Status: Declared unilaterally by Russia, conditional on Ukrainian reciprocity. Immediately rejected by Ukraine (President Zelenskyy, MFA) citing pre-start RU drone activity and ongoing hostilities.
Violations: Widely violated across the front.
CONFIRMED: Russian drone strike hit a residential building in Kherson City (Perekopska St)after the declared ceasefire start time, causing a fire. Verified by multiple sources including video evidence. Ongoing RU FPV activity reported within Kherson City.
Ukrainian military sources confirm no cessation of hostilities by Russian forces on most axes, particularly in the East (Donetsk), with ongoing artillery fire.
Limited Lull: A temporary cessation of RU fire (~1 hour) was reported by Ukrainian fighters on sections of the Kharkiv axis after the ceasefire start time.
Russian Claims: RU sources allege Ukrainian MLRS strikes on Shebekino (Belgorod Oblast) and attacks on other axes post-ceasefire start.
Assessment: The declared ceasefire is operationally ineffective across most of the front. Confirmed Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure occurred after the declared start.
Major Prisoner of War Exchange (Apr 19):
Successful Completion: A large-scale exchange was successfully conducted.
Personnel Returned:
Ukraine:277 personnel returned (246 via direct exchange, 31 heavily wounded returned separately). Includes defenders of Mariupol and personnel from various branches. Specific returns include 9 personnel from Kryvyi Rih (7 NGU 3011).
Russia:246 personnel returned (plus 15 heavily wounded claimed as goodwill).
Mediation:UAE mediation confirmed by both sides.
Total Returned (Ukraine): Since Feb 2022, 4552 Ukrainian personnel (military & civilian) have been returned from Russian captivity.
Ukrainian Advances Confirmed: President Zelenskyy, citing CinC Syrskyi, confirmed continued Ukrainian operational activity within Kursk Oblast and advances with expansion of the zone of control within Belgorod Oblast.
New Evidence Claim (UA): Ukrainian sources released video purportedly showing a trench filled with numerous deceased Russian soldiers in Belgorod Oblast, claimed as the result of recent Ukrainian counterattacks (225th Separate Assault Battalion). Supports claims of successful actions and inflicting casualties.
Russian Counterclaims: RU sources claim ongoing fighting near Hornal (Kursk) and allege advances near Huevka, Oleshnia, Hornal (Sumy direction). Continued claims of UA shelling into Shebekino (Belgorod).
Kerch Bridge Security:
Restrictions Imposed: Civilian traffic reportedly banned on the Kerch Bridge until May 10, 2025, attributed to Russian security concerns over potential "provocations."
Logistics Impact: Russian transport operators are rerouting traffic via the occupied land corridor (Taganrog-Mariupol-Melitopol). Indicates heightened perceived threat level by Russia.
Diplomatic Context:
US Policy Signals: Reports indicate potential further meetings between US envoy Witkoff and Russia, possibly alongside London talks, aimed at discussing a framework agreement. This framework reportedly includes concepts like a ceasefire along current lines and Russian control over occupied territories, including Crimea.
II. Key Frontline Updates (Apr 19)
Pokrovsk Axis: Remains the highest intensity area. GSh ZSU reported 13 RU attacks/attempts (6 ongoing as of 16:00 Apr 19). RU sources claim continued push westward; video released showing RU Spetsnaz strikes. Hostilities continue despite ceasefire declaration.
Toretsk Axis: Intense fighting persists. NEW RU CLAIM: Advance of up to 1km claimed near Dachne. CRITICAL CLAIM (UA Source): Alleged Russian use of poisonous gas/chemical agent via drones in the area. (Requires urgent verification). UA Azov drone unit reported continued FPV strikes on RU forces post-ceasefire declaration.
Lyman Axis:MAP UPDATE (DeepState): Russian forces advanced near Bilohorivka (Luhansk Oblast). GSh ZSU reported 6 RU attacks (3 ongoing as of 16:00 Apr 19).
Novopavlivsk Axis:MAP UPDATE (DeepState): Russian forces advanced near Rozlyv and in Uspenivka. GSh ZSU reported 7 RU attacks repelled as of 16:00 Apr 19. RU developing offensive towards Otradne/Bohatyr.
Orikhiv Axis (Zaporizhzhia):MAP UPDATE CLAIM (RU Source): Russian forces advanced near Mala Tokmachka. Corroborated by RU claim of VDV sappers clearing mines in newly occupied territory, suggesting consolidation efforts. GSh ZSU reported 3 RU attacks repelled as of 16:00 Apr 19.
Kherson Axis (Prydniprovskyi):CONFIRMED RU ATTACK Post-Ceasefire:RU drone strike hit a residential building in Kherson city, causing significant fire damage. Ongoing RU FPV activity within the city.
III. Capabilities & Logistics
Ukrainian EW Success:CONFIRMED destruction of a third Russian Borisoglebsk-2 Electronic Warfare system in the Kherson region this week by UA "Spysy Odina" unit (video evidence).
Russian Drone Activity: Continued high level of activity. Shahed drones detected pre-ceasefire start. Confirmed use of drone for strike on Kherson residential building after ceasefire start. Over 20 kamikaze drone attacks reported on Nikopol district communities (Dnipropetrovsk) during the day.
Russian EW Losses: Significant loss confirmed with the destruction of the third Borisoglebsk-2 system.
IV. Humanitarian & Ethical Considerations
Civilian Harm (Kherson):Confirmed Russian drone strike on a residential building in Kherson city after the declared ceasefire start time, resulting in fire damage to multiple apartments. Highlights continued direct threat to civilians despite ceasefire declaration.
Prisoners of War: Successful major exchange brings 277 Ukrainian personnel home, contributing significantly to humanitarian efforts and national morale.
Potential War Crime / LOAC Violation:CRITICAL CLAIM of Russian use of poisonous gas/chemical agent via drone near Toretsk requires urgent verification and investigation. The confirmed strike on civilian housing in Kherson also warrants scrutiny under LOAC.
