Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a large-scale, combined air attack on April 24 (commencing evening April 23) utilizing approximately 70 missiles and 145 drones, totaling 215 targets detected. The attack involved ballistic missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23), cruise missiles (Kh-101 from Tu-95ms, Iskander-K, Kalibr from Black Sea), guided aviation missiles (Kh-59/X-69), and a significant number of Shahed/imitator drones. The primary direction of the strike was Kyiv. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted a total of 112 aerial targets, including 7 ballistic missiles (7/11 launched Iskander-M/KN-23), 42 cruise missiles (31/37 Kh-101, 6/12 Kalibr, 4/4 Iskander-K), and 64 Shahed drones (64/145 launched Shaheds/imitators). An additional 68 drone imitators were locationally lost without consequence. Ukrainian Air Force pilots, including F-16 and Mirage platforms, were actively involved in the defense, accounting for dozens of shootdowns. The attack affected Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Russian sources claimed the attack targeted military facilities and transport infrastructure, including alleged hits on Ukrainian railway echelons carrying personnel and equipment.
Satellite imagery analysis of the Russian 51st GRAU arsenal near Kirzhach in Vladimir Oblast confirms the complete destruction of the central part and damage to other sections following the incident on April 22. Surviving ammunition is likely unusable and requires disposal or sorting. This event significantly impacts Russian ammunition stockpiles and logistics.
Air threats remain active in eastern and southeastern directions (tactical aviation) and from the northeast (ballistic). KAB launches are active on Donetsk and Sumy regions. Air raid alerts were declared for Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian sources claimed a Russian fighter aircraft encountered two Ukrainian Air Force planes over Sumy Oblast, allegedly hitting one and causing the other to retreat.
High-intensity combat persists with a reported 168 combat clashes over the past 24 hours across all active axes (GSh April 24).
The Pokrovsk Axis remains the area of highest intensity, with Ukrainian defenders stopping 56 Russian assault actions on April 24 near numerous settlements including Kalynove, Zelene Pole, Novotoretske, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Vidrodzhennya, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Nadiyivka, Kotlyarivka, and Andriivka.
On the Toretsk Axis, Russian forces conducted 25 attacks on April 24 near Dachne, Krymske, Toretsk, and Leonidivka. Russian sources claim continued advances southwest of Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk), entering Novospasskoye (Petrovka) from the cemetery and Leonidovka sides, and advancing in areas including Sukha Balka and Dyliivka. Ukrainian forces successfully employed FPV drones to destroy Russian reconnaissance UAVs on this axis ("Azov" 12th Brigade).
The Lyman Axis saw 20 Russian attacks on April 24, with attempts to break through near Nove, Hrekivka, Nadiya, and Ridkodub. Russian sources claimed destroying a Ukrainian mobile MLRS RAK-SA-12 and a Ukrainian Kirpi MRAP on this axis using FPV drones.
The Siversk Axis saw Ukrainian forces stop 12 Russian offensive actions on April 24 near Bilohorivka and Verkhnokamyanske. A Ukrainian NGU "Rubizh" brigade scout reportedly captured 6 Russian assault troops single-handedly near Siversk.
On the Novopavlivsk Axis, Ukrainian units stopped 15 Russian offensive actions on April 24 near Kostyantynopil, Rozlyv, Skudne, Rivnopil, and Novodarivka. Russian sources note force accumulation in this area for a potential large offensive. Russian sources commentary on the Vremivka salient noted Ukrainian MRAPs holding well against mines and ATGMs/bombs, despite claiming destruction.
On the Orikhiv Axis, occupiers attempted to advance three times on April 24 in the areas of Stepove, Shcherbaky, and Lobkove. Russian sources report attacks hindered by significant Ukrainian long-range fire. Russian sources claimed their reconnaissance units are actively destroying Ukrainian equipment on the Zaporizhzhia direction, claiming success over the previous week.
The Kharkiv Direction saw 4 Russian attacks repelled near Vovchansk and Vovchanski Khutory on April 24. The situation is assessed as complex but controlled. On April 23 (up to 9:00 April 24), Russian forces conducted 4 air strikes (8 KABs), 106 kamikaze drones, and 738 shellings. Ukrainian forces repelled 4 breakthrough attempts near Vovchansk/Vovchanski Khutory, claiming significant enemy losses (59 personnel incl. 29 KIA, 110 equipment incl. tank, BBM, arty, EW, 72 UAVs, shelters, ammo/fuel depots).
On the Kupyansk Axis, one Russian attack was repelled on April 24 near Zahryzove.
The Kramatorsk Axis recorded one combat clash near Klishchiivka on April 24.
The Huliaipole Axis recorded no ground clashes on April 24.
On the Prydniprovskyi Axis, the enemy had one unsuccessful attempt to advance on April 24. Russian sources claimed Ukrainian forces attempted to cross the Dnipro near Antonivka bridge overnight but were destroyed by UAVs. They also claimed their Rosgvardia drones destroyed a Ukrainian transponder and artillery/high-precision strike destroyed a Ukrainian radar station crew after detection by IR camera.
Intense Russian activity continues in the Kursk/Sumy Border Zone. Ukrainian forces repelled 26 Russian assaults on April 24. Russian forces conducted 20 airstrikes (41 KABs) and 423 shellings (19 MLRS) over the past day (April 24). Russian sources claim Ukrainian forces are trying to transfer reserves to Hornal (Kursk), leading to fierce battles and claiming destruction of several Ukrainian assault groups on armor. Rybar's summary for April 23 claims Russian forces are expanding control near Huyevo and Oleshnia, advancing in the Kholodny Yar ravine, capturing positions near the Psel river. Ukrainian forces reportedly retain presence in the Hlyboke urochishche forests. Fighting continues near Veselivka and Loknya, aiming to create a buffer zone.
In the Belgorod Border Zone, Russian sources claim repelling several Ukrainian infiltration attempts on April 24 and report ongoing fighting near Popovka and Demidovka. Russian sources claim civilian casualties from Ukrainian attacks (1 killed, 9 wounded claimed on April 22).
Russian attacks causing severe civilian casualties and damage are confirmed across multiple regions following the large-scale attack on April 24. In Kyiv: confirmed 10 fatalities and over 70 injured (42 hospitalized, including 6 children and a pregnant woman). Rescue operations are ongoing in Sviatoshynskyi district following the destruction of a multi-story residential building, and across 5 districts in total. Significant damage occurred across multiple districts, impacting residential buildings (fires, partial destruction, potential trapped persons), non-residential buildings, garages, and cars. Damage to Lukyanivska metro station (5th time), windows, food establishments, and cars was noted. In Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces conducted 4 Smerch MLRS strikes on April 24 targeting the private sector, killing 2 civilians (a 12-year-old girl and a woman) and injuring 2 others. In Kharkiv: April 24 impacts caused damage to private houses, multi-story residential buildings, a clinic, school, production enterprises, and a hotel, with 2 injured reported. On April 23 (up to 9:00 April 24), Russian attacks included 4 air strikes (8 KABs), 106 kamikaze drones, and 738 shellings, resulting in damage. In Kyiv Oblast: the attack resulted in 2 women suffering acute stress reaction and damage to 3 five-story residential buildings, 4 shops, 8 cars, a bus stop, a warehouse, and forest/open areas. In Zhytomyr Oblast: several combined attacks on April 24 damaged private garages, caused a large fire, and the blast wave broke windows. Crucially, a repeat strike during response efforts injured one rescuer and damaged 4 units of State Emergency Service (DSNS) equipment. In Sumy Oblast (Nedryhailivska community): a drone strike on April 24 caused 2 injuries and damaged administrative and non-residential buildings. In Poltava Oblast (Myrhorodskyi raion): debris from a downed missile on April 24 damaged a household building and car, with no casualties. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Pavlohrad): mass combined attack damaged 14 multi-story buildings (windows, balconies) and infrastructure; no casualties reported in Pavlohrad. In Zaporizhzhia city: a Shahed attack on April 24 damaged an administrative building and nearby windows, with two multi-story buildings also reported damaged. Russian sources claimed civilian casualties in Belgorod from Ukrainian attacks (1 killed, 9 wounded claimed on April 22). Russian sources claimed Ukrainian artillery/shelling caused damage and casualties in left-bank Kherson settlements (6 settlements hit by 19 shells, 4 settlements hit by 17 shells).
Psychological support efforts for the civilian population are ongoing, with a Psychological Forum held in Zaporizhzhia focusing on mental health challenges under martial law.
Ukrainian forces demonstrated effective Air Defense capabilities by intercepting a large number and variety of Russian missiles and drones (48 missiles, 64 Shaheds out of 70 missiles and 145 drones launched on April 24), indicating the crucial role and high activity of multi-layered AD systems. F-16 and Mirage pilots were involved in interceptions. DSNS units are actively responding to impacts, despite facing hazards like repeat strikes causing casualties and equipment damage (Zhytomyr). Ukrainian forces are conducting reconnaissance and strike operations using UAVs (Azov destroying RU recon UAVs). Ukrainian scout captured 6 Russian soldiers near Siversk. Fundraising is active for necessary equipment, including tactical pickup trucks for the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade and field beds for several other brigades/battalions, highlighting continued reliance on public donations for specific logistical needs.
Russian forces continue employing large-scale combined air attacks with diverse missile and drone types (70 missiles, 145 drones on April 24). Tactical aviation remains active in eastern/southeastern directions, including KAB launches. Russian sources claimed use of FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian MLRS and MRAP on the Lyman axis, and reconnaissance/strike assets (including IR detection for targeting radar crew) on the Kherson axis. Russian sources are also fundraising for equipment like Mavic 3 drones, drone detectors, radios, and magazines for the 7th Guards Airborne Division operating on the Zaporizhzhia front. Russia's Minister of Industry and Trade reported a labor deficit of approximately 2 million people in Russian manufacturing. Russian special forces demonstrated the use of thermal optics for reconnaissance/targeting, linked to fundraising appeals. Satellite imagery confirms the significant destruction of the central section of the Kirzhach arsenal, impacting their ammunition logistics.
Estimated cumulative Russian losses, according to the Ukrainian General Staff (up to April 24, 2025, noted as future date), are substantial: 514,380 personnel (+1060 recently), 8532 tanks (+2), 16486 BBM (+15), 13488 artillery systems (+49), 1091 MLRS (+3), 827 AD systems (+1), 10856 UAVs (+134), 2273 cruise missiles (+48), among others. These figures, while from a Ukrainian source, indicate ongoing heavy attrition.
Personnel issues include the death of Russian military correspondent Nikita Goldin from injuries sustained in a HIMARS strike on March 24. Azerbaijan extradited a Russian soldier (Tajik national, 27) wanted for unauthorized absence during mobilization/wartime. Russian sources reported Kyrgyzstan arresting a Russian House employee in Osh accused of recruiting mercenaries for the SVO.
Reports indicate potential discussions and pressure regarding peace negotiations. Donald Trump stated he will likely meet with Putin soon after his trip to Saudi Arabia (May 13-16). German politician Sarah Wagenkne demanded Russia be invited to the 80th-anniversary commemorations of the end of WWII on May 8, citing the Red Army's role. Reports suggest the EU is considering banning spot gas purchases from Russia as part of a phased rejection of Russian energy. President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine will never recognize Crimea as Russian territory, calling it unconstitutional, and referenced a 2018 US statement promising not to recognize the annexation, mentioning Trump's question about why Ukraine didn't fight for Crimea in 2014. Russian Defense Minister Shoigu stated Russia is ready to discuss a new strategic stability treaty with the US, provided all factors affecting security are considered comprehensively. Russian sources reported on a Politico article alleging potential US consideration of lifting Nord Stream 2 and Russian asset sanctions, noting denials by US officials and Putin's confirmation of US-Russia discussions on gas supplies to Europe.
In Russia, the FSB claimed to prevent a terrorist attack on a petrochemical enterprise in Nizhny Novgorod region, neutralizing two individuals from Central Asia who allegedly acted on instructions from Ukraine. Another resident was reportedly detained in Nizhny Novgorod on suspicion of preparing a "terrorist attack". Two residents were detained in Kaliningrad over alleged financing of extremism (linked to FBK). A Russian House employee was reportedly arrested in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, accused by Kyrgyz authorities of recruiting mercenaries for the SVO. Azerbaijan extradited a Russian soldier wanted for unauthorized absence during mobilization/wartime. Russian authorities continue efforts against alleged 'fakes' and discrediting the armed forces.
In Ukraine, damage to railway infrastructure (Lukyanivska metro station in Kyiv) and civil infrastructure (residential buildings, garages, shops, clinic, school, enterprises, hotel, gas distribution point) from Russian attacks continues.
The large-scale Russian attack on April 24 resulted in significant civilian casualties across multiple regions, including 10 killed and over 70 injured in Kyiv, 2 killed and 2 injured in Kostiantynivka, 2 injured in Kharkiv, 2 injured in Khmelnytskyi, 2 injured in Sumy. Damage to residential buildings, civil infrastructure (clinics, schools, metro, enterprises), and emergency services equipment was widespread. A repeat strike on a DSNS unit in Zhytomyr injured a rescuer and damaged vehicles, highlighting the risks faced by emergency responders. Russian sources claimed civilian casualties in Belgorod and from alleged Ukrainian shelling in left-bank Kherson settlements. Efforts to provide psychological assistance to the population affected by the conflict are being conducted, exemplified by the forum held in Zaporizhzhia. Rescue operations for trapped persons are ongoing (Kyiv).
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