Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russia conducted a large-scale combined air attack on April 24, employing 70 missiles and 145 drones across Ukraine, with a primary focus on Kyiv. Specific munitions identified include Kh-59 missiles on Kharkiv, Kh-101 on Shepetivka, and Kalibr cruise missiles on Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia Oblasts. Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 6 ballistic and 6 cruise missiles targeted Kyiv in a prior wave on April 23, with at least 3 cruise missiles on Kharkiv and at least 2 ballistic and 3 cruise missiles on Pavlohrad. A claimed doubling or tenfold increase in Russian missile and drone strike intensity across 12 Ukrainian regions has been noted since late January 2025.
Simultaneous multi-vector Russian UAV and missile activity has been observed impacting central, eastern, southern, and northern Ukraine, involving multiple Kalibr missile launches from the Black Sea and widespread Shahed drone activity with complex vectors. Air Defense is active in Kyiv and across other oblasts. Ballistic missile threats have been issued from the east and from the Voronezh/Bryansk regions. Strategic aviation aircraft (Tu-95ms, Tu-160) have been involved in launching Kh-101 missiles. A nationwide air raid alert was recently active.
Ukrainian forces conducted a combined strike on multiple locations across occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed a strike on a plant producing strike UAVs ('Geran-2'/Shahed type and others) in the Yelabuga district of Tatarstan (over 1000 km from the border), claiming hits, explosions, and damage to the final assembly workshop. Ongoing detonations continue at the 51st GRAU arsenal in Kirzhach, Vladimir Oblast, following a likely Ukrainian deep strike on April 22. Ukrainian border guards reportedly destroyed a Russian radar station on the Northern direction using FPV drones.
Naval activity includes the presence of two Russian Kalibr missile carriers in the Black Sea, elevating the missile threat. Three Russian warships, including two Kalibr carriers, are present in the Mediterranean Sea.
High-intensity combat continues across active axes, with the Pokrovsk axis experiencing the highest intensity (43 Russian attempts on April 24, following 53 on April 23). Ukrainian intelligence assesses Russian forces are regrouping and transferring troops and equipment from Crimea and Russia to the southern front (Zaporizhzhia, Kherson areas) for expected intensification. Russian forces reportedly plan to reach the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast by May 9, continuing attacks on the Pokrovsk axis.
On the Kursk/Sumy Border Zone, Ukrainian operations continue in Kursk Oblast (23 Russian assaults repelled on April 24). Intensive fighting is reported near Hornal, described by Russian sources as one of the last villages in "Russian territory" controlled by Ukrainian forces, with Russian Marine units (810th Brigade) engaged and claiming advances towards the center of Hornal despite difficult terrain. 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. 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. Map analysis 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 Pokrovsk Axis, 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. Map analysis indicates a defensive line along the Bychok river/pond, potential minefields, and a destroyed crossing point in this area.
On the Toretsk/Dzerzhynsk Axis, positional fighting continues. 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. DeepState reports the enemy continues to develop success southwest of Toretsk, occupying Panteleymonivka, Valentynivka, almost all of Sukha Balka, and assaulting Romanivka, noting a flanking maneuver around Shcherbynivka is being attempted. Russian forces previously confirmed control of Sukha Balka.
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 and equipment losses near Bohatyr, Otradne, and in the Vilne Pole area. Russian 'Vostok' Group is claimed to maintain initiative using small group tactics. Tactical Group "Vuhledar" reports force accumulation for a large offensive aiming for the Dnipropetrovsk/Donetsk border by May 9.
On the Zaporizhzhia Axis, increased Russian assault activity is reported, with positional fighting and Ukrainian counterattacks. High activity of Russian FPV drones is reported on the Vasylivka - Tokmak highway and nearby settlements. Ukrainian GUR units claim destroying over 100 pieces of Russian equipment and eliminating over 150 occupiers on the Zaporizhzhia direction over the past week.
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 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. Marinka is confirmed as extensively destroyed and under firm Russian control, heavily mined.
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 (including children and a pregnant woman), with 38 hospitalized. Significant damage to residential buildings (fires, destruction, people trapped under rubble), non-residential premises, cars, and garages occurred across several districts, with Sviatoshynskyi district reported as the most affected. Damage was also reported in Kyiv Oblast, including a damaged residential building and shop fire, and forest/grass fires, though no casualties were reported there.
In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on April 24, attacks on the Nikopolskyi district resulted in 2 injured men and damage to civilian property due to kamikaze drones, UAV munitions, and artillery. In the Synelnykivskyi district, KABs and drones damaged infrastructure and a farm, with no casualties reported.
Previous attacks resulted in a mass casualty event in Marhanets (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast) where an FPV drone struck a civilian bus, killing 9 civilians and wounding 43. Critical energy infrastructure supplying Kherson city was destroyed by sustained Russian attacks. Earlier strikes also resulted in civilian casualties in Poltava (6 wounded), Odesa (2 wounded), and Kharkiv city (1 fatality). Previous reports for Zaporizhzhia Oblast indicated 1 civilian killed and 40 injured from 359 strikes over one day (April 22). Mine contamination remains a significant issue in areas like Nikopol and Marinka.
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. Further forensic analysis 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 injuries. He also provided a detailed report of damage from recent drone/UAV attacks across multiple settlements, 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. Russian IO claims Ukrainian casualty reports are staged propaganda aimed at delaying talks.
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. The Signum unit has successfully downed another Russian Merlin-VR drone, highlighting effective drone defense tactics. Ukrainian forces are attempting localized counterattacks in small groups and 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 are publicizing fundraising efforts for drones, including selling patches featuring anti-Russian imagery and donating funds towards drone acquisition. The Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration recently reported the delivery of a substantial aid package including vehicles, 100 day camera drones, EW systems, drone detectors, and other equipment to units on the Zaporizhzhia front. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense project "Contract 18-24" has increased participating brigades to 24 to recruit younger personnel for high-intensity units. Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Lithuania are cooperating on joint CV90 procurement linked to Ukraine's needs.
Russia continues to employ remote mining tactics using UAVs, claiming success against Ukrainian vehicles. Russian military units, including the 810th Marine Brigade's airborne assault battalion, are engaged in heavy fighting on the Kursk direction. A Russian milblogger fundraising appeal for thermal vision devices 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 operating in the Kursk/Sumy border region and 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. NATO Secretary-General Rutte will reportedly 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 planned ministerial meeting of UK, US, FR, DE, UA Foreign Ministers in London on April 23 did not occur at the ministerial level, proceeding instead between officials and experts. This postponement is widely attributed to Ukraine's rejection of reported US proposals involving territorial concessions and a preference to first discuss a full ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance reportedly stated the US proposal involves freezing the borders near current lines and requiring some territorial exchanges, and that the US might withdraw from mediation if its proposal is rejected. Ukraine's First Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed Ukraine's readiness to negotiate but not surrender, stating a full ceasefire is a necessary first step, Ukraine rejects a frozen conflict, will never recognize the occupation of Crimea, and demands binding security guarantees.
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 continues to portray Ukraine as the aggressor and highlight perceived morale issues or societal weaknesses.
A Russian court has arrested three legal entities belonging to the "Lesta Games" group (online tank/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. 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.
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 Belgorod Governor detailing damage from attacks, demonstrate communication flows between different levels of authority and the public. Ukrainian forces are utilizing "Baba Yaga" and AZM drones for remote mining at night as an operational tactic.
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 mass casualty event in Marhanets, caused by a Russian FPV drone striking a civilian bus, further exemplifies the direct impact of the conflict on civilians. The confirmed 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. Alleged incidents, such as a video purportedly showing a Russian evacuation group discarding a wounded soldier from a moving vehicle, if verified, indicate potential severe ethical failures within the Russian military. Accounts from former prisoners regarding forced recruitment through torture, inadequate training, lack of equipment, and poor treatment further highlight systemic ethical and human rights abuses. A report of security services allegedly torturing activists in Voronezh points to internal human rights concerns within Russia. The detailed damage report from the Belgorod Governor highlights the increasing impact of Ukrainian drone/UAV activity on Russian border areas, indicating 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.
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. Reporting on alleged US proposals for territorial concessions and US criticism of Zelenskyy reflects human decisions and disagreements at high political levels influencing the diplomatic landscape.
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. 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 arrest of a Rosgvardia digital development head General Varentsov for fraud and temporary flight restrictions at Russian airports also indicate state actions related to security and information assurance.
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 large-scale, integrated Russian UAV and missile attack involving diverse munitions and vectors across multiple Ukrainian oblasts indicates Russia's continued strategy of attempting to overwhelm air defenses and degrade infrastructure, likely aiming to exert psychological pressure and achieve strategic effects. The confirmed impacts in Kyiv, including residential buildings and significant casualties, underscore the ongoing threat to civilians and the potential for deliberate targeting of populated areas. The confirmed Ukrainian combined strike on multiple locations across occupied Crimea demonstrates UA capability to conduct deep strikes against key Russian military infrastructure and logistical hubs, likely impacting Russian operations in southern Ukraine and requiring adjustments to force disposition. The confirmed Ukrainian strike on the Yelabuga UAV production plant in Tatarstan demonstrates Ukraine's continued ability and intent to target military-industrial facilities deep within Russia, aiming to degrade Russian production capabilities. The significant number of combat clashes and high intensity on the Pokrovsk axis, alongside claimed Russian tactical gains in specific areas (e.g., Sukha Balka, near Toretsk/Dzerzhynsk, Hornal), indicate Russian forces continue to prioritize offensive operations in Donbas and border regions towards stated objectives, despite reported heavy resistance and losses. 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. Ukrainian adaptation through specialized recruitment (drone operators), effective drone defense, remote mining tactics, and fundraising efforts indicates proactive measures to build capabilities for protracted conflict. Diplomatic reports regarding potential US demands for Russia to accept Ukraine's military sovereignty, seeking the return of the ZA NPP and specific territories, alongside concerns about external pressure for territorial concessions (including from Trump with his self-imposed deadline), signal significant divergence in strategic approaches among Ukraine's partners and potential 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. Russian court action against a major digital/gaming company and reports of security service actions against activists point to tightening internal control 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.
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