Okay, here is the comprehensive daily intelligence summary, formatted using Markdown and presented from a professional Ukrainian perspective, based on the provided reports ending March 26, 2025, 13:58 UTC.

Military Intelligence Daily Summary - Ukrainian Perspective

Prepared for: Ukrainian High Command Prepared by: AI Military Intelligence Assistant Date: March 26, 2025 Time: 13:58 UTC Reporting Period: Approx. 14:00 UTC Mar 25 - 13:58 UTC Mar 26

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I. Executive Summary

The operational environment remains characterized by high-intensity combat operations, with Russian forces maintaining significant offensive pressure along multiple axes, particularly towards Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, and in the Orikhiv direction (Zaporizhzhia front). Russia leverages substantial manpower, extensive drone usage, Guided Aerial Bombs (KABs), and artillery.

Significant activity persists along the Kursk/Belgorod border regions, with intense fighting, positional clashes, and claimed Russian advances near key settlements like Kazachya Loknya. Russian sources allege significant Ukrainian troop concentrations near the Krasnoyaruzhsky district (Belgorod) and claim repeated repulsions of complex Ukrainian border breach attempts involving heavy engineering vehicles.

Overnight (Mar 25/26), Russia launched a large-scale drone attack (reportedly 117 assets) targeting non-energy infrastructure across Ukraine. While Ukrainian air defence reported intercepting 56 Shaheds, impacts occurred in Kryvyi Rih (major damage), Okhtyrka, and Cherkasy Oblast. This follows conflicting statements from Moscow regarding an alleged moratorium on energy strikes, which Ukrainian officials dispute, citing continued attacks on energy facilities since mid-March.

Ukrainian forces maintain an active defense, focusing on repelling ground assaults, engaging heavily in drone warfare (offensive and defensive), Electronic Warfare (EW), and counter-battery fire. The SBU reported thwarting a bombing plot targeting a TCC in Ternopil.

Key Priorities:

1. Counter Russian Offensives: Maintain robust defenses along the Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, and Orikhiv axes. Verify and respond to claimed Russian advances.
2. Border Security: Monitor and counter Russian DRG activity in Sumy Oblast. Assess and verify claims regarding Ukrainian troop concentrations and repelled incursions in the Belgorod/Kursk regions.
3. Air Defense: Maintain high readiness against persistent Russian air threats (drones, KABs, missiles). Adapt tactics against evolving drone threats.
4. Counter-Battery & EW: Prioritize targeting Russian artillery and EW systems to degrade their fire support and drone capabilities.
5. Intelligence Verification: Critically assess claims from all sources, particularly regarding ground advances, ceasefire compliance, and high-value target strikes.

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II. Diplomatic and Political Context

• US-Russia Agreement & Ceasefire Discourse:
  • Agreements confirmed on a 30-day energy infrastructure strike moratorium (effective date/scope disputed by Ukraine) and Black Sea navigation safety.
  • Kremlin (Peskov) claimed adherence to the energy strike moratorium, contradicted by Russian MoD accusations of Ukrainian strikes on RU energy targets and Ukrainian reports of continued RU strikes on UA energy facilities since March 18.
  • Ukraine (Podolyak, Palisa) emphasizes distrust of Russian commitments, reserves the right to symmetrical response, stresses US role as guarantor, and confirms no territorial concessions were discussed in Riyadh talks.
  • EU reiterated stance linking sanctions removal to full Russian withdrawal.
• Peacekeeping/Security Guarantees: Reports suggest European nations are reconsidering sending peacekeepers, exploring alternative security guarantee models. Upcoming Paris summit (Zelenskyy-Macron) to focus on immediate needs and future security infrastructure.
• NATO Coordination: NATO reportedly taking control of arms supply coordination via NSATU structure.

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III. Air, Missile, and Drone Activity

• Recent Russian Strikes:
  • Overnight Drone Attack (Mar 25/26): Large-scale (117 assets reported, mostly Shahed); 56 claimed intercepted by Ukraine. Impacts confirmed on non-energy infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih (significant damage), Okhtyrka (significant damage), Cherkasy Oblast, and Koryukivka (Chernihiv Oblast).
  • Kramatorsk: Drone strike damaged multi-story building (Mar 26).
  • RU MoD Claims: Strikes hit UA airfields, repair facilities, drone production points. Claimed Geran-2 strike on UA drone launch site near Dolynske (Zaporizhzhia). Accusation of UA violating energy strike moratorium (denied by UA GenStaff).
• Ongoing Threats (as of 13:58 UTC):
  • Ballistic Missile Threat: Declared from North (towards Sumy) and South, later cleared (13:46-14:11 UTC).
  • KAB Threat: Active towards Sumy Oblast (14:01 UTC) and previously towards Kharkiv Oblast. Continued threat along frontlines.
  • UAV Threat: Active warning for Kharkiv Oblast. Recon UAVs reported over Sumy/Chernihiv.
• Black Sea Posture: 1 RU Kalibr carrier (up to 4 missiles) active; 3 carriers (up to 26 missiles) in Mediterranean (UA Navy/UGS).
• Ukrainian Air/Drone/EW Activity:
  • Offensive: Continued FPV/drone strikes by various units (SSO, 3rd Assault, 40th Coast Def, 57th Motorized, 65th Mech, 414th "Birds of Magyar", 110th Mech) targeting RU personnel, vehicles, armor, and logistics. SBU claims high success rates (1700+ tanks destroyed).
  • Defensive: Claims of downing RU recon UAVs (Zala, Supercam) by 28th Mech, 5th Assault Bde. OTU "Kharkiv" claimed 44 RU UAVs downed/damaged (24h). Mobile fire groups (Kherson Bde) downed 5 Shaheds overnight. Claimed interception of drones targeting railway infrastructure in Donetsk. Yak-52 aircraft claimed used to shoot down RU recon drones (Southern front).
  • Air Force: Reports F-16 pilots showing excellent results (>80% hit rate vs Shaheds/cruise missiles), acknowledging risks. Refutes RU claims of downed F-16.
• Russian Drone Capabilities: Reports indicate construction of 3 new Shahed launch sites near Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Development of "Sifa" anti-drone FPV claimed.

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IV. Border Situation (Kursk/Belgorod/Sumy/Kharkiv)

• Overall: Intense positional fighting, heavy artillery/drone exchanges, claimed cross-border incursions/repulsions continue. Zone within 15km of border assessed as highly dangerous.
• Kursk Oblast (RU) / Sumy Oblast (UA):
  • RU MoD claims capture of Kazachya Loknya (RU). RU sources claim advances near Huyevo (Sumy border) and potential Psel River crossing, and pushing into southern Goglëvka.
  • Fighting reported on outskirts of Basovka. Difficulties reported near Guevo due to minefields.
  • Russian DRG Activity (Sumy): Ongoing incursions confirmed, increased RU drone/FPV use. Small recon groups active near Novenke & Zhuravka.
  • Ukrainian SSO "Faust" Claim: Reports significant equipment destruction/damage via FPV strikes in Kursk Oblast.
• Belgorod Oblast (RU Claims - Krasnoyaruzhsky District Focus):
  • Alleged Ukrainian Troop Concentration: RU sources maintain claims of >4,000 UA personnel concentrated for potential incursions.
  • Repelled Attacks: Intense fighting near Demidovka. Multiple UA border breach attempts claimed repelled near Krasnoyaruzhsky district. Specific attempt towards Popovka (Mar 26) allegedly involved IMRs attempting mine clearing; RU sources (incl. Akhmat) claim destruction of IMR(s) near "dragon's teeth" obstacles. Claimed destruction of M1150 ABV. RU sources claim no UA forces remain in Popovka; UA forces in Demidovka suffering heavy losses.
  • Casualties: Death of RU Channel One journalist Anna Prokofieva near Demidovka confirmed; operator Dmitry Volkov seriously injured. RU claims mine attack; conflicting UA claims suggest internal RU factors.
• Kharkiv Sector (UA OTU Report - Mar 26, morning):
  • Complex situation with high Russian activity. 4 RU ground assaults repelled near Vovchansk, Tykhe, Kamyanka. KAB launches reported towards Kharkiv Oblast.

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V. Frontline Activity

• Overall Intensity: High maintained. Primary Russian efforts: Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Orikhiv. Russian MoD claims significant daily Ukrainian losses across sectors.
• Pokrovsk Direction: Highest Intensity. Remains main RU focus (53 attacks reported Mar 26 AM). UA SSO claimed capture of 9 RU soldiers (Mar 25/26). UA 110th Mech Bde video shows stopping RU armored column.
• South Donetsk Direction: Increased RU activity claimed. Pressure on Razliv, claim control over forest belt SE of Razliv. Claimed advance from Privolnoye towards Volne Pole, forcing UA withdrawal and 400m advance into central Volne Pole. RU 40th Naval Infantry drone strikes reported. RU MoD reports 2S4 Tyulpan heavy mortar use.
• Orikhiv Direction (Zaporizhzhia): Continued RU attempts to advance along Stepove-Kamenske line. RU forces claim control over southern Lobkove, pushing north. Heavy fighting near Stepove. RU MoD claimed liberation of Malye Shcherbaky. Zaporizhzhia OVA confirms drone/EW deliveries to UA brigades. UA FPV strike on RU UAZ vehicle reported. RU MoD claims Geran-2 strike on UA drone site near Dolynske.
• Toretsk Direction / Horlivka Area: Joint UA forces (28, 93, 53 Brigades) repelled RU assault attempt in industrial zone outskirts (video released). RU sources claimed full capture of Panteleimonivka and entry/partial capture of Aleksandropol (Rozivka) (Mar 26). UA 42nd Mech Bde reported drone strike eliminating RU assault group.
• Kherson Direction (Left Bank): Primarily artillery/drone exchanges. Civilian woman injured by RU drone in Kherson city (Mar 26). UA 40th Coast Def Bde footage shows targeting RU personnel attempting river crossing.
• Lyman Direction: RU sources claim 500m advance near Yampolivka. ISW previously reported RU advances near Terny, Spirne. UA 60th Mech Bde drone operators reported active.
• Kupyansk Direction: RU sources previously claimed advances west of Oskol River. Ukraine reportedly counterattacked near Nadiya.

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VI. Other Significant Updates

• Personnel, Casualties, POWs:
  • UA SSO captured 9 RU soldiers near Pokrovsk (Mar 25/26).
  • UA Coordination HQ met with families of defenders potentially captured by Wagner.
  • Russian court sentenced 23 alleged Azov members (some in absentia).
  • RU journalist Prokofieva killed, Volkov injured near Demidovka (Belgorod).
• Internal Security & Logistics (Ukraine):
  • SBU thwarted alleged bombing plot targeting TCC in Ternopil.
  • GUR launched portal detailing foreign components in Russian weapons.
  • Regional OVAs confirm ongoing deliveries of drones/EW to frontline units.
  • Fundraising appeals highlight need for off-road vehicles.
  • Report: UA Commander fined for negligence leading to soldier's death.
  • Ukrainian Ombudsman reports "massive and systemic" human rights violations by TCCs based on citizen complaints.
  • Ukrzaliznytsia website/app still non-functional due to cyberattack.
• Internal Security & Economy (Russia):
  • Reports of large-scale cyberattacks targeting Lukoil and Faster Payments System (SBP) (Mar 26).
  • Founder of "Rusagro" detained amid fraud investigation.
  • Investigation into quality issues/fraud involving domestically produced radios for security forces.
  • MoD announced legislative changes enhancing support for SVO participants.
  • Pacific Fleet submarine "Ufa" conducted Kalibr missile launch exercise (Mar 25/26).
  • Putin emphasizes role of SVO veterans in youth mentoring.
• War Crimes Allegations:
  • Ukraine issues notice of suspicion to RU soldier for alleged 2022 killings in Katyuzhanka.
  • Kirovohrad resident sentenced to 15 years for treason (providing coordinates).
  • Moscow court upholds arrest warrant for Lithuanian mercenary Skripkyunas.
  • SBU issues charges in absentia against RU TV host Solovyov.

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