Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a massive combined air attack across Ukraine on April 24 using approximately 70 missiles and 145 drones. Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted 112 aerial targets, including ballistic, cruise, and guided aviation missiles, and a significant number of Shahed/imitator drones. Ukrainian Air Force tactical aviation, including F-16 and Mirage platforms, participated in the defense, contributing to downing dozens of cruise missiles and Shaheds. Despite significant interceptions, a considerable number of targets penetrated defenses, resulting in severe damage to critical and civilian infrastructure across Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko stated Ukraine lacks sufficient air defense assets for such large-scale attacks, and Air Force spokesperson Ihnat highlighted the potential devastation if all ballistic missiles had reached their targets in Kyiv, framing ballistic strikes on cities as terrorism.
Russian Ministry of Defence claimed the massive strike successfully hit Ukrainian aviation, missile-space, engineering, and armored industry enterprises, as well as facilities producing rocket fuel and gunpowder, asserting all targets were engaged. Russian milblogger analysis claimed the attack demonstrated penetration of Kyiv's air defenses and an accumulating effect from Shahed use, linking the intensity to the failure of peace talks. Russian milblogger Rybar's analysis claimed specific targets included the Artem plant in Kyiv, Malyshev plant in Kharkiv, and Pavlohrad chemical plant, along with railway infrastructure, while also noting that AD fragments fell in civilian areas.
Air threats remain active, with KAB launches noted on Donetsk and Sumy regions, and aerial weapons (presumably KABs) active on Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. A specific threat of tactical aviation weapons use was noted for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Satellite imagery analysis confirms the complete destruction of the central part of the Russian 51st GRAU arsenal near Kirzhach following an incident on April 22.
High-intensity combat persists across all active axes, with a reported 168 combat clashes over the past 24 hours (GSh April 24).
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. RU MoD claims inflicting damage on UA formations ("Sever" group zone) near multiple settlements in Sumy region, claiming over 45 personnel, armored vehicle, vehicles, and artillery lost. RU milblogger claims drone operations destroying UA groups near Demidovka (Belgorod border) and that UA "politically motivated" actions here yielded no result.
The Russian MoD claimed destroying or intercepting 87 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions overnight on April 24. Russian sources reported alleged Ukrainian drone attacks burning civilian homes in Bryansk Oblast.
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. The head of Zaporizhzhia OVA commented on the horror of ongoing Russian attacks and civilian deaths. CinC Syrskyi stated Russia bombs civilian cities due to lack of success on the front, acting as terrorists. Russian MoD claims regarding the April 24 attack goals were contradicted by local reports of widespread civilian casualties and damage.
The return of the body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, reportedly killed in Russian captivity, was confirmed, with details alleging her torture. Ukraine's OGP is investigating this as a war crime.
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 high activity of multi-layered AD systems. President Zelenskyy's directive and Minister Klymenko's statements highlight the critical need for continued supply of interceptors and systems due to insufficient current capabilities for the scale of Russian attacks. UA GUR unit "Wings" reported downing 3 RU reconnaissance UAVs.
Recruitment for the Ukrainian 475th Separate Assault Battalion "CODE 9.2" (part of the 92nd Assault Brigade) is active, focusing on UAV components, structured training (up to 3 months), and integrating combat experience with management approaches. The battalion highlights low own losses vs high enemy damage, offers competitive salary (up to 200k UAH/month), good equipment, modern tech, and accepts those returning from AWOL. Ukrainian Basic Military Training (БЗВП) is a 49-day course with a final field exercise, focusing on transforming civilians into defenders through combat skills, casualty evacuation, and obstacle negotiation under realistic conditions. Ukrainian 78th Separate Air Assault Regiment engineers are actively engaged in engineering reconnaissance, clearing and laying mines/IEDs in wooded areas, critical for maneuver and security.
Ukraine's Cabinet simplified the import of explosives and components for ammunition production for private manufacturers without state contracts, aiming to accelerate domestic ammo output.
Russian forces continue employing large-scale combined air attacks. Tactical aviation remains active, including KAB launches. Russian sources claimed use of FPV drones, reconnaissance, and strike assets. Russian sources noted volunteer/regional efforts supplying modified armored trucks ("Frontline Armor") to medics/support in Starobelsk (LPR), highlighting the role of these initiatives. RU MoD claimed inflicting significant losses on UA formations and equipment across various axes (incl. Kirpi, M113 armored vehicles, artillery, EW stations, ammo depots, JDAM bombs, numerous UAVs). RU milblogger drone units claimed downing UA drones ("Baba Yaga", Mavic) and hitting various UA targets (PVDs, logistics vehicles, strongpoints, comms antennas).
A significant internal Russian military development is the conviction of General-Major Ivan Popov to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of 800,000 rubles, and stripping of his rank for fraud and forgery related to the sale of metal structures intended for fortifications in Zaporizhzhia. His lawyer stated he will seek acquittal. Russian milbloggers linked the conviction to his previous public criticism of General Staff leadership, comparing his fate to others who fell out of favor.
Reports indicate potential discussions and pressure regarding peace negotiations. FT reported that European nations warned the United States that they will not recognize annexed Crimea as Russian territory, viewing recognition as unacceptable as it would undermine the rules-based order. Politico reported the White House is considering lifting sanctions on Nord Stream 2 as part of discussions about ending the war. The Times reported that the readiness of the UK and France to send their military as "peacekeepers" in case of a peace deal is weakening.
Russian official statements (Peskov) reiterated Russia's stance that Putin advocates for peace ensuring Russia's interests (mandatory condition), and that the Easter ceasefire ended after being violated by Kyiv, so RU forces continue tasks. Peskov stated Russia sees disagreements and "problems with bringing positions closer" among the participants of the London meeting (which was reportedly downgraded). Peskov also stated that Trump's alleged statement that Crimea's affiliation is not subject to discussion fully aligns with Russia's position.
Ukrainian CinC Syrskyi stated Russia bombs civilian cities due to lack of success on the front, acting as terrorists, promising punishment.
Russian milbloggers commented on the April 24 attack severity, linking it to the failure of London peace talks and blaming Zelenskyy. They also used the conviction of General Popov to criticize Putin/leadership and highlight alleged injustice compared to others. Russian Duma plans to seize funds from "foreign agents" for "SVO" participants' rehabilitation and infrastructure restoration in occupied areas, potentially retroactively.
UA sources highlighted the severe civilian consequences of the April 24 attack in Kyiv, including the Minister of Internal Affairs stating no military objects were hit, directly contrasting with Russian claims of targeting military/defense industry. Kyiv declared April 25 a Day of Mourning, emphasizing the human cost. Ukrainian milbloggers promoted recruitment and training efforts.
A joint operation by Ukrainian OGP/SBU Cyber Department and Czech Police NCTEKK SKPV halted a hacker group developing and selling malware used to steal personal data/crypto keys, which was also used by Russian hackers. Four participants were notified of suspicion (3 in Ukraine, 1 in Czech Republic), and equipment was seized. This highlights successful international cooperation against cyber threats.
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. A Ukrainian source dismissed this claim as staged, highlighting the use of Ukrainian colors on drones as props. Another resident was reportedly detained in Nizhny Novgorod on suspicion of preparing an arson ("terrorist attack") linked to Ukraine. A Russian activist reported a search linked to a case against a gallerist accused of "fakes" about the army, framed as pressure on artists. Russian Duma is planning legislation to seize funds from "foreign agents" to finance "SVO" participants' rehabilitation and infrastructure restoration in occupied Ukrainian regions.
Damage to railway infrastructure (Lukyanivska metro station in Kyiv - 5th time) and civil infrastructure continues. DSNS units responding to impacts face hazards like repeat strikes (Zhytomyr).
The large-scale Russian attack on April 24 resulted in significant civilian casualties across multiple regions, with confirmed fatalities in Kyiv (8 as of latest update) and Kostiantynivka (2, including a child), and numerous injuries across Kyiv (77 sought medical help, 31 hospitalized, including 6 children and a pregnant woman; ages 1.5 to 80), 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. Rescue operations are ongoing in Kyiv. Kyiv declared April 25 a Day of Mourning for the victims.
The Minister of Internal Affairs stated that the attack in Kyiv's Svyatoshinskyi district hit a dense residential area and school with no military targets, directly contradicting Russian claims of hitting military/defense industry. CinC Syrskyi framed Russian bombing of cities as terrorism due to lack of success on the front.
The return of the body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, reportedly killed in Russian captivity with allegations of torture, is being investigated as a war crime by Ukraine's OGP, highlighting severe humanitarian consequences for detained civilians.
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.
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