Military Situation Update Extracts: Ukraine - April 6, 2025, 22:01 UTC
I. Overall Situation & Combat Intensity
Combat Engagements (UGS, 19:00 UTC):135 combat clashes reported throughout the day.
Highest Intensity Axes (UGS, 19:00 UTC):Pokrovsk, Lyman, Toretsk, and Kursk directions remain the most active fronts.
Russian Strike Activity (UGS, 19:00 UTC): Throughout the day, Russian forces conducted 1 missile strike (reportedly involving 23 missiles), 63 aviation strikes (deploying 104 KABs), utilized 718 kamikaze drones, and executed over 4200 shelling attacks against Ukrainian positions and populated areas.
Kryvyi Rih Attack Aftermath (Apr 4): Death toll confirmed at 20 KIA (incl. 9 children), 75 WIA (per Sternenko/US Amb. Brink, Apr 6, 19:10 UTC). Weapon confirmed as Iskander-M with cluster munition. International condemnation continues. Days of Mourning declared Apr 7-9 in Kryvyi Rih. UA units (71st Jaeger Bde, 63rd Mech Bde) conducted retaliatory strikes labeled "For Kryvyi Rih".
II. Air & Missile Activity Updates
Air Threat Alerts (Ended):
Previous threat of aviation weapon employment declared for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (21:28 UTC) and northeastern direction/frontline oblasts (21:35 UTC) ended (UA AF, 21:56 UTC).
Guided Aerial Bomb (KAB) Threats & Strikes:
Sumy Oblast (21:36 UTC):KAB launches reported towards Sumy Oblast by RU tactical aviation (UA AF).
Donetsk Oblast (20:50 UTC): Previous repeated KAB launches by RU tactical aviation reported towards Donetsk Oblast (UA AF).
Sumy Oblast (19:03 UTC): Previous KAB launches reported towards Sumy Oblast (UA AF).
Donetsk Oblast (18:44 UTC): Previous KAB launches reported towards Donetsk Oblast (UA AF).
Zolochiv Hromada (Kharkiv Oblast - Earlier): Third KAB attack confirmed; 4 KABs total today (3 open terrain, 1 near Zolochiv town damaging house). 1 civilian injured (stress reaction).
Novopavlivka, Synelnykivskyi District (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast - Earlier): Airstrike injured 3 civilians (preliminary). Damage reported. (Zaporizhzhia OVA, ASTRA).
Kupyansk (Kharkiv Oblast - Apr 6): KAB strike on 9-story residential building caused fire, structural damage, 2 civilians injured.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (20:49 UTC): Previous reconnaissance UAV detection in SW Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Threat appears subsided with general 'All Clear'.
Kramatorsk (Donetsk Oblast, Apr 6 Evening): RU "Molniya-2" drone struck a residential area. No casualties reported. Damage to windows/roofs of 6 private houses, outbuildings, and one car (Kramatorsk City Council via RBC-Ukraina, 20:37 UTC).
Kharkiv City (RU Claim, 19:05 UTC): Video purports to show Geran drone impact in Kharkiv during the evening (Colonelcassad).
Previous Activity (Donetsk Oblast - 19:00 UTC): UAVs were active in northern and central Donetsk Oblast (Vanek, UA AF). Activity reported ended by 19:18 UTC (Vanek).
Overnight Combined Air Assault Analysis (Apr 5-6):
Targeting: Confirmed strikes in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts.
Significant Interception Failure (Kyiv Oblast - UA AF):5 out of 6 Iskander-M ballistic missiles targeting Kyiv Oblast were not intercepted. Potential evasion tactics or trajectory issues suspected. Assessed RU tactical shift towards more difficult-to-intercept ballistic missiles.
Impacts:1 Civilian Killed (Kyiv City), Multiple Injured (5 in Kyiv City/Oblast, 4 in Mykolaiv Oblast, 1 in Khmelnytskyi Oblast). Significant damage to civilian infrastructure including business centers (housing media outlets like FREEДОМ TV) in Kyiv, administrative/warehouse buildings in Sumy, houses/vehicles in Mykolaiv. OGP investigating Kyiv attack as war crime.
RU Claimed Precision Strike (MoD Russia, 19:05 UTC / Rybar, 20:36 UTC): Claimed successful long-range air/sea/UAV strike against a "central artillery base" and UAV production facilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Apr 5-6). Goal reportedly achieved, all targets engaged. Requires verification. Rybar reiterates claim of combined strikes on multiple objects.
Weather Forecast: Significant cold snap forecasted across Ukraine from night Apr 6/7 (frost to -5°C, ice, possible snow), expected to impact mobility, logistics, and troop conditions. (RBC-Ukraina, 18:43 UTC).
RU Air Defence Activity: Video evidence confirms operation of RU SHORAD systems (reportedly Pantsir-S1 or Tor-M2) engaging aerial targets on the Kursk direction (Colonelcassad, 21:03 UTC). Indicates active RU efforts to counter UA air assets (likely drones) in the border region.
RU Claims & Reported Actions:
(Rybar, 20:36 UTC): RU forces conducting offensive on several sections. Basovka (Sumy Oblast) officially claimed liberated. Russian flag raised over church in Guevo (Kursk Oblast).
(Voenkor Kotenok, 19:59 UTC): RU forces claim clearing operations in Demidovka (Belgorod Oblast) are complete, alleging UA forces were forced from hiding places. Claimed UA escape attempts and reinforcement efforts were defeated with losses.
(MoD Russia/Rybar, 19:05/19:39 UTC): Claim RU "Sever" Group liberated Basovka (Sumy Oblast), consolidating positions. Claim >170 UA KIA/WIA, equipment losses in 24h.
(Dnevnik Desantnika, 18:33 UTC): RU claimed pushing UA out of Huyevo towards Oleshnia (Kursk).
(Voenkor Kotenok, 19:59 UTC): UA infantry group activity persists near Popovka.
UA Denials/Reports: UA Border Guard previously denied RU capture of Basivka (combat ongoing).
(Tsaplienko, 19:09 UTC): UA official (Col. Dmytrashkivskyi) reports RU fabricating reports of UA atrocities in Sudzha (Kursk), alleging locals paid for false testimony and plans for show trials of UA POWs based on forced confessions.
(Operativnyi ZSU, 20:00 UTC): Video purports to show reinforcements reaching UA 225th Separate Assault Battalion, countering RU claims the unit is blocked (Area of Operation unconfirmed but potentially Kursk/Sumy).
RU Tactics (Voenkor Kotenok, 19:59 UTC): RU forces reportedly implemented new drone tactics in this area: deploying some drones for ground attack and others specifically as "drone fighters" to intercept UA drones, particularly targeting larger "Baba Yaga" type drones used for remote minelaying.
RU Needs Assessment (RVvoenkor, 19:32 UTC): Urgent fundraising appeal for RU units on Belgorod front citing "heavy situation," significant equipment losses (drones, thermals, detectors) needed to "stop enemy offensive."
UA Capabilities: Confirmed use of German Helsing HF-1 AI kamikaze drones (Sumy). Colombian volunteers confirmed with UA 47th Mech Bde (Kursk). UA 82nd Air Assault Bde active.
Kharkiv Axis:
UGS Report (19:00 UTC): 2 RU attacks repelled near Vovchansk and towards Kamyanka. RU air strikes hit Berezivka, Kozacha Lopan, Zolochiv, Dvorichanske.
Kupyansk Axis:
UGS Report (19:00 UTC): 6 RU attempts near Pishchane, Nova Kruhliakivka, Bohuslavka, Zahryzove. 5 attacks repelled, 1 ongoing.
Lyman Axis:
Intensity (UGS, 19:00 UTC): High. 20 RU attacks near Novoyehorivka, Nove, Kolodyazi, Yampolivka, Nadiya, and towards Novomykhailivka, Novoserhiivka, Torske, Ridkodub, Nove. 14 attacks repelled, 6 ongoing.
RU forces claim to have advanced and secured positions west of Balka Zhuravka and Novoliubovka, on a front wider than 3.5 km and up to 2 km deep.
DeepState assessment (cited by RU source) indicates the situation for UA forces on the Nove-Katerynivka-Nevske line is continuing to deteriorate.
RU forces reportedly conducting assault operations towards Novomykhailivka and achieving success near Nevske and Nove. Constant pressure reported on Katerynivka.
DeepState attributes UA difficulties to ineffective resource use by the defending brigade, poor situational awareness, and Russian advantages in drones, strike capabilities, and persistent infantry pressure. Assessment describes the situation as worsening and requiring urgent intervention.
Previous RU Claims (Apr 5): Advances towards Zelena Dolyna, Nove, S of Yampolivka towards Torske. Expanded control N/W of Makiivka; captured strongpoints near Ivanivka, approaching Nove; took Novoliubivka; cleared territory near Nevske.
Siversk Axis:
UGS Report (19:00 UTC): 2 RU assaults repelled near Bilohorivka.
RU Advance Confirmed (DeepState, 20:33 UTC): Enemy forces advanced near Zapadnyi (Western) microdistrict of Chasiv Yar.
RU Claim (Colonelcassad, 19:24 UTC): Claim RU forces cleared the Western district (microdistrict Kanal) of Chasiv Yar. Notes increased signs of UA preparing offensive actions near Chasiv Yar to counter RU advance, strengthening forces, and using FPVs to disrupt RU logistics. DeepState update partially corroborates advance in this area.
RU Claimed Advances (Rybar, 20:36 UTC): RU forces advanced in the area of Druzhba and Novobakhmutivka. Small group battles ongoing within Dzerzhynsk (Toretsk) itself.
UA Action (Tsaplienko, 19:31 UTC): UA 35th Marine Brigade reportedly stopped RU attempt to disembark infantry from BMP near Pokrovsk using combined drone and artillery strikes. Video evidence of UA FPV strikes targeting RU positions and equipment on this axis (Colonelcassad, 20:43 UTC, shows RU perspective).
RU Claims (Apr 5): Tactical successes near Udachne; continued advances W of Troitske, near Bohdanivka; expanding control N of Shevchenko.
UA POW (RU Source, 19:40 UTC): Video released of Serhiy Zolochevskyi (b. 1977) from 5th Separate Assault Brigade (Kyiv), claiming forced mobilization, injury, and capture. Propaganda context.
Novopavlivsk / South Donetsk Axis (incl. Kurakhove Direction):
UGS Report (19:00 UTC): 4 RU attacks near Rozlyv, Kostiantynopil. 3 repelled, 1 ongoing. KAB strikes on Odradne, Komar, Myrne.
RU Offensive Claim (Rybar, 20:36 UTC): RU forces advancing towards Novooleksandrivka after repelling UA attacks near Uspenivka and surrounding areas.
RU Drone Activity (Voin DV claim, 22:00 UTC): Claimed FPV drone strike on a Ukrainian tank on the Kurakhove direction by "Yuzhnaya" group reconnaissance.
Previous RU Claims (Apr 5): Advances up to 2 km from Andriivka towards Oleksiivka; advance over 1.5 km deep near Bohatyr; initiated ops towards Fedorivka; expanded control near Burlatske towards Shevchenko. Advances claimed towards Bogatyr, Komar, Kotlyarivka (Apr 6 morning reports).
Huliaipole Axis:
UGS Report (19:00 UTC): 3 RU attacks near Pryvilne and Vilne Pole repelled. KAB strike on Huliaipole.
Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia):
UGS Report (19:00 UTC): 4 RU attacks repelled towards Shcherbaky, Mali Shcherbaky, Kamyanske. KAB strikes on Novopavlivka, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka.
RU Claims (Apr 6 morning): Capture of Lobkove; successes near Shcherbaky/Stepove; advancing near Kamyanske. Claimed destruction of 2 Starlink terminals and 1 repeater near Huliaipole.
UA Units Commended (UGS, 19:00 UTC): 47th Mech Bde, 31st Mech Bde, 140th Marine Recon Bn cited for effective combat performance.
IV. Ukrainian Operations in Russian Territory
Energy Infrastructure Strikes:
RU Claim (MoD Russia, 19:05 UTC / Apr 6 morning reports): Claim 7 UA attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in the past 24 hours (Apr 5-6), alleging continued strikes despite purported commitments. Claimed targets included facilities/power lines in Crimea, Bryansk, Rostov, and Voronezh Oblasts.
Previous UA Assessment: Strikes on Saransk optic fiber plant (Apr 4-5) assessed as significant for disrupting RU FPV drone production. Strike on Chapayevsk explosives plant assessed as impacting RU ordnance production.
Border Engagements: See Kursk/Sumy Border section. Includes confirmed UA drone/air activity and active RU air defense engagements.
V. Technology & Capabilities Assessment
Unmanned Systems (UAS):
UA FPV/Drone Use: Active strikes reported by 71st Jaeger Brigade (retaliatory strikes "For Kryvyi Rih", 20:21 UTC), 3rd Assault Bde, Kurakhove direction units, 35th Marines (Pokrovsk, 19:31 UTC), 24th Mech, 38th Marines, 44th Artillery Bde (destroying 2 RU guns, crews, ammo), 93rd Bde, "Kryla Omega" unit, "Horizon Group" (claimed 8 RU recon UAVs downed Apr 6), "Phoenix" RUbPAK (Pomsta Bde, claimed 6 RU tanks/AFVs/EW destroyed over 2 weeks). Video evidence of successful strike destroying RU "Bukhanka" van and personnel (Operativnyi ZSU, 20:42 UTC), and another targeting individual soldier (Operativnyi ZSU, 21:01 UTC). Fiber-optic guided drones (20km range) operational (Syrskyi, Apr 5). Ongoing need highlighted (55th Btn/63rd Bde request; successful 36th Marines fundraiser - Vanek 19:15 UTC). Active use near Chasiv Yar impacting RU logistics (RU source). Approx. 1,000 RU recon UAVs neutralized in past month (Syrskyi, Apr 5).
RU FPV/Drone Use: Claimed use by Arkhangel Spetsnaza (19:02 UTC) and Bobr unit (Colonelcassad video, 20:01 UTC). Drone strike on Kramatorsk residential area using "Molniya-2" confirmed (Apr 6). Impact in Kharkiv claimed (19:05 UTC). Video evidence of strikes on UA positions/equipment on Pokrovsk direction (Colonelcassad, 20:43 UTC). Claimed FPV strike on UA tank on Kurakhove direction (Voin DV, 22:00 UTC). New Tactic (Kursk Border): Use of dedicated anti-drone "fighter" UAVs alongside ground attack drones (Voenkor Kotenok, 19:59 UTC). Previous claims: strike on UA CAESAR SPG, MaxxPro MRAP, KIA of UA Intl. Legion Sgt (Zaporizhzhia), RU 61st Naval Inf Bde strikes (Kherson Right Bank), destruction of UA "Baba Yaga" hexacopter, drone signal amplifier (Orikhiv), Kozak AV + 3 vehicles (Pokrovsk axis). Fiber-optic drones used on Sumy border.
RU Reconnaissance UAVs: Previously detected over SW Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (20:49 UTC), threat subsided.
RU Production Impact: UA strike on Saransk optic fiber plant assessed to impact RU FPV drone production. RU MoD claims strike on UA UAV production facility (19:05 UTC).
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV):
US Navy Development (RU Source Analysis - Dva Mayora, 19:59 UTC): US company Anduril delivered first Dive-LD autonomous underwater vehicle to US Navy UUVRON-1 squadron. Key capabilities noted: 6,000m depth, 10-day autonomy, modular payload (ISR, MCM, ASW, mapping). RU source notes strategic importance against underwater infrastructure.
Munitions:
RU Glide Bombs (Dva Mayora, 19:59 UTC): Image shared showing handling of a Russian UPAB-1500B-E heavy precision-guided glide bomb, confirming availability/use.
Air Defence:
RU Systems: Evidence of Pantsir-S1 / Tor-M2 employment on the Kursk direction engaging aerial targets (Colonelcassad, 21:03 UTC).
Claimed UA Equipment Losses (RU Sources, Apr 5-6): CAESAR 8x8 SPG (Dnipropetrovsk), International MaxxPro MRAP (Kotlyno), PzH 2000 SPG (Lyman Axis, geolocated), Tank (Kurakhove direction via FPV - Voin DV claim).
Bradley vs BMP-3 Assessment: Ongoing discussion within RU channels regarding alleged RU MoD report acknowledging Bradley superiority (Kotenok, Apr 6).
Logistics & Support:
UA Needs: Persistent crowdfunding appeals (e.g., 55th Btn/63rd Bde, 24th Aidar/72nd Mech/SSO). Successful fundraising reported by Nikolaevskiy Vanek for 36th Marines (Sumy direction). Zaporizhzhia OVA detailed March aid deliveries (2500+ drones, 100 EW systems, etc.).
RU Needs: Dnevnik Desantnika fundraising for Azart radio batteries (19:07 UTC). RVvoenkor appeal for Belgorod front (drones, thermals, detectors, 19:32 UTC). Dva Mayora appeal for "Frontovaya Bronya" vehicle armor project (19:51 UTC).
VI. Information Environment & Other Noteworthy Items
Belarus/Russia Security: Belarusian customs claim interception of 580kg of explosives from Poland, allegedly destined for Russia (RU sources, 19:39 UTC).
Occupied Territories: DPR anniversary celebrations held in Donetsk (WarGonzo, 19:11/19:43 UTC). Photos show dilapidated Shakhtar Stadium (Sternenko, 18:22 UTC). Ukrainian Ombudsman reports return of 45 Ukrainians from occupied territories/Russia/Belarus, citing rights restrictions and risks.
Information Operations:
RU Narratives: Promoting RU military successes (Basovka/Guevo claims, Demidovka clearing claim, Chasiv Yar/Lysivka/Rozlyv advances, Toretsk area advances). Highlighting RU medical successes/commemorations. Showcasing DPR celebrations. Amplifying Ovechkin's NHL record significantly across multiple channels (NgP raZVedka, TASS, Operatsiya Z, Dnevnik Desantnika) with strong nationalist/religious overtones. Repeating claims of UA attacks on RU energy. Propagating POW narratives (Zolochevskyi video). Highlighting fundraising efforts framing defensive needs (Belgorod). Framing Belarus explosives intercept as counter-terrorism success. Attributing US military leadership changes to internal political struggles ("Trump repressions") and linking dismissed officials to past events (Nord Stream, Baltic cables). Mocking alleged UA claims regarding Hostomel battle (Arkhangel Spetsnaza, 20:48 UTC). Showcasing claimed FPV drone successes (Voin DV, Kurakhove).
UA Narratives: Highlighting civilian casualties (Kryvyi Rih) and RU strikes on civilian areas (Kramatorsk drone attack, Kyiv business center). Showcasing drone/artillery successes (35th Marines, 44th Arty, 71st Jaeger Bde - "Revenge for Kryvyi Rih", Operativnyi ZSU vehicle/personnel destruction videos). Countering RU propaganda regarding alleged atrocities in Kursk Oblast (Tsaplienko, 19:09 UTC) and claims of UA units being blocked (Operativnyi ZSU, 20:00 UTC). Fundraising appeals emphasizing needs and successes (Vanek). Sharing international condemnation of RU attacks (US Amb. Brink). Highlighting diplomatic engagement (US Rep. Bacon meeting) and international support (Washington D.C. rally). DeepState map updates acknowledge RU advances near Zapadne (Chasiv Yar), Lysivka, and Rozlyv (20:33 UTC). Publicizing air threat warnings and subsequent 'all clear' messages (UA AF).
Geopolitics:
Iran: Reportedly raised military readiness following threats attributed to D. Trump regarding nuclear talks; warned neighbors hosting US bases (Reuters via RBC-Ukraina/Operativnyi ZSU, 19:16/19:47 UTC). Israeli MoD accuses Hamas leadership of direct ties to Iran, alleging $500 million in funding (TASS, 21:47 UTC).
US-Ukraine: US Rep. Don Bacon met with UA MPs delegation (Sternenko, 19:39 UTC). Pro-Ukraine rally held in Washington D.C. (Sternenko, 20:23 UTC). Previous reports on US Amb. Brink condemnation of Kryvyi Rih strike and Zelenskyy's call for more air defense. Alleged OPSEC leak involving US official adding journalist to secure chat (Guardian via RBC-Ukraina, 19:41 UTC).
US Internal: Dismissal of Commander, US Navy Information Operations Command (Christopher Johnson) reported ("loss of confidence"), following dismissal of CYBERCOM chief (Voin DV, 20:04 UTC; Colonelcassad, 20:26 UTC). RU sources frame this as political ("Trump repressions") and link Johnson to Nord Stream/Baltic cable info ops narratives. US tariffs reportedly implemented without delay (RVvoenkor, 19:59 UTC).
US-Russia Diplomacy: Return of seized Russian diplomatic property in the US identified as a key topic in bilateral negotiations (RU Dep FM Ryabkov via TASS, 21:41 UTC).
Israel-Gaza: Hamas launched 10 rockets towards Israel (Ashdod area) from central Gaza (Apr 6 evening). IDF intercepted approx. 5 rockets; 1 reportedly hit Ashkelon, injuring 1 civilian. Israeli PM Netanyahu ordered a "tough response" and approved continued/expanded IDF operations against Hamas in Gaza (RBC-Ukraina, 21:47 UTC). IDF reportedly attacked rocket launcher in Gaza earlier (TASS, 20:51 UTC).
