Nightwatch logo
'Nightwatch' text with white and gray letters
HomeMapNewsMilitary PulseSituation ReportsDaily ReportsList ViewVideosCyber Threats
Sign In
Contact Support
Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-04-03 21:58:23Z
10 months ago
Previous (2025-04-03 21:28:29Z)

Military Situation Update: Ukraine - April 3, 2025, 21:57 UTC

(Derived from intelligence reports dated Apr 1 - Apr 3, including ISW reporting as of Apr 2, Ukrainian General Staff reports up to Apr 3 19:00 UTC, UA Air Force updates up to Apr 3 21:48 UTC, DeepState reports up to Apr 3 15:39 UTC, NATO assessments/claims reported Apr 3, supplementary claims/reports up to Apr 3 21:53 UTC)

I. Overall Strategic Situation & Key Developments

  • Combat Intensity: Remains HIGH. Ukrainian General Staff (UGS) reported 111 combat engagements since the start of Apr 3 (as of 19:00 UTC).
  • Primary Russian Offensive Axes: Pokrovsk (highest intensity with 37 attacks reported earlier) and Toretsk (16 attacks reported earlier) remain the main focus of Russian ground assaults.
  • Secondary Axes of Intense Fighting: Significant combat activity persists on the Lyman (17 attacks earlier), Novopavlivsk (7 attacks earlier), Orikhiv (8 attacks earlier), Kursk border (7 attacks repelled, 2 ongoing earlier), Kupyansk (5 attacks earlier), Siversk (3 attacks earlier), Kharkiv border (3 attacks earlier), Kramatorsk/Chasiv Yar (1 attack earlier), and Prydniprovsky (2 attempts earlier) directions.
  • Ukrainian Operations in Russian Territory (Kursk/Belgorod/Other):
    • Kursk/Belgorod Border: Operations continue. UGS reported 7 RU attacks repelled, 2 ongoing in Kursk Oblast earlier (Apr 3, 19:00 UTC). Russian forces conducted 10 air strikes (17 KABs) and 334 artillery attacks in the area earlier.
      • RU MoD Claims (Apr 3): Claimed neutralizing AFU formations in Kursk region, inflicting over 180 personnel losses, destroying 1 IFV, 2 AFVs, 11 vehicles, 2 mortars, 5 UAV command posts, and 1 ammunition depot over the past day.
      • RU Reports (Belgorod): Reports from Krasnoyaruzhsky district (Belgorod Oblast) indicate civilian evacuations initiated around March 18-19 due to significantly increased Ukrainian FPV drone activity ("dirty" skies), making the border zone hazardous. Local RU militia ("Bars-Belgorod," "Orlan") involved in evacuations using armored vehicles (Colonelcassad, Apr 3). RU sources continue crowdfunding for drones for forces in the Belgorod sector (Dnevnik Desantnika, Arkhangel Spetsnaza, Apr 3).
      • President Zelenskyy emphasized the strategic importance of the Kursk operation for protecting Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts, confirming reports received on combat progress, North Korean unit tactics, and drone developments. Specific units thanked: 36th Marine Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade. He stated it was "absolutely fair to bring the war back to where it came from."
    • Moscow Area: Attack Repelled (RU Claim). Moscow Mayor Sobyanin claimed air defense intercepted a UAV heading towards the capital (Apr 3, 21:35 UTC). Temporary flight restrictions implemented at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky Airports due to reported Ukrainian UAV threats (TASS, ASTRA, RVvoenkor, Rosaviatsia, 21:11-21:38 UTC).
    • Lipetsk Oblast: Ongoing UAV Attack. Air defense and suppression systems remain active due to ongoing UAV threat (Governor Artamonov, 21:03, 21:39 UTC). Debris reported being checked following AD engagement (Artamonov, 21:48 UTC). Earlier reports mentioned at least 6 explosions.
    • Krasnodar Krai Direction: 3 Ukrainian UAVs reported flying over Priazovsk towards Krasnodar Krai (RU source claim, 21:02 UTC).
    • RU MoD Claim (Kursk UAVs): RU MoD claimed 17 Ukrainian UAVs downed over Kursk Oblast within one hour earlier (evening Apr 3); claim reiterated by RU sources.
  • Territorial Control Changes (Summary - See Section II for details):
    • Ukrainian Advance: Confirmed near Pokrovsk (ISW, Apr 2). Claimed liberation of Nadiia (Luhansk, near Svatove) by 3rd Assault Brigade (Apr 3, verification pending).
    • Russian Captures Confirmed: Oleksandropil (Toretsk, Apr 3), Vesele (Novopavlivsk, Apr 3), Lobkove (Orikhiv, Apr 3), Razliv (Novopavlivsk, RU claim confirmed Apr 3). RU MoD reiterated liberation claims for Vesele & Lobkove (Apr 3).
    • Russian Advances Claimed/Geolocated: Multiple claims persist across axes, notably RU sources claiming advances near Oleksiivka (Pokrovsk), Bohatyr/Razdolne (Novopavlivsk), Novoliubivka (Lyman), Huyevo (Kursk), Mala Shapovka/Kondrashivka (Kupyansk), Mali Shcherbaky (Orikhiv). Geolocated RU advance W of Zherebets River (Lyman) and along Mokri Yaly river (Novopavlivsk). RU sources claim advance near Kamyanske (Orikhiv Axis), storming positions SE and E of the settlement (RVvoenkor, Apr 3).
    • RU Destruction Claim near Nadiia: RU sources claim destruction of a Ukrainian YPR-765 APC west of Nadiia (Luhansk) via FPV drone (Colonelcassad, Apr 3).
  • Russian Air & Drone Strikes:
    • UGS reported 1 missile, 68 air strikes (121 KABs), and 753 kamikaze drone attacks by Russian forces since the start of Apr 3 (as of 19:00 UTC). ~4000 artillery/mortar attacks reported.
    • Kharkiv City & Oblast: Subjected to intense Shahed drone attacks through the evening. Confirmed hits on residential buildings (private house, multi-story apartment buildings) in Novobavarskyi district, causing large fires (roof fire 500 sq m, 2 apts & 7 cars 70 sq m). Updated Casualties (as of 21:41 UTC): 2 Civilians KIA, 32 Injured (including 2 children). At least 4 injured hospitalized (1 serious). More than 30 multi-story buildings reported damaged. Search and rescue ongoing, 3 people potentially under rubble (Kharkiv OVA/Mayor/Tsaplienko). Additional Shahed strike reported earlier in Ruski Tyshky (Kharkiv Oblast), injuring 1 civilian (50 y.o. male). RU sources claim a "massive" strike (>15 impacts) targeted industrial enterprises KHAZ, FED, and Kommunar near Zhuravlivskyi descent/Gorky Park (Colonelcassad, Apr 3).
    • Zaporizhzhia City & Oblast: At least 7 Shahed drones attacked the area earlier. Impact confirmed damaging a warehouse and causing a fire at a non-residential building in one community within the oblast; preliminary reports indicated no casualties (OVA, 20:54 UTC). Drone threat ongoing but diminished (see Section III).
    • Dnipro City & Oblast: Mass Shahed Drone Attack Ongoing. Multiple explosions reported (Suspilne, 20:54, 21:15 UTC). Loud explosions reported in Dnipro and Kamianske. Confirmed fires in Dnipro city (house, administrative buildings) (Lysak, 21:53 UTC). City under significant Shahed drone attack, remaining drones primarily targeting the city (see Section III).
    • Kyiv City & Oblast: Air raid alert ended (KMVA, 21:50 UTC). Air Defense was active earlier engaging Shahed drones. Drones reported transiting Kyiv/Chernihiv border area and near Brovary/Boryspil.
    • Donetsk Oblast: KABs launched by Russian tactical aviation (UA Air Force, 20:56 UTC). Drone threat near Sloviansk/Druzhkivka/Dobropillya reported earlier appears diminished.
    • Other Active Drone Threats: Ongoing threats towards Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv Oblasts (See Section III).
    • Other RU Strike Claims (Apr 3): RU sources claim successful drone strikes on industrial zones in Dnipropetrovsk and Pavlohrad cities. Claimed strike on a drone assembly workshop in Kryvyi Rih (eastern outskirts) with secondary detonation reported (Colonelcassad, Apr 3). RU FPV drone strike claimed against UA soldiers (Colonelcassad, Apr 3).
  • Ukrainian Drone Activity / Air Defense:
    • Air Defense Active: Confirmed engagement of Shahed drones over Kyiv/Kyiv Oblast (ended), ongoing over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
    • RU MoD Claims (Apr 3): Claimed interception of 1 JDAM bomb, 3 HIMARS projectiles, and 138 Ukrainian UAVs over the past day.
  • Russian Force Assessment & Logistics (NATO/UA Claims):
    • (NATO via Operativnyi ZSU - Apr 3): Russia reportedly recruiting sufficiently to cover high daily losses (~1000 KIA/WIA); RU advances slow but accepted代价; no ceasefire signs seen; NATO predicts RU will push UA forces from Kursk Oblast. Claim: UA lost 90% of captured Kursk territory. Claim: Approx. 70k RU + 11k North Korean troops present in Kursk Oblast; NK losses claimed at 5k (1.5k KIA). RU negotiation stance unchanged, believes time is advantageous. (These claims require independent verification).
    • (UA Pokrovsk Claims): UGS claims inflicting heavy RU losses on Pokrovsk axis (Apr 3): 269 KIA, 135 WIA, ~18 vehicles destroyed/damaged (incl. 5 tanks, 3 BMPs).
    • (POW/Morale Reports): Captured RU personnel continue reporting high losses, poor equipment/care, coercion (Pokrovsk, Kharkiv axes).
    • (Logistics Needs): Persistent RU reliance on crowdfunding/volunteers for vehicles, radios (Azart batteries), drones noted (Dnevnik Desantnika appeal for Belgorod sector, Apr 3).
  • High-Level Political Developments / Information Warfare:
    • US-Russia Contact (Confirmed/Claims): RDIF Head Kirill Dmitriev confirmed meetings with "key members of the US administration" (TASS, Apr 3). RU CLAIM (Dmitriev via TASS/RVvoenkor): Claimed "significant progress" reached on a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine during talks with Trump administration representatives. Claimed US companies ready to replace departed European ones in Russia, discussions on resuming direct flights ongoing, and Trump admin "hears RU position" respectfully. (These claims require independent verification and are assessed with high caution).
    • US Statements (Trump - Reported via TASS/RBC-Ukr): Former US President Trump reportedly expressed confidence US would achieve success interacting with Russia on Ukraine, and stated his opinion that both President Putin and President Zelenskyy are ready for a deal (Apr 3, 21:21-21:26 UTC). (Assess with caution, context and source bias considered).
    • Allied Support: South Korea announced $100M aid package (Apr 3).
    • Information Warfare: US government reportedly shut down satellite transmitting Radio Liberty to Russia (ASTRA/RU sources, Apr 3). Ukrainians warned of Telegram scam using fake video messages asking for money (RBC-Ukr, Apr 3). RU promoting "Drone-Con" event (Apr 11-13) focused on military drone applications. RU MoD (Apr 3) frames UA strikes on RU energy infrastructure as proof Kyiv cannot comply with agreements. RU source (Colonelcassad) shared video claiming FPV strike on UA soldiers (Apr 3). RU sources emphasize Belgorod evacuations due to UA actions (Apr 3). RU sources promoting narrative about alleged US soldier deaths in Lithuania being Russia's fault (Alex Parker Returns, Apr 3).

II. Ground Combat Operations & Territorial Changes (Selected Axes - UGS Report 19:00 UTC & Supplementary Claims)

  • Pokrovsk Axis (Highest Intensity): 37 RU attacks initiated since start of Apr 3 (UGS, 19:00); 2 ongoing. Attacks reported near Novokalynove, Tarasivka, Yelyzavetivka, Zvirove, Udachne, Preobrazhenka, Sribne, Novoserhiivka, Nadiivka, Uspenivka, Andriivka; and towards Romanivka, Oleksiivka, Oleksandropil.
    • UGS Claim: Inflicted 269 RU KIA, 135 WIA, destroyed/damaged ~18 RU vehicles (5 tanks, 4 BMPs, 9 other AFVs, 1 vehicle, 1 satcom, 1 motorcycle, 1 mortar) on this axis (Apr 3).
    • RU sources claim mechanized attack towards Oleksiivka faced UA artillery, outcome unclear; probing near Tarasivka.
  • Lyman Axis: 17 RU attacks near Hrekivka, Nove, Katerynivka, and towards Novomykhailivka, Zelena Dolyna (UGS, 19:00); 2 ongoing. RU claims advances from Ivanivka towards Nove; geolocated expanded bridgehead W of Zherebets River near Novoliubivka. (UA 3rd Assault Bde claim of liberating Nadiia, if confirmed, is near this axis). RU Claim: Destruction of UA YPR-765 APC west of Nadiia (Colonelcassad, Apr 3).
  • Toretsk Axis: 16 RU attacks near Dachne, Druzhba, Dyliivka, Toretsk, Leonidivka (UGS, 19:00). Oleksandropil captured by RU forces (Confirmed Apr 3). RU claims advances W of Oleksandropil towards Valentynivka.
    • UA Success (Reported Apr 3): 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade reported repelling a significant Russian assault involving motorcycles, Chinese-made buggies, and BTRs. Combined arms defense (infantry, drones, tanks) reportedly destroyed attacking forces on approach, preventing consolidation in built-up areas (Tsaplienko, Operativnyi ZSU, 20:37 UTC).
  • Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia): 8 RU attacks near Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, Kamyanske (UGS, 19:00); 3 ongoing. Lobkove captured by RU forces (Confirmed Apr 3, reiterated by RU MoD Apr 3). RU forces pushing towards Kamyanske. RU claims capture of UA dugout near Mali Shcherbaky. RU Claim: Advance near Kamyanske, storming large UA strongpoint SE of Kamyanske and several positions E of the settlement (RVvoenkor, Apr 3).
  • Novopavlivsk / South Donetsk Axis: 7 RU attacks initiated, attempting to advance towards Rozlyv and Kostiantynopil (UGS, 19:00); 3 ongoing. Vesele & Razliv captured by RU forces (Confirmed Apr 3, Vesele reiterated by RU MoD Apr 3). RU claims advance W of Vesele. Geolocated RU advance >1.5 km along Mokri Yaly river. RU claims advances near Bohatyr, Rozdolne, N of Burlatske. RU probing from Rozlyv towards Bohatyr.
  • Kursk Border Area / Sumy Oblast: 7 RU attacks repelled by UA forces in Kursk Oblast, 2 ongoing (UGS 19:00). Positional fighting near Sudzha. RU claims control central Huyevo, advanced ~500m. Heavy fighting near Demidovka/Popovka (Belgorod border).
    • RU MoD Claim (Apr 3): Inflicted >180 UA losses, destroyed 1 IFV, 2 AFVs, 11 vehicles, 2 mortars, 5 UAV C2 posts, 1 ammo depot in Kursk operations.
    • RU Reports (Belgorod): Civilian evacuations ongoing in Krasnoyaruzhsky district due to intense UA drone activity. RU volunteer units assisting (Colonelcassad, Apr 3).
    • (NATO claims via UA source suggest significant RU force concentration and potential intent to displace UA forces from the oblast - verification needed).
  • Kupyansk Axis: 5 RU attacks near Zahryzove, Petropavlivka, and towards Nova Kruhliakivka (UGS, 19:00); 2 ongoing. RU claims advances near Krasne Pershe, Kamyanka, Topoli; towards Kondrashivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Zahryzove. RU claim entered Mala Shapovka, fighting in NE Kondrashivka.
  • Kramatorsk/Chasiv Yar Axis: 1 RU assault repelled towards Predtechyne (UGS, 19:00). RU claims strike destroyed UA tank in Molocharka near Kostiantynivka (9km from LBS). Major RU mechanized assault near Andriivka repelled earlier (morning Apr 3).
  • Kharkiv Axis/Border: 3 RU attacks repelled near Kamyanka and Vovchansk (UGS, 19:00). Heavy fighting reported. Increased density of RU air attacks confirmed. RU Lt. surrendered with remnants near Lyptsi earlier (Apr 3).
  • Siversk Axis: 3 RU attacks repelled near Verkhnokamyanske and towards Ivano-Dariivka, Vyimka (UGS, 19:00).
  • Prydniprovsky Axis (Kherson): 2 RU attempts to approach UA positions repelled (UGS, 19:00).
  • Huliaipole Axis: No RU ground attacks reported. RU conducted air strikes with NAR (Novopil, Malynivka) and KABs (Komyshuvakha) (UGS, 19:00).
  • (General RU Claim): Colonelcassad shared FPV drone footage claiming strike on UA soldiers (Apr 3).

III. Air, Missile & Drone Activity

  • Current Air Threats (Apr 3, 21:57 UTC):
    • Dnipro City & Oblast: Mass Shahed Drone Attack Ongoing. Multiple explosions reported. Loud explosions in Dnipro & Kamianske. Confirmed fires (house, admin buildings) in Dnipro City (Lysak, 21:53 UTC). 7 Shahed drones currently reported in the oblast, with the remaining 4 actively targeting Dnipro City (Nikolaevskiy Vanyok, 21:40, 21:48 UTC). UA Air Force confirms ongoing threat near Dnipro (21:48 UTC). Stay in shelters.
    • Kyiv City & Oblast: Air Alert Ended (21:50 UTC). Air Defense was active earlier.
    • Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Earlier attack confirmed impacts and damage. Ongoing threat appears diminished.
    • Poltava Oblast: Shahed drones present in SE, moving SW (UA Air Force, 20:54 UTC - Status potentially changed).
    • Kharkiv Oblast: Shahed drones present in SW, moving W/NW (UA Air Force, 20:54 UTC - Status potentially changed). Earlier attack resulted in 2 KIA, 32 WIA, search ongoing, significant damage.
    • Chernihiv Oblast: Shahed drones reported transiting border area with Kyiv Oblast earlier. Threat likely diminished.
    • Donetsk Oblast: KABs launched by RU tactical aviation earlier (UA Air Force, 20:56 UTC). Shahed threat reported earlier near Sloviansk/Kramatorsk/Druzhkivka/Dobropillya appears diminished.
  • Ukrainian Drone Activity (RU Territory):
    • Moscow Area: Attack Repelled (RU Claim). Moscow Mayor reported AD interception (21:35 UTC). Flight restrictions active at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky airports (Rosaviatsia, 21:38 UTC).
    • Lipetsk Oblast: Ongoing Attack. Air defense and suppression active, checking for debris (Governor Artamonov, 21:39, 21:48 UTC).
    • Krasnodar Krai Direction: 3 UAVs reported heading towards the region from Priazovsk area earlier (RU source claim).
  • Confirmed Impacts (Apr 3):
    • Kharkiv: Hits on residential buildings (Novobavarskyi district), 2 KIA, 32 WIA (incl. 2 children), >30 buildings damaged, large fires, 3 people potentially under rubble. Strike on Ruski Tyshky (1 WIA).
    • Dnipro City: Fires reported impacting a house and administrative buildings following Shahed drone attack (Lysak, 21:53 UTC).
    • Zaporizhzhia: Earlier impacts on non-residential buildings, fire, damage (no casualties reported).
Previous (2025-04-03 21:28:29Z)

We only use optional analytics cookies if you allow them. Necessary cookies stay on for sign-in and site security.

Learn more in our Privacy Policy.