Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a large-scale combined air attack across Ukraine on April 24, 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. Affected regions included Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, resulting in damage to critical and civilian infrastructure. A MiG-31K aircraft, a carrier of the Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, was airborne during the attack.
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. 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. UA GUR unit "Wings" reported downing 3 RU reconnaissance UAVs (1 Zala, 2 Supercam). Khmelnytskyi Oblast reported downing 3 Shaheds and 4 missiles overnight April 24.
Russian Ministry of Defence claimed a massive precision strike overnight (Apr 24) using long-range weapons and UAVs targeting Ukrainian aviation, missile-space, engineering, and armored industry enterprises, as well as facilities producing rocket fuel and gunpowder, claiming all targets were hit.
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 MoD claimed destroying a UA UAV command post near Krasnoarmiysk with a 2S7M Malka and destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Zarya using drone spotter and artillery. RU MOD claimed Geran-2 drones hit a UA UAV launching site and drone depot of 65th Brigade in Zaporizhzhia region. RU sources claimed VDV drone pilots near Chasov Yar destroying UA "Baba Yaga" drones air-to-air.
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.
High-intensity combat persists across all active axes, with a reported 168 combat clashes over the past 24 hours (GSh April 24). Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal cited over a hundred daily combat clashes.
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). RU sources claim 14th Special Forces Brigade of "Vostok" Group eliminated UA personnel, equipment, communication assets of 23rd OMBr (location not specified, potentially Zaporizhzhia or South Donetsk). RU sources claim destruction of UA infantry by drones on Donetsk direction.
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. UA sources report KAB launches on Sumy Oblast. RU source WarGonzo reported a UA FPV hit a RU "Tiger" armored vehicle near Sudzha (Kursk border) on March 4. Ukrainian General Staff confirmed Ukrainian operations continue in Kursk Oblast in the previous period and reported repelling 22 Russian assaults in the previous day.
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 claim RU BPL operators destroying UA groups near Demidovka.
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. Ukraine's OGP is investigating her death as a war crime and intentional murder.
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). RU source Basurin claimed vandalism/destruction of Soviet memorial/graves in Lviv.
Psychological support efforts for the civilian population are ongoing, including a rehabilitation project 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. UA GUR unit "Wings" reported downing 3 RU reconnaissance UAVs. Ukrainian 475th Separate Assault Battalion "CODE 9.2" (part of the 92nd Assault Brigade) is actively recruiting, highlighting a focus on UAV components, structured training (up to 3 months), and integrating combat experience with management approaches, claiming high enemy damage relative to own losses. Ukrainian Basic Military Training (БЗВП) is a 49-day course including a 3-day final field exercise, focused on transforming civilians into defenders through combat skills, casualty evacuation, and obstacle negotiation under realistic conditions.
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). Psychological support, including combat stress management, is ongoing within units like the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. Ukrainian 78th Separate Air Assault Regiment engineers are actively engaged in engineering reconnaissance, clearing and laying mines/IEDs in wooded areas, highlighting the critical role of engineering troops for maneuver and security in the current environment.
Fundraising is active for necessary equipment, including FPV drones, 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. Ukraine's OGP is investigating the death of journalist Roshchyna in Russian captivity as a war crime.
Ukraine's Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, in collaboration with Bayer and the All-Ukrainian Association of Communities, announced a program to provide free corn seeds to farmers in affected regions (Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv oblasts, excluding occupied territories) for the Spring 2025 sowing season, reflecting efforts to support economic resilience and long-term planning despite the conflict.
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". Russian sources are also fundraising for equipment like Mavic 3 drones, drone detectors, radios, and magazines. 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". 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 forces claimed inflicting significant losses on UA formations and equipment on the Zaporizhzhia front. RU sources claimed Geran-2 drones hit a UA UAV launching site and drone depot of 65th Brigade in Zaporizhzhia region. RU sources claimed VDV drone pilots near Chasov Yar destroying UA "Baba Yaga" drones air-to-air. RU sources claim FPV drone operators of Center Group conducting "point cleanups" on supply routes on Krasnoarmeysk direction, hitting armored vehicles and civilian pickups, disrupting logistics/rotations. RU source Voin DV claims 14th Special Forces Brigade of "Vostok" Group eliminated UA personnel, equipment, communication assets of 23rd OMBr. RU source WarGonzo reported a UA FPV hit a RU "Tiger" armored vehicle near Sudzha (Kursk border) on March 4. RU MoD claimed destroying military airfield infrastructure and temporary deployment points for UA forces and mercenaries in the latest briefing.
Personnel issues include the death of Russian military correspondent Nikita Goldin from injuries sustained in a HIMARS strike on March 24, confirmed dying night of April 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. Ukrainian source "Shtirlitz" published allegations and documentation suggesting Russia recruits convicted serial rapist (Nikolai Shportak) into military forces, claiming he died in SVO. RU source Filolog v Zasade published a detailed analysis of RU "Storm" unit tactics, comparing practice to military regulations, discussing command/control, UGV integration need, drone use vs artillery, counter-battery limitations, and the need for reglementation. A significant internal Russian military development is the conviction of General-Major Ivan Popov to 5 years imprisonment, a fine, and stripping of his rank for fraud and forgery related to the sale of metal structures intended for fortifications in Zaporizhzhia, noting his previous public criticism of General Staff leadership. His lawyer stated he will seek acquittal.
The UK introduced a new package of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on the export of game console controllers (used for drones), software for oil/gas exploration, certain chemicals, electronics, and metals.
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 Wagenknecht 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. Europe has warned the United States that it will not recognize annexed Crimea as Russian territory.
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 returned 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. Shoigu stated China supports eliminating the "root causes" of the Ukrainian crisis. Russian MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed Zelenskyy "intentionally" used US weapons during the Easter ceasefire, "setting up" the US, and claimed Zelenskyy disrupted the "London round of consultations on Ukraine," confirming a desire to "torpedo" the peace process. Peskov reiterated Russia's condition for conflict end: Ukraine must withdraw forces from the four claimed oblasts, have neutral status, and recognize territorial realities. Peskov confirmed preparation for a Trump-Putin meeting and a visit by Trump's special envoy to Moscow. Peskov also questioned Zelenskyy's legitimacy, stating any documents signed by him could be contested.
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, highlighting a potential diplomatic crisis. Politico reported the White House is considering lifting sanctions on Nord Stream 2. Alleged details of a potential US peace proposal ("Trump Plan") circulate, including UA territorial concessions on Crimea and occupied areas, abandoning NATO aspirations (EU possible), vague security guarantees, ZNPP under US management, lifting US sanctions on Russia, and immediate direct talks, framed as "final offers." Ukraine's delegation is reportedly focusing on achieving a 30-day ceasefire in London talks, ignoring the alleged Trump plan. RU sources claim US officials refused to attend London talks, and RU media claims US SecState Rubio skipped talks due to Kyiv rejecting a US proposal.
The Russian Duma is planning to introduce legislation to seize funds from "foreign agents'" special accounts (including artists' royalties) to finance the rehabilitation of "SVO" participants and infrastructure restoration in occupied Ukrainian regions, with the law potentially having retroactive effect.
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 (Sternenko). Estonia's plan to build a military base in Narva near the Russian border is framed negatively by RU sources (Basurin). RU source Basurin claimed alleged vandalism/destruction of Soviet memorial/graves in Lviv by "Bandera authorities" to clear space for "their heroes", linking it to WWII narratives. RU source Dva Mayora added hostile commentary about Zelenskyy's death. RU source Archangel Spetsnaza framed the alleged arrest of "Russian House" employees in Kyrgyzstan as part of pressure on Russian structures in post-Soviet states and radicalization. RU source "Mash na Donbasse" published an info op piece alleging a Ukrainian fitness model was drugged and sexually assaulted by UA soldiers ("not Kharkiv guys"), framing this as irony and potentially seeking to undermine confidence in Ukrainian forces and recruitment. RU source RVvoenkor promoted a new patriotic song/video linking WWII Victory Day commemoration to current operations. RU sources are actively refuting Western media reports suggesting Russia is ready to freeze the conflict along current lines.
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. A joint operation by Ukrainian and Moldova law enforcement/SBU/Police uncovered a criminal organization spreading psychotropics (sibutramine in slimming pills) sourced from Moldova. 9 suspects were charged in Ukraine and 2 in Moldova, highlighting cross-border criminal activity and successful international cooperation.
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. RU source Mash na Donbasse claimed a woman attempted to transport methadone-stuffed toys from Latvia to DNR, detained by Pskov customs; scheme involved a Donbas man, also detained.
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. Temporary restrictions were introduced at Nizhny Novgorod airport, Kazan, and Ulyanovsk airports.
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, including a child), and numerous injuries across Kyiv (70+ sought medical help, 42 hospitalized, including 6 children and a pregnant woman), Kharkiv (6 injured in region, incl. child; 2 injured confirmed in city), Kyiv Oblast (2 women with acute stress), Zhytomyr (1 injured rescuer), and Sumy (2 injured). 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 (knife wounds, electric current) and death while detained. Ukraine's OGP is investigating this as a war crime. 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). RU source Basurin claimed alleged vandalism/destruction of a Soviet memorial/graves in Lviv by "Bandera authorities", framing it negatively.
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. Ukrainian source "Shtirlitz" published allegations and documentation suggesting Russia recruits convicted serial rapist (Nikolai Shportak) into military forces, highlighting ethical concerns regarding RU personnel and potential misconduct. RU source "Mash na Donbasse" published an info op piece alleging a Ukrainian fitness model was drugged and sexually assaulted by UA soldiers, seeking to undermine Ukrainian forces.
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