Archived operational intelligence briefing
Further details on the large-scale combined air attack on April 24 indicate specific munitions used, including Kh-59 missiles on Kharkiv, Kh-101 on Shepetivka (Khmelnytskyi Oblast), and Kalibr cruise missiles on Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia Oblasts. A graphic analysis claims a significant increase in the intensity and scale of Russian missile and drone strikes across 12 Ukrainian frontline and strategic regions from late January 2025 onwards, correlating this surge with the period following a specific political event. The graphic suggests strike intensity across these regions has more than doubled, and in Odesa Oblast specifically, increased tenfold. Russia launched a total of 70 missiles and 145 drones during this mass attack. Trump is quoted as believing Putin will listen to his call to refrain from striking Ukrainian military objects.
High-intensity combat continues across active axes. On the Kursk/Sumy Border Zone, Russian sources claim Ukrainian forces have been largely pushed out of Kursk Oblast territory but are now consolidated behind prepared fortifications in the Sumy border region, actively transferring personnel and material east of Yunakivka to create a new defense line. Fighting continues for Hornal and Oleshnya in Kursk Oblast, described by Russian sources as the last villages in "Russian territory" controlled by Ukrainian forces, with Russian Marine units (810th Brigade) reportedly engaged and claiming advances towards the center of Hornal despite difficult terrain. Russian sources claim to have established fire control over a Ukrainian logistics route in the Sudzha district. Ukrainian forces are employing "Baba Yaga" and AZM drones for remote mining of terrain at night on the Sumy direction, creating significant danger for Russian infantry and equipment and slowing Russian advances. Russian airborne forces are reportedly attempting to counter these drones. Ukrainian SOF raids are also noted near Gogolevka (Kursk). Russian sources report continued Ukrainian attempts to breach the border near Krasnaya Yaruga (Belgorod/Sumy border) using small groups on foot and light vehicles, which are reportedly detected and hit by Russian drones. Russian forces claim clearing Ukrainian forces from woods south of Demidovka and the southwest outskirts, but report high Ukrainian activity remains in nearby Prokhody and Maryino. Analysis of map data confirms extensive cross-border combat operations territory in the Slobozhanske direction, with specific clash locations, Russian force concentrations (armor), and Ukrainian force presence/activity, including armored units within the contested border zone. A Russian remote mining zone is also indicated. On the Southern Donetsk Direction (Novopavlivsk/Vremivka), Russian sources claim methodical advancement despite Ukrainian counterattacks, reporting penetration of Ukrainian defense lines, control over strongpoints and terrain, and inflicting significant Ukrainian personnel (over 35) and equipment (D-30, MT-12, mortar, vehicles) losses near Bohatyr, Otradne, and in the Vilne Pole area. Russian 'Vostok' Group is claimed to maintain initiative using small group tactics. On the Pokrovsk Axis (Krasnoarmiisk direction), the situation in Lysivka remains static, with the village divided between sides and a grey zone. Russian sources report extreme difficulty with evacuation and logistics on their northern flank due to heavy Ukrainian drone activity and overwhelmed Russian Electronic Warfare systems. Ukrainian forces are reported to be conducting counterattacks with small groups of 2-3 personnel, attempting to consolidate in basements. Russian sources claim destroying a Ukrainian M113 APC west of Tarasivka during a counterattack attempt. Analysis of this area indicates a defensive line along the Bychok river/pond, potential minefields, and a destroyed crossing point. Remote mining tactics employed by Russian forces have reportedly destroyed two Ukrainian vehicles (pickup, buggy) near Radkovka (Kharkiv Oblast) and Novodanylivka (Zaporizhzhia Oblast). On the Toretsk/Dzerzhynsk Axis, positional fighting continues. Russian sources claim Ukrainian forces shelled a Russian forward position near a children's camp on Dyliyivskyi pond. Russian forces claim advancing up to 400m north of Krymske and occupying new positions near Dzerzhynsk. Map analysis confirms a contested zone near Krymske, highlighting spoil tips (Vseniomat) as key terrain, and showing Russian presence near Dyliyivka, indicating close proximity to the contested area. On the Kupyansk Axis, a Russian source claims Ukrainian forces are using tall buildings for EW and communication systems, which are reportedly being destroyed by Russian kamikaze drones.
The city of Sumy has declared April 25 a Day of Mourning in solidarity with Kyiv following the severe Russian attack on the capital on April 24. The latest detailed casualty reports for Kyiv confirm 2 people killed and 54 injured (6 children, 16 received aid on site, 38 hospitalized), including a pregnant woman, with significant damage to residential buildings (fires, destruction, people trapped under rubble), non-residential premises, cars, and garages across Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi (most affected), Holosiivskyi, and Podilskyi districts. Damage also reported in Kyiv Oblast (damaged residential building/shop, forest fire, grass fire - no casualties). Kharkiv impacts include damage to private houses in Novobavarskyi and Osnov'yanivskyi districts during ongoing drone attacks. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on April 24, attacks on the Nikopolskyi district (Nikopol city, Marhanetska, and Pokrovska hromadas) resulted in 2 injured men (42 and 60 years old) and damage to a private house and a utility company due to kamikaze drones, UAV munitions, and artillery. In the Synelnykivskyi district (Mezhivska, Novopavlivska, and Slov'yanska hromadas), KABs and drones damaged infrastructure and a farm, though no casualties were reported. An ongoing investigation by the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General has confirmed that forensic examination of the body of journalist Viktoria Roshchina, returned from Russian territory, shows signs of torture and cruel treatment, including abrasions, bruises, a broken rib, and possible electroshock marks. The cause of death could not initially be determined due to the state of the body; further forensic analysis, including with French experts, is being arranged to establish the cause of death and characterize the injuries. In Belgorod Oblast, Governor Gladkov reported a woman previously declared dead after a drone attack in Mokraya Orlovka survived, but sustained mine-blast and barotrauma injuries. He also provided a detailed report of damage from recent drone/UAV attacks across multiple settlements (Mokraya Orlovka, Moshchenoye, Novaya Tavolzhanka, Baytsury, Tishanka, Krasny Pakhar, Urazovo, Krasny Oktyabr, Krasnaya Yaruga, Prelestnoye), listing damage to private homes (including one destroyed by fire), roofs, facades, outbuildings, fences, cars, a damaged gas pipe, and damage to social/commercial property. A Russian source claims Ukrainian forces are using civilian buildings in Kupyansk for military purposes, thus endangering remaining civilians.
Ukrainian capabilities continue to focus on integrating and leveraging drone technology; the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade is actively recruiting for specialized roles including UAV operators/masters. The Signum unit has successfully downed another Russian Merlin-VR drone, highlighting effective drone defense tactics and cost-effectiveness. Ukrainian forces are attempting localized counterattacks in small groups, as reported by Russian sources. Ukrainian forces are utilizing "Baba Yaga" and AZM drones for remote mining operations on the Sumy direction and small groups on foot and light vehicles (including quad bikes) for infiltration attempts near Krasnaya Yaruga, facing Russian drone countermeasures. Ukrainian sources report selling patches featuring anti-Russian imagery and donating 50,000 UAH towards drones. Russia continues to employ remote mining tactics using UAVs, claiming success against Ukrainian vehicles near Radkovka (Kharkiv) and Novodanylivka (Zaporizhzhia). Russian military units, including the 810th Marine Brigade's airborne assault battalion, are engaged in heavy fighting on the Kursk direction and claiming advances and destruction of Ukrainian forces. A Russian milblogger fundraising appeal for thermal vision devices (binoculars, monoculars) and MAVIC 3 drones for paratrooper units highlights specific equipment needs and potential reliance on volunteer support to bridge gaps. Reports detail significant issues with Russian personnel management, including a former prisoner's account of forced recruitment into the military via torture, minimal training focused only on trench digging, lack of basic equipment/ammo, poor treatment by commanders, and high casualties for these units. A Russian soldier reportedly complained about lack of pay on state radio and was cut off, suggesting potential systemic payment issues and suppression of such reporting. Severe difficulties with evacuation and logistics for Russian forces are reported in areas with high Ukrainian drone activity and overwhelmed Russian Electronic Warfare systems. Russian sources identify a large number of specific Ukrainian units (including Artillery Brigades, AA Battalion, Engineering Brigades, Territorial Defense Brigades, Ranger Regiment, Airborne Assault Brigades, Mechanized Brigade, Assault Regiment, and drone units) operating in the Kursk/Sumy border region. Russian sources claim destroying Ukrainian EW and communication nodes located in tall buildings in Kupyansk using kamikaze drones and destroying a Ukrainian M113 APC west of Tarasivka with drones.
Bloomberg reports that the United States will demand Russia accept Ukraine's right to have its own military forces and defense industry as part of a future peace agreement. Trump's envoy, Whitkoff, is expected to raise this issue with Putin on Friday. Related reporting indicates NATO Secretary-General Rutte will urge the Trump administration not to force Ukraine into an unfair peace settlement that would "pacify" Putin and increase the threat to European security. Donald Trump is quoted as believing Putin will listen to him regarding stopping strikes on Ukraine, specifically mentioning military objects, and stating that Ukraine and Russia must negotiate and that he has his own deadline for a peace agreement, which he wants quickly. A Russian source adds that the US also reportedly wants the ZA NPP returned to Ukraine (then US control) for energy supply management and ensuring Ukrainian passage on the Dnipro, plus the return of Russian-controlled Kharkiv areas. The Times reports that the UK is considering abandoning plans to send troops to Ukraine, viewing it as too risky due to the potential for wider conflict if a ceasefire with Russia fails. The Russian Embassy in London described the UK's ban on technology and software exports to Russia as a hostile and meaningless gesture, framing it as "psychological compensation" for a failed round of consultations regarding a settlement around Ukraine, which they blamed Ukraine for disrupting. Russian information operations promote a conspiracy narrative alleging Western governments, NGOs, and the UN's International Organization for Migration are intentionally facilitating migration from Central Asia to Russia to increase crime and act against Russia. Russian state media and milbloggers promote the narrative of successful Russian advances and operations, including claiming success in clearing Ukrainian forces from "Russian territory" in Kursk and detailing alleged Ukrainian losses. Russian propaganda also continues to portray Ukraine as the aggressor and highlight perceived morale issues or societal weaknesses, such as a video purportedly showing Ukrainian girls unwilling to date men who cannot avoid mobilization due to fear of death, and promoting videos showing fox cubs in a dugout as a morale item. Russian IO claims Ukrainian casualty reports are staged propaganda aimed at delaying talks and preventing the recognition of new Russian territories. Russian IO claims Ukrainian drone attacks on Belgorod are for media effect. Ukrainian sources utilize information operations to highlight Russian attacks on civilians as war crimes, report on successful Ukrainian deep strikes and losses inflicted on Russia, and publicize recruitment efforts and international support. A Ukrainian source used a graphic claiming a large increase in Russian strikes since a specific political event to bolster arguments for continued support. A Ukrainian source highlighted Trump's quote about Putin listening to him for IO purposes and publicized selling patches (featuring a burning Kremlin) and donating funds towards drones.
A Russian court has arrested three legal entities belonging to the "Lesta Games" group, which operates popular online tank and ship simulators, for undisclosed and classified issues on April 17, initiated by the Prosecutor General's Office. A Russian milblogger promotes a narrative linking Western NGOs and the UN IOM to increased crime in Russia through facilitated migration, framing this as a security threat driven by foreign powers. A report states a picketer was detained in Voronezh protesting against alleged torture of local activists by Russian security services. The investigation into the death of journalist Viktoria Roshchina, confirming signs of torture, is being pursued as a potential war crime, indicating ongoing counter-intelligence and security-related investigations into actions within Russian-controlled territory and by Russian personnel. The Russian Embassy's statement regarding the UK tech ban links it to alleged Ukrainian disruption of talks, framing it within a security and information warfare context. A Russian report details an incident at a market in Voronezh involving conflict between an Azerbaijani diaspora group and a Russian vendor, resulting in violence and intervention by a "Russian Community" group, and the market administration promising to remove "illegals" and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora, highlighting potential internal security/societal tensions in Russia. A Russian source reports monitoring media coverage in Central Asia and Turkey regarding an alleged "attack on the Russian House in Kyrgyzstan", linking it to broader geopolitical tensions and counteracting "foreign influence", indicating Russia's focus on information security and perceived threats in its "Near Abroad".
Ukrainian adaptation includes continued recruitment for specialized roles critical to the current conflict, such as drone operators. Ukrainian forces are demonstrating adaptation in defense by successfully employing tactics and equipment (like the Signum unit's actions) to counter specific Russian drone types repeatedly. The reported tactics of Ukrainian small groups attempting counterattacks in areas with high drone and EW activity, and using small groups/light vehicles for border infiltration attempts (facing drone countermeasures), suggests adaptation to challenging battlefield conditions. Ukrainian forces are actively using "Baba Yaga" and AZM drones for remote mining on the Sumy direction as a tactic to slow Russian advances. Ukrainian sources publicizing fundraising efforts for drones highlight ongoing efforts to acquire necessary capabilities and adapt to the drone-centric battlefield. Russian forces are demonstrating adaptation by employing remote mining tactics via UAVs and claiming success in using kamikaze drones to destroy Ukrainian EW/communication nodes in tall buildings in Kupyansk. Russian forces are also facing the challenge of adapting to effective Ukrainian drone use, particularly impacting logistics and evacuation, and are seeking solutions, including relying on volunteer support for necessary equipment and bolstering UAV operator training programs (as noted previously). The reported poor training and lack of equipment for some Russian units relying on forced recruitment indicates a failure in adaptation to meet the demands of modern combat.
Ukrainian resource allocation is directed towards recruiting personnel for critical roles, including drone operators, armor crew, infantry leaders, medics, and drivers for units like the 128th Brigade. Ukrainian sources publicizing fundraising efforts for drones highlight ongoing efforts to acquire necessary capabilities and adapt to the drone-centric battlefield. Donations are being sought to acquire specific equipment, such as thermal optics and MAVIC 3 drones, highlighting resource gaps at the unit level for Russian forces. Reports of severe difficulties with Russian logistics and evacuation in areas like Lysivka due to heavy Ukrainian drone activity underscore the impact of Ukrainian actions on Russian resource movement and personnel recovery, indicating a significant logistical challenge for Russia. The account of a former Russian prisoner detailing lack of basic equipment and ammunition for his unit further points to potential resource distribution or availability issues within the Russian military, particularly impacting units formed from unconventional sources. The Russian court action against "Lesta Games" and the ongoing investigation into the Kirzhach arsenal incident suggest potential state actions or events impacting resources beyond the immediate front lines.
Formal investigations by the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General, involving potential collaboration with French experts on forensic analysis in the Roshchina case, demonstrate coordination with international partners on specific legal and technical matters. Reports of a Russian soldier complaining about lack of pay on state radio, followed by being cut off and receiving threats, suggest issues with internal communication channels within the Russian military and attempts to control or suppress negative information affecting personnel morale and public perception. Official briefings and reporting structures, such as the one provided by the Head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council (not in latest updates but mentioned previously), demonstrate communication flows between different levels of authority and the public. The Belgorod Governor's detailed reporting on drone attack damage represents a workflow for communicating impact and response efforts to the public.
The declaration of a day of mourning in Sumy for the victims of the Kyiv attack underscores the shared humanitarian impact across Ukraine from Russian strikes. The reported injuries to civilians and damage to residential buildings and infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and the latest confirmed casualties in Kyiv (2 killed, 54 injured, including vulnerable groups, with significant damage) highlight the continued direct threat to civilian life and property and potential war crimes (targeting civilian areas). The confirmation by Ukrainian authorities of signs of torture on the body of journalist Viktoria Roshchina, who died while in Russian custody, represents a severe violation of human rights and a potential war crime, warranting international attention and investigation. An alleged video showing a Russian evacuation group discarding a wounded soldier from a moving vehicle, if verified, indicates potential severe ethical failures in personnel treatment and battlefield medical/evacuation procedures within the Russian military. The former prisoner's detailed account of forced recruitment through torture, inadequate training, lack of equipment, and poor treatment by commanders further highlights systemic ethical and human rights abuses within certain Russian military structures. A report of security services allegedly torturing activists in Voronezh points to internal human rights concerns within Russia itself. Russian information operations attempting to portray Ukrainian girls as unwilling to associate with mobilized men due to fear of death represents a form of psychological information warfare aimed at impacting Ukrainian societal resilience and morale. The Belgorod Governor's report of a woman surviving after being incorrectly declared dead highlights the chaotic nature and human cost of cross-border attacks. His detailed report on damage to civilian properties across Belgorod Oblast from Ukrainian drone/UAV attacks indicates significant humanitarian impact on the Russian side as well. A Russian source claims Ukrainian forces are using civilian buildings in Kupyansk for military purposes, thus endangering civilians remaining there. Russian IO claims Ukrainian reports of civilian casualties in Kyiv/Zaporizhzhia are staged propaganda, demonstrating a deliberate attempt to distort the humanitarian narrative. The incident at the Voronezh market involving inter-ethnic violence, while not directly military, points to potential societal tensions within Russia with humanitarian implications.
Statements attributed to Donald Trump, such as his belief that Putin will listen to him regarding stopping strikes and his intent to set a deadline for a peace deal, suggest a perception of personal influence in high-level strategic decisions, impacting political dynamics surrounding the conflict and potentially putting external pressure on the involved parties. The Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General's investigation into the death and potential torture of journalist Viktoria Roshchina indicates a process of human and legal oversight aimed at investigating potential war crimes and ensuring accountability. The report of a Russian soldier's complaint about pay being cut off on state radio and a military expert's threatening response highlights issues concerning oversight of personnel welfare and potential suppression of dissent or negative reporting by figures in positions of authority or influence.
A Russian court has taken action against the legal entities of "Lesta Games," operating popular online simulators, which could relate to control over digital assets, potential censorship, or other state actions impacting the information and digital sphere. The Russian Embassy's framing of the UK's tech/software export ban as "psychological compensation" for failed peace talks is an example of information operations aimed at framing international actions within a narrative favorable to Russia. The Russian milblogger narrative promoting the idea of Western-backed migration increasing crime in Russia acts as an information operation attempting to link external influence to internal security concerns. The ASTRA report on the FSB remotely accessing a detained activist's Telegram account (not in this latest update, but previous context) highlights security service capabilities and actions in the digital domain for surveillance and control, impacting information assurance and privacy. Russia monitoring media coverage in Central Asia and Turkey regarding perceived threats indicates a focus on information control and counter-messaging efforts in strategic regions.
The process of forensic investigation into potential war crimes, as detailed by the Ukrainian OGP regarding the Roshchina case and involving potential international collaboration, represents a formal operational workflow for documenting and investigating serious incidents. Continued recruitment efforts by Ukrainian military units like the 128th Brigade demonstrate an ongoing personnel management and force generation workflow. The process described by a former Russian prisoner details a specific, abusive, and reportedly ineffective, workflow for recruiting and deploying personnel from penal institutions. Russian military units are engaged in workflows related to conducting reconnaissance, deploying remote mining assets (including via UAVs), using drones for detecting and hitting Ukrainian small groups/light vehicles during infiltration attempts, conducting assaults (as in Hornal), and attempting logistics and evacuation in challenging battlefield environments. Briefings by regional authorities (like the Belgorod Governor) represent a workflow for disseminating information regarding the impact of hostilities and response efforts. Ukrainian forces are utilizing "Baba Yaga" and AZM drones for remote mining at night as an operational tactic.
The claimed significant increase in the intensity and scale of Russian strikes since late January 2025, particularly impacting regions like Odesa, if accurate, suggests a notable shift in Russian strategy or capabilities, potentially aiming for greater impact and pressure on Ukraine's defenses and civilian population, and could be influenced by external political factors. The continued high intensity of ground combat, especially on the Pokrovsk and Toretsk axes, and claimed Russian advances in specific areas (Sukha Balka, near Toretsk/Dzerzhynsk, Hornal, south of Oleshnya), despite reported heavy Ukrainian resistance and losses on both sides, indicates Russia's continued commitment to achieving territorial gains in Donbas and border regions. The identified issues within the Russian military regarding personnel management (forced recruitment, poor training, lack of equipment, pay issues) and logistics/evacuation challenges under Ukrainian drone pressure highlight potential vulnerabilities and strains on Russia's ability to sustain effective ground operations, despite stated objectives. The Ukrainian recruitment drive for specialized roles and effective drone defense actions, plus reports of using "Baba Yaga"/AZM drones for mining and selling patches for drone funding, indicate adaptation and efforts to build capabilities necessary for protracted conflict. Diplomatic reports regarding potential US demands for Russia to accept Ukraine's military sovereignty, seeking ZA NPP/Kharkiv area/Dnipro passage return, and concerns about external pressure for territorial concessions (including from Trump with his self-imposed deadline) signal ongoing strategic disagreements among Ukraine's partners and potential leverage points or challenges in future negotiations, posing a risk to consistent Western support. The Times report on the UK potentially abandoning troop deployment plans indicates NATO risk assessment and caution regarding direct escalation. The confirmed signs of torture on a Ukrainian journalist's body underscore severe human rights violations and potential war crimes within Russian custody, impacting humanitarian considerations and future prisoner exchanges. The Russian court action against a major digital/gaming company and reports of security service actions against activists and incidents like the Voronezh market conflict point to tightening internal control, security measures, and potential societal tensions in Russia. The Belgorod Governor's detailed damage report highlights the increasing impact of Ukrainian drone/UAV activity on Russian border areas.
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.
