Military Situation Update: Ukraine - April 6, 2025, 08:00 UTC

I. Executive Summary & Major Developments

• Overnight Combined Air Assault: Major Russian air attack targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv, Cherkasy (Uman), Khmelnytskyi (Starokostiantyniv), Sumy, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv Oblasts.
  • Weapons Used (UA AF Confirmed): 132 air targets detected - 9 Kh-101/55SM cruise missiles (from Tu-95MS over Saratov Oblast, RU), 8 Kalibr cruise missiles (Black Sea), 6 Iskander-M ballistic missiles (Bryansk Oblast, RU), 109 Shahed-type UAVs and decoy drones (various RU launch sites & Crimea).
  • Interceptions (UA AF Confirmed, as of 07:00 UTC): 53 targets intercepted: 13 missiles (6x Kh-101/55SM, 6x Kalibr, 1x Iskander-M) and 40 Shahed UAVs. 53 decoy drones reported lost track without negative impact.
  • Impacted Regions (Confirmed): Kyiv city/oblast, Sumy Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Cherkasy Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast.
• Kyiv Attack Aftermath (Updated): Combined drone/ballistic/cruise missile attack resulted in civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
  • Casualties (KMVA/OGP Confirmed): 1 Civilian Killed (male, found outside near explosion epicenter in Darnytskyi district), 3 Civilians Injured (2 hospitalized).
  • Damage (KMVA/OGP Confirmed):
    • Darnytskyi District: Fire in non-residential building; separate debris impact caused destruction/fire at another building; vehicles damaged/destroyed.
    • Obolonskyi District: Large fire (1500 sq m) at furniture workshop; partial collapse (3rd-5th floors) of a 5-story business center; 13 cars damaged.
    • Solomianskyi District: Debris caused fires in open territory; warehouse facade fire (extinguished); damage to windows in commercial kiosks.
  • RU Perspective (Colonelcassad): Claims strikes hit production buildings and warehouses. OGP has initiated war crime investigation (Art. 438 CCU).
• Sumy Shahed Attack: Confirmed attack by 8 Shaheds on civil/industrial infrastructure. No casualties reported. Visuals show significant fire damage. Ongoing Threat: RU Reconnaissance UAV active towards Sumy city (UA AF 07:19 UTC).
• Mykolaiv Drone Attack: Debris from 7 downed Shaheds caused damage. 4 civilians injured. 13 private houses, 1 vehicle damaged; fires in 2 houses extinguished (UA Southern Forces).
• Khmelnytskyi Attack Aftermath: 1 missile downed. 1 civilian woman injured. Damage reported to residential building, summer kitchen, two utility buildings, three cars (Khmelnytskyi OVA via Operativnyi ZSU).
• Kupyansk Residential Strike (Recent): KAB strike on 9th floor of high-rise building. 2 civilians injured. Fire spread (2nd-7th floors), structural damage.
• Kryvyi Rih Attack Update (Apr 4): Day of Mourning observed Apr 6. Updated casualties remain 19 Killed (incl. 9 children), >70 Wounded. Retaliatory strikes by UA 63rd Brigade reported (Vilkul).
• Ground Combat Intensity: Remains HIGH, particularly on the Eastern Front. 178 combat engagements reported (UGS, past 24h). Kharkiv Axis reports complex situation, 1 attack repelled near Kamyanka (OTU Kharkiv).
• Russian Offensive Operations & Claims (Recent):
  • Main Effort: Pokrovsk axis (75 attacks stopped - UGS). RU claims tactical success in Udachne, repelled UA counterattacks in Kotlyne, fighting near Shevchenko (WarGonzo). RU advancing in Lysovka (Rybar). Persistent RU equipment needs (vehicle, satcom, drone detectors) indicated by fundraising appeals (Dva Mayora).
  • Lyman Axis: High intensity (26 attacks stopped - UGS). RU claims expanding control W of Balka Zhuravka/Novoliubivka (RVvoenkor) and from Ivanivka towards Katerynivka (Rybar). Claimed destruction of UA PzH 2000 SPG near Lipove (Slevochny Kapriz).
  • Toretsk Axis: High intensity (20 attacks stopped - UGS). RU claims capture of Aleksandropol (Rozivka) and Panteleimonivka; fighting for Tarasivka / Zelene Pole (Rybar).
  • Kursk/Sumy Border: High intensity (17 attacks repelled in Kursk Oblast - UGS). RU claims expanded control in Guevo, pushing towards Oleshnia; fighting reported inside Sumy Oblast territory (WarGonzo/Rybar).
  • Belgorod Border: Heavy fighting near Dmitrovka/Popovka; RU claims UA attempts to expand bridgehead fail but continue; RU notes UA reserve buildup (WarGonzo). RU claims near-blockade of Demidovka, hitting withdrawing UA forces with drones (Dnevnik Desantnika video).
  • Zaporizhzhia (Orikhiv/Huliaipole): RU claims capture of Lobkove, success near Shcherbaky/Stepove (Rybar); advancing near Kamenske; repelled UA counterattack near Lobkove (WarGonzo). 5 attacks repelled (UGS/SDF). Claimed elimination of UA "International Legion" Sgt. V. Kucheruk by FPV drone (Poddubny). RU fundraising indicates equipment needs (vehicle, armor, helmets - Colonelcassad).
  • Novopavlivsk/South Donetsk: 8 attacks repelled (UGS). RU advancing towards Bogatyr (WarGonzo); fighting for Oleksiivka (N of Kostiantynopil); fighting near Volne Pole/Vesele/S of Rozlyv (Rybar). RU 14th Spetsnaz drone strikes claimed (Voin DV video).
  • Kupyansk Axis: 6 attacks repelled (UGS). RU claim advance S. outskirts of Kamianka (RVvoenkor). RU expanding Oskil right bank bridgeheads (Rybar).
  • Kherson Axis: Increased RU FAB use reported (Rybar). 2 attacks repelled (UGS/SDF).
• Ukrainian Defensive & Counter-Operations:
  • Air Defense: Successfully intercepted 13 missiles and 40 Shaheds during overnight attack (UA AF). Engaged RU recon UAVs near Sumy and Kharkiv.
  • Ground Defense: Repelled numerous assaults across multiple axes, notably Pokrovsk (75), Lyman (26), Toretsk (20), Kursk border (17). 503rd Marine Battalion active on Pokrovsk axis, focusing on training personnel (UGS story).
  • Strikes: FPV drone activity continues (e.g., Rubizh BTG, Sternenko). Drone-vs-drone interception claimed (Sternenko). Combined arms defense repelled RU assault (Rubizh BTG). 63rd Brigade conducted retaliatory strikes (GRAD, Arty, Mortars, Drones) for Kryvyi Rih attack (Vilkul video).
• Russian Capabilities & Issues:
  • Air Defense Vulnerabilities: RU sources (Rybar) detail systemic issues within RU AD: command rigidity, poor EW integration, lack of accountability for failures, inadequate compensation/morale impacting effectiveness, particularly against drone swarms.
  • Logistics: Persistent, widespread crowdfunding appeals highlight shortages in basic but critical equipment: vehicles (UAZ Patriot pickup), satellite communication devices, drone detectors, comms batteries (Azart), body armor, helmets across multiple axes (Pokrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Border units).
  • Information Environment: RU sources amplify narratives of "imminent peace talks," potentially impacting troop morale and civilian support (Rybar). Focus on framing strikes as targeting legitimate military/industrial targets. Claims of eliminating specific foreign/high-profile UA personnel (e.g., Kucheruk).
• Weather: Recent snowfall in western/central oblasts may impact ground/air operations.

II. Air, Missile & Drone Activity

• Overnight Combined Attack (Resolved - UA AF Data 07:00 UTC):
  • Detected: 132 total air targets (23 missiles, 109 UAVs/decoys).
    • Missiles Launched: 9x Kh-101/55SM, 8x Kalibr, 6x Iskander-M.
    • UAVs/Decoys Launched: 109 Shahed-type / other decoys.
  • Intercepted: 53 confirmed targets downed:
    • Missiles Intercepted: 13 total (6x Kh-101/55SM, 6x Kalibr, 1x Iskander-M).
    • UAVs Intercepted: 40 Shahed-type.
  • Lost Track: 53 decoy drones reportedly lost track without causing negative consequences.
  • Impacts: Damage and casualties reported in Kyiv city/oblast, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi. Other impacted regions include Kharkiv, Cherkasy oblasts.
• Kyiv Attack Details:
  • Weapon Types: Confirmed Drones, Ballistic (Iskander-M type), Cruise missiles (Kh-101/Kalibr type).
  • Casualties: 1 KIA (male, outside near epicenter, Darnytskyi), 3 WIA (2 hospitalized) (KMVA/OGP).
  • Damage: Significant damage in Darnytskyi (non-residential building fire, debris hit another building, cars), Obolonskyi (furniture workshop fire, business center partial collapse, 13 cars damaged), Solomianskyi (open territory fires, warehouse facade fire, kiosk window damage) districts. (KMVA/OGP photos).
• Sumy Attack: 8 Shaheds damaged civil/industrial infrastructure; no casualties. Ongoing RU recon UAV presence near Sumy city (UA AF 07:19 UTC).
• Mykolaiv Attack: Shahed debris caused fires, damaged 13 homes, 1 vehicle; 4 injured. 7 Shaheds downed (SDF South).
• Khmelnytskyi Attack: 1 missile downed; 1 woman injured; damage to residential/outbuildings/vehicles (OVA via Operativnyi ZSU).
• Kupyansk Attack (Recent): KAB hit 9th floor of residential building, 2 injured, fire, structural damage.
• Ongoing Threats (as of 08:00 UTC):
  • Reconnaissance UAVs: RU recon drone active towards Sumy city (UA AF 07:19 UTC); RU recon drone active towards Kharkiv city from the north, air defense engaged (UA AF 07:31 UTC).
  • Guided Air Bombs (KABs): Persistent threat. Launches reported earlier towards Donetsk and Sumy Oblasts (UA AF 06:34 UTC). RU use remains high (193 used across Ukraine Apr 3-4; 6 used on Kharkiv axis Apr 5-6).
  • Tactical Aviation: Threat active for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (UA AF 07:59 UTC). Activity previously reported on Eastern and Northeastern directions.
• Russian Air Defense Claims: RU MoD claimed 11 UA UAVs downed overnight (Apr 5-6) over Rostov (8), Kursk (2), Belgorod (1) Oblasts (Colonelcassad).

III. Frontline Situation Overview (Selected Axes - Based on UGS, OTU Kharkiv, WarGonzo, Rybar, Dnevnik Desantnika, Slevochny Kapriz)

• Kursk/Sumy Border: High intensity. 17 Russian attacks repelled in Kursk Oblast (UGS). RU claim expanded control in Guevo, pushing towards Oleshnia; RU forces reportedly fighting within Sumy Oblast territory (WarGonzo/Rybar).
• Belgorod Border: Heavy fighting near Dmitrovka, Popovka (WarGonzo). RU claims near-blockade of Demidovka, targeting withdrawing UA forces with drones (Dnevnik Desantnika video); RU notes UA use of large drones ("Baba Yaga"). RU notes UA reserve accumulation (WarGonzo).
• Kharkiv Axis (OTU Kharkiv, 09:00 UTC): Situation complex, no significant changes. 1 RU attack repelled near Kamyanka. Past 24h: 3 RU air strikes (6 KABs), 93 kamikaze drones, 529 shelling attacks. RU losses claimed: 57 personnel (17 KIA), 68 OVT units (1 tank, 3 arty, 14 vehicles, 5 spec equip, 2 EW, 43 UAVs). 66 RU shelters, 2 ammo depots destroyed.
• Kupyansk Axis: Moderate intensity. 6 attacks repelled (UGS). RU claims advance S. outskirts of Kamianka (RVvoenkor). RU expanding Oskil right bank bridgeheads (Rybar).
• Lyman Axis: High Intensity. 26 attacks repelled (UGS). RU claims advances W of Balka Zhuravka/Novoliubivka (RVvoenkor); expanding control from Ivanivka towards Katerynivka (Rybar). RU claim destruction of UA PzH 2000 SPG near Lipove (approx. 49.158752, 37.781447) via FPV drone >6km from LBS (Slevochny Kapriz video).
• Siversk Axis: Moderate intensity. 5 attacks repelled near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske (UGS).
• Kramatorsk Axis (Chasiv Yar): Low-moderate intensity ground assaults. 3 attacks repelled near Chasiv Yar, Hryhorivka (UGS). Frontline static (Rybar).
• Toretsk Axis: High Intensity. 20 attacks repelled (UGS). RU claims capture of Aleksandropol (Rozivka) / Panteleimonivka; fighting for Tarasivka / Zelene Pole (Rybar).
• Pokrovsk Axis: Highest Intensity. 75 attacks stopped (UGS). RU claims tactical success in Udachne, repelled UA counterattacks in Kotlyne, fighting near Shevchenko (WarGonzo). RU advancing in Lysovka (Rybar). UA 503rd Marines active in defense/training (UGS). RU fundraising (Dva Mayora) indicates focus & needs (vehicle, satcom, drone detectors). Video claiming RU self-elimination under drone threat circulated (Butusov Plus).
• Novopavlivsk / South Donetsk Axis: Moderate intensity. 8 attacks repelled (UGS). RU advancing towards Bogatyr (WarGonzo); fighting for Oleksiivka (N of Kostiantynopil); fighting near Volne Pole/Vesele/S of Rozlyv (Rybar). RU 14th Spetsnaz drone strikes destroying shelters/personnel claimed (Voin DV video).
• Huliaipole Axis: Low intensity ground combat. 1 attack repelled near Rivnopil (UGS & SDF).
• Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia): Moderate intensity. 4 attacks repelled (UGS & SDF). RU claims capture of Lobkove, success near Shcherbaky/Stepove (Rybar); advancing near Kamenske; repelled UA counterattack near Lobkove (WarGonzo). RU claim elimination of UA "International Legion" Sgt. V. Kucheruk via FPV drone (Poddubny). RU fundraising indicates equipment needs (vehicle, armor, helmets - Colonelcassad).
• Prydniprovsky Axis (Kherson - Left Bank): Low intensity ground assaults. 2 attacks repelled (UGS & SDF). Increased RU FAB use reported (Rybar).

IV. Other Noteworthy Items

• Russian Logistics & Morale: Persistent crowdfunding appeals (Dva Mayora, Colonelcassad, Dnevnik Desantnika) highlight potential shortages in basic equipment: UAZ Patriot pickups, satellite comms devices, drone detectors, digital radios, comms batteries (Azart), body armor, helmets. RU source (Rybar) notes systemic issues within RU Air Defense (command, EW integration, accountability, pay/morale) impacting effectiveness. Rybar also notes negative impact on RU morale from rumors of imminent peace/ceasefire deals, undermining support for the front.
• Ukrainian Logistics: Continued fundraising appeals indicate ongoing needs: field cots (109 Bde, 143 Bde, 1 OSHB - RBC), vehicles (24 OSHB), Mavic 3T drone, thermal imager, Starlink (72 OMBr), SSO equipment (Operativnyi ZSU / Shtirlits).
• Personnel: UA General Staff highlights story of 21 y/o Sgt "Lazar" (503rd Marines) returning to combat after two wounds and now training personnel on the Pokrovsk axis. RU sources claim elimination of UA "International Legion" Sgt. V. Kucheruk (former 8th SSO Rgt member) on Zaporizhzhia axis.
• Information Environment: US Ambassador Brink explicitly attributed Kyiv attack to Russia, following criticism for earlier perceived ambiguity regarding the Kryvyi Rih attack (Tsaplienko). Ukraine's OGP opened a war crime investigation into the Kyiv attack. RU sources maintain narrative of hitting military/production targets, claim battlefield gains, and discuss internal issues (AD, morale). UA sources emphasize civilian impact (Kyiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kupyansk, Kryvyi Rih), release official interception data (UA AF/UGS), showcase troop resilience/retaliation (UGS 503rd, Vilkul/63rd Bde), and highlight RU equipment needs via captured fundraising appeals. Politico report on alleged failed UA rare earth minerals offer to Trump discussed in RU channels (RVvoenkor).