Military Situation Update: Ukraine - April 8, 2025, 12:40 UTC
(Analysis based on information received up to 12:40 UTC)
I. Overall Situation & Strategic Assessment
Combat Intensity: Remains high across multiple axes, particularly Pokrovsk, Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Lyman, and along the Kursk/Sumy border. Russian pressure persists. The operational situation in the Kharkiv operational zone (OTU "Kharkiv") is assessed as complex but stable by Ukrainian command.
Kursk/Sumy Border Situation:
Russian Territorial Control & Activity: Russian sources (MoD, TASS, Colonelcassad, Starshy Eddy, Dnevnik Desantnika, Poddubny) confirm capture of Huyevo (Kursk Oblast), supported by visual evidence (flag raising, command post footage by 22nd MRR, 72nd MSD, 44th AC, "North" Group). Russian MoD states "clearing operations" ongoing in Huyevo; claims discovery of ammunition stockpiles (incl. NATO-standard) and captured mortars/small arms. Russian sources claim only Hornal and Oleshnia remain under Ukrainian control within Kursk Oblast, with fighting ongoing near these locations and reported RU advances north/south of Hornal. RU MoD reports engaging elements of Ukrainian Mechanized, Tank, three DShB, and a TDF brigade near Hornal/Oleshnia. RU MoD reports strikes on UA forces/equipment in Sumy Oblast settlements. Russian political figure (Khinshtein) stated "final defeat" of UA forces in Kursk Oblast is becoming closer.
Ukrainian Counter-Actions & Presence: Ukrainian SSO previously confirmed repelling a Russian raid near Loknya (Kursk Oblast) (Apr 6). OTU "Kharkiv" highlights involvement of Ukrainian personnel (e.g., soldier from 22nd Mech Bde). Colombian volunteers confirmed operating with UA 47th Mech Bde in Kursk Oblast (Apr 6 context). UA 82nd Air Assault Bde confirmed operating in Kursk Oblast (Apr 4 context).
Contested Areas/Grey Zone (Sumy): DeepState previously assessed the "grey zone" in Sumy Oblast is expanding near Zhuravka/Sudzha. RU MoD claimed liberation of Basovka (Sumy Oblast) (Apr 6); UA Border Guard denied RU control (Apr 6), confirming RU presence but ongoing combat. Ukrainian sources claimed raising flag over Sudzha border checkpoint (Apr 6, requires verification).
Claimed Losses (Kursk/Belgorod, RU MoD, Apr 8): RU MoD claims >290 Ukrainian personnel losses, 1 tank, 3 BTRs, 4 AFVs, 7 vehicles, 2 mortars, 4 UAV CPs destroyed near Huyevo/Hornal/Oleshnia (past 24h). Claims >110 UA personnel losses on the Belgorod direction. RU repeats cumulative claim of >72,320 UA personnel losses on Kursk direction since start of operation (Apr 6).
Belgorod Border: Heavy fighting previously reported near Dmitrovka/Popovka. RU sources (Slyvochny Kapriz, Apr 8) report combat actions near Krasnaya Yaruga - Demidovka, alleging RU forces came under fire in Demidovka but maintain control of residential areas (Coordinates provided: 50.942492, 35.388553).
Captured Foreign Nationals:
President Zelenskyy Statement (Apr 8): Announced Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast. Stated documents, bank cards, personal data recovered. Indicated intelligence suggests more Chinese nationals are present in Russian units. Instructed MFA to contact Beijing regarding China's reaction. Framed this as evidence of Russia seeking ways to prolong the war and requiring international reaction (US, Europe). SBU, intelligence, and military units investigating.
Multiple Ukrainian and Russian sources subsequently reported Zelenskyy's statement.
Potential Ceasefire Signals: Ukrainian National Security Committee Secretary Kostenko previously stated he does not rule out the possibility of a ceasefire in May 2025 (Apr 8). Requires monitoring.
Russian Strike Activity: Continuous high volume of KABs/UMPKs, Geran/Gerbera drones, OTRK, and MLRS strikes across frontline and rear oblasts.
Recent specific strikes reported/claimed (Apr 7-8): Huliaipole (Zaporizhzhia, UMPK); Babai (Kharkiv Obl., MLRS/OTRK); Pavlohrad outskirts (Dnipropetrovsk, Geran); Dnipro/Donbas border area (Geran); Vysokyi (Kharkiv Obl., alleged Iskander strike on foreign legion CP - 19 KIA claimed by Dnevnik Desantnika); Toretsk Area (RU UAV strike on UA UAV CP, 3 KIA claimed - Voin DV). KAB launches reported towards Sumy Oblast (Apr 8, 12:14 UTC).
Civilian casualties: 1 WIA in Vovchansk (Apr 8, drone); 1 WIA (60 y.o. male) from shelling in Malinivka (Zaporizhzhia, Apr 8), house destroyed. Previous KAB strike on Zolochiv (Kharkiv, Apr 6) injured 1 civilian. KAB strike on Kupyansk residential building (Apr 6) injured 2 civilians. Strike on Novopavlivsk Hromada (Dnipropetrovsk, Apr 6) injured 3 civilians. Casualty count from Apr 4 Kryvyi Rih Iskander-M cluster munition strike confirmed at 20 KIA, >90 WIA (updated Apr 6). Apr 3-4 Kharkiv drone attack: 5 KIA, 32 WIA.
Ukrainian Strike Activity (Claims/Reports):
Energy Infrastructure: Russian MoD (Apr 8) reiterates claims Ukraine conducted two attacks on Russian energy infrastructure on Apr 7 (Kursk NPP 750kV line damage near Metallurgicheskaya substation; Novohorivka 35kV substation damage in Zaporizhzhia Oblast). RU MoD frames these as violations of an alleged US-RU agreement (effective Mar 18 for 30 days) to cease energy strikes. ASTRA (Apr 8) reports details of Apr 5 drone attack on Promsintez explosives plant (Chapaevsk, Samara Oblast), claiming 1 ton of nitric acid spilled from a damaged tank (neutralized) and roof damage to two production workshops; notes plant was previously hit Mar 22. RU sources previously (Apr 6) detailed 7 alleged UA UAV attacks on energy infrastructure (Apr 5-6) in Crimea, Bryansk, Rostov, Voronezh.
Military Targets: UA 3rd Assault Brigade maintains claim of inflicting heavy losses (143 KIA, 86 WIA) repelling RU assault near Nadiia (Luhansk, Apr 7-8). UA 59th Bde ("Da Vinci Wolves") claims destruction of 6 RU tanks, 5 vehicles, infantry (Donetsk, Apr 8). UA "Ivan Franko Group" claims destroying RU truck with TOS rockets via drone near Pesky-Selydove (Apr 8). UA 47th Artillery Brigade drone unit ("Sokoly Foksa") claims killing wounded RU soldier via drone strike (Apr 8). UA Tactical Group "Vugledar" claims successful defense near Bohdanivka (Donetsk), destroying 2 RU tanks, 2 IFVs, 4 ATVs, 4 motorcycles, ~50 personnel (Apr 8, detailed report/video released). UA 59th Bde ("Shkval" special bn) claims solo machine gunner ambushed/destroyed RU assault group in modified UAZ near Uspenivka (Pokrovsk direction, Apr 8 video). UA 154th OMBr (OTU Kharkiv) reports intercepting/destroying RU recon UAVs (Orlan, Zala, Supercam) using modified FPV drones. UA 63rd Mech & 45th Arty Bdes claim joint shootdown of RU Merlin-VR recon UAV near Lyman (Apr 8 video). UA Border Guard RUbPAK "Phoenix" claimed destruction of 6 RU tanks, AFVs, EW system over 2 weeks (Apr 6). UA 44th Arty Bde claimed destroying RU Msta-B, D-30, ammo depots (Apr 6). "Horizon Group" claimed downing 8 RU recon UAVs with FPVs (Apr 6).
Foiled Assassination Plot: Previously reported FSB-directed plot targeting Kharkiv OVA Head Syniehubov and Derhachi MVA Head Zadorenko.
Detained Informant (Kharkiv): SBU previously reported detention of alleged Russian informant accused of providing coordinates for RU KAB strikes.
Drone Procurement Fraud: Prosecutor General's Office previously reported dismantling group defrauding volunteers/units of >100 drones and 10.7M UAH.
Propagandist Prosecution: SBU previously issued new suspicion notice in absentia to Olga Skabeeva.
AWOL/Desertion Policy: Presidential Brigade disseminates State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) clarification on updated algorithm (effective Mar 1) for servicemen returning after Unauthorized Absence (UA) / desertion. Distinguishes procedures based on duration (<3 days vs >3 days) and intent (return to service vs not). Outlines steps involving Army+ app, commander consent, DBR/prosecutor/court involvement for potential criminal liability exemption for first-time offenders wishing to return.
Strategic Communication & Information Warfare:
RU: Emphasizes Huyevo liberation (MoD, TASS, Starshy Eddy, Poddubny) and unit involvement (22nd MRR/72nd MSD), including "clearing operations," ammo caches, captured equipment, POWs, civilian evacuation. Highlights alleged high UA losses (Kursk/Belgorod, daily MoD reports). Promotes narrative of UA violating energy strike agreements (Kursk NPP, Novohorivka). Frames captured Chinese nationals as mercenaries. Amplifies legislative changes (foreign agents, absentia trials, conscription exemptions/extensions). Promotes crowdsourcing for vehicles. Highlights NATO activity in Baltic as provocative. Mentions alleged US return to Bagram (Afghanistan). Shares RU MoD daily briefing with high claimed UA losses across axes. Highlights alleged UA TCC morale issues. Promotes "Amnesty" project targeting Ukrainians. Remembers Kramatorsk train station strike anniversary, blaming Ukraine.
UA: Highlights successful defense/counterattack near Bohdanivka (South Donetsk) with significant claimed RU losses (Tactical Group "Vugledar"). Publicizes successful drone strikes (e.g., TOS rockets, Merlin-VR UAV, individual soldiers, ambush near Uspenivka). Showcases counter-drone capabilities (154th Bde FPV interceptors). Promotes volunteer recruitment expansion/unit activity (NGU "Khartia," 425th Assault Regt, 25th Airborne Brigade awards). Publicizes capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, emphasizing diplomatic implications. Highlights civilian casualties from RU strikes (Malinivka, Vovchansk, Kryvyi Rih). Notes Kostenko statement on potential May ceasefire. Highlights UA-Lithuania/Estonia cooperation. Publicizes US troop repositioning within Poland (Jasionka hub). Highlights new UA leadership program for women. Publicizes updated AWOL/Deserter return policy.
Diplomacy / Geopolitics:
Ukraine-China: President Zelenskyy announced capture of two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia; instructed MFA to contact Beijing. This introduces a significant new diplomatic vector.
Russia-Iran: State Duma ratified strategic partnership treaty. RU MFA clarified treaty does not mandate Russian military assistance if Iran is attacked.
Ukraine-Lithuania/Estonia: Recent meetings confirmed ongoing support, cooperation, Lithuanian participation in capability coalitions. Estonia offered defence industry capabilities.
Ukraine-US (Natural Resources): UA Deputy Ministers scheduled visit Washington Apr 11-12 for talks with Trump admin representatives on potential natural resources agreement.
US-Poland (Logistics Hub): US Army Europe & Africa Command announced repositioning of US personnel/equipment from Jasionka logistics hub. Coordination transferred to Poland/NATO with US support (stated reason: optimization). Polish MoD Kosiniak-Kamysz confirms aid flow will continue (Apr 8).
Russia-US (Nuclear Arms): Peskov stated Russia finds negotiating new START treaty difficult due to lack of trust (Apr 8). Treaty expires Feb 2026.
NATO/Baltic Sea: RU sources (Arkhangel Spetsnaza / Dva Majora / Rybar) highlight accumulating NATO actions (Estonian legislation, Danish naval funding/mines, German radar plans) aimed at increasing control/restriction capabilities in the Baltic Sea, framing it as provocative.
Afghanistan: RU sources (Voenkor Kotenok) report claims of US return to Bagram airfield (C-17 visits, alleged CIA Director visit). Taliban denies base transfer rumors, blaming Pakistani media (WarGonzo, Apr 8). Assessed as likely exaggeration regarding base control, but CIA visit considered plausible.
II. Key Frontline Developments (Highlights & Updates)
Kursk/Sumy Border Zone (Intensity High):
Huyevo (Kursk Oblast, RU): Russian control confirmed by RU MoD/sources/visuals (22nd MRR, 72nd MSD flag/ops). RU MoD claims "clearing operations" ongoing, finding ammo caches, capturing equipment/POWs, evacuating civilians.
Hornal / Oleshnia (Kursk Oblast, RU): Fighting ongoing. RU sources claim these are last UA-held settlements in Kursk, report RU advances nearby. RU MoD reports engaging multiple UA brigade types here.
Basivka (Sumy Oblast): Status contested. RU MoD claimed capture (Apr 6); UA Border Guard denied (Apr 6), confirming RU presence but ongoing combat.
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8): Engaged UA units near Krasnopolye, Prokhody, Turya, Miropolskoye (Sumy); claimed >110 UA losses, equipment destruction, 2 ammo depots eliminated in Belgorod direction; claimed >290 losses + equipment near Huyevo/Hornal/Oleshnia.
Belgorod Border: Combat actions reported near Krasnaya Yaruga - Demidovka (Apr 8); RU sources claim RU forces under fire but control residential area. Heavy fighting previously reported near Dmitrovka/Popovka.
Kharkiv Axis: Situation complex but controlled (OTU Kharkiv). Ongoing RU air/drone/arty attacks. 1 civilian WIA in Vovchansk (drone). RU claims Iskander strike on alleged foreign legion CP near Vysokyi (19 KIA claimed, Apr 8). SBU detained alleged spotter for RU KAB strikes (Apr 8). UA 154th OMBr actively intercepting RU recon UAVs. Tactical signs of OTG "Kharkiv" not yet observed (RU source).
Kupyansk-Lyman Interface:
Nadiia Area (Luhansk Oblast): Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade maintains claim of repelling major RU assault (Apr 7-8), inflicting heavy losses (143 RU KIA, 86 WIA). RU forces reportedly failed to regain/take positions. Significant UA claim, reiterated.
Tactical Signs: RU source notes M113 with OTG "Starobilsk" sign observed on Kupyansk direction (Apr 8).
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8): Zapad Group took more advantageous positions; damaged UA units near Redkodub, Drobyshevo, Novoye, Kirovsk (Donetsk); claimed >220 UA losses, M113, vehicles, artillery, ammo depot destroyed.
Lyman Axis:
Katerynivka: Confirmed under Russian control. RU sources (RVvoenkor video, Apr 8) claim capture by 144th Guards Motor Rifle Division elements.
Torske: Persistent RU claim of advance into Northern Torske.
Counter-UAV: UA 63rd Mech & 45th Arty Bdes claim shootdown of RU Merlin-VR recon UAV near Lyman (Apr 8).
DeepState Assessment (Apr 6): Previously noted worsening UA situation on Nove-Katerynivka-Nevske line.
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8 - part of Zapad Group): See Kupyansk-Lyman Interface above.
Siversk Axis: Persistent RU claim of expanded control zone near Verkhnokamyanske.
Kramatorsk Axis (incl. Chasiv Yar):
Chasiv Yar: Fighting ongoing. RU source (Dnevnik Desantnika, Apr 8) claims RU control over northern shore of Dniprovsky pond (Kanal microdistrict) persists; reports UA counterattacking after losing stronghold on Chekhova St. and attempting reinforcement. RU sources previously (Apr 6) observed tactical signs of OTG "Luhansk" (3 upward arrows). DeepState confirmed RU advance near Zapadnyi microdistrict (Apr 6).
Bohdanivka Area: UA Tactical Group "Vugledar" reported successful defense near Bohdanivka against major RU multi-pronged combined arms assault originating from Yasenove area (aimed at Bohdanivka, Troitske, Horikhove), claiming destruction of 2 tanks, 2 IFVs, 4 ATVs, 4 motorcycles, ~50 personnel (Apr 8). Note: Bohdanivka is typically associated with Kramatorsk axis, but TG Vugledar operates further south; likely referring to a different Bohdanivka or expanding operational scope.
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8 - Yug Group): Improved tactical situation; engaged UA units near Novodmitrovka, Konstantinovka, Kleban-Byk, Novoolenovka; claimed >270 UA losses, 2 M113s, vehicles, artillery.
Toretsk Axis: Intensity remains high. Persistent RU claim of advance near Ozaryanivka. RU forces (150th MSD UAV operators via Voin DV) claim destroying UA UAV control point and 3 personnel near Toretsk (Apr 8). RU sources noted previous RU advances near Druzhba, Novobakhmutivka, and fighting within Toretsk (Rybar, Apr 6).
Pokrovsk Axis (Highest Intensity):
Pesky-Selydove Road Area: UA "Ivan Franko Group" drone unit claims destruction of 8 RU vehicles, including truck carrying TOS "Solntsepyok" rockets (Apr 8).
Uspenivka Area: UA 59th Bde ("Shkval" bn) claims machine gunner ambushed/destroyed RU assault group in modified UAZ vehicle (Apr 8).
Tactical Signs: RU source notes French VAB (155th Mech Bde) observed with specific tactical sign (square, 4 arrows) (Apr 8).
Other Areas: Fighting persists near Shevchenko (contested), Lysivka (RU advance confirmed Apr 6 - DeepState).
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8 - Tsentr Group): Took more advantageous lines/positions; hit UA units near Bogdanovka, Dmitrov, Yelizavetovka, Kotlino, Novosergeyevka, Kotlyarovka, Zverevo; claimed >410 UA losses, 3 M113s, 3 AFVs (2 MaxxPro), vehicles, artillery.
Novopavlivsk / South Donetsk Axis:
Bohdanivka Area (TG Vugledar Report): UA Tactical Group "Vugledar" claims repelling major RU multi-pronged combined arms assault originating from Yasenove (targeting Bohdanivka, Troitske, Horikhove). Claimed 4 combined groups (infantry, buggies, motorcycles, armor) launched over 2 hours from different directions. UA claims intel detected groups, coordinated defense stopped all groups before reaching UA positions, destroyed 2 tanks, 2 IFVs, 4 ATVs, 4 motorcycles, ~50 personnel (Apr 8 report/video).
RU Claims (Apr 8 - Vostok Group): Continued advancing into defense depth; hit UA units near Chervonaya Zirka, Komar, Volnoye Pole, Burlatskoye; claimed >165 UA losses, vehicles, artillery, EW station. Previous RU claims (Apr 6) included advance W of Bohdanivka-Andriivka line, advances near Bohatyr, Rozlyv. Rozlyv advance confirmed by DeepState (Apr 6).
Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia): Persistent RU claims of advances towards Orikhiv, storming Stepove. 1 civilian WIA in Malinivka shelling (Apr 8). RU MoD alleges UA strike on Novohorivka substation Apr 7. Air raid alert ended approx. 11:53 UTC.
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8 - Dnepr Group): Engaged UA units near Pavlovka, Novodanilovka (Zaporizhzhia), Sadovoye (Kherson); claimed >90 UA losses, 2 AFVs, vehicles, 3 EW stations, ammo depot.
Prydniprovsky Axis (Left Bank): No significant changes reported. Ukrainian bridgehead near Krynky maintained.
III. Air, Missile & Drone Activity
Current Air Threats (As of 12:40 UTC):
KAB Threat: Active launches reported towards Sumy Oblast (12:14 UTC). Persistent threat for frontline oblasts due to RU tactical aviation.
Reconnaissance UAV Threat: Previously detected over Black Sea towards Odesa, south of Zaporizhzhia, towards Dnipro (~11:15 UTC). Status unclear.
Recent Russian Strikes (Summary): Ongoing KABs, Geran/Gerbera drones, OTRK, MLRS. Specific strikes/claims (Apr 7-8) near Huliaipole, Babai, Pavlohrad, Dnipro/Donbas border, Malinivka. Claimed Iskander strike near Vysokyi (Kharkiv). Claimed UAV strike near Toretsk on UAV CP. KABs launched on Sumy Oblast (Apr 8).
Recent Ukrainian Strikes (Claims/Reports):
Energy Targets: RU MoD reiterates claims of UA strikes on Apr 7: Kursk NPP 750kV line and Novohorivka 35kV substation (Zaporizhzhia). RU frames as violation of alleged agreement. ASTRA details impact of Apr 5 drone strike on Promsintez plant (Samara Oblast): 1 ton nitric acid leak, workshop roof damage.
Military Targets: Heavy losses claimed inflicted by 3rd Assault Bde (Nadiia). 59th Bde claims 6 RU tanks/5 vehicles destroyed (Donetsk). "Ivan Franko Group" claims destroying RU truck with TOS rockets (Pesky-Selydove). 47th Arty Bde drone unit claims killing wounded RU soldier. Tactical Group "Vugledar" claims significant RU losses near Bohdanivka. 59th Bde ("Shkval") claims ambush destruction near Uspenivka. UA forces claim shootdown of Merlin-VR UAV near Lyman.
Drone Warfare:
RU Claims: Destroyed UA UAV CPs (Sparta Bn, MoD daily, Voin DV near Toretsk). Claimed Molniya-2 strike (Pokrovsk). RU MoD claims 102 UA UAVs downed, 3 JDAMs, 7 HIMARS rockets intercepted in 24h (Apr 8). RU artillerymen (Sever Group) thank supporters for Mavic 3T drones.
UA Claims/Activity: Successful strike on TOS rockets. Shootdown of Merlin-VR UAV (63rd/45th Bdes). Significant claimed kills/destruction by various units (3rd Assault, 59th Bde, TG Vugledar, 47th Arty Bde). 154th OMBr using FPV drones to intercept RU recon UAVs. Counter-drone successes using small arms/older systems previously reported (63rd Bde vs 7 drones, 39th Tac Aviation Bde S-60 vs Shahed). Drone procurement fraud investigation highlights scale and counter-actions.
RU MoD Claims (Apr 8): Targeted UA UAV manufacturing workshop.
IV. Naval Situation
No significant changes reported. Black Sea/Azov Sea remain clear of Russian warships. Kalibr missile carriers (3 ships, up to 26 missiles total) remain deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. Russia continues naval movements through Kerch Strait. RU sources continue highlighting NATO efforts (Estonia, Denmark, Germany) potentially aimed at increasing control/blocking capabilities in the Baltic Sea (Arkhangel Spetsnaza / Dva Majora / Rybar).
V. Other Developments
Personnel / Force Generation:
Ukrainian: Government expands "Contract 18–24" volunteer project to NGU/Border Guard. Berdyansk Border Guard Detachment recruiting. NGU "Khartia" Brigade youth recruitment. 425th Assault Regt ("SKALA DNIPRO" Bn) expanding. Presidential Brigade publicizes updated AWOL/Deserter return policy (effective Mar 1). Meeting held with families of NGU Unit 3057 POWs/MIAs. Online meeting scheduled (Apr 9) with chaplain on communication with veterans/families. Leadership program launched for women in digital transformation. Awards ceremony for 25th Airborne Brigade noted (Lysak).
Russian: RU MoD establishing mobile medical commissions for WIA evaluation. Crowdfunding appeals persist (vehicles - 28/35 claimed acquired by Colonelcassad group; EW backpacks). Duma passed laws: exempting volunteers with >6 months combat from conscription; extending execution period for conscription decisions to one year (Apr 8). Reports of alleged mistreatment of wounded soldier (A. Vorobyov). Alleged UA TCC morale issues highlighted (RVvoenkor). "Amnesty" project launched targeting Ukrainians (Dva Majora).
Logistics & Capabilities:
Ukrainian: Focus on domestic drone production/procurement (fraud case highlights challenges/successes). Estonia offers defence industry capabilities. US repositioning from Jasionka logistics hub; Polish MoD confirms aid flow continues.
Russian: T-80BVs shown operating with UAV support (South Donetsk). Molniya-2 drone highlighted (Pokrovsk). RU MoD claims hitting UA missile/arty depots and UAV workshop (Apr 8). Promsintez explosives plant (Samara) confirmed hit by UA drone Apr 5 (ASTRA). Crowdsourcing for vehicles ongoing.
Internal RU Politics/Legal: Laws passed (Apr 8): allowing in absentia trials for crimes against state security (incl. "military fakes," "discrediting army"); expanding foreign agent status definition and banning educational activities; increasing penalties for discrediting army/calling for sanctions for hire/profit; allowing college grads entry to universities without ЕГЭ only for similar specialties; exempting volunteers with >6mo combat from conscription; extending conscription decision execution period to 1 year. Shooting incident reported at college in Novy Urengoy (Apr 8, no casualties). LNR spy (Artem Kudzhanov) sentenced to 12 years for providing troop locations to UA via Telegram (Mash na Donbasse).
International: Ukraine-China relations potentially impacted by capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. Ukraine-Lithuania/Estonia cooperation ongoing. UA officials to visit US for natural resources talks. US repositioning forces within Poland confirmed, aid flow unaffected. RU-Iran treaty ratified. RU-US tensions over expiring nuclear treaty. RU highlights perceived NATO buildup in Baltic. RU sources claim/deny potential US return to Bagram, Afghanistan. UK political scandals discussed in RU media. Belarus previously claimed interception of explosives from Poland. DPR anniversary celebrations previously noted. First official Russian Orthodox Church parish registered in Laos.
