All Clear: The threat from the widespread overnight/morning UAV attack has been lifted (UA AF, 06:02 UTC).
Previous Activity: UAVs were last observed maneuvering near Kropyvnytskyi and Svitlovodsk (Kirovohrad Oblast) before the all-clear was issued.
Major Impacts & Aftermath (Consolidated & UPDATED):
Marhanets (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast - MASS CASUALTIES): A Russian kamikaze drone struck a bus carrying enterprise workers. Casualty figures remain 9 civilians killed and 30 wounded (Lysak Dnipro ODA, RBC-Ukraina, Tsaplienko, ASTRA, Operatyvnyi ZSU, STERNENKO, Sever.Realii). Visuals confirm heavy damage to the civilian bus.
Poltava City/Oblast: Strikes targeted exclusively civilian infrastructure, injuring 6 civilians (Updated figure - Sever.Realii; previous reports stated 3). Damage to residential buildings, private enterprises, warehouses, garages. One drone impacted near a multi-story building. Fires liquidated. Reported power outages following strikes (Operatyvnyi ZSU, DSNS, STERNENKO, Rybar, Sever.Realii).
Targeted civilian objects, causing large fires and building destruction. 1 civilian (65M) wounded. Significant damage reported including roofs of multi-story buildings (2-story, 4-story), warehouse, administrative building, multiple vehicles (Audi, 24 others), sport complex, farm building, grass fires. UAV (claimed "Molniya" type by RU sources) struck technical floor of a multi-story residential building in Industrialnyi district (morning Apr 23). (Kharkiv OVA - Syniehubov, RBC-Ukraina, Operatyvnyi ZSU, Tsaplienko, DSNS, STERNENKO, Kharkiv Mayor).
Kyiv Oblast (Brovarskyi district): Falling UAV debris caused a fire destroying two buildings of a hotel-restaurant complex. Additionally, 7 private houses, a farm building, and a warehouse premise were damaged. Fire liquidated. No casualties reported. (RBC-Ukraina, DSNS, STERNENKO, Operatyvnyi ZSU). Visuals confirm damage.
Odesa Oblast: Strikes targeted civilian infrastructure, causing large fires and injuring 2 civilians (DSNS, ASTRA, Odesa OVA, STERNENKO, Sever.Realii - from earlier in attack wave). RU sources claim use of new "Geran-3" turbojet drones targeting Shkilnyi Airfield and NII Shtorm facility (night Apr 21-22).
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Other): Attack on Raivska hromada (Synelnykivskyi raion) injured 2 civilian men (40, 48). Fire at agricultural enterprise (Lysak - Dnipro ODA, Sever.Realii). FPV drone attacks in Nikopol, Pokrovska, and Marhanetska hromadas (Nikopolskyi raion), no casualties reported from FPVs. (Lysak - Dnipro ODA).
Ongoing Air Threats (NEW ALERTS):
Tactical Aviation Threat (North-East): Russian tactical aviation active on the north-eastern direction. Threat of air-launched weapons for frontline oblasts (UA AF, 06:19 UTC).
Tactical Aviation Threat (East): Russian tactical aviation active on the eastern direction. Threat of air-launched weapons for frontline oblasts (UA AF, 06:20 UTC).
Air Defence Activity (Past Day):
Ukrainian AD downed 4 UAVs over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight (Lysak, Vilkul).
Total RU Losses Claimed (Past Day - GSh ZSU): 138 UAVs, 1 AD system.
Russian MoD claims interception/destruction of 11 UA UAVs overnight (Apr 22-23) over Tula (3), Belgorod (2), Kursk (2), Bryansk (1), Kaluga (1), Oryol (1), and Crimea (1) Oblasts. (ASTRA, Rybar, MoD RU). Bryansk governor confirmed one UAV down.
Russian Strike Patterns & Claims:
RU sources claimed widespread strikes overnight (Apr 22-23) using missiles ('Onyx') and UAVs ('Geran' variants) against Nikolaev, Kharkiv, Odesa, Kyiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Brovary Oblasts.
Specific RU claims targeted industrial zones, HELZ plant (Kharkiv), alleged explosives production facility (Zaporizhzhia Oblast - MoD RU video). RU sources claim strikes targeted Kramatorsk ammo depots overnight, causing secondary detonations (RVvoenkor - video evidence of explosions).
NEW RU Claim (Bohatyr): RU Su-34 (11th Air Army) used OFZAB-500 and FAB-500 UMPK bombs against alleged UA temporary deployment points (PVD) in Bohatyr (Novopavlivsk axis) (Voin DV, 06:00 UTC - video evidence).
Russian Strikes (Past Day Summary - GSh ZSU & OTU Kharkiv):
Overall (GSh ZSU): Russia conducted 125 air strikes (dropping 242 KABs), 6019 shelling incidents (150 MLRS), and used approximately 2800 kamikaze drones.
Kharkiv Direction (OTU Kharkiv): 3 air strikes (5 KABs), 86 kamikaze drones, 751 shelling incidents.
Alleged Ukrainian Drone/Missile Activity vs. Russian Territory/Forces (RU Claims):
Belgorod Oblast (Civilian Impact Claims): RU sources claim continued UA drone attacks targeting civilians/vehicles. Confirmed 1 civilian KIA, 8 WIA from various drone strikes on Apr 22.
Bryansk Oblast (Civilian Impact Claims - UPDATED): RU sources (Rybar, WarGonzo) claim UA drones caused extensive fires destroying numerous houses: Total 56 houses claimed destroyed - 29 in Klimovsky district, 25+shop in Khoromnoye, 2+kindergarten in Brakhlov, 2 in Sushany, 2 in Grudskaya (WarGonzo, 05:55 UTC). No casualties reported in latest update. Attacks described as ongoing.
Kursk Oblast: Claim FPV drone destroyed UA dugout/personnel in Sumy Oblast. Claim RU forces destroyed 2 UA drones (1 on launchpad).
Zaporizhzhia Front: 35th Army UAV operators destroyed UA communication assets (Starlink, antenna, generator) in Polohy direction.
Chasiv Yar Area: FPV drone (98th VDV Div) destroyed a UA pickup truck.
Unnamed Area: ZALA recon UAV directed Lancet strike destroying foreign-made UA howitzer. RU special forces claim drone strikes on UA positions/equipment/drones.
Vladimir Oblast Arsenal Aftermath (Kirzhach, Russia):
Detonations gradually ceasing, extensive forest fires persist. State of Emergency Declared in several settlements. Schools/enterprises closed, roads blocked. 4 civilians confirmed injured. 533 people confirmed in 2 temporary shelters. Evacuation continues. Facility potentially held 270,000 tons of ammunition. (TASS, ASTRA).
Russian Airspace Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions imposed at airports in Kazan, Ulyanovsk, and Nizhnekamsk (Tatarstan, Ulyanovsk Oblast) earlier today have likely been lifted, but require confirmation.
II. Naval Activity
Black Sea (UA Navy/GSh, 06:00 UTC Apr 23 - No Change):
Two Russian Kalibr missile carriers detected.
Potential total salvo remains 12 missiles. Missile threat elevated.
Sea of Azov: No enemy vessels detected (No change).
Mediterranean Sea: Three Russian warships active, including two Kalibr carriers (up to 12 missiles) (No change).
Kerch Strait: Transit continues; Russia persists in disabling AIS, violating SOLAS.
III. Frontline Operations (Based on GSh ZSU, OTU Kharkiv & other sources)
Overall Assessment: Russian forces maintain offensive pressure on multiple axes, with high intensity on the Pokrovsk axis. 144 combat clashes recorded over the past day (GSh ZSU). Continued heavy use of UAVs (~2800 kamikaze + 86 in Kharkiv Dir) and KABs. Ukrainian forces repelled numerous assaults. Russian forces confirmed control of Sukha Balka and claim advances near Toretsk and in Kursk Oblast border area. Increased RU activity reported on Zaporizhzhia axis.
Kursk/Sumy Border Zone (UA Operation Ongoing / RU Claims):
UA Operations (GSh): Ukrainian operations continue in Kursk Oblast. Repelled 22 Russian assaults in the past day.
RU Claims (UPDATED - Arkhangel Spetsnaza, Dva Mayora 06:01-06:24 UTC):
Fighting continues in Hornal vicinity. RU forces entered/occupied the monastery area but the village itself is not secured. UA forces hold tactical advantage due to terrain, using drones/artillery extensively against RU forward positions.
Situation in Oleshnia is "nearing completion." RU assault groups claimed liberation of the second-to-last settlement held by UA forces there. Active clearing operations ongoing. Expect clearing of adjacent woods upon completion.
General situation remains tense, progress is slow despite claims.
Belgorod Border Zone:
RU Claims: Repelled UA ground infiltration attempts near Popovka and Demidovka (Apr 22). Heavy UA drone attacks targeting civilians claimed (see Air Warfare/Humanitarian). No significant LoC changes reported.
Kharkiv Direction (UPDATED - OTU Kharkiv):
UA GSh ZSU / OTU Kharkiv: Repelled 4 Russian attacks near Vovchansk in the past day. Situation complex but controlled.
RU Air/Drone/Arty Activity (Past Day): 3 air strikes (5 KABs), 86 kamikaze drones, 751 shelling incidents against UA positions.
RU Claim: AGS-17 unit (128th Bde) disrupted UA rotation.
Kupyansk Axis:
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 3 Russian attacks near Zahryzove and Nova Kruhlyakivka.
RU Claim: Resumed rolling attacks ("nakaty"). Ongoing fighting for Kamenka and Kondrashovka.
Lyman Axis:
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 14 Russian attacks near Kolodyazi, Nadiya, Novomykhailivka, and towards Olhivka, Hlushchenkove, Novoserhiivka.
RU Claim: Expanding zone of control towards Torske.
RU Claim (Personnel): Claims unprepared mobilized UA soldiers transferred to Bilohorivka (Luhansk).
Siversk Axis:
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 3 Russian attempts near Hryhorivka and Verkhnokamyanske.
RU Claim: Continue offensive near Hryhorivka.
RU Claim (Personnel): Claims unprepared mobilized UA soldiers transferred to Hryhorivka.
Kramatorsk Axis (Chasiv Yar):
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 6 Russian attacks near Stupochky, Bila Hora, and towards Maiske.
RU Claim: Fighting within Chasiv Yar urban area. FPV drone destroyed UA pickup truck. Claimed destruction of UA ammo depots near Kramatorsk overnight (secondary detonations heard).
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 13 Russian attacks near Dachne, Druzhba, Toretsk, and towards Shcherbynivka.
RU Capture Confirmed (NEW VIDEO): Russian forces confirmed control of Sukha Balka (RU MoD claim supported by geolocated video - Sливочный каприз; NEW RU MoD video showing flag raising published by TASS 06:21 UTC). Claim >600m advance.
RU Claims (Advances): Claim successful advances near Tarasivka, pushing towards Nelepivka, and entering Dachne.
Pokrovsk Axis (Highest Intensity):
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 53 Russian assaults near Berezivka, Kotlyarivka, Preobrazhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Troitske, Andriivka, and towards Novopavlivka, Myrolyubivka.
RU Claim: Resumed efforts to envelop Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad-Myrolyubivka node from the south. Positional battles.
RU Claim (Personnel Loss): Claim UA propagandist/servicewoman Olena Savelyeva KIA by shelling.
Novopavlivsk Axis (South Donetsk / Vremivka Salient) (UPDATED):
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 17 Russian attacks near Kostyantynopil, Pryvilne, Novosilka, and towards Oleksiivka, Odradne.
Potential UA Advance (ISW): Near Troitske (Requires confirmation).
RU Claims: Advancing towards Bohatyr and Otradne, capturing strongpoints.
RU Strikes: Claimed Su-34 strike with OFZAB/FAB-500 UMPK on UA PVD in Bohatyr (Voin DV 06:00 UTC). Claimed artillery wounded 5 civilians in Konstantynopil (occupied Donetsk).
Zaporizhzhia Axis (Orikhiv / Polohy) (UPDATED):
UA GSh ZSU: Repelled 5 Russian attacks near Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, and P'yatykhatky.
Increased RU Activity (NEW - Tsaplienko 06:11 UTC): Occupiers intensified activity. UA 31st OMBR and attached units (incl. 15th OGSB) repelled 8 RU assault actions, neutralizing 16 motorcycles and several infantry groups. Attacks ongoing.
Ongoing RU Strikes (Zaporizhzhia OVA - Past Day): 359 strikes (10 air, 209 UAV, 4 MLRS, 136 arty) across 13 settlements. 1 civilian KIA, 40 WIA (Zaporizhzhia city). Damage reported. RU MoD claims Geran-2 strike on alleged explosives facility.
RU Claims: Consolidating in Mala Tokmachka; positional fighting near Maly Shcherbaky, Shcherbaky, Stepove. UA counterattacks noted. 35th Army UAVs destroyed UA comms equipment (Polohy direction). Fundraising ongoing for night Mavic drone for RU paratroopers (Dnevnik Desantnika).
Huliaipole Axis:
UA GSh ZSU: No active RU offensive actions reported.
Kherson Axis (Prydniprovskyi):
UA GSh ZSU: No active RU offensive actions reported.
RU Claim (Civilian Impact): Claims UA attack on civilian vehicle near Nova Mayachka injured occupants. Claims continued UA strikes on occupied settlements.
IV. Political & Diplomatic Context (SIGNIFICANT UPDATES)
London Peace Talks (Apr 23 - MAJOR CHANGES):
Ministerial Meeting Postponed/Cancelled: The planned meeting of Foreign Ministers from the UK, US, France, Germany, and Ukraine has been postponed/cancelled (Sky News, TASS, RBC-Ukraina, Operatyvnyi ZSU, Шеф Hayabusa, 05:58 - 06:16 UTC).
Reasoning (Multiple Reports): Primarily attributed to Ukraine's rejection of reported US proposals involving recognition of Russian control over Crimea (CNN, NYT via RVvoenkor, ASTRA, RBC-Ukraina, Operatyvnyi ZSU). US State Dept officially cited scheduling conflicts for SecState Rubio.
Reduced Participation:
US SecState Marco Rubio will NOT attend (CNN, NYT, RVvoenkor, FT, ASTRA). US delegation now led by Special Envoy Keith Kellogg.
French and German Foreign Ministers also apparently recalled/will not attend (Sky News via ASTRA, 06:20 UTC).
Current Plan: Discussions will proceed between officials from the five countries. Ukrainian FM Andriy Sybiha is still expected in London for a bilateral meeting with UK FM David Lammy (Sky News via RBC-Ukraina, ASTRA).
UA Stance: Reports indicated Ukraine intended to focus discussions on achieving a 30-day ceasefire, rather than the broader alleged US "Trump Plan" (Axios via ЦАПЛІЄНКО, ASTRA, RVvoenkor).
RU Assessment/IO: Russian sources dismiss the talks' significance, citing lack of key figures and Russian participation (Fighterbomber, Colonelcassad). Claim talks "sabotaged" (Colonelcassad). Frame postponement as result of UA inflexibility.
Potential US Peace Proposals ("Trump Plan"):
Circulating reports (Axios, The Telegraph, Operatyvnyi ZSU, etc.) detail alleged US proposals (potentially linked to Trump associates). Key alleged points (varying/unverified):
Territorial: De jure RU Crimea, De facto RU control of current occupied areas, potential small Kharkiv area return to UA.
NATO/EU: No UA NATO, possible EU path.
Security Guarantees: Vague, possibly European-led without direct US role.
ZNPP: US management, power to both sides.
Sanctions/Economy: Lifting US sanctions, US-RU economic cooperation, US-UA minerals deal.
Process: Immediate ceasefire, direct UA-RU talks.
(Requires high-level verification. Potential negative implications for UA sovereignty).
Russian Stance on Negotiations:
Official/Semi-official Russian sources actively dismiss Western media reports (e.g., FT) suggesting Russia is ready to freeze the conflict along current lines. Emphasize need to "liberate" entire "new regions" (Voin DV, Dva Mayora, ZhivovZ, 05:40 - 06:03 UTC). Narrative emphasizes continued conflict. Frame Western reports as manipulation attempt.
Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov previously stated no current plans for talks on stopping civilian strikes, but reiterated Putin's readiness if UA removes legal ban on talks with Putin (TASS).
Russian Internal Policy:
Duma approves law exempting certain volunteers/foreign fighters from future conscription.
NEW: Searches conducted targeting founders/members of "Deputies of Peaceful Russia," an organization declared "undesirable" for opposing the war and Putin regime (TASS, ASTRA, 06:01 - 06:06 UTC).
US Internal Policy: Report persists alleging Trump administration dissolved group collecting Russian war crimes data (Dnevnik Desantnika).
Other Diplomatic/Political:
Russian FM Lavrov in Samarkand, Uzbekistan; laid wreath.
Russian MFA Spokesperson Zakharova accuses Germany of Russophobia/neo-Nazism over alleged Victory Day commemoration obstruction.
V. Information Operations / Other Developments
Russian IO: Promoting capture/flag raising in Sukha Balka. Highlighting RU strikes (Kramatorsk ammo, Zaporizhzhia facility, Bohatyr PVD). Emphasizing alleged UA attacks on RU civilians/territory (Belgorod, Bryansk - 56 houses destroyed claim). Dismissing reports of willingness to freeze conflict, framing them as Western manipulation (ZhivovZ, Voin DV). Dismissing significance/blaming UA for postponement of London talks. Promoting RU military "heroes" (wounded soldier story - Colonelcassad). Fundraising appeals (night drone - Dnevnik Desantnika). Highlighting internal crackdown ("Deputies of Peaceful Russia" searches). Promoting conscription exemption law. Alleging unprepared UA troops sent to front. Promoting Lavrov/Zakharova diplomatic activities. Promoting Su-30 over SSJ-100 (Fighterbomber).
Ukrainian IO: Highlighting mass casualty RU attack on Marhanets civilian bus. Publicizing other civilian impacts (Poltava, Kharkiv, Brovarskyi, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk). Reporting GSh/OTU Kharkiv summaries of repelled attacks and claimed RU losses. Showcasing UA drone effectiveness (47th Bde vs Akhmat/vehicles; 31st Bde vs motorcycles/infantry). Publicizing successful defense against RU assaults (Zaporizhzhia axis - 31st OMBR/15 OGSB). Promoting UA stance/rejection of compromising peace terms (Crimea). Highlighting soldier welfare/psychological support (OTU Kharkiv Psychologist Day). National commemoration efforts (Minute of Silence). Fundraising appeals (STERNENKO FPVs, RBC-Ukraina field cots).
Ukrainian Domestic Sentiment: Majority maintain readiness for long-term resistance (Sociologist Paniontto via RBC-Ukraina).
VI. Logistics, Capabilities & Losses (Approx. past 24 hours)
Ukrainian:
Losses/Damage:
Civilian (UPDATED):9 KIA, 30 WIA in Marhanets (bus). 6 WIA in Poltava (UAV). 1 WIA in Kharkiv city (UAV), 4 WIA in Kupyansk (KABs). 2 WIA in Raivska hromada (Dnipropetrovsk Obl. - UAV). 1 KIA, 40 WIA in Zaporizhzhia city (Previous day RU strikes). 2 WIA in Odesa (UAV). Extensive damage to civilian infrastructure (residential, businesses, warehouses, bus, hotel-restaurant complex, agricultural enterprise, admin building, vehicles, sports complex) in Marhanets, Poltava, Kharkiv, Brovarskyi, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts.
Military (RU Claims): Foreign howitzer, pickup truck (Chasiv Yar), dugout (Sumy Obl.), comms equipment (Polohy), 2 UAVs, alleged explosives facility (Zaporizhzhia Obl.), ammo depots (Kramatorsk), UA PVD in Bohatyr. Propagandist KIA (Pokrovsk).
Capabilities: Ongoing emergency response (DSNS). Air defence active (4 UAVs downed Dnipropetrovsk). Drone operations highly active (47th Bde strikes vs Akhmat/vehicles; 31st Bde strikes vs motorcycles/infantry; fundraising needs ongoing - STERNENKO requests 3002 FPVs). Repelled 144 RU assaults overall (GSh), incl. 4 near Vovchansk (OTU Kharkiv) and 8 in Zaporizhzhia Oblast (31 OMBR/15 OGSB). Conducted strikes on RU assets (GSh). Psychological support systems active (OTU Kharkiv). Logistical needs highlighted by fundraising for field cots (RBC-Ukraina).
Challenges: Sustained mass RU UAV/KAB/missile attacks causing severe civilian casualties/damage. High tempo RU ground assaults. Critical need for AD/drone countermeasures.
Russian:
Losses (UA Claims - GSh ZSU / OTU Kharkiv - Past Day):
Overall (GSh): Approx. 1210 personnel KIA/WIA. Equipment: 8 tanks, 11 AFVs, 85 artillery systems, 1 MLRS, 1 AD system, 138 UAVs, 163 vehicles/fuel tanks, 1 special equipment unit.
Kharkiv Dir (OTU Kharkiv): 96 personnel (54 KIA). Equipment: 120 units O&WT (2 AFV, 3 Arty, 20 Veh, 9 SpecEq, 3 EW, 83 UAV). Destroyed: 96 shelters, 3 ammo depots, 1 POL storage.
Losses (UA Claims - Other):16 motorcycles neutralized (Zaporizhzhia - Tsaplienko). Various vehicles/flags targeted by 47th Bde drones.
Losses (Confirmed/Observed): Significant munition/infrastructure loss at Kirzhach arsenal. 4 civilians injured, 533 evacuated.
Losses (RU Claims): Civilian casualties/damage in Belgorod (1 KIA, 8 WIA) & Bryansk (56 houses destroyed) from alleged UA drones.
Personnel Issues: Captured RU soldier (810th Naval Infantry Bde) details poor preparedness, desertion, use as penal trooper for Kursk assaults (Butusov). RU source highlights wounded soldier returning to service after losing legs (Colonelcassad).
Capabilities: Heavy reliance on UAVs ('Geran'/Shahed, "Molniya", Lancet, recon, FPV). Claims of modernized/new drones ("Geran-3"). Sustained capability for widespread drone/KAB attacks (242 KABs, ~2800 kamikaze drones used - GSh). Active tactical aviation (NEW alerts for NE/E directions). Increased Kalibr capacity in Black Sea (12 missiles). AD active over RU territory. Claims targeting UA production/ammo/comms/arty/PVDs. Sustained high tempo ground assaults. Confirmed capture of Sukha Balka. Use of motorcycles for troop movement/assaults observed (Zaporizhzhia axis). Continued reliance on crowdfunding (night drone - Dnevnik Desantnika). Approved conscription exemption law.
Challenges: Major disruption at Kirzhach arsenal. Vulnerability of border regions. Logistical reliance on public fundraising. Potential use of less prepared/penal troops indicates manpower pressures.
VII. Humanitarian & Ethical Dimensions
Civilian Impact (Ukraine - UPDATED):
Marhanets:9 civilians KIA, 30 WIA from RU kamikaze drone strike on a civilian bus.
Poltava:6 civilians WIA (Updated figure) from UAV strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Occupied Kherson: Claims 2 civilians WIA near Nova Mayachka.
Occupied Donetsk: Claims 5 civilians WIA (incl. child) in Konstantynopil.
Kirzhach, Vladimir Oblast:4 civilians WIA, 533 evacuated due to arsenal fire/explosions.
LOAC Violations/Concerns:
Confirmed Russian attack causing mass civilian casualties (9 KIA, 30 WIA) in Marhanets, targeting a civilian bus. Persistent pattern of RU attacks impacting civilian infrastructure (Poltava, Kharkiv, Brovarskyi, etc.), raising concerns about distinction/proportionality.
Russian claims of deliberate UA targeting of extensive civilian housing (56 homes) in Bryansk Oblast require verification but allege significant LOAC violations by UA forces.
Ongoing risk to civilians near Kirzhach arsenal due to fire/detonations.
Alleged dissolution of US war crimes tracking group could impact accountability.
