Russian Air Strikes (Significant Civilian Casualties & Damage):
Zaporizhzhia City KAB Strike (Updated Casualties): Attack occurred ~08:40 UTC. One KAB hit infrastructure, the other a multi-story residential building. Confirmed Casualties (Updated via Zaporizhzhia OVA): 1 civilian killed (F), 26 civilians wounded, including 4 children hospitalized (previously 22 WIA via ASTRA, 1 KIA/22 WIA via OGP). Significant damage to residential buildings and vehicles confirmed. Rescue operations ongoing. Investigation opened by OGP (Art. 438 CCU). Video/photo confirmation of impact/aftermath circulated (Zelenskyy, OVA).
Kharkiv City Drone Attack (Ongoing Major Event - Updated):
Activity: Multiple groups of Shahed-type UAVs targeted Kharkiv City starting ~09:10 UTC, with mass strikes confirmed 12:55-13:36 local time (Syniehubov). At least 12 UAV impacts reported across four districts (Shevchenkivskyi, Novobavarskyi, Kyivskyi, Saltivskyi). Rescue operations ongoing. Fires reported in several districts.
Russian Claims/Tactics: Use of updated/daytime capable "Geran" drones alleged, with claimed increased difficulty in interception due to new tactic of high-speed dive from 2000-2500m altitude (RU sources - Dva Mayora). Specific claim of targeting the Ukrelectromash plant (Saltivskyi district). Video confirmation of impacts/smoke circulated (RU sources).
Impacts: Multiple strikes confirmed. Hit reported on road surface in Kyivskyi district (~10:40 UTC), causing car fire. Fires reported at impact sites. Photos/videos show damaged residential buildings, burning cars (Zelenskyy).
Alerts: Air alert remains active. UA AF urges shelter. Active RU tactical aviation on NE direction poses continued threat.
Odesa Drone Attack (Apr 21 Night - Damage Confirmed): Previous Shahed attack caused extensive damage to a civilian fitness club (Sternenko - video confirmation). Damage also previously confirmed to residential buildings, educational institution, vehicles.
Sumy Oblast KAB Threat (Ongoing): UA AF reports ongoing KAB threat towards Sumy city (12:02 UTC) and repeated KAB launches towards Sumy district (12:38 UTC).
(NEW - Potential) Vladimir Oblast, Russia (Apr 22): RU sources (Alex Parker) claim Ukrainian forces struck an ammunition depot in Vladimir Oblast (near Kirzhach district). Video circulating shows large explosion and smoke plume. (Requires verification - Vladimir Oblast is deep within Russia).
Kursk Oblast (Apr 11): UA sources (Operatyvnyi ZSU) claim successful drone strike targeted hangars near Sorokin (Kursk Oblast) concealing an S-400 air defense complex. Claimed damage to command vehicle (R-149AKSH-1), radar (96L6-1V), two launchers (5P85SM2-01), and six missiles (48N6DM). (Corroborates previous report).
Potential Ukrainian AEW&C Capability: Russian sources continue to speculate on the deployment of Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C (ASC 890) aircraft by Ukraine, citing alleged test flights. (From previous report).
Confirmed Japanese Intelligence Support: Russian sources (Voenkor Kotenok) acknowledge Japan finalizing agreement to provide SAR satellite intelligence to Ukraine's GUR, framing it as direct targeting assistance and increased Japanese involvement. (Confirms previous report).
Claimed Russian Destruction of High-Value UA Asset (Kramatorsk Area): RU sources (Arkangel Spetsnaza, ZALA) claim destruction of a US-supplied HIMARS MLRS near Serhiivka (Donetsk Oblast, Kramatorsk direction). Allege initial damage by Lancet loitering munition followed by destruction via Iskander OTRK strike, with targeting and BDA provided by ZALA Z-16 reconnaissance UAV. Video provided. Claim HIMARS used against Kursk/Belgorod regions. (Requires verification).
Russian MoD Claims (Previous 24h - via TASS/Colonelcassad):
Claimed strikes on UA formations/equipment in Sumy (near Popovka, Prokhody, Okop - up to 40 KIA, 3 arty, EW), Kharkiv (near Kamianka, Doroshivka, Moskovka - up to 250 KIA, M113, HMMWV, 5 arty, Vampire MLRS, 2 EW, 3 ammo depots), Donetsk (Yug Group: near Novoolenivka, Zaria, etc. - up to 300 KIA, tank, 5 AFV incl. M113, 4 arty, Grad MLRS, EW, ammo depot; Center Group: near Krasnoarmiisk, Myrolyubivka, etc. - >310 KIA, 4 AFV), South Donetsk/Zaporizhzhia (Vostok Group: near Tolstoi, Komar, Huliaipole, Chervone - up to 170 KIA, 3 AFV, 5 arty incl. 2 NATO), Kherson (Dnepr Group: near Novodanylivka, Kamianske, Poniativka, Nikolske - >70 KIA, 2 arty, 2 C-arty radars, 2 ammo depots).
Claimed destruction of UA Su-34 temporary deployment point (Note: Likely meant Su-24).
Claimed engagement of UA UAV production site, downing of 3 JDAMs, 1 HIMARS projectile, and 99 UA UAVs (from previous report).
II. Frontline Operations
Potential Major Russian Offensive Preparations (Dnipropetrovsk Direction - UA Intel Claim): UA sources (Tsaplienko, citing military/POW intel) report potential Russian preparations for a significant offensive push towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, aiming for a breakthrough by May 9th. Alleged goal is to declare the conclusion of the "Special Military Operation" and transition to an "Anti-Terrorist Operation" footing within Ukraine. (Requires careful monitoring and corroboration).
Toretsk Axis (Major RU Advance Claims):
Russian MoD Confirms Capture of Sukha Balka (Donetsk Oblast) by "Yug" Group. RU sources claim this facilitates approach to H-20 highway (Konstantynivka direction). (From previous report).
RU Map Claims (Colonelcassad/divgen, Apr 22): Claim advance in Sukha Balka area and advance near Dylyivka (RU sources refer to settlement as Gorkogo).
Pokrovsk Axis (Highest Intensity):
UA GSFU (Previous Day): Repelled 61 Russian assaults/actions.
RU MoD Claims (Past Day): Improved frontline situation, inflicted >310 UA personnel losses.
RU Claimed Elimination of UA Personnel: RU sources (Alex Parker) claim killing of UA soldier Maryana Savelieva (callsign "Vidma" / "Witch") near Pokrovsk. Allege her involvement in propaganda and previous activity in Kursk Oblast. (Requires verification, potential IO target).
UA Drone Activity (Flying Skull Unit): Claimed destruction of 1 RU "scooterist", 3 RU personnel, and a building used for cover (STERNENKO - video).
POW Testimony (Yashin, 33rd MR Regt): Captured RU soldier Sergey Yashin provided testimony detailing forced mobilization despite severe health issues (missing spleen/lung), extremely high casualties ("corpses everywhere"), poor conditions, and his surrender on the first mission. Indicates potential low morale and personnel issues within RU units on this axis. (Corroborates previous report).
Novopavlivsk Axis (South Donetsk / Kurakhove):
RU MoD Claims Capture of Preobrazhenka (Apr 22): Russian MoD claims forces of the 90th Guards Tank Division (Tsentr Group) captured Preobrazhenka (Donetsk Oblast, Krasnoarmeysk direction). Claim assault began with seizing supply line, destroying UA armor including a US MaxxPro. Report using small group infiltration across open terrain after accumulation of forces, and using sound signals instead of radios for command during the final assault. State objective is advance towards Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) transport hub. Video report provided. (DeepState previously mapped RU advance near Preobrazhenka).
UA GSFU (Previous Day): Repelled 19 Russian attacks.
RU MoD Claims (Past Day): Inflicted up to 170 UA losses.
Lyman Axis:
UA Claimed Elimination of RU Personnel: UA 63rd Mech Bde claims elimination of 3 RU personnel described as "caravanmen" or "camels" (allegedly penal troops/convicts used for manual supply transport) via drone strike. Video evidence provided (Butusov Plus).
UA GSFU (Previous Day): Repelled 12 Russian attacks.
Zaporizhzhia Axis (Orikhiv / Robotyne - Major UA Success & Ceasefire Violation Confirmed):
UA GSFU Confirms Repulsion of Large RU Mechanized Assault (Pre-Easter): Involved ~40 RU armored vehicles, >300 personnel. Coordinated UA defense (128th Mountain Assault Bde et al.).
Claimed RU Losses (UA GSFU / 128 Bde):29 units RU armored vehicles destroyed, approximately 140 RU personnel KIA/WIA.
Ceasefire Violations Confirmed (UA Source - DeepState): Evidence confirms Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Robotyne during the declared ceasefire, specifically targeting UA resupply attempts (video provided). (All points from previous report).
Kupyansk Axis:
UA GSFU (Previous Day): Repelled 2 attacks.
UA NGU "Kara-Dag" (15th Bde, Azov NGU Corps) reported capturing RU infantry group (Previous Day, video evidence circulated Apr 22).
Kharkiv Direction (Border Areas):
RU claims active assaults resumed near Lyptsi and Vovchansk. Claims RU strikes hit UA forces/depots near Lyptsi and Vovchansk. (From previous report).
UA 113th TDF Bde drone unit ("Sky riders") effectiveness highlighted (OTU Kharkiv).
Prydniprovskyi Axis (Kherson):
Russian Claims (Arkangel Spetsnaza): Increased UA strikes post-ceasefire. Claim RU FAB-500 strikes hit UA Territorial Recruitment Center building in Kherson City. Acknowledge difficult RU logistics near Hola Prystan / Oleshky due to constant UA drone activity and remote mining. Claim UA attempts small group landings near Antonivsky bridge are intercepted by RU drone operators. Note UA "Baba Yaga" night drone activity. Claim RU drone operators maintain air control superiority impacting UA supply/evacuation.
POW Testimony (Kukushkin, 144th MRB): Captured RU soldier Alexey Kukushkin (captured Apr 12 near Kherson islands) provided testimony detailing financial motivation for signing contract (Mar 25), being deceived about role (promised rear duties, assigned assistant machine gunner), drug use, minimal training (Simferopol), being sent on mission to occupy "empty trenches" on islands with anti-drone capes/limited supplies (Apr 9). Claims "old-timers" warned it was a one-way trip, entire group of 13 except him KIA after first contact. Expressed desire to kill commander. Indicates extremely high losses, poor planning, low morale, potential personnel issues on this axis. (Nikolaevskiy Vanek).
UA GSFU (Previous Day): No RU ground offensive actions reported.
RU MoD Claims (Past Day): Inflicted >70 UA losses.
General Frontline Claims (UA):
UA 31st Mech Bde claims repelling 8 RU assaults (Apr 21), destroying 16 RU motorcycles and eliminating several infantry groups (axis unspecified).
III. Cross-Border Engagements (Kursk/Belgorod/Sumy)
Kursk Oblast Border Zone:
RU Claim (Reinforced - MoD Report Apr 22): Russian forces ("Sever" Group) claim engaging four UA brigades (tank, mech, assault, TDF) near Hornal Monastery area (Sudzhansky district). Claim inflicting >160 UA personnel losses, destroying 1 tank, 1 AFV, 10 vehicles, 1 SPG, 3 arty pieces, 1 mortar, 1 Osa-AKM AD system, 1 EW station, and 6 UAV C2 points. Claim 4 UA soldiers surrendered. Video evidence previously circulated allegedly showing clearing operations and UA casualties/positions near the monastery. RU claims fighting lasted 10+ days, alleging UA used monastery as strategic strongpoint.
RU Claim (Basurin): UA allegedly deploying 300 UAV teams to Kursk Oblast to support remaining infantry.
UA Deep Strike Claim (Apr 11): UA sources (Operatyvnyi ZSU) claim successful drone strike damaged an S-400 complex near Sorokin. (Corroborates previous report).
UA GSFU (Previous Day): Repelled 21 Russian assaults.
Belgorod Oblast Border Zone:
Civilian Casualty Confirmed: RU Belgorod Governor and ASTRA confirm 1 civilian truck driver killed by alleged UA drone strike near Serhiivka (Krasnoyaruzhsky district) while violating travel restrictions to feed livestock. (Corroborates previous report).
RU Call for Documentation: SF Chair Matviyenko urged Belgorod Gov. Gladkov to systematically document all alleged UA attacks on civilian targets (housing, cars) for accountability (TASS).
Sumy Oblast Border Zone:
RU Claims (MoD Report Apr 22 / RVvoenkory): Claimed strikes on UA forces/equipment near Popovka, Prokhody, Okop, inflicting up to 40 UA personnel losses, destroying vehicles, arty, EW. RU MoD also claims strikes targeted UA forces in Belovody, Varachino, Velyka Rybytsia, Vodolahy, Myropillya, Mohrytsia, Sadky, Studenok, Yunakivka, Yablonivka. RVvoenkory claims ongoing fighting near Popovka, with UA forces maintaining presence on outskirts; shares video of RU 34th Bde strike.
KAB Threat (Ongoing): UA AF reports ongoing KAB threat towards Sumy city (12:02 UTC) and repeated KAB launches towards Sumy district (12:38 UTC).
IV. Capabilities, Logistics & Personnel
Ukrainian Capabilities & Strategy:
Intelligence: Confirmed agreement for Japanese SAR satellite intelligence (acknowledged by RU sources). Potential testing of Swedish AEW&C (RU Claim). Major RU offensive towards Dnipropetrovsk by May 9th identified as potential threat (UA Intel Claim).
Drone Operations: Active FPV/recon use continues. UA 113th TDF Bde drone unit ("Sky riders") highlighted for effectiveness. Claimed successful deep strike on S-400 (Kursk, Apr 11). UA "Flying Skull" unit active on Pokrovsk axis. UA 63rd Mech Bde FPV strike on RU personnel (Lyman).
Training/Morale: UA DShV promotes training, planning, discipline of 132nd Separate Recon Bn.
National Resistance: Ukraine formally establishing network of national resistance training centers in regions/Kyiv, utilizing military instructors to prepare citizens.
Anti-Corruption/Legal: OGP charges 14 RU Orthodox Metropolitans for facilitating occupation/property seizure. SBU investigation into Kyiv Podilskyi bridge construction embezzlement (over 153M UAH) involving former/current KMDA enterprise heads (pre-war period 2018-2019). Deputy Kyiv Mayor Volodymyr Prokopyiv placed under house arrest until June 20 (electronic tag, passport surrendered) for alleged draft evasion scheme.
Russian Capabilities & Logistics:
Drone Technology: Active use of various drones. Renewed claims of updated/daytime Geran drones with high-speed dive tactic being harder to intercept (Kharkiv). Claimed use of "reactive" Geran-3 (Odesa - previous report). Claimed successful combined Lancet/Iskander strike on HIMARS leveraging ZALA Z-16 recon UAV. Claim upgraded Lancets/ZALA Z-16 with improved comms/targeting deployed for deep strikes. Claimed destruction of UA Starlink terminal by 69th Bde (Vostok Group).
Counter-UAV: RU sources share video of soldier allegedly shooting down UA FPV drone with rifle fire.
Maritime Drones: Russia establishes Technical Council for Maritime Unmanned Systems, chaired by Navy CINC Adm. Moiseev, acknowledging need to develop capabilities where Ukraine (with UK support) has shown success. Exhibition showcased over 30 RU developers/manufacturers.
Targeting: Continued heavy use of KABs against civilian areas (Zaporizhzhia, Kupyansk, Sumy). Ongoing Shahed strikes (Kharkiv - daytime). Claimed targeting of UA UAV production, bases, EW, logistics, TCC building (Kherson), HIMARS (Kramatorsk area), Starlink terminal.
Logistics Development (Potential Long-Term): RU sources note accelerated Romanian logistics development (A7 highway, ports) potentially usable by NATO for military cargo transit towards Ukraine. (From previous report). Domestic Aerospace: Preparing first flight of fully import-substituted SJ-100 airliner by end April (Kotsnews).
Personnel Issues (Significant Evidence): POW testimony (Yashin, Pokrovsk axis) indicates forced deployment of unfit personnel, high losses, low morale. POW testimony (Kukushkin, Kherson axis) indicates deception regarding combat roles/risks, extremely high losses (12/13 KIA on first mission), poor supplies, low morale, desire to kill commander. Report alleging mistreatment and forced return to front of severely wounded mobilized soldier from North Ossetia (ASTRA). Fundraising appeals persist (e.g., 7th Gds Air Assault Div - previous report; volunteer groups supplying vehicles/drones). UA 63rd Bde claims targeting RU personnel used for manual logistics transport ("caravanmen") on Lyman axis.
Volunteer Support: Groups like "KatyaValya" report preparing 30 vehicles, 50+ drones, comms gear (108th Regt) for frontline units. "Moscow-Donbass" group delivered radios, camo, stretchers, sleeping bags, meds etc. to RU assault units on Pokrovsk direction (Narodnaya Militsiya DNR video).
Casualties (New/Updated):
UA Civilian (Zaporizhzhia City KAB): 1 KIA (F), 26 WIA (incl. 4 children - Zaporizhzhia OVA).
UA Civilian (Kharkiv City UAV): 8 WIA (Operatyvnyi ZSU).
RU Civilian (Belgorod Drone): 1 KIA (Truck driver, Krasnoyaruzhsky district).
RU Military: UA 31 Bde claims multiple groups KIA (Apr 21). UA 113 Bde claims hundreds KIA cumulatively. POW Yashin reports heavy losses (Pokrovsk). POW Kukushkin reports 12/13 KIA in his group (Kherson islands, Apr 12). UA "Flying Skull" claims 3+ KIA (Pokrovsk). UA 63rd Bde claims 3 KIA (Lyman).
UA Military (RU Claims): RU sources claim killing UA soldier Maryana Savelieva ("Vidma") near Pokrovsk. RU MoD claims >160 UA KIA near Hornal (Kursk border). RU MoD claims 4 UA POWs near Hornal (Kursk border).
RU MoD UA Loss Claims: See Section I for daily claimed figures across axes.
DNR Claim (Apr 14-21): 6 civilians KIA (1 child), 13 WIA (1 child) from alleged UA actions.
V. Political & Information Operations
Ceasefire Narratives & Violations:
Confirmed RU Violation: UA source (DeepState) video evidence confirms Russian attacks on UA resupply near Robotyne during the declared ceasefire.
French Assessment: French Foreign Minister characterized the Russian ceasefire declaration as a "marketing operation" aimed at influencing US political dynamics (specifically regarding Trump), noting UA reported only reduced intensity, not cessation (Tsaplienko).
Ukrainian Stance (Zelenskyy - Apr 22): Condemned RU strikes on Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, etc. as "conscious Russian terror." Stated Easter period proved RU can halt attacks if ordered. Reiterated Ukraine's offer to extend the ceasefire and proposal for halt to attacks on civilian objects remains valid, contingent on "serious readiness" from Russia for talks.
Russian Stance (Peskov): No rigid timelines for conflict resolution. Openness to talks reiterated, but Kyiv has not removed alleged "self-ban" on negotiations. Kyiv has not responded to proposal on avoiding civilian infrastructure strikes.
Territorial Concessions Narrative (RU Source): NY Post report citing alleged Trump admin source claims Ukraine ready to cede 20% territory "de facto" as part of potential settlement framework (Dnevnik Desantnika). (Requires verification, likely reflects desired RU narrative).
Russian Narratives: Promoting capture of Sukha Balka, Preobrazhenka, Hornal Monastery. Disseminating high claimed UA losses (>160 KIA near Hornal). Highlighting new drone tactics (Kharkiv), Lancet/Iskander effectiveness (HIMARS claim). Highlighting maritime drone development. Framing alleged UA attacks on Belgorod (Matviyenko call for documentation). Publicizing civilian casualty in Belgorod. Boris Rozhin commentary promotes need for constant weapons development due to global instability caused by US. Releasing propaganda video urging UA soldiers to surrender, alleging forced UA mobilization. Framing elimination of alleged UA soldier "Vidma" as targeting propaganda figure.
Ukrainian Narratives: Highlighting RU attacks on civilians (Zaporizhzhia, Kupyansk, Kharkiv casualties/damage - Zelenskyy statement, photos/videos). Publicizing defensive successes (Zaporizhzhia mech assault repelled - previous report; 31 Bde repelling assaults). Showcasing evidence of RU ceasefire violations. Promoting technological advancements (Drones, Intel - Japanese SAR). Publicizing POW testimony showing RU issues (Yashin, Kukushkin). Highlighting potential major RU offensive plans (Dnipropetrovsk). Reporting establishment of national resistance training. Reporting legal action against collaborating clergy and internal corruption (Kyiv bridge, Prokopyiv house arrest). Claiming successful S-400 strike. Highlighting RU personnel issues through targeted strikes (63rd Bde vs "caravanmen").
Information Environment / Censorship:
RU sources (Dva Mayora, NgP Razvedka, Belarusian Silovik) report Telegram shadow-banning of pro-RU military channels (RSOTM, Wagner, African Corps) on App Store/Play Market versions, attributing it to Google/Apple requests, allegedly under French pressure regarding African content. Channels reportedly still accessible via direct download/link. RU sources frame this as Telegram becoming a controlled tool.
