciLintPath).reply(HTTP_STATUS_OK, mockLintDataErrorRest);
+        mockCiLintData.mockResolvedValue(ciLintErrorResponse);
+
         findCta().vm.$emit('click');
 
         await waitForPromises();
@@ -225,8 +227,8 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
           dryRun: true,
           hideAlert: true,
           isValid: false,
-          errors: mockLintDataError.data.lintCI.errors,
-          warnings: mockLintDataError.data.lintCI.warnings,
+          errors: ciLintErrorResponse.data.ciLint.config.errors,
+          warnings: ciLintErrorResponse.data.ciLint.config.warnings,
         });
       });
     });
@@ -234,6 +236,7 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
 
   describe('when CI content has changed after a simulation', () => {
     beforeEach(async () => {
+      mockCiLintData.mockResolvedValue(mockCiLintMutationResponse);
       mockBlobContentData.mockResolvedValue(mockBlobContentQueryResponse);
       await createComponent();
 
@@ -272,13 +275,13 @@ describe('Pipeline Editor Validate Tab', () => {
 
       await waitForPromises();
 
-      expect(mockAxios.history.post).toHaveLength(2);
-      expect(mockAxios.history.post[1].data).toBe(
-        JSON.stringify({
-          content: newContent,
-          dry_run: true,
-        }),
-      );
+      expect(mockCiLintData).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+      expect(mockCiLintData).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        content: 'new yaml content',
+        dryRun: true,
+        projectPath: '/path/to/project',
+        ref: mockDefaultBranch,
+      });
     });
   });
 
diff --git a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/__snapshots__/resolvers_spec.js.snap b/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/__snapshots__/resolvers_spec.js.snap
deleted file mode 100644
index b6ec6205a22..00000000000
--- a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/__snapshots__/resolvers_spec.js.snap
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,73 +0,0 @@
-// Jest Snapshot v1, https://goo.gl/fbAQLP
-
-exports[`~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers Mutation lintCI lint data is as expected 1`] = `
-{
-  "__typename": "CiLintContent",
-  "errors": [],
-  "jobs": [
-    {
-      "__typename": "CiLintJob",
-      "afterScript": [
-        "echo 'after script 1",
-      ],
-      "allowFailure": false,
-      "beforeScript": [
-        "echo 'before script 1'",
-      ],
-      "environment": "prd",
-      "except": {
-        "refs": [
-          "main@gitlab-org/gitlab",
-          "/^release/.*$/@gitlab-org/gitlab",
-        ],
-      },
-      "name": "job_1",
-      "only": null,
-      "script": [
-        "echo 'script 1'",
-      ],
-      "stage": "test",
-      "tags": [
-        "tag 1",
-      ],
-      "when": "on_success",
-    },
-    {
-      "__typename": "CiLintJob",
-      "afterScript": [
-        "echo 'after script 2",
-      ],
-      "allowFailure": true,
-      "beforeScript": [
-        "echo 'before script 2'",
-      ],
-      "environment": "stg",
-      "except": {
-        "refs": [
-          "main@gitlab-org/gitlab",
-          "/^release/.*$/@gitlab-org/gitlab",
-        ],
-      },
-      "name": "job_2",
-      "only": {
-        "__typename": "CiLintJobOnlyPolicy",
-        "refs": [
-          "web",
-          "chat",
-          "pushes",
-        ],
-      },
-      "script": [
-        "echo 'script 2'",
-      ],
-      "stage": "test",
-      "tags": [
-        "tag 2",
-      ],
-      "when": "on_success",
-    },
-  ],
-  "valid": true,
-  "warnings": [],
-}
-`;
diff --git a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers_spec.js b/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers_spec.js
deleted file mode 100644
index 893f6775ac5..00000000000
--- a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers_spec.js
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,52 +0,0 @@
-import MockAdapter from 'axios-mock-adapter';
-import axios from '~/lib/utils/axios_utils';
-import { HTTP_STATUS_OK } from '~/lib/utils/http_status';
-import { resolvers } from '~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers';
-import { mockLintResponse } from '../mock_data';
-
-jest.mock('~/api', () => {
-  return {
-    getRawFile: jest.fn(),
-  };
-});
-
-describe('~/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/resolvers', () => {
-  describe('Mutation', () => {
-    describe('lintCI', () => {
-      let mock;
-      let result;
-
-      const endpoint = '/ci/lint';
-
-      beforeEach(async () => {
-        mock = new MockAdapter(axios);
-        mock.onPost(endpoint).reply(HTTP_STATUS_OK, mockLintResponse);
-
-        result = await resolvers.Mutation.lintCI(null, {
-          endpoint,
-          content: 'content',
-          dry_run: true,
-        });
-      });
-
-      afterEach(() => {
-        mock.restore();
-      });
-
-      /* eslint-disable no-underscore-dangle */
-      it('lint data has correct type names', () => {
-        expect(result.__typename).toBe('CiLintContent');
-
-        expect(result.jobs[0].__typename).toBe('CiLintJob');
-        expect(result.jobs[1].__typename).toBe('CiLintJob');
-
-        expect(result.jobs[1].only.__typename).toBe('CiLintJobOnlyPolicy');
-      });
-      /* eslint-enable no-underscore-dangle */
-
-      it('lint data is as expected', () => {
-        expect(result).toMatchSnapshot();
-      });
-    });
-  });
-});
diff --git a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/mock_data.js b/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/mock_data.js
index acf7b18a419..7191a81c58e 100644
--- a/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/mock_data.js
+++ b/spec/frontend/ci/pipeline_editor/mock_data.js
@@ -225,90 +225,6 @@ export const mockCiLintMutationResponse = {
   },
 };
 
-// Mock result of the graphql query at:
-// app/assets/javascripts/ci/pipeline_editor/graphql/queries/ci_config.graphql
-export const mockCiConfigQueryResponse = {
-  data: {
-    ciConfig: {
-      errors: [],
-      includes: mockIncludes,
-      mergedYaml: mockCiYml,
-      status: CI_CONFIG_STATUS_VALID,
-      stages: {
-        __typename: 'CiConfigStageConnection',
-        nodes: [
-          {
-            name: 'test',
-            groups: {
-              nodes: [
-                {
-                  id: 'group-1',
-                  name: 'job_test_1',
-                  size: 1,
-                  jobs: {
-                    nodes: [
-                      {
-                        name: 'job_test_1',
-                        script: ['echo "test 1"'],
-                        ...mockJobFields,
-                      },
-                    ],
-                    __typename: 'CiConfigJobConnection',
-                  },
-                  __typename: 'CiConfigGroup',
-                },
-                {
-                  id: 'group-2',
-                  name: 'job_test_2',
-                  size: 1,
-                  jobs: {
-                    nodes: [
-                      {
-                        name: 'job_test_2',
-                        script: ['echo "test 2"'],
-                        ...mockJobFields,
-                      },
-                    ],
-                    __typename: 'CiConfigJobConnection',
-                  },
-                  __typename: 'CiConfigGroup',
-                },
-              ],
-              __typename: 'CiConfigGroupConnection',
-            },
-            __typename: 'CiConfigStage',
-          },
-          {
-            name: 'build',
-            groups: {
-              nodes: [
-                {
-                  name: 'job_build',
-                  size: 1,
-                  jobs: {
-                    nodes: [
-                      {
-                        name: 'job_build',
-                        script: ['echo "build"'],
-                        ...mockJobFields,
-                      },
-                    ],
-                    __typename: 'CiConfigJobConnection',
-                  },
-                  __typename: 'CiConfigGroup',
-                },
-              ],
-              __typename: 'CiConfigGroupConnection',
-            },
-            __typename: 'CiConfigStage',
-          },
-        ],
-      },
-      __typename: 'CiConfig',
-    },
-  },
-};
-
 export const mockMergedConfig = (mergedConfig) => {
   const { config } = mockCiLintMutationResponse.data.ciLint;
   return {
@@ -317,6 +233,24 @@ export const mockMergedConfig = (mergedConfig) => {
   };
 };
 
+export const ciLintErrorResponse = {
+  data: {
+    ciLint: {
+      config: {
+        errors: ['header:spec:inputs:app_target_region config contains unknown keys: required'],
+        warnings: [],
+        includes: null,
+        mergedYaml: null,
+        status: 'INVALID',
+        stages: [],
+        __typename: 'CiConfigV2',
+      },
+      errors: [],
+      __typename: 'CiLintPayload',
+    },
+  },
+};
+
 export const mockCommitShaResults = {
   data: {
     project: {
@@ -570,3 +504,13 @@ export const mockCommitCreateResponseNewEtag = {
     },
   },
 };
+
+export const mockCurrentBranchResponse = {
+  workBranches: {
+    __typename: 'BranchList',
+    current: {
+      __typename: 'WorkBranch',
+      name: mockDefaultBranch,
+    },
+  },
+};
diff --git a/spec/frontend/groups/your_work/utils_spec.js b/spec/frontend/groups/your_work/utils_spec.js
index c802e34947d..b993d9da480 100644
--- a/spec/frontend/groups/your_work/utils_spec.js
+++ b/spec/frontend/groups/your_work/utils_spec.js
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ describe('formatGroups', () => {
     expect(formatGroups(graphQLGroups)).toEqual(
       formatGraphQLGroups(graphQLGroups).map((group) => ({
         ...group,
-        editPath: `${group.relativeWebUrl}/-/edit`,
+        editPath: `${group.webUrl}/-/edit`,
         avatarLabel: group.name,
         children: expect.any(Object),
       })),
diff --git a/spec/lib/gitlab/application_context_spec.rb b/spec/lib/gitlab/application_context_spec.rb
index d69af094685..1923b924b99 100644
--- a/spec/lib/gitlab/application_context_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/gitlab/application_context_spec.rb
@@ -250,6 +250,16 @@ RSpec.describe Gitlab::ApplicationContext, feature_category: :shared do
         expect(result(context)).to include(organization_id: organization.id)
       end
     end
+
+    context 'when using kubernetes agent context' do
+      let_it_be(:cluster_agent) {  create(:cluster_agent) }
+
+      it 'sets the kubernetes_agent_id value' do
+        context = described_class.new(kubernetes_agent: cluster_agent)
+
+        expect(result(context)).to include(kubernetes_agent_id: cluster_agent.id)
+      end
+    end
   end
 
   describe '#use' do
diff --git a/spec/support/rspec_order_todo.yml b/spec/support/rspec_order_todo.yml
index 5ce3cf100bd..d955b51110c 100644
--- a/spec/support/rspec_order_todo.yml
+++ b/spec/support/rspec_order_todo.yml
@@ -2016,7 +2016,6 @@
 - './ee/spec/services/epic_issues/destroy_service_spec.rb'
 - './ee/spec/services/epic_issues/list_service_spec.rb'
 - './ee/spec/services/epic_issues/update_service_spec.rb'
-- './ee/spec/services/epics/close_service_spec.rb'
 - './ee/spec/services/epics/descendant_count_service_spec.rb'
 - './ee/spec/services/epics/epic_links/destroy_service_spec.rb'
 - './ee/spec/services/epics/epic_links/list_service_spec.rb'
diff --git a/spec/support/shared_examples/services/issuable/destroy_service_shared_examples.rb b/spec/support/shared_examples/services/issuable/destroy_service_shared_examples.rb
index 30c7471f979..399835dcd6f 100644
--- a/spec/support/shared_examples/services/issuable/destroy_service_shared_examples.rb
+++ b/spec/support/shared_examples/services/issuable/destroy_service_shared_examples.rb
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # frozen_string_literal: true
 
 RSpec.shared_examples_for 'service scheduling async deletes' do
-  it 'destroys associated todos asynchronously', :sidekiq_inline do
+  it 'destroys associated todos asynchronously' do
     expect(worker_class).to receive(:perform_async).with(issuable.id, issuable.class.base_class.name)
 
     if try(:sync_object).present?
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ RSpec.shared_examples_for 'service scheduling async deletes' do
     subject.execute(issuable)
   end
 
-  it 'works inside a transaction', :sidekiq_inline do
+  it 'works inside a transaction' do
     expect(worker_class).to receive(:perform_async).with(issuable.id, issuable.class.base_class.name)
 
     if try(:sync_object).present?