Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a large-scale combined air attack across Ukraine on April 24, primarily targeting Kyiv, utilizing approximately 70 missiles and 145 drones, totaling 215 detected targets. The attack involved ballistic missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23), cruise missiles (Kh-101, Iskander-K, Kalibr), guided aviation missiles (Kh-59/X-69), and a significant number of Shahed/imitator drones launched from various locations. Affected regions included Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, resulting in damage to critical and civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian air defense forces reported 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 due to electronic warfare. Ukrainian Air Force tactical aviation, including F-16 and Mirage platforms, contributed to the defense by downing dozens of cruise missiles and Shaheds. Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko stated Ukraine lacks sufficient air defense assets to intercept such a volume of attacks, highlighting the critical need for strengthened AD capabilities. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Ihnat noted the difficulty in imagining the consequences if all ballistic missiles had reached their targets in Kyiv.
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, with KAB launches noted on Donetsk and Sumy regions, and aerial weapons (presumably KABs) active on Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts.
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 on April 24, alleging it produced rocket fuel and cluster munition filler, and that significant production capacity was destroyed. The Russian MoD claimed destroying a Ukrainian UAV command post near Krasnoarmiysk with a 2S7M Malka and destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Zarya using drone spotter and artillery.
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, updated RU claim of 1 killed, 9 injured civilians from drone attacks 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.
Estonia plans to create a military base in Narva, a border city with Russia, to permanently station over 200 Estonian and NATO allied troops, which RU sources frame negatively as provocation.
The large-scale Russian attack on April 24 resulted in severe civilian casualties and damage across multiple regions.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal stated that since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has killed 13,000 civilians, including 618 children. He also cited 1700 attacks on schools, over 780 attacks on hospitals, and over 30 massive (and hundreds of smaller) attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
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. Her body was returned in late February and identified via DNA examination. Sources allege she was held without charge, tortured with knife wounds and electric current in occupied Zaporizhzhia before being moved to Taganrog, and was last seen on September 8, 2024, with documentation indicating her death on September 19, 2024.
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. A rehabilitation project is underway in Alanya, Turkey, for 20 Ukrainian families (military and civilian) who lost relatives, experienced captivity, or have missing family members due to the war, supported by the UA MFA, Consulate, and Alanya municipality.
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, though a significant number of targets penetrated defenses. 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. Minister Klymenko explicitly stated Ukraine's current AD capabilities are insufficient for the scale of Russian attacks.
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. The "Khartiya" brigade (OTU Kharkiv) is integrating unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for tasks like reconnaissance, logistics, and potentially combat, aiming to reduce risk to infantry personnel. Training and psychological support for personnel, including combat stress management, are ongoing within units like the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
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. 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. RU sources claimed inflicting significant losses on UA formations and equipment on the Zaporizhzhia front.
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 on April 24, 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 previously 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. Zakharova also claimed Zelenskyy disrupted the "London round of consultations on Ukraine," confirming a desire to "torpedo" the peace process.
Ukraine frames Russian attacks on civilians as a deliberate strategy to pressure the population into demanding surrender on Russian terms, warning this would lead to greater terror. Estonia's plan to build a military base in Narva near the Russian border is framed negatively by RU sources.
In Ukraine, the Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported the detention and charging of two residents of Shostka district (one a Russian citizen) for disseminating information about Ukrainian troop locations and planning breakthroughs for enemy sabotage groups aiming to capture Ukrainian military personnel. The Russian citizen allegedly collaborated with the FSB since late 2024, collecting intelligence and documenting strike aftermath, involving a local accomplice. Both are in custody without bail, representing a significant counter-intelligence success.
In Russia, the FSB claimed to prevent a terrorist attack on a petrochemical enterprise in Nizhny Novgorod region on April 24, 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. Allegations of torture of activists during searches in Voronezh (April 22) point to internal Russian security actions against dissent.
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 (8 as of 11 AM) 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.
Overall civilian casualties since the start of the full-scale war are reported as 13,000 killed civilians, including 618 children. Attacks on schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure continue to inflict humanitarian costs.
The return of the body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, reportedly killed in Russian captivity, was confirmed, with details alleging her torture and death while detained. This highlights the severe humanitarian consequences extending to detained civilians.
A rehabilitation project in Alanya, Turkey, for Ukrainian families affected by loss, captivity, or missing relatives due to the war underscores efforts to address the conflict's profound human impact.
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. 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.
Ukraine frames Russia's attacks on civilians as a deliberate tactic of terror aimed at achieving political concessions, framing it as a violation of ethical norms in conflict.
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