Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a large-scale combined air attack across Ukraine on April 24, reportedly involving over 200 air targets (missiles and drones). The Ukrainian Air Force reported the interception of 112 aerial targets, including ballistic and cruise missiles and Shahed drones, with tactical aviation participating in defense. The attack resulted in severe damage to critical and civilian infrastructure in multiple regions (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia), highlighting Ukraine's critical need for interceptors and air defense systems to counter the scale of these assaults. Confirmed fatalities in Kyiv from this attack reached 10, with 90 injured (including children). A Ukrainian military source identified a North Korean KN-23 short-range ballistic missile among those striking Kyiv, confirming Russia's continued use of North Korean munitions. An aviation expert suggested the April 24 attack on Kyiv might have been revenge for the strike on the Russian 51st GRAU arsenal near Kirzhach, noting the attack's organization was not as massive or well-organized as previous assaults.
Russian Ministry of Defence claimed the April 24 strike successfully targeted Ukrainian aviation, missile-space, engineering, and armored industry enterprises, along with rocket fuel and gunpowder facilities, asserting all designated objects were hit. Russian sources claimed specific targets included the Artem plant (Kyiv), Malyshev plant (Kharkiv), and Pavlohrad chemical plant, as well as railway infrastructure. Russia justified continued strikes by claiming the Easter ceasefire had ended due to alleged Ukrainian violations.
Ongoing air threats persist, with KAB launches continuing, particularly targeting Donetsk, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Tactical aviation activity continues to pose air weapons threats in northeastern and eastern directions. Russian milbloggers claimed the use of heavy air bombs on the Krasny Lyman direction. Ballistic missile threats from the northeast and aircraft-launched weapon threats in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast have been reported.
Satellite imagery analysis continues to confirm the complete destruction of the central part of the Russian 51st GRAU arsenal near Kirzhach following an incident on April 22.
Previous large-scale attacks included a Russian strike on April 23 involving 134 aerial objects (67 strike UAVs, 47 imitator drones, 3 missiles), causing civilian impacts across multiple oblasts, with Ukraine intercepting 67 strike UAVs and neutralizing 47 imitator drones. Ukraine confirmed a successful long-range strike on a plant producing strike UAVs in the Yelabuga district of Tatarstan on April 23.
High-intensity combat continues across active axes, with 98 combat clashes reported by the Ukrainian General Staff (GSh) by 16:00 on April 24. This figure is lower than the 168 clashes reported over the preceding 24 hours, indicating potential variations in reporting periods or localized shifts in tempo, though overall activity remains high.
The Pokrovsk Axis remains the most intense area, with Russian forces launching 39 assault attempts by 16:00 on April 24. Ukrainian defenders repelled 23 attacks, with 16 engagements ongoing in areas including Berezivka, Malynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Kotlyne, Udachne, Novoseriivka, Uspenivka, Novooleksandrivka, Nadiivka, Kotliarivka, Andriivka, Rozlyv, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, Chunyshyne, Oleksiivka, Stara Mykolaivka, and Romanivka. Russian sources claim advances and expanded control zones, with significant Russian losses reported by Ukraine (349 personnel, 7 vehicles on April 24).
The Toretsk Axis saw 8 Russian attacks by 16:00 on April 24 in the areas of Toretsk, Leonidivka, and near Dyliivka, with four engagements ongoing. Russian forces claim continued advances southwest of Toretsk, entering Novospasskoye (Petrovka) and advancing in areas including Sukha Balka and Dyliivka. DeepState previously reported enemy success southwest of Toretsk, occupying Panteleymonivka, Valentynivka, almost all of Sukha Balka, and assaulting Romanivka, noting an attempted flanking maneuver around Shcherbynivka.
The Kursk/Sumy Border Zone continues with significant activity. Ukrainian GSh reported repelling 13 Russian attacks in the Kursk operational zone by 16:00 on April 24 and noted 203 shellings (including 2 MLRS strikes) by Russian forces. DeepState reported ongoing fierce battles for Hornal and Oleshnya in the Kursk region, with Russia attempting to dislodge Ukrainian forces from a small remaining controlled area. DeepState also noted increased Russian activity in Sumy Oblast, including consolidation/accumulation near Basivka, attempts near Loknia, accumulation near Zhuravka, and attempts to approach Bilovody. Russian MoD claimed countering an alleged Ukrainian invasion attempt in Kursk Oblast on April 24, claiming inflicting losses (>150 personnel, equipment including MLRS launcher, 11 UAV C2 points, 2 ammo depots) in the areas of Hornal, Oleshnya, and several Sumy Oblast locations. A Russian source refuted earlier reports of a specific Ukrainian attack near Otruba village during London talks, stating only positional battles are occurring there. Ukrainian SSO reported releasing archived video documentation of destroying a platoon of 25 North Korean military personnel in close combat in Kursk Oblast "last month."
The Kramatorsk Axis recorded 11 Russian attacks by 16:00 on April 24 near Chasiv Yar, Andriivka, and towards Predtechyne, with four engagements ongoing. The Lyman Axis recorded 4 Russian attacks by 16:00 on April 24 towards Olhivka, Ridkodub, and near Torske. The Siversk Axis saw a Ukrainian defense success near Verkhnokamyanske and one ongoing engagement near Bilohorivka by 16:00 on April 24. The Novopavlivsk Axis recorded 6 Russian attacks by 16:00 on April 24 near Konstiantynopil and Pryvilne. Russian sources previously noted force accumulation in this area for a potential large offensive and claimed advances towards Bohatyr/Otradne, supported by effective FPV drone operations. Russian sources (Vostok Group) claimed continued methodical advancement in the Southern Donetsk direction (Shakhtarsk direction) despite Ukrainian counterattacks, reporting tactical gains south of Bohatyr and southeast of Otradne and claiming significant Ukrainian losses. Russian sources also claimed disrupting Ukrainian reinforcement, rotation, and engineering works in the area. The Orikhiv Axis saw 7 Russian attempts by 16:00 on April 24 near Novodanylivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, Shcherbaky, and towards Mala Tokmachka. The Prydniprovskyi Axis (Kherson) saw Ukrainian forces stop three Russian attempts by 16:00 on April 24. The Kharkiv Direction saw Russian air strikes near Ridkodub by 16:00. Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade released video of drone strikes destroying Russian equipment (BMP-3, tank, cannons, trucks) and personnel near Kharkiv. A Russian source claimed Ukraine is concentrating equipment and personnel, including foreign mercenaries, near Velykyi Burluk, Kharkiv Oblast, near the Belgorod border. Ukrainian OTU "Kharkiv" reported drone strikes by the "Falcon" unit near Vovchansk neutralizing 10 occupiers and destroying an enemy communications antenna.
The Huliaipole Axis saw Russian air strikes by 16:00.
Russian Ministry of Defence claimed the liberation of the settlement of Bogdanivka in the Donetsk People's Republic in active actions by the "Tsentr" Group of Forces. Russian sources also reported soldiers complaining about premature reporting of village liberation in the Kursk region (Oleshnya/Gornal), stating battles are still ongoing.
Ukrainian SBU CSO A showed video of drone strikes destroying Russian infantry and vehicles during assaults, noting high drone expenditure due to enemy meat assaults. Colonelcassad (Russian source) claimed FPV drones on fiber optics ("Centre" group) destroyed Ukrainian equipment and personnel in Donbas. Ukrainian SBU CSO A video showed drone strikes destroying Russian infantry and vehicles during assaults, noting high drone expenditure due to enemy "meat assaults".
The large-scale Russian combined attack on April 24 resulted in severe civilian casualties and damage across multiple regions. In Kyiv, 10 fatalities were confirmed by 16:45 on April 24, with 90 injured. Search and rescue operations were ongoing in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Previous casualty reports included 8 fatalities (two children aged 21 and 19) and 90 injured, with damage across 5 districts. Kyiv declared April 25 a Day of Mourning. A video featuring a 2-year-old girl reportedly giving an interview about the night's attack in Kyiv was shared, highlighting the impact on children.
In Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces conducted 4 Smerch MLRS strikes targeting the private sector on April 24, killing 2 civilians (a 12-year-old girl and a woman) and injuring 2 others.
Other regions impacted on April 24 included Kharkiv (6 injured, damage to residential, clinic, school, industrial), Kyiv Oblast (stress reactions, damage), Zhytomyr Oblast (damage, fire, one rescuer injured), Sumy Oblast (2 injuries, damage), Poltava Oblast (damage), Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (damage in Pavlohrad), and Zaporizhzhia city (damage). Previous attacks caused significant civilian casualties, including the Marhanets bus attack (April 23) resulting in 9 killed and 54 wounded.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal stated that since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has killed 13,000 civilians, including 618 children. A woman was killed in the village of Mokraya Orlovka, Belgorod Oblast, by an alleged FPV drone attack. The head of Kryvyi Rih military administration reported that a school in Kryvyi Rih has been hit four times by Russian missiles since summer 2023, and a total of 121 education facilities in the city have been affected by attacks. Repair and shelter construction efforts are ongoing. A Russian source commented on the civilian casualties in Ukraine, framing it as Ukraine acclimating its population to war and death.
Ukrainian forces demonstrated continued air defense effectiveness against a large and varied Russian attack on April 24, involving tactical aviation. However, the scale of the attack highlighted the critical need for continued supply of interceptors and systems. Ukraine continues recruitment efforts, with a focus on specialized units like the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade (recruiting gunners, drivers, engineers, signalmen, repairmen, medics) and DShV units (shown undergoing intensive training). Ukrainian DShV also showed video of civilians undergoing intensive recruitment training. Ukraine's government simplified import of explosives for private manufacturers to boost domestic ammunition production. Ukraine reportedly sent UAV instructors to the UK. Ukrainian units continue employing drones for targeted destruction and logistics interdiction. SBU CSO A showed video of drone strikes on Russian infantry assaults. Ukrainian OTU "Kharkiv" highlighted the effectiveness of the Ukrainian "Bohdana" 155mm SPG and the 24/7 combat work of artillery crews. Russian photo evidence showed losses of Ukrainian equipment, including a Swedish Pansarbandvagn 302 and other IFVs/APCs.
The UK banned the export of game controllers to Russia, citing concern over their use for drone control, following a similar EU ban. This impacts Russia's access to components/controls for certain drone types. Russian milbloggers discussed potential modernization of the ZU-23 for drone defense. Russian MoD proposed extending SVO payments to military personnel in border regions (Bryansk, Belgorod, Kursk) to incentivize service in high-risk areas. A Russian source reported that 58,000 Russian military personnel could be missing, highlighting potential significant unacknowledged losses and internal issues related to personnel management and body recovery. Russian MoD reported conducting joint training ("Typhoon 2025") with Lao special forces in Russia, focusing on counter-IED and UAVs, showing international military cooperation. Russian sources also discussed the use of FPV drones on fiber optics by the "Centre" group in Donbas, indicating technical adaptations in drone warfare. A Russian milblogger appealed for volunteer donations for specific equipment, including armor, Starlink, radios, portable EW systems for countering FPVs, Mavic drones, drones on fiber optics, vehicles, and motorcycles for assault troops on the Southern Donetsk axis, highlighting reliance on volunteer support for these items. Russia also announced support measures for SVO participants starting businesses (grants, guarantees, social contracts). A report indicated that "Konkord", a catering company linked to Prigozhin, sold a factory that supplied food to the Russian army to other structures.
Potential discussions and pressure regarding peace negotiations continue. European nations warned the United States that they will not recognize annexed Crimea as Russian territory. Reports indicate 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. Polish President Andrzej Duda stated that Ukraine "will have to make certain concessions" in peace talks, suggesting a compromise will be necessary, although the extent is unclear.
Ukraine continues diplomatic engagements. President Zelenskyy met with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, in South Africa, handing over a list of 400 Ukrainian children held in Russia and seeking assistance for their return. Zelenskyy linked the large-scale Russian attack on April 24 to Russian pressure. Zelenskyy stated London talks (April 23) were constructive but difficult, reiterating Ukraine is only ready for talks after a full ceasefire and excluding territorial concessions. It was reported that a document containing the "joint vision of Europeans - France, Britain, Germany and Ukraine regarding the war" was agreed upon in London and taken by Trump's special representative Kit Kellogg to Washington, which Zelenskyy stated was presented to "Trump's table." Ramaphosa reportedly stated that territorial concessions by Ukraine could be a "prerequisite for peace." Responding to remarks about potential US patience running out, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukrainians' patience is being tested by constant attacks, calling for greater pressure on Russia. French President Macron reacted to the Kyiv attack by stating the US should only be angry at Putin, calling on Putin to stop lying, and mentioning he had a phone conversation with Trump two days prior, noting that Zelenskyy agreed to an unconditional ceasefire weeks ago and Putin needs to stop lying.
Statements attributed to Donald Trump on April 24, 2025, criticizing Russian strikes on Kyiv, calling on Putin to "STOP!", citing high weekly casualties ("5000 soldiers"), and advocating for a "Peace Deal" were widely reported and amplified by various sources. Russian sources (Trump Jr., David Sacks) framed Ukraine's refusal to concede Crimea as proof that Zelenskyy does not want peace.
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, justifying continued strikes on "military and near-military targets." Russian sources dismissed Western reports of readiness to freeze the conflict, emphasizing controlling "new regions" and framing the London talks downgrade as due to Ukrainian inflexibility. Sergey Naryshkin (Head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service) speculated on "various options" regarding Zelenskyy's fate or plans, seen as an information operation. A Russian SVR claim alleged UK/French intelligence is using Russian opponents abroad (linked to FBK, "Proekt", "Meduza") to fabricate accusations against Trump's circle regarding links to Russian companies ("Gazprom", "Rosneft", "Rostec", "Rosatom"), aiming to undermine US peace efforts. Russian milbloggers commented on the April 24 attack severity, linking it to the failure of London peace talks and blaming Zelenskyy. Russian milbloggers also commented critically on the sentencing of General Popov, calling it a "disgrace" to the military court's reputation. Russian propaganda continues to link the conflict to WWII victory symbols. An ASTRA report noted newborns in a Russian hospital being dressed in miniature military uniforms, raising ethical concerns. A Russian military blogger promoted a TV series about WWII underground resistance, linking it to inspiring the current conflict and preserving historical memory.
Ukraine reportedly summoned the Chinese envoy to provide evidence of Chinese company support for the Russian VPK, stating it contradicts Beijing's neutrality claims. Russian sources (Rybar) engaged in information operations targeting Moldovan President Sandu, linking her to historical fascism around Victory Day, potentially aiming to destabilize Moldova's pro-Western government. A Russian source (Dva Mayora) commented on the civilian casualties in Ukraine, framing it as Ukraine acclimating its population to war and death. A Ukrainian source (Operatyvnyi ZSU) used imagery of deceased soldiers to convey that military pressure is the only path to negotiations. A Russian source amplified discontent within Ukraine regarding the speed and scale of Western provision of air defense systems, particularly Patriot batteries.
A joint Ukrainian OGP/SBU Cyber Department and Czech Police NCTEKK SKPV operation successfully halted a hacker group developing and selling malware.
In Russia, the FSB claimed preventing a terrorist attack on a petrochemical enterprise in Nizhny Novgorod region on April 24, neutralizing two individuals allegedly acting on instructions from Ukraine. A Ukrainian source dismissed this claim. Another resident was reportedly detained in Nizhny Novgorod on suspicion of arson linked to Ukraine. Russian Duma is planning legislation to seize funds from "foreign agents." Russian authorities reported detaining members of a terrorist community in Dagestan. The ASTRA platform reported the FSB detained a human rights activist in occupied Donetsk and accessed his Telegram account remotely from Lithuania, implying advanced surveillance capabilities. Roskomnadzor reportedly forced BAZA to delete publications, citing "discreditation" of the Russian armed forces, highlighting state information control. Temporary mobile internet restrictions were confirmed in Rostov and Astrakhan regions, likely for operational security. Russian sources highlighted tensions with Kyrgyzstan related to the detention of a "Russian House" employee accused of mercenary recruitment, and reported that the Russian Ministry of Education and Science is showing interest in Kyrgyz students (especially low-performing ones), suggesting potential political leverage.
Ukrainian forces continue adapting tactics, including increased reliance on drones for various roles. Recruitment drives for specialized units like UAV battalions and Artillery Brigades demonstrate a focus on capabilities suited to the current operational environment. DShV units are organizing into corps and undergoing intensive training, indicating force structure adaptation and emphasis on readiness. Ukrainian Marine Corps are focusing on CBRN defense skills. Ukraine is seeking to boost domestic ammunition production by simplifying import rules for private manufacturers. Leveraging combat experience, Ukraine reportedly sent UAV instructors to the UK. Ukrainian units continue employing drones for targeted destruction and logistics interdiction. SBU CSO A showed video of drone strikes on Russian infantry assaults. Ukrainian artillery highlights their 24/7 operations and the effectiveness of the domestically produced Bohdana SPG. Ukrainian SBU CSO A commentary noted the high expenditure of drones required to counter Russian infantry "meat assaults," indicating adaptation to enemy tactics.
Russian forces continue employing large-scale combined air attacks, adapting targeting based on perceived Ukrainian vulnerabilities (industry, logistics, C2). Russian sources discuss potential adaptation of existing equipment like the ZU-23 for drone defense. Russian focus on disrupting Ukrainian logistics and C2 nodes reflects adaptation in interdiction priorities. The claimed use of FPV drones on fiber optics suggests technical adaptations in drone deployment. Russian milbloggers appeal for portable EW systems specifically for countering FPV drones, indicating recognition of this threat and adaptation in defensive needs.
Ukraine is prioritizing domestic ammunition production through regulatory changes and seeking external support (drone donations, international aid). Recruitment efforts highlight specific personnel needs and inform human resource allocation. Support programs for veterans and families indicate long-term resource commitments. Ukraine's Ministry of Finance's inability to restructure some foreign debt highlights potential financial strains impacting resource availability. Efforts are ongoing to repair damaged civilian infrastructure, including schools repeatedly targeted in places like Kryvyi Rih, requiring significant resource allocation for recovery and building shelters.
Russia's proposal for SVO payments for border personnel is an incentive for deployment to high-risk areas. Russian reports on volunteer initiatives supplementing military supply (trucks, drones, equipment) point to potential gaps in central logistics. Russian focus on targeting Ukrainian logistics and C2 nodes represents resource allocation towards interdiction efforts. Reports of 58,000 missing Russian personnel, if accurate, indicate significant unacknowledged losses impacting available human resources and potentially requiring substantial recovery/identification efforts. The sentencing of General Popov for fraud related to fortification materials may indicate systemic issues in logistics or accountability. Russian milblogger appeals for specific equipment donations (portable EW, FPV on fiber optics, advanced drones, vehicles, armor) highlight reliance on volunteer networks to supply certain capabilities to frontline units on axes like Southern Donetsk, indicating potential gaps in central military procurement or distribution for specific needs. Russia is implementing support measures for SVO participants starting businesses. A catering factory that previously supplied the Russian army (linked to Konkord/Prigozhin) has been sold to other structures.
Operational reports from GSh and MoD sources, as well as reports from units (3rd Assault Brigade, SSO, OTU Kharkiv, SBU CSO A), indicate communication channels. Diplomatic communications (Zelenskyy meetings, London talks, statements from international leaders) and information operations demonstrate coordination efforts at the political and strategic levels. The London document agreed upon by European partners and Ukraine represents coordination on a joint vision. Joint operations (UA OGP/SBU Cyber with Czech Police) highlight international security cooperation. Russian MoD reporting on group actions (Centre, Vostok) implies internal coordination. Macron mentioning a recent phone call with Trump indicates communication at the highest political level regarding the conflict.
The severe civilian impact of the April 24 Russian strikes, resulting in multiple fatalities (including 10 confirmed in Kyiv and 2 in Kostiantynivka, with tragic details like children killed and injured) and injuries, underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The continuation of attacks on populated areas, including repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure like schools in Kryvyi Rih, raises significant ethical concerns regarding the laws of armed conflict and protection of civilians. The issue of forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia remains a key humanitarian concern raised by Ukraine's President. Support initiatives for those affected by the conflict are ongoing. Reports of 58,000 missing Russian personnel and issues with body recovery highlight the human cost on the Russian side and potential ethical concerns regarding treatment and accountability of personnel. The ASTRA report on newborns in Russian hospitals being dressed in miniature military uniforms raises ethical concerns about the militarization of childhood. Russian information operations framing Ukrainian civilian casualties as normalizing war for the population are ethically questionable. Ukrainian information operations highlighting the impact of attacks on children (e.g., 2-year-old interview) focus on the human cost and ethical implications.
Human commanders are actively involved in directing operations, including repelling assaults and planning attacks, as evidenced by reports of combat clashes and specific unit actions. High-level political leaders are engaged in critical strategic decision-making regarding peace negotiations, international support, and the overall direction of the conflict. The internal Russian military issue involving the conviction of General Popov, linked to criticism of leadership, highlights potential political control and suppression of dissent impacting the autonomy of human commanders and potentially morale. Soldiers complaining about premature reporting of gains also points to potential disconnects or pressure within the reporting chain of command. Russian General Popov's reported philosophical response to his sentencing suggests personal reflection on leadership and resilience under pressure. Russian source reporting potentially 58,000 missing personnel and linking it to suicidal assaults and issues with command accountability and body recovery highlights significant potential failures or deliberate decisions at command levels impacting personnel outcomes. Russian milblogger commentary criticizing General Popov's sentencing adds another layer to the observed tensions between segments of the military/milblogger community and the official leadership/justice system.
Successful international cooperation to disrupt cybercrime groups (UA OGP/SBU with Czech Police) indicates ongoing efforts to protect critical information infrastructure and counter malicious cyber activity. UK and EU sanctions on technology exports to Russia (including game controllers) are attempts to limit Russia's access to components potentially used in military systems, impacting technical aspects of information assurance related to drone control. Russian state control over information (Roskomnadzor censorship, SVR claims about information warfare) remains a factor influencing the information landscape and shaping narratives. Temporary mobile internet restrictions were confirmed in Rostov and Astrakhan regions, likely for operational security. Russian SVR claims alleging UK/French intelligence fabricating information against Trump's circle using Russian opponents abroad represent a specific information operation aiming to influence perception and potentially disrupt political processes. Russian sources highlighting tensions with Kyrgyzstan and alleged mercenary recruitment, linked to Russian Ministry of Education interest in Kyrgyz students, touches on security and potential information leverage/coercion.
The workflow continues to involve data collection from various sources (official military reports, media outlets, milbloggers, satellite imagery, human reports, investigations), analysis (assessing claims, identifying trends, evaluating impact), reporting (structured briefs, public announcements), and adaptation based on feedback and outcomes (adjustments in tactics, recruitment focus, diplomatic messaging). Investigations into incidents (like the inmate death or collaboration cases) represent a workflow of identifying issues, gathering evidence, and applying legal or administrative processes. Fundraising appeals indicate a feedback loop identifying unit needs. Repair and reconstruction efforts for damaged civilian infrastructure demonstrate a workflow addressing the consequences of attacks.
(This section was already quite detailed and covered above within "Capabilities, Logistics & Personnel").
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