Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a significant combined air attack across Ukraine on April 24, utilizing approximately 70 missiles and 145 drones (total 215 targets detected), primarily directed towards Kyiv. The attack involved a mix of ballistic missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23), cruise missiles (Kh-101, Iskander-K, Kalibr), guided aviation missiles (Kh-59/X-69), and a large number of Shahed/imitator drones launched from various locations.
Ukrainian air defense forces reported successfully intercepting 112 aerial targets: 7/11 Iskander-M/KN-23, 31/37 Kh-101, 6/12 Kalibr, 4/4 Iskander-K, and 64/145 Shahed/imitators. An additional 68 drone imitators were locationally lost without consequence. Ukrainian Air Force pilots, including F-16 and Mirage platforms, participated in the defense. Affected regions included Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine reported damage to critical and civilian infrastructure across these regions.
President Zelenskyy attributed the attack to Russia's continued aggression despite Ukraine's reported agreement to a US proposal for a full ceasefire 44 days prior. He ordered the Ukrainian Minister of Defense to immediately contact partners regarding strengthening air defense capabilities and cut short his visit to South Africa to return to Ukraine and inform President Ramaphosa (G20 chair) of the situation, emphasizing the need for intensified global diplomatic efforts, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and humanitarian assistance regarding POWs and abducted children.
Satellite imagery analysis confirms the complete destruction of the central part and damage to other sections of the Russian 51st GRAU arsenal near Kirzhach in Vladimir Oblast following an incident on April 22, likely impacting Russian ammunition stockpiles.
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, with KAB launches specifically noted towards Zaporizhzhia city.
RU sources claimed destroying a Ukrainian mobile MLRS (RAK-SA-12) and a Ukrainian Kirpi MRAP on the Lyman axis using FPV drones (claims likely refer to previous period). RU sources also claimed hitting a chemical plant in Pavlohrad overnight, alleging it produced rocket fuel and cluster munition filler, and that significant production capacity was destroyed.
ASTRA reported that at least 61 Russian air bombs and 3 missiles have been accidentally dropped by Russian aircraft on Russian territory and occupied Ukrainian territories since the beginning of 2025, highlighting potential issues with Russian ordnance or aircraft systems.
High-intensity combat persists across all active axes, with a reported 168 combat clashes over the past 24 hours (GSh April 24).
RU sources provided a summary of fighting from April 20-23, claiming RU advances in various areas including Kursk (south of Guyevo, towards Oleshnya), Sumy (Loknya), West of Kreminna (towards Torske), Siversk (near Bilohorivka, towards Hryhorivka), Toretsk/Horlivka (Dachne, south of Petrovka, Sukha Balka), Pokrovsk (central Tarasivka), and Kurakhove (north of Rozlyv).
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. RU sources also claimed destroying Ukrainian temporary deployment points in Novodmitrovka, Sumy Oblast, with UAVs.
In the Belgorod Border Zone, Russian sources claim repelling several Ukrainian infiltration attempts on April 24 and previously reported civilian casualties from alleged Ukrainian attacks (1 killed truck driver reported on April 22).
RU sources also reported alleged Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone attacks burning civilian homes in Klimovo, Kirillovka, and Rakovka in Bryansk Oblast, claiming the village of Khoromnoye was "burned to the ground."
The Russian MoD claimed destroying or intercepting 87 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions overnight on April 24, including 45 over Crimea, 10 over Belgorod, 10 over Kursk, 8 over Voronezh, 4 over Bryansk, 4 over Lipetsk, 4 over Nizhny Novgorod, and 2 over the Moscow region.
The large-scale Russian attack on April 24 resulted in severe civilian casualties and damage across multiple regions.
Previous reporting (April 22) noted 1 killed and 26 injured civilians (including 4 critical and 4 children) in Zaporizhzhia city from a KAB strike on April 22, and 1 killed civilian (FPV drone) and 3 injured (airstrike/shelling) in Kharkiv Oblast.
Ukraine confirmed the return of the body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who reportedly died in Russian captivity, identified via DNA examination in late February.
Russian sources claimed civilian casualties in Belgorod from Ukrainian attacks and claimed Ukrainian artillery/shelling caused damage and casualties in left-bank Kherson settlements and Horlivka (DNR, alleged UXO and drone detonations).
Psychological support efforts for the civilian population are ongoing, with a Psychological Forum held in Zaporizhzhia focusing on mental health challenges under martial law. Olena Zelenska reacted to the April 24 attack by linking current casualties to previous incidents and questioning peace initiatives being discussed with victims rather than perpetrators.
Ukrainian forces demonstrated effective Air Defense capabilities during the April 24 attack, intercepting a large number and variety of Russian missiles and drones, including ballistic missiles. The reported involvement of F-16 and Mirage pilots underscores the crucial role and high activity of multi-layered AD systems. President Zelenskyy's directive to the Minister of Defense to contact partners immediately regarding strengthening air defense highlights the critical need for continued supply of interceptors and systems.
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. A Ukrainian scout captured 6 Russian soldiers near Siversk. Fundraising is active for necessary equipment, including FPV drones (Sternenko noted need for 300+ daily), tactical pickup trucks, and field beds, highlighting continued reliance on public donations for specific logistical needs. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters on Prisoners of War is operating a formal online system for managing POW information and communicating with families, indicating a structured approach to this significant issue.
Russian forces continue employing large-scale combined air attacks with diverse missile and drone types. Tactical aviation remains active, including KAB launches. Russian sources claimed use of FPV drones for targeting, and reconnaissance/strike assets. RU sources reported the first flight of a new multi-purpose drone "Stilet" developed by military-technical battalion "Bars-Sarmat," designed to be cheap and use available components. Russian sources are also fundraising for equipment like Mavic 3 drones, drone detectors, radios, and magazines for units operating on the Zaporizhzhia front. Russia's Minister of Industry and Trade previously reported a labor deficit of approximately 2 million people in Russian manufacturing. Russian special forces demonstrated the use of thermal optics for reconnaissance/targeting. Satellite imagery confirms the significant destruction of the central section of the Kirzhach arsenal, impacting their ammunition logistics. Russian sources claimed delivery of new tracked combat robots "Varan" equipped with EW, machine guns, cargo, and medical evacuation capabilities, including a "follow-me" function, to frontline units. RU MoD claimed destroying a UA UAV command post near Krasnoarmiysk with a 2S7M Malka and destroying a UA D-30 howitzer near Zarya using drone spotter and artillery.
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. Previous reports included RU POW testimony indicating forced deployment of unfit/deceived personnel, extremely high casualties, poor supplies/planning, low morale, and desire to harm commanders.
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 and referenced a 2018 US statement promising not to recognize the annexation.
Following the large-scale Russian attack, President Zelenskyy canceled part of his planned visit to South Africa and will return to Ukraine immediately after meeting President Ramaphosa to inform him of the situation and Ukraine's needs. He stated that Ukraine had agreed to a full ceasefire 44 days ago based on a US proposal, but Russia continues to kill, emphasizing the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and humanitarian assistance regarding POWs and abducted children.
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. He also claimed the US has received the Russian position on ceasefire conditions with understanding, stating Russia is ready for peace talks only if its interests and "realities on the ground" are fully considered. Shoigu also claimed Russia has liberated over 99% of LPR territory and about two-thirds of Kherson, DNR, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, and that the situation changes daily in Russia's favor. He claimed Ukraine violated the Easter ceasefire 4900 times in 30 hours and that Ukrainian activity is decreasing due to debt and dependence on Western aid.
The Financial Times reported that European nations fear a split in NATO and the EU due to Trump's reported demand for Kyiv to recognize Crimea as part of Russia and that they refuse to support these US efforts. Russian MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed Zelenskyy "intentionally" used US weapons during the Easter ceasefire, "setting up" the US.
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" (arson of TV tower) linked to Ukraine via messenger. 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 - 5th time) and civil infrastructure (residential buildings, clinics, schools, enterprises, hotel, gas distribution point, Marriage Palace) from Russian attacks continues. DSNS units responding to impacts are also vulnerable to repeat strikes, as seen in Zhytomyr. Ukrainian war crimes prosecutors are actively documenting the consequences of Russian attacks on civilian areas, including examining weapon fragments in Kharkiv Oblast.
The large-scale Russian attack on April 24 resulted in significant civilian casualties across multiple regions, with confirmed fatalities in Kyiv (10) and Kostiantynivka (2), and numerous injuries across Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kyiv Oblast, Zhytomyr, and Sumy. Damage to residential buildings, civil infrastructure (clinics, schools, metro, enterprises, Marriage Palace), 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. Rescue operations for trapped persons are ongoing in Kyiv.
Russian sources claimed civilian casualties in Belgorod and from alleged Ukrainian shelling in left-bank Kherson settlements and Horlivka (DNR).
Efforts to provide psychological assistance to the population affected by the conflict are being conducted, exemplified by the forum held in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian war crimes prosecutors are documenting alleged war crimes by investigating damage to civilian infrastructure and collecting evidence. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters on POWs is managing information and communication for families, indicating the scale of the POW issue and efforts to address humanitarian concerns related to captured personnel. The return of the body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, reportedly killed in Russian captivity, was confirmed, highlighting the severe humanitarian consequences extending to detained civilians. Olena Zelenska reacted to the April 24 attack by drawing attention to the human cost and questioning peace initiatives that engage with victims but not the perpetrators.
We only use optional analytics cookies if you allow them. Necessary cookies stay on for sign-in and site security.
Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
