Military Situation Update: Ukraine (Apr 12, 2025, 04:23 UTC)
(Derived from intelligence reports, official statements, and message feeds dated up to Apr 12, 2025, 04:22 UTC)
I. Strategic & Operational Context
Overall Intensity: High intensity persists across the front. 126 combat clashes reported since the start of Apr 11 (UGS 19:00 UTC). Russian forces continue extensive air, drone, and artillery attacks.
Russian Air/Artillery Pressure: Russia conducted 56 air strikes (launching 56 KABs), utilized over 900 kamikaze drones, and executed approx. 5,000 shelling attacks against Ukrainian positions and populated areas since the start of Apr 11 (UGS). Russian MoD claims 8 group strikes (air/sea precision weapons, UAVs) from Apr 5-11 targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure. Russian MoD claims (West Group, Apr 12) destruction of 34 UA UAV CPs, 3 Starlink stations, and 3 ammo depots in the past 24 hours.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces conducted 447 strikes across 12 settlements, including 4 air strikes (Huliaipole), 282 UAV attacks, 8 MLRS attacks, and 153 artillery strikes (Zaporizhzhia OVA, Apr 12, 04:10 UTC).
Naval Situation (Black/Azov/Mediterranean Seas):
As of Apr 12 morning (06:00 Kyiv / 03:00 UTC), no Russian naval missile carriers (Kalibr-capable) are deployed in the Black Sea or the Sea of Azov. (UA Navy via UGS, Apr 12, 03:53 UTC).
Three Russian missile carriers (total salvo potential: 26 Kalibr missiles) remain deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. (UA Navy)
Shipping activity through the Kerch Strait continues: 3 vessels entered Black Sea (2 towards Bosphorus), 8 entered Azov Sea (3 from Bosphorus) in the past day. Russia continues violating SOLAS convention by disabling AIS. (UA Navy)
Sumy Direction Concerns: Ukrainian sources (cited by BBC / Dva Mayora) express concern over potential Russian planning for a large-scale offensive aimed at encircling or semi-encircling Sumy. Russian sources acknowledge control of several border villages but suggest a major offensive of that scale is not imminent.
Diplomatic/Political/Information Operations:
US Envoy/Peace Proposals: Reports indicated US Special Envoy Witcoff discussed a potential ceasefire involving Ukraine ceding control of four oblasts to Russia. US Special Representative Keith Kellogg proposed a framework for a post-ceasefire allied "resiliency force" (without US troops) with defined areas of responsibility (UK/France West of Dnipro) to support Ukrainian sovereignty, clarifying earlier media reports that misinterpreted his statements as suggesting a division of Ukraine. Kellogg explicitly denied suggesting a partition of Ukraine (Apr 12, 00:01 UTC). Russian sources (Dva Mayora, 04:15 UTC) frame Kellogg's clarification as still implying a de facto NATO troop deployment under a "peacekeeper" guise.
US Ambassador Departure: US Ambassador Brink reportedly left post amid "political disagreements with the Trump administration." US State Department confirmed resignation plan (Apr 10).
UK/France Post-War Planning: UK/France reportedly preparing a detailed plan for potential post-war troop deployments ("calming forces") in Ukraine for presentation to US President Trump. A coalition of approx. 5-6 countries (incl. UK, France, Baltics) reportedly actively considering troop contributions, potentially even without US participation. Germany assessed as unlikely participant.
UK Involvement Claims (RU Perspective): Russian sources (Arkhangel Spetsnaza citing The Times, Apr 12, 04:01 UTC) claim UK involvement is deeper than acknowledged, alleging UK troops secretly deployed in 2022 for NLAW training, assisted with Storm Shadow integration/training, and that UK SAS/SBS supervised GUR operations in the Black Sea region. Claim UK engineers controlled early USV development and UK personnel oversee Storm Shadow strikes.
US-Ukraine Resource Talks: Recent negotiations regarding potential US access to Ukrainian mineral resources reported as "antagonistic." The latest US proposal is allegedly significantly stricter, demanding priority access, revenue pooling, and potentially seeking US DFC control over the gas transit pipeline. The proposal reportedly lacks explicit security guarantees. President Zelenskyy maintains any agreement must be mutually beneficial.
French Military Activity: French military cartographers reported mapping the "Focsani Gate" corridor on the Romania-Ukraine/Moldova border, potentially for contingency planning.
Russian Personnel Appointments (Occupied Territories): Oleg Lymar appointed advisor to the governor of Sevastopol for projects supporting conflict participants.
Russian Information Operations (Alleged Atrocities): Pro-Russian sources disseminated video testimony alleging Ukrainian forces committed atrocities (looting, mining well, killing civilian) in Plehovo, Kursk Oblast during previous cross-border operations (Apr 12). This follows similar allegations regarding Makhnovka (Apr 10). Requires independent verification.
Russian Stance on Taurus Missiles: Russian Ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev, stated that potential future German supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine would lead to escalation but not change the battlefield situation (TASS, Apr 12, 02:48 UTC).
Alleged Chinese Fighters Denial: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko called statements about Chinese citizens fighting in Ukraine "complete untruth" (TASS, Apr 12, 04:01 UTC).
Alleged Internal UA Dissent (RU Perspective): Russian sources (Colonelcassad, Apr 12, 04:04 UTC) claim SBU/GUR perceive growing protests by relatives of missing/captured UA soldiers ("Maidan of Widows") as a threat. Allege activists directly accuse UA command of "meat assaults" and poor MEDEVAC/CASEVAC. Claim RU channels provide status updates to relatives. Allege UA suppression attempts, citing specific units (95th ODShBr using disinformation via assistant R.V. Sirko; 225th OShP allegedly using physical force via ex-prisoners). Requires verification; likely propaganda aimed at undermining UA morale/stability.
International Support (Ramstein Follow-up):
Total aid announced since previous meeting exceeds €21 Billion.
Key Pledges: Germany (€11B total by 2029: AD, armor, arty, 1100 ground radars); UK (£450M: drones, radar); Norway (€5B increase); Belgium (€1B); Denmark (€900M); Netherlands (€150M); Lithuania (€20M); Estonia (arty rounds).
New EW Coalition established, led by Germany.
Ukrainian Command/Capabilities:
Focus on enhancing AD/EW/mobile fire groups in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Two additional AD systems planned for the region. 540 billion UAH allocated for EW in the oblast.
Work ongoing on domestic Patriot alternative ("Bars" missile mentioned). Negotiating localization of Western AD production. Received technical documentation for FrankenSAM production. Claimed monthly use of "long Neptune" and domestic ballistic missiles.
II. Air Threats & Activity (Updates as of 04:23 UTC)
Shahed Drone Attack Concluded (Night Apr 11-12):
Kyiv City/Oblast: Air alert ended 02:17 UTC. Air Defence (PPO) active. Falling debris confirmed in Sviatoshynskyi District (fire in non-residential premises, second fire reported) and Darnytskyi District (private house fire/destruction). Two civilians confirmed injured in Sviatoshynskyi District receiving medical aid (Tsaplienko, Apr 12, 04:18 UTC). No casualties reported in Darnytskyi District. DSNS (via RBC 03:51 UTC) provided details on Sviatoshynskyi fires: 1500 sq m warehouse fire (localized 06:22 local time); separate fire at industrial site affecting two warehouses (1000 sq m & 150 sq m) with partial destruction (localization ongoing).
Kharkiv Oblast: Kharkiv city attacked more than 23 times during evening/night (ASTRA 03:05 UTC). Explosions reported (00:58 - 01:08 UTC). Confirmed 3 Shahed drone strikes, two impacting the Nemyshlyanskyi district. At least three civilians injured (ASTRA 03:05 UTC update).
Other Regions: Air alerts ended across previously affected regions (Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk). Russian sources (Dva Mayora, 03:42 UTC) claimed Geran (Shahed) strikes targeted Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and Kirovohrad oblasts.
Guided Air Bomb (KAB) / Air Strike Threat:
RU tactical aviation activity ACTIVE on the eastern front (UA AF 03:53 UTC), threat of air-launched weapons for frontline oblasts. Active KAB launches reported towards Sumy Oblast earlier (UA AF 00:21 UTC, 01:19 UTC). UGS reported 56 KABs used across fronts on Apr 11.
Russian sources released video claiming four FAB-250 UMPK strikes on Ukrainian positions in Siversk (Colonelcassad, 02:10 UTC).
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: 4 RU air strikes reported on Huliaipole over the past day (Zaporizhzhia OVA, Apr 12).
Russian Air Defence Activity:
RU MoD released video showcasing Strela-10M SAM systems (Vostok Group) providing mobile protection.
Updated RU MoD Claim (Apr 12, 04:06 UTC): Claimed 36 Ukrainian UAVs intercepted/destroyed between 20:00 Apr 11 and 06:30 Apr 12 (Moscow Time) over Russian territory: 18 over Kursk Oblast, 13 over Rostov Oblast, 2 over Oryol Oblast, 2 over Belgorod Oblast, 1 over Krasnodar Krai. This follows earlier RU AD claims of repelling attacks over Rostov Oblast overnight. Requires verification.
RU MoD previously claimed 13 Ukrainian UAVs downed over Kursk/Rostov Oblasts (Apr 11 evening).
Ukrainian Counter-Drone Successes (Apr 11): UA pilots reportedly destroyed RU Lancet and Supercam UAVs over Sumy Oblast.
Potential Ukrainian Deep Strikes: Overnight drone alerts across multiple Russian regions indicated potential deep strike attempts. RU MoD claims of 36 UAV interceptions counter this, though the effectiveness level is unverified.
III. Major Frontline Updates (Derived from UGS 19:00 UTC & Sources up to 04:23 UTC)
Kursk/Sumy/Belgorod Border Zone:
UGS (19:00 UTC):17 combat clashes since day start, 2 ongoing. Heavy RU shelling/KABs. KAB launches towards Sumy Oblast reported Apr 12.
Russian Claims (Dva Mayora, 03:42 UTC): Fighting ongoing near Hornal and Oleshnia (Kursk) where UA holds positions; RU conducting storming actions. Claimed unsuccessful UA attempt to reinforce Oleshnia area from Yunakivka (Sumy). Claimed repelling UA assault attempts from Miropolske towards Popovka (Belgorod) and from Petrushivka towards Demidovka (Belgorod).
Ukrainian Actions: Successful SSO cross-border operations reported earlier (Apr 11) claiming capture of 14 RU personnel (3 officers) and ~30 RU KIA in Kursk Oblast.
RU Allegations (Kursk/Belgorod - Dva Mayora, 03:42 UTC): RU sources disseminate video alleging UA forces killed civilians and committed atrocities in Makhnovka (Apr 10) and Plehovo (Apr 12). Claim UA drone attack killed civilian passenger near Olgovka (Kursk). Claim deliberate UA UAV strike killed civilian driver near Meshkovoe (Belgorod). Claim UA shelling injured civilian in Mokraya Orlovka (Belgorod). List other shelled Belgorod settlements. Requires independent verification.
Russian Claims (Voin DV, Apr 12, 02:01 UTC): Claim FPV drone ("VT-40") strike destroyed a Ukrainian BBM during personnel dismount, allegedly causing up to 15 casualties, followed by artillery strikes.
Air Threat: Shahed drone attack on Kharkiv city resulted in at least 3 impacts, at least three civilians injured (updated casualty figures).
Kupyansk Axis:
UGS (19:00 UTC): 7 RU attacks repelled near Holubivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Zahryzove.
DeepState Update (Apr 11): Confirmed Russian advance near Kotliarivka.
Russian Actions: RU forces reported using fiber-optic guided drones. TOS-1A thermobaric MLRS use confirmed. Drone-mining operations targeting UA supply routes claimed.
Russian Claims (West Group, Apr 12, 02:01 UTC): Claimed inflicting over 220 casualties on UA forces (Kupyansk/Lyman) in 24 hours. Claimed destruction of M113 APC, AN/TPQ-50 radar, "Vortex" EW system, 34 UAV CPs, 3 Starlink stations, 3 ammo depots.
Lyman Axis:
UGS (19:00 UTC):24 RU attacks near multiple settlements.
Russian Claims: Continued advances claimed. Tactical gains claimed near Hrekivka and Novomykhailivka (Apr 11). Confirmed control of Katerynivka (Apr 10). Claimed inflicting significant casualties (part of >220 total) and destroying equipment (West Group, Apr 12).
Siversk Axis:
UGS (19:00 UTC): 6 RU attacks repelled near Ivano-Darivka, Bilohorivka.
Russian Claims (Colonelcassad, Apr 12, 02:10 UTC): Video claim of four FAB-250 UMPK strikes on Ukrainian positions in Siversk.
Russian Claims: FAB-1500 strike near Chasiv Yar claimed. Drone strikes on UA transport claimed. Destruction of multiple UA armored vehicles near Chasiv Yar via fiber-optic FPV drones claimed (Apr 10).
Russian Claims (Dva Mayora, Apr 12, 03:42 / 03:47 UTC):Significant claimed advance West of Aleksandropol and Panteleimonivka along forest belts on a front up to 4.35 km wide to a depth of up to 1.8 km. Claim ongoing RU assaults near Tarasivka, Kalynove, and Valentynivka. Cite "enemy" sources confirming difficult situation for UA forces. Earlier RU claims (Apr 11) included a broad front offensive towards N. Nelepivka/Dachne, reaching Nelepivka vicinity, advances W of Panteleimonivka, fighting near Toretsk.
UGS (19:00 UTC):Highest Intensity. 32 RU attacks repelled, 1 ongoing near multiple settlements. Significant RU losses claimed by UGS for Apr 11 (347 personnel, various equipment).
DeepState Update (Apr 11): Confirmed Russian advance in Kalynove and near Novooleksandrivka.
Russian Claims (Apr 11): Claim capture and clearance of Kalynove (partially corroborated, full control unconfirmed). Activation near Arkhangelske. Heavy FPV use claimed near Valentynivka. Advance towards H-20 highway claimed. Heavy fighting in Lysovka. Claim destruction of two US M109A6 Paladin SPGs. Claimed Uragan MLRS strike on AFU assembly area (Apr 10).
Contested Dynamics: RU source previously claimed UA forces expanded control near Shevchenko (Apr 11) - requires verification. UA 425th Assault Regt "Skala" claimed clearing Shevchenko (Apr 10).
Russian Claims (Voin DV/Rybar, Apr 12; Dva Mayora, Apr 12, 03:42 UTC): Claim significant advances (liberating ~30 sq km) in early April near Rozdolne and Andreevka. Claim capture of key strongpoint W of Rozdolne, clearing T-05-18 junction, advancing N along highway, expanding control W/E. Claim RU forces approaching Bohatyr. Claim advances near Andreevka, reducing salient, gaining 5 sq km. State high tempo advance towards Dnipropetrovsk border. Claim advance from Rozdolne S towards Bohatyr. Claim repulsing UA counter-attack NW of Rozlyv (from Bohatyr direction, 2 Kozak AFVs, ~20 personnel). Require verification, likely maximalist reporting. Earlier RU claims (Apr 10) included advances near multiple other settlements. Video claim (Voin DV, Apr 12, 04:15 UTC) shows RU 200th Brigade (29th CAA, Vostok Group) artillery strike on UA positions in this direction.
RU Counter-Drone Claims: Claim destruction of 11 UA "Baba Yaga" drones on this direction in past week.
Huliaipole Axis:
UGS (19:00 UTC):3 RU attacks near Pryvilne, Novosilka, Burlatske.
Russian Activity (Zaporizhzhia OVA, Apr 12):4 RU air strikes on Huliaipole. Significant UAV, MLRS, and artillery strikes reported across multiple settlements on this axis over the past day (see list under Orikhiv Axis).
Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia):
UGS (19:00 UTC):4 RU attacks repelled near Mali Shcherbaky.
Ukrainian Reports: Russia transferring reserves. Tense situation near Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, Lobkove.
Russian Claims (Apr 11/12): RU drone units claim destruction of Ukrainian AFV. Claimed destruction of UA T-64BV tank via fiber-optic FPV drone in Novodanylivka (Apr 10). Claim fighting ongoing near Shcherbaky, Lobkove, Kamenske (Dva Mayora, 03:42 UTC).
Russian Activity (Zaporizhzhia OVA, Apr 12): Over the past day, 282 RU UAV attacks reported on Bilnke, Kamyanske, Stepove, Lobkove, Huliaipole, Preobrazhenka, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, Novodarivka. 8 MLRS strikes on Stepove, Novodanylivka, Novodarivka, Shcherbaky. 153 artillery strikes on Novoyakovlivka, Stepove, Lobkove, Kamyanske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, Novodarivka.
Prydniprovsky Axis (Left Bank Kherson):
UGS (19:00 UTC):7 RU attacks attempted, all unsuccessful.
Russian Claims: Artillery strike on UA UAV position near Kakhovka claimed. Claimed FPV interception of 4 UA recon UAVs (Apr 10).
IV. Capabilities & Support
Ukrainian:
Air Defense: Receiving systems/munitions via Ramstein. Focus on bolstering Dnipropetrovsk Oblast AD (2 new systems planned). Domestic development (Patriot alternative, FrankenSAM production). Active against recent Shahed attack (confirmed AD engagement over Kyiv). Urgent need for systems reiterated. Shahed impacts/injuries in Kyiv despite AD highlight saturation defense need.
Electronic Warfare: New Ramstein EW Coalition. 540 billion UAH allocated for Dnipropetrovsk EW. RU claims destruction of "Vortex" EW system (Kupyansk/Lyman).
Drones: Active use for strikes/recon. Successful intercepts of RU Lancet/Supercam reported (Apr 11). International support (£450M UK drones). Potential deep strike capability indicated, though countered by RU claims of intercepting 36 UAVs overnight over multiple regions. Frontline needs noted. Development of new "Foot Crusher" munition (Apr 10). RU claims destruction of 34 UA UAV CPs (Kupyansk/Lyman). Active drone use alleged by RU sources in border areas (Kursk/Belgorod attacks).
Missiles: Domestic "Bars" revealed. Claimed use of "long Neptune" and domestic ballistics. Potential future acquisition of Taurus missiles discussed (with RU warning of escalation).
Command & Control / Comms: RU claims destruction of 3 Starlink terminals (Kupyansk/Lyman).
Ground Forces: Receiving armor/ammo/radars via Ramstein. RU claims loss of 2 UA M109A6 Paladins (Pokrovsk), multiple AFVs near Chasiv Yar (Apr 10), T-64BV (Zaporizhzhia, Apr 10), M113 APC (Kupyansk/Lyman, Apr 12), BBM (Kharkiv, Apr 12). RU claims destruction of AN/TPQ-50 radar (Kupyansk/Lyman). Successful cross-border SSO operations confirmed (Kursk, Apr 11). Unit appeals suggest localized equipment needs. RU claims repelled UA ground assaults/reinforcement attempts on Kursk/Belgorod border.
Internal Stability Concerns (RU Claims): RU sources allege growing protests from soldiers' relatives and SBU/GUR suppression efforts, potentially impacting morale and internal cohesion (Colonelcassad). Propaganda, requires verification.
Russian:
Drones: Heavy use of Shaheds (Kyiv/Kharkiv attack and other regions), FPVs (incl. fiber-optic guided variants; "VT-40" claimed used on Kharkiv axis), Lancets, Supercams. Claimed strikes on UA CPs/transport/artillery/AFVs/EW/Comms. Intensive UAV use reported in Zaporizhzhia (282 attacks in 24h). Increased FPV activity/superiority claimed on Toretsk/Pokrovsk axis. Use of drones for mining claimed (Kupyansk). Claimed FPV interception of UA recon drones (Kherson). Propaganda reports highlight FPV threat to logistics/personnel and attempts to counter it (e.g., BARS-32 driver incident, Colonelcassad 03:02 UTC). Claimed drone attacks on civilian vehicles in Kursk/Belgorod oblasts.
Air Power: Heavy reliance on KABs (56 used Apr 11; active launches towards Sumy Apr 12; claim of 4 FAB-250 UMPK strikes in Siversk Apr 12). Continued precision air/sea strikes claimed. Tactical aviation active on Eastern front. 4 air strikes reported in Huliaipole area (Zaporizhzhia OVA).
Air Defense: Highlights deployment of Strela-10M SAM systems. Updated Claim: Intercepted/destroyed 36 UA UAVs over 5 Russian regions overnight (Apr 11-12) - Kursk (18), Rostov (13), Oryol (2), Belgorod (2), Krasnodar (1). Effectiveness unverified.
Artillery: TOS-1A use confirmed (Kupyansk). Uragan MLRS use claimed (Pokrovsk). Artillery use claimed following FPV strike (Kharkiv axis). Active shelling of border areas claimed. Intensive artillery/MLRS use in Zaporizhzhia (153 Arty, 8 MLRS strikes in 24h). 200th Brigade (29 CAA) artillery active on Novopavlivsk axis (Voin DV video claim).
Tactics: Push on multiple axes towards Dnipropetrovsk border. Reported use of armor breakthroughs (Toretsk). Broad front offensive claimed (Toretsk/Myrnohrad). Claims of steady advances on "Andreevskoe Direction" (Novopavlivsk). Claimed significant tactical gains W of Aleksandropol/Panteleimonivka (Toretsk axis). Use of combined FPV/Artillery strikes claimed (Kharkiv). Propaganda highlights attempts to maintain logistics under drone attack and repel counterattacks (Colonelcassad 03:02 UTC). Continued assault actions on Kursk border.
Naval:No missile carriers currently deployed in Black/Azov Seas; focus shifted to Mediterranean presence (3 carriers). Development of domestic naval drones and counter-drone capabilities previously noted.
Logistics/Protection: Continued reliance on volunteer groups for supplementary vehicle armor. Propaganda emphasizes individual heroism in maintaining supply lines under attack (e.g., BARS-32 driver, Colonelcassad 03:02 UTC).
V. Civilian Impact (Focus on Apr 11-12)
Overnight Shahed Drone Attacks (Night Apr 11-12):
Kyiv City: Falling drone debris caused fires in Sviatoshynskyi District (non-residential buildings, including large warehouse fires at industrial site, 1500 sq m localized, 1000+150 sq m ongoing) and Darnytskyi District (private house destroyed). Two civilians confirmed injured in Sviatoshynskyi District (Tsaplienko, Apr 12, 04:18 UTC update). No casualties reported in Darnytskyi.
Kharkiv City: Attacked over 23 times (evening/night). Three Shahed drone strikes confirmed, two impacting Nemyshlyanskyi district. At least three civilians injured, treated on site. (ASTRA update 03:05 UTC)
Other Regions: Russian sources claim Shahed strikes targeted multiple other oblasts (Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad).
Sumy Oblast: Active KAB threat reported during the night/early morning.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Past 24 hours - Zaporizhzhia OVA, Apr 12): Extensive Russian attacks reported across 12 settlements (447 total strikes: air, UAV, MLRS, artillery). 7 reports received concerning damage to private houses and automobiles. No immediate casualty figures reported in this update.
Odesa Attack (Apr 11 Evening/Night): Attack involved at least 5 UAVs. Explosions reported, air defense active.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Apr 11 Evening): Damage to private houses from UAV attacks/debris. No casualties reported.
Alleged Ukrainian Impact in Russia (Kursk/Belgorod Oblasts - Russian Claims):
RU sources allege UA mining of civilian well in Plehovo (Kursk) caused injuries; allege UA forces killed a civilian man in Plehovo (Apr 12 claim). Previously alleged UA forces killed civilians in Makhnovka (Kursk, Apr 10 claim).
Claim UA drone attack killed 1 civilian passenger in a car near Olgovka, Korenevsky District (Kursk) (Dva Mayora, Apr 12 claim).
Claim UA UAV strike killed 1 civilian driver in a truck near Meshkovoe, Shebekinsky District (Belgorod) (Dva Mayora, Apr 12 claim).
Claim UA shelling injured 1 civilian in Mokraya Orlovka, Grayvoronsky District (Belgorod) (Dva Mayora, Apr 12 claim).
RU official (Kursk acting governor) reiterated warning against civilians visiting closed border areas.
