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
2025-04-08 06:11:29Z
10 months ago
Previous (2025-04-08 05:40:52Z)

Military Situation Update: Ukraine - April 8, 2025, 06:10 UTC

(Analysis based on information received up to 06:10 UTC)

I. Overall Situation & Strategic Assessment

  • Combat Intensity: High intensity persists across the front line. 159 combat clashes were recorded over the past 24 hours (UGS Report, 05:00 UTC). The most active sectors remain Pokrovsk (52 clashes), Toretsk (23), Lyman (21), and the Kursk Operational Zone (21). Ground assaults were reported repelled or ongoing across multiple axes. No Russian ground assaults were noted on the Kharkiv or Prydniprovsky axes in the UGS morning report.
  • Russian Strike Activity (Past 24h): Significant volume continues.
    • Reported Strikes (UGS 05:00 UTC): 1 missile strike (Iskander-M), 74 aviation strikes (utilizing 120 KABs), over 5,800 shelling incidents (134 MLRS), and 2,782 kamikaze drone deployments targeting Ukrainian positions and populated areas.
    • Southern Command Zone (SDF South 05:53 UTC): Recorded >330 shelling incidents (>1300 rounds), ~630 kamikaze drone strikes, >320 drone munition drops (>500 munitions), 10 air strikes (5 KABs, 52 NARs). Impacts reported in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. 8 civilians WIA (incl. 1 child) in Kherson Oblast.
    • Kharkiv Oblast (Regional Gov. 05:52 UTC): Detailed strikes include Iskander-M (Vysokyi), KABs (Slatyne, Udy, Baranivka), FPV drone (Bilyi Kolodyaz - 3 WIA), MLRS (Pisky-Radkivski), shelling (Tokarivka Druha - 1 KIA, 2 WIA).
    • Ongoing Air Threats: Russian tactical aviation remains active, particularly on the eastern direction.
  • Overnight Air Attack (Apr 7-8):
    • Launch: Russia launched 1 Iskander-M ballistic missile (from Kursk area) and 46 Shahed-type strike UAVs / unspecified 'imitator drones' (from Primorsko-Akhtarsk).
    • Interceptions (UA AF 05:00 UTC / GS ZSU 05:48 UTC / Tsaplienko 05:13 UTC):
      • Iskander-M: 0 out of 1 intercepted.
      • Shahed/Strike UAVs: 9 out of ?? confirmed intercepted (out of 46 total launched Shaheds/imitators). Southern Command reported 2 Shahed-131/136 downed in their zone. This indicates a lower interception rate for the strike drones compared to previous reports.
      • Imitator Drones: 31 reported "locationally lost" without negative consequences, suggesting significant use of decoys potentially impacting AD effectiveness.
    • Impacts: Confirmed damage reported in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk Oblasts.
      • Kharkiv: Iskander-M strike on non-operational recreation base in Vysokyi damaged 4-story building; 3 civilians suffered acute stress reactions (Regional Gov. / Sever.Realii).
      • Dnipropetrovsk: UAV attack damaged infrastructure, 6 apartment buildings, shop (Samarivskyi District). UAV/Artillery attacks damaged buildings/infrastructure in Nikopol, Marhanets, Pokrovsk communities. Attack on Mezhivska community damaged houses/farm. 8 RU UAVs downed over the oblast overnight (PvK Skhid / Lysak). No casualties reported overnight.
  • Russian Air Defense Claims (Overnight): Russian MoD claims interception of 23 Ukrainian UAVs over Kursk Oblast (19) and Belgorod Oblast (4) (TASS / RVvoenkor / ASTRA).
  • Russian Ground Force Claims & Activity:
    • Multiple Axes: Russian sources (RVvoenkor, Rybar) claim ongoing offensive actions and advances on Zaporizhzhia (Stepove), Pokrovsk (Lysivka, Kotlyne, Pischane, Zvereve), Lyman (W of Novolyubivka), Toretsk (from Panteleimonivka/Zelenopillya), and South Donetsk (near Rozlyv, height near Bohatyr) directions.
    • Kursk/Belgorod Border: Claims of successes/advances near Huyevo and Hornal (Kursk). Fierce fighting reported near Oleshnia (Kursk). Claims UA building defenses near Huyevo/Hornal. Claims capture of key height (Mt. Faghor). Continued claims of UA presence near Popovka/Demidovka (Belgorod). Claims destruction of Abrams MBT and BREM-1 ARV near Demidovka. Alleges UA 82nd Air Assault Bde elements transferred to Krasnopilskyi district (Sumy). Reports UA drone mining/targeting RU supply lines in Krasnoyaruzhsky district (Belgorod).
    • Chasiv Yar: Russian forces assert control over the northern shore of the Dniprovsky pond (Kanal microdistrict).
    • Kupyansk: Claims fighting near Zapadne, Mala Shapkivka, Kondrashivka; UA counteractions near Fyholivka.
    • Lyman: Confirmed capture of Katerynivka (see below).
  • Ukrainian Ground Force Reports & Counterclaims:
    • Pokrovsk Axis: Ukrainian forces reportedly pushed back Russian forces in Shevchenko (DeepState, 05:43 UTC), contradicting RU claims of advances towards Shevchenko. Heavy fighting continues across the axis.
    • Kursk/Sumy Border Zone: Ukrainian forces repelled 21 RU attacks in the Kursk zone (UGS). Fierce fighting confirmed near Oleshnia, with RU sources claiming arrival of UA 95th Airmobile & 1st Tank Bde reinforcements.
    • Kharkiv Axis: 4 RU attacks repelled on Kupyansk direction (towards Pishchane, near Kruhliakivka, Zahryzove) (Regional Gov.).
    • Orikhiv Axis: 8 RU assaults repelled (near Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, Shcherbaky) (SDF South).
    • Huliaipole Axis: 2 RU attacks towards Shevchenko (SDF South).
    • Prydniprovsky Axis: No RU ground assaults reported (UGS, SDF South).
  • Confirmed Territorial Changes / Key Clashes:
    • Katerynivka (Lyman Axis): Russian control confirmed. Geolocated footage (49.18312, 37.85937) shows RU flag raising in northern part. RU sources claim >3.5km advance (Slivochniy Kapriz, Старше Эдды, Rybar).
    • Huyevo (Kursk Oblast, Russia): Russian forces advanced near Huyevo (DeepState, RU sources). RU sources claim capture.
    • Novolyubivka (Lyman Axis): Russian forces advanced west of Novolyubivka (DeepState, RVvoenkor, Rybar).
    • Chasiv Yar (Kramatorsk Axis): Russian forces advanced within Chasiv Yar, near Kanal microdistrict (DeepState, RU sources).
    • Shevchenko (Pokrovsk Axis): Ukrainian forces pushed back Russian forces (DeepState).
    • Lysivka (Pokrovsk Axis): High intensity fighting continues (Rybar, RVvoenkor).
    • Stepove (Orikhiv Axis): Russian forces advanced into western part (RVvoenkor, Rybar).
  • Technological Developments & Tactics:
    • Russian: Claimed destruction of Abrams MBT in Sumy Oblast using drones (Basurin). Continued claims of fiber-optic FPV use (e.g., near Turya, Sumy). Highlighted need/fundraising for EW backpacks for VDV infantry against UA drones (Dnevnik Desantnika). Claimed superiority in TOS production (Rostec/TASS). Development of "Courier" UGV and "Kuznechik" FPV control system reported previously.
    • Ukrainian: Stavka meeting emphasized maximizing domestic drone production (all types, ground robots), focus on fiber-optic drones (>20 models certified since Jan '25). Use of BM-21 Grad MLRS by 47th Mech Bde highlighted (Magura). Claimed successful deep strike on Shaikovka airfield (Russia) on March 31, destroying/damaging Kh-22/32 missiles and support facilities (Operatyvnyi ZSU / Kiboroshno).
  • Claimed Losses:
    • Russian Losses (Past 24h - UGS 05:00 UTC): Approx. +1290 personnel; 5 Tanks, 14 AFVs, 43 Artillery Systems, 3 MLRS, 2 AD Systems, 43 OTR UAVs, 107 Vehicles, 2 Special Equipment.
    • Russian Losses (Southern Front - SDF South 05:55 UTC): 95 personnel; 11 Arty, 37 AFV/Vehicles, 1 Grad MLRS, 1 Murom-M, 1 ZU-23-2, 10 EW, 1 motorcycle, 2 boats, 5 ATVs, 6 Recon UAVs (Supercam, Zala, Orlan), 6 Starlink, 15 comms/UAV antennas, 1 ammo depot, 4 generators, 1 firing pos, 1 obs post. 56 shelters/bunkers destroyed.
  • Ukrainian Strikes (Past 24h - UGS 05:00 UTC): Aviation, missile troops, artillery hit 17 RU concentration areas, 1 command post, 1 Buk SAM radar. Claimed deep strike on Shaikovka airfield (March 31). Ongoing artillery/drone strikes reported by UA units (e.g., 47th Mech Bde).
  • Strategic Communication: President Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukrainian forces' presence and active operations in Russian border regions (Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts) (Tsaplienko 05:54 UTC).
  • Kryvyi Rih Attack Aftermath (Apr 4): Death toll remains 20 Killed (9 children), >90 Wounded. UN SC / OSCE meetings convened Apr 8.

II. Key Frontline Developments (Highlights & Updates)

  • Pokrovsk Axis (52 Clashes - UGS): Highest Intensity.
    • Shevchenko: UA forces pushed back RU forces (DeepState). Continued RU attacks towards Shevchenko reported previously.
    • Lysivka: High intensity fighting continues (Rybar, RVvoenkor). RU infantry attacks reported along northern street towards west (RVvoenkor).
    • Other locations: UA repelled attacks near Kalynove, Oleksandropil, Tarasivka, Yelyzavetivka, Udachne, Uspenivka, Preobrazhenka, Andriivka, Kotlyne, and towards Kotlyarivka, Malynivka, Serhiivka (UGS). RU claims attacks near Kotlyne, Pischane, Zvereve (Rybar).
  • Toretsk Axis (23 Clashes - UGS):
    • UA repelled attacks near Dachne, Shcherbynivka, Ozaryanivka, Toretsk (UGS).
    • RU sources claim converging advances and offensive success west of Panteleimonivka / towards Zelenopillya area (Rybar). ISW previously confirmed RU advances in northern Toretsk.
  • Lyman Axis (21 Clashes - UGS):
    • Katerynivka: Russian control confirmed (Geolocated footage, Slivochniy Kapriz, Старше Эдды, Rybar, RU MoD Apr 7). Claimed >3.5km RU advance.
    • Novolyubivka: RU forces advanced west of the settlement (DeepState, RVvoenkor, Rybar).
    • Other locations: UA repelled attacks near Nadiya, Yampolivka, Torske, and towards Novoplatonivka, Novomykhailivka, Hrekivka, Ridkodub, Olhivka, Zelena Dolyna, Nove (UGS). RU sources claim advances towards Torske.
  • Kursk/Sumy Border Zone (21 Clashes in Kursk Zone - UGS):
    • Huyevo/Hornal/Oleshnia (Kursk): RU forces advanced near Huyevo (DeepState, Rybar). RU claim capture of Huyevo. Ongoing fierce fighting near Hornal and Oleshnia. RU claim UA building defenses near Huyevo/Hornal and controls key height (Mt. Faghor). RU sources claim arrival of UA 95th Airmobile & 1st Tank Bde reinforcements near Oleshnia for potential counterattack (Arkhangel Spetsnaza).
    • Sumy Oblast: RU claims destruction of UA Abrams MBT via drone strike (Basurin). RU alleges UA 82nd Air Assault Bde elements transferred to Krasnopilskyi district (Rybar).
    • Drone Warfare: RU claim destruction of UA BREM-1 ARV near Turya (Sumy) via fiber-optic FPV. RU reports UA drone mining/targeting RU supply lines in Krasnoyaruzhsky district (Belgorod). RU forces express need for infantry EW backpacks (Dnevnik Desantnika).
    • Border Clashes (Belgorod): RU claims continued UA presence near Popovka/Demidovka. Heavy fighting reported near Demidovka/Popovka previously, with RU claims of repelling UA armor and destroying Abrams/BREM (Rybar, WarGonzo).
  • Orikhiv Axis (8 Clashes - UGS / 8 Repelled - SDF South):
    • UA repelled 8 RU attacks near Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, Shcherbaky (SDF South).
    • RU forces advanced into western Stepove (RVvoenkor, Rybar).
    • Fighting reported near Kamyanske and Lobkove (Rybar, WarGonzo). RU claims active near Shcherbaky. RU alleges UA shelling of Kamianka-Dniprovska hospital (Rybar).
  • Novopavlivsk / South Donetsk Axis (12 Clashes - UGS):
    • UA repelled attacks towards Bohatyr and near Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Skudne (UGS).
    • RU sources claim advancing towards Bohatyr (WarGonzo), consolidating near Rozlyv, and capturing key height near Bohatyr (Rybar). RU Spetsnaz/Arty active on Shakhtarsk direction (Voin DV).
  • Huliaipole Axis (2 Clashes - UGS / 2 Reported - SDF South):
    • UA repelled attacks towards Shevchenko (UGS). SDF South reports 2 RU attacks towards Shevchenko.
  • Kupyansk Axis (4 Clashes - UGS / 4 Repelled - Kharkiv Gov):
    • UA repelled 4 attacks towards Pishchane, near Kruhliakivka, Zahryzove (UGS, Kharkiv Gov.).
    • RU sources claim fighting near Zapadne, Mala Shapkivka, Kondrashivka; UA counteractions near Fyholivka (Rybar).
  • Kramatorsk Axis (3 Clashes - UGS) (incl. Chasiv Yar):
    • Clashes near Kurdyumivka, Chasiv Yar (UGS).
    • RU forces advanced within Chasiv Yar (DeepState), near Kanal microdistrict. RU claims control of northern shore of Dniprovsky pond (TASS/Marochko).
  • Siversk Axis (3 Clashes - UGS):
    • UA repelled attacks near Hryhorivka (UGS).
  • Kharkiv Axis (No Ground Assaults - UGS):
    • No RU ground offensives reported by UGS. RU claims advances in Vovchansk city center persist (TASS/Marochko). Heavy RU shelling/KAB/drone strikes reported across the oblast (Kharkiv Gov.).
  • Prydniprovsky Axis (No Ground Assaults - UGS / SDF South):
    • No RU offensives reported. Ukrainian positions maintained near Krynky.

III. Naval Situation

  • Black Sea / Sea of Azov: No Russian warships detected (UGS, Apr 8, 03:00 UTC).
  • Mediterranean Sea: 3 Russian ships remain deployed, all Kalibr carriers (total potential salvo: 26 missiles) (UGS, Apr 8, 03:00 UTC).
Previous (2025-04-08 05:40:52Z)

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.