Military Situation Update: Ukraine - April 1, 2025, 07:45 UTC
(Incorporating updates up to 07:45 UTC)
I. Air Activity & Strikes
Air Threat Alerts (Ongoing):
Ukrainian Air Force continues to warn of Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern direction and in the Sea of Azov. Threat of air-launched weapons persists for frontline oblasts (UA AF, 06:50 UTC, 07:16 UTC).
Repeated Guided Aerial Bomb (KAB) launches by Russian tactical aviation reported towards Sumy Oblast (UA AF, 06:53 UTC, 07:17 UTC).
Confirmed Air Defense Success (Zaporizhzhia): Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the successful interception of two Russian Kh-59/69 guided aviation missiles launched towards the Zaporizhzhia direction around 21:00 UTC on March 31. (UA Air Force, Operatyvnyi ZSU, Tsaplienko - Previous Report)
Shahed Attack Lull: An absence of Shahed drone attacks was noted overnight (Mar 31 - Apr 1), marking the first such instance in 2025. Potential factors include adverse weather or successful Ukrainian strikes on launch/storage sites. Russian strikes using other munitions (missiles, artillery, KABs) continued. (ASTRA, RBC-Ukraina, Tsaplienko - Previous Report)
Claimed RU Strike Successes (NEW):
Russian MoD claims UAV teams of the "Yug" Group of Forces destroyed one Ukrainian Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one dugout with personnel, and one pickup truck. (RU MoD, 07:19 UTC)
Russian sources claim artillery units (305th Arty Bde, 5 CAA, Vostok Gp) destroyed a Ukrainian UAV control point on the South Donetsk direction. (Colonelcassad/Voin DV, 07:32 UTC)
II. Ground Operations & Territorial Control
A. Northern Border (Kursk/Belgorod/Sumy)
Belgorod Oblast: Russian sources report Ukrainian forces are reinforcing near Demydovka and Popovka, with ongoing small arms fighting reported in both settlements. Intensive, mutual artillery, aviation, and drone activity is noted in the border area. (Voenkor Kotenok, 06:49 UTC)
Kursk/Sumy Border Area:
RU CLAIM (Consolidation & Advance Assessment - Rybar): Russian source (Rybar) claims Russian forces are progressively pushing Ukrainian units out of Kursk Oblast territory allegedly occupied earlier. Claims only Oleshnja and Gornal remain under narrow Ukrainian control within Kursk Oblast (RU). Asserts Russian forces are fighting along the Volodymyrivka – Zhuravka – Basovka line inside Sumy Oblast (UA). Provides a timeline of claimed RU advances including securing MAPP Sudzha checkpoint (by 51st PDR), Hoholivka (by 137th PDR), and Veselovka (by late March). Notes difficult terrain (forests, Psyol River) near Huyevo. Suggests RU advance towards Yunakovka (Sumy Oblast) could flank UA forces in Basovka and accelerate clearing of Kursk Oblast. (Rybar via Dnevnik Desantnika, 07:01 UTC, 07:43 UTC)
RU CLAIM (Counter-Attack Repelled): Russian forces claim to have repelled a Ukrainian counter-attack near Basovka (Kursk Oblast, near Sumy border). (TASS - Previous Report)
RU CLAIM (Force Composition): Russian sources claim Ukrainian groups operating near Huyevo (Kursk Oblast) include former prisoners. (TASS, 07:42 UTC)
RU Assessment of UA Control (Kursk): Russian source (Slivochny Kapriz) estimates Ukrainian territorial control within Kursk Oblast at 97.1 km² as of Apr 1, down from a claimed 505 km² in February. (Slivochny Kapriz, 07:20 UTC)
B. Eastern Front
Lyman Direction:
RU CLAIM (Significant Advance): Russian sources claim forces advanced over 2.5 km west from Novoliubivka towards Katerynivka. (Slivorychnyi Kapriz - Previous Report)
RU CLAIM (Advance): Russian sources claim forces advanced approximately 1 km into Ukrainian defenses near Novoie (Donetsk Oblast). (Marochko via TASS - Previous Report)
Chasiv Yar Area (Kramatorsk Direction):
RU Counter-Drone Tactics: Reports indicate Russian deployment of static anti-drone nets and specialized "drone-trawler" UAVs equipped with nets to capture Ukrainian drones, particularly targeting logistics disruption efforts. Captured drones allegedly exploited and repurposed. (Operatsiya Z / RVvoenkor - Previous Report)
Pokrovsk Direction:
RU Drone Operations: Russian sources released footage showcasing reconnaissance and strike drone operations by the "Center" group of forces supporting ground assaults, targeting Ukrainian personnel, communication assets, and heavy drones. (Colonelcassad, 07:02 UTC)
UA Drone Operations Claim: Ukrainian drone unit "Ochi ta Zhalo" claims 357 unique enemy targets hit and 112 Russian personnel killed in the Donbas operational area (Mar 29-31). (BUTUSOV PLUS / Madyar - Previous Report)
Toretsk Direction (NEW):
UA CLAIM (POW Capture): Ukrainian National Police "Safari" assault regiment (part of "Lut" Brigade) reported capturing Russian personnel during a 35-day defense of positions in Toretsk. Reportedly thwarted a Russian infiltration attempt via a tunnel into a building held by Ukrainian forces. (Tsaplienko, 07:27 UTC)
Donetsk Oblast (General):
RU Equipment Loss: Ukrainian forces documented the destruction/disablement of a Russian T-90M tank. (BUTUSOV PLUS - Previous Report)
RU Assessment of Gains (March): Russian source (Slivochny Kapriz) claims total RU gains in the SVO zone during March 2025 were +257.5 km² (average +8.31 km²/day). Provides breakdown by direction (e.g., Pokrovsk +80.6 km², Toretsk +41.9 km², Vremivka +39.6 km², Chasiv Yar +32.1 km²). (Slivochny Kapriz, 07:20 UTC)
C. Southern Front
Zaporizhzhia Direction:
RU CLAIM (Advance): Russian sources claim units expelled Ukrainian forces from a major strongpoint west of Lobkove. (Voenkor Kotenok, 06:52 UTC)
Prydniprovsky Direction (Left Bank Kherson):
RU CLAIM: Russian sources report continued Ukrainian attempts to establish positions near the Antonivsky Bridge area, alleging these are targeted by Russian 18th Army UAV operators. (Dnevnik Desantnika - Previous Report)
RU Logistics/Crowdfunding: A Russian Telegram channel initiated a crowdfunding campaign for equipment (4x4 vehicle, satcom, generators, FPV kits, laptop) for an artillery reconnaissance unit operating in the Kherson direction, potentially indicating equipment needs. (Dva Mayora, 06:59 UTC)
Vremivka Direction (South Donetsk):
RU CLAIM (Counter-Drone Tactic - NEW): Russian sources claim UAV operators from the 218th Tank Regiment (127 MSD) and 57th GMRB (5 CAA, Vostok Group) are using ramming tactics with their own UAVs to destroy Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" heavy drones. (Voin DV, 07:30 UTC)
III. Security & Internal Developments (Occupied Areas, Russia)
Foiled Attack (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast): Ukrainian security services (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office reported detaining two local men suspected of preparing a terrorist act. They allegedly constructed an IED (3kg explosives, detonators found) based on instructions received via Telegram, intended to target a Ukrainian Armed Forces mobile fire group's SUV or an administrative building via remote detonation. Communication with a handler was reportedly found on seized phones. (O G P, 07:00 UTC)
Russian Conscription & Mobilization in Occupied Areas:
Russia commenced its spring conscription drive (Apr 1 - Jul 15), aiming for 160,000 conscripts (aged 18-30). (Previous Report)
Ukrainian MFA Protest: Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal protest against the forced mobilization of Ukrainian citizens in temporarily occupied territories into the Russian armed forces, deeming it illegal under international law. (Operatyvnyi ZSU - Previous Report)
Russian Internal Issues (Casualties/Information): Relatives of soldiers from Moscow-based unit w/ch 61899 (27th Motorized Rifle Brigade) publicly appealed to Russian authorities regarding a high number of personnel missing in action (MIA) since November 2024. They cite a lack of information, overcrowded morgues (specifically Rostov), and allege hospitals are prohibited from sharing information with families. The appeal claims official explanations cite insufficient evacuation brigades. (ASTRA, 07:06 UTC)
Russian Internal Issues (Corruption Allegation): Reports circulating on Russian channels allege traffic police (GIBDD) in Krasnodar Krai extorted volunteers transporting a modified vehicle ("bukhanka with mangal" and camo net) destined for the front line, demanding payment instead of issuing a formal citation for obstructed license plates/lights. (Dva Mayora, 07:00 UTC; Dnevnik Desantnika, 07:25 UTC)
Occupied Donetsk Oblast (Horlivka Bus Attack):
Russian Investigative Committee (SK) opened an investigation into the reported Ukrainian drone attack on a civilian bus in Horlivka. (TASS, 06:54 UTC)
Russian sources maintain 15 civilians were wounded. Sources claim 26 civilians wounded and 2 killed in Horlivka over the past week due to alleged Ukrainian actions. (Basurin, 06:54 UTC; Poddubny, 07:07 UTC; Voenkor Kotenok, 07:20 UTC)
RU CLAIM (Weapons Cache): Russian Rosgvardia reportedly discovered a cache containing a Belgian-made FN MAG machine gun (claimed manufactured in 2024) in occupied Donetsk Oblast. (TASS - Previous Report)
Ukrainian Internal Displacement (NEW): Dnipropetrovsk Oblast authorities are facilitating the evacuation of residents, including families, from frontline communities in the Synelnykivskyi district to safer shelters in Zakarpattia Oblast (Western Ukraine), in coordination with NGOs like "Proliska". Support includes housing, financial, and humanitarian aid. A hotline is available for residents wishing to evacuate. (Serhiy Lysak / Dnipro OVA, 07:17 UTC)
Ukrainian Regional Assessment (Kharkiv - NEW): Head of Kharkiv OVA, Oleh Syniehubov, highlighted key challenges: bolstering defenses, ensuring education continuity (via shelters), protecting healthcare (building underground hospital), addressing massive housing destruction (~37,000 houses destroyed in Kharkiv city, >75,000 objects region-wide), and large-scale demining (30% of territory mined). Emphasized need for continued international (specifically French) support. (Oleh Syniehubov / Kharkiv OVA, 07:39 UTC)
IV. International & Political Developments
German FM Visit & Aid: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit and announced €130 million in additional humanitarian aid for Ukraine. (RBC-Ukraina, STERNENKO, BILD, Tsaplienko, Operatyvnyi ZSU - 06:48 UTC onwards)
Lithuanian FM Visit: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys visited Kyiv, reaffirming Lithuania's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and EU aspirations. (RBC-Ukraina, Tsaplienko - 07:32 UTC)
UK/FR/UA Security Meeting (NEW): UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer (Note: Not PM) reportedly stated that the UK, France, and Ukraine will hold a meeting in the coming days focused on security guarantees for Kyiv. (Tsaplienko, 07:25 UTC)
Ukrainian Recruitment: The Ukrainian General Staff reported continued high interest in recruitment centers, with 1,523 new applicants last week (total 48,406 applications). 9,765 candidates are currently processing; 21% are women. Centers provide consultations only, no summonses issued on-site. (UA General Staff, Operatyvnyi ZSU - Previous Report)
US-Russia/Ukraine Relations (RU Perspective): Russian sources claim former US President Trump is displeased with President Zelenskyy regarding alleged attempts to change terms of a rare earth minerals deal potentially linking it to NATO membership. (Basurin, 07:36 UTC)
US Internal Politics (Trump): Former US President Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, calling him a "smart guy" and North Korea a "great nuclear nation," not ruling out future contact. (RBC-Ukraina, 07:16 UTC)
V. Technological & Tactical Notes
RU Counter-Drone Measures (Chasiv Yar): Reports detail Russian use of static anti-drone nets (~6m high) and specialized "drone-trawler" UAVs with nets to physically intercept Ukrainian drones, particularly those targeting logistics lines. Captured drones are allegedly exploited for intelligence and repurposed. (Operatsiya Z / RVvoenkor - Previous Report)
RU Counter-Drone Measures (Vremivka - NEW): Russian sources claim successful use of UAV ramming tactics by RU drone operators (218 Tank Rgt, 127 MSD, 57 GMRB) against Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" heavy drones. (Voin DV, 07:30 UTC)
UA Drone Strike Tactics: Ukrainian source (Butusov) shared footage attributed to the 30th Mechanized Brigade's "Aerobomber_UA" unit, claiming the destruction of both a Russian assault group and a subsequent evacuation team attempting extraction under heavy drone fire. The rare evacuation attempt under such conditions suggested a potentially high-value individual among the wounded. (BUTUSOV PLUS, 07:09 UTC)
RU Lancet vs. Radar Systems: Russian sources shared footage claiming effective use of ZALA Lancet loitering munitions against Israeli-made RADA RPS-42 / ieMHR radar systems used by Ukrainian forces. Claims assert Lancets are difficult for these radars to detect due to composite materials and navigation. (Colonelcassad / ZalaAero - Previous Report)
Claimed UA Anti-Drone Tactic: Ukrainian sources previously described a purported tactic using a device near Russian "Molniya" UAVs to detect operator locations for subsequent targeting. (STERNENKO - Previous Report)
UA Urban Combat Tactics (Toretsk - NEW): Footage from the "Safari" regiment shows house-clearing operations, use of grenades, capture of prisoners, and acknowledgement of enemy using underground passages/tunnels for infiltration. Highlights inter-unit coordination. (Tsaplienko, 07:27 UTC)
VI. Casualty & Loss Reports (Significant Updates)
Civilian Casualties (Horlivka - RU Claim): Russian sources maintain 15 civilians wounded from the alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a bus. Claims state 26 civilians wounded and 2 killed in Horlivka in the past week. (Basurin, Poddubny, Voenkor Kotenok - 06:54 UTC onwards)
Personnel Losses (Russian - UA Claim):
UA drone unit "Ochi ta Zhalo" claims 112 Russian personnel killed in Donbas (Mar 29-31). (BUTUSOV PLUS / Madyar - Previous Report)
UA source (Shtirlits) claims the "demobilization" (killing) of six specific Russian officers: Lt Col Ivan Mayorov (PVO), Sr Lt Danila Smirnov, Sr Lt Vasily Vinogradov, Sr Lt Oleg Tsyplukhin, Lt Alexey Khartikov, Jr Lt Lazar Afanasyev. (Shtirlits, 07:41 UTC)
UA forces (30th Mech Bde) claim destruction of RU assault and evacuation groups via drone strikes. (BUTUSOV PLUS, 07:09 UTC)
UA forces ("Safari" Regiment) claim capture of RU personnel in Toretsk. (Tsaplienko, 07:27 UTC)
Personnel Losses (Russian - Internal Reports): Relatives of soldiers from Russian unit w/ch 61899 report a high number of personnel missing in action since Nov 2024, citing lack of information and overwhelmed casualty processing systems (Rostov morgue). (ASTRA, 07:06 UTC)
Equipment Losses (Russian - UA Claims):
Confirmed destruction/disablement of one T-90M tank. (BUTUSOV PLUS - Previous Report)
Equipment Losses (Ukrainian - RU Claims):
Destruction of one Gvozdika SPG, one dugout, one pickup truck by UAVs (Yug Group). (RU MoD, 07:19 UTC)
Destruction of UAV control point by artillery (South Donetsk). (Colonelcassad/Voin DV, 07:32 UTC)
Destruction of "Baba Yaga" heavy drones via ramming tactics (Vremivka). (Voin DV, 07:30 UTC)
Expulsion from strongpoint W of Lobkove (Zaporizhzhia). (Voenkor Kotenok, 06:52 UTC)
Destruction of RADA radar systems by Lancets. (Colonelcassad / ZalaAero - Previous Report)
Targeting of UA positions near Antonivsky Bridge (Kherson). (Dnevnik Desantnika - Previous Report)
Discovery of FN MAG MG in cache (Occupied Donetsk). (TASS - Previous Report)
Capture of UA drones near Chasiv Yar. (Operatsiya Z / RVvoenkor - Previous Report)
