Archived operational intelligence briefing
The central point of contention remains the status of Kursk Oblast. Russian sources, including Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov reporting to President Putin and Minister of Defence Belousov being present at the command post, maintain the operation to liberate the oblast is complete, claiming Gornal as the final liberated settlement and asserting significant Ukrainian losses (>76,000 personnel cumulatively and >170 in the last 24 hours). Video evidence of the Russian flag being raised in Gornal is presented as proof, with TASS reporting Belousov was present online for the flag-raising. Ukrainian sources, however, directly refute this, stating the defensive operation in designated areas of Kursk Oblast is ongoing, that the situation is difficult but positions are held, and that Russian claims are propaganda ("propaganda maneuver" and wishful thinking). They report repelling five enemy assaults and one ongoing combat engagement in the "Kursk" grouping's operational zone, emphasizing no threat of encirclement. Ukrainian DShV of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade released video claiming destruction of Russian naval infantry from the 810th Separate Marine Brigade and 177th Separate Guards Marine Regiment in Kursk Oblast. The continued active operations in designated areas of Belgorod Oblast are also affirmed by Ukraine. DeepState acknowledges Russian progression near Hornal, attributing it partly to the numerical presence of North Korean forces, although noting they also sustained losses. This presents a clear information asymmetry and requires independent verification for accurate assessment of territorial control.
A significant confirmation comes from Russian Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov, who officially acknowledged the participation of North Korean military personnel in the Kursk Oblast operation, praising their professionalism and stating they showed "resilience and heroism". Russian milbloggers elaborate, describing them as "desperate assault troops" operating on internationally recognized Russian territory for a "counter-terrorist operation" and noting their effectiveness despite language barriers and having their own weaponry. Rybar claims North Korea fulfilled alliance obligations. Kotsnews adds that they were referred to as "combat Buryats" for secrecy, were trained, and fought on the third, second, and then in assault lines, demonstrating discipline, disregard for death, and endurance, particularly their Special Operations Forces. They contributed significantly to the liberation of settlements, including in Korenevsky district and near Kurilovka, with a strict rule of not being captured alive or surrendering. Kotsnews also shares a photo of a propaganda leaflet allegedly distributed by Ukraine targeting North Korean soldiers. This official acknowledgment has implications for international relations and the perceived nature of the conflict.
Russia continues claiming the creation of a security zone in Sumy Oblast, reporting four settlements liberated and control over 90 sq km. They also assert the expulsion of Ukrainian forces from Popovka in Belgorod Oblast, raising the Russian flag and conducting mopping-up operations there, claiming over 1760 cumulative Ukrainian losses in the "Krasnoyaruzhsky adventure." Ukrainian forces, while stating active operations continue in designated areas of Belgorod Oblast, do not explicitly confirm or deny the situation in Popovka in this update.
Politically, reports surrounding President Zelenskyy's interaction with "President Donald Trump" (Note: Trump is not currently President) at the funeral of Pope Francis are notable. While Zelenskyy initially reported a "good meeting" discussing peace and ceasefire, subsequent reports from Ukrainian sources (RBC-Ukraina and Operatyvnyi ZSU) state a continuation of the meeting did NOT occur due to Trump's schedule, although important matters were discussed, including how to achieve peace and the results of the Paris and London meetings. Zelenskyy later reiterated the "good meeting" aspect and discussed productive conversations, though withholding sensitive details due to their sensitive nature. He also met with UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. Zelenskyy is also reported to have met with French President Macron and is scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Meloni and EC President von der Leyen, indicating continued diplomatic engagement.
The US reportedly rejected Russia's demand for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, deeming it "unreasonable and impracticable" and assuring Kyiv of non-support, according to The New York Times. This directly impacts potential peace negotiation frameworks.
The increasing number of casualties (516 wounded, 4 killed) from the explosion at the port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, is reported, indicating a significant incident with humanitarian consequences.
Further changes in the structure of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces (DShV) are reported, with the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade (A3316) joining the 8th Corps, making it a fully equipped unit with dedicated artillery. The reported production rate of "Bohdana" SPGs has reached 36 units per month, according to Army Technology, a strong indicator of increased domestic defense production.
Russian Ministry of Defence provided updated daily reports on losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces across multiple axes, claiming significant personnel and equipment destruction, including the destruction of a US-made Bradley IFV and an M777 howitzer. These claims require independent verification.
Reports of the alleged killing of a leading Russian EW developer, Yevgeny Rytikov, in Bryansk on April 17/18 via a car explosion are reiterated by multiple sources (ASTRA, Dnevnik Desantnika, WarGonzo, Two Majors), linking him to the modernization of the "Krasukha" system and stating his colleague was also killed. This, alongside the reported killing of a cartographer and Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate Yaroslav Moskalik, suggests potential internal security issues or targeted actions within Russia impacting key personnel.
A Russian milblogger (Two Majors) provided information on the production of US MQ-25 Stingray refueling drones, highlighting their potential to extend the range of carrier aviation and enhance NATO operational capabilities, indicating awareness of evolving Western military technology.
Russian sources (Alex Parker Returns) reported a fundraiser appeal for DJI Mavic 3T and Mavic 3Pro drones for a Russian motorized rifle battalion (60th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, 2nd battalion), highlighting ongoing reliance on volunteer support for essential equipment.
Rybar reports on a round table in Moscow discussing negative portrayals of Russia in the history textbooks of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, noting negative mentions outweigh positive ones and linking this trend to Western and Turkish influence, raising concerns about national security and proposing countermeasures.
A Russian source ("Zona SVO") reports on the preparation of a large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, 500 for 500, mediated by the UAE, scheduled for May 3rd.
Intense fighting continues across numerous axes. The Russian Ministry of Defence reports for April 26 claim significant Ukrainian losses across multiple axes, including:
Russian sources also report tactical activity on the Svatove-Kreminna direction and continued heavy fighting and drone use on the Zaporizhzhia direction. Two people were reported wounded in Kherson Oblast due to a Russian drone attack. Ukrainian units continue to use drones effectively for reconnaissance, targeting, and interdiction, including reportedly downing a Russian "Orlan" UAV. Ukrainian drone operators of the 108th battalion of the 10th OGShBr reportedly destroyed attacking Russian infantry before they reached positions. Russian sniper teams are also reportedly active, with one claiming to have shot down a "Baba Yaga" drone on the Southern Donetsk direction. Russian sources on the Southern Donetsk direction claim continued targeting of Ukrainian strongholds, UAV control points, reinforcement groups, and equipment using FPV drones and precision strikes, claiming destruction of a pickup, two strongpoints, three UAV control points, a minivan, and 8 fixed-wing UAVs and one "Baba Yaga". Russian sources (Z-komitet) with map analysis claim advances for Russian forces near Dachne and Leonidivka on the Toretsk axis.
Air activity includes Ukrainian reports of Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern and eastern directions with the threat of aerial weapons use, specifically mentioning KAB launches on Sumy Oblast and Donetsk Oblast.
The funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City saw international delegations in attendance, including President Zelenskyy and former US President Trump. Zurab Tsereteli was buried in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Ukrainian application "Diia" reportedly experienced technical issues but is now working again. Reports continue of the alleged killing of a Russian EW developer near Bryansk and a cartographer in the Vladimir region, although these are not officially confirmed by Russia.
Diplomatically, aside from the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting reports and clarification, Zelenskyy also met with UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and is scheduled to meet with French President Macron, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and EC President von der Leyen, indicating continued diplomatic efforts. The US has reportedly rejected Russian demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from occupied territories in peace talks. Information regarding a dispute in Russia over Wargaming/Lesta assets persists. Humanitarian concerns in occupied Mariupol continue. The reported death of a Russian EW developer (Rytikov) is highlighted again by multiple sources.
Reports from Russian milbloggers highlight internal issues, including the conviction of General Popov and criticism of migration policies in Voronezh, reflecting potential internal friction and societal concerns. Rybar reports on concerns within Russia regarding negative portrayals of Russia in Central Asian history textbooks, attributing it to Western and Turkish influence.
A large-scale prisoner exchange, 500 for 500, mediated by the UAE, is reportedly being prepared for May 3rd.
Russian state media and military bloggers are heavily promoting the claimed liberation of Kursk Oblast, highlighting video evidence of flag raising in Gornal and reporting on the Gerasimov-Putin briefing with claims of massive Ukrainian casualties and the effectiveness of Russian forces and North Korean personnel. They are also promoting the claimed liberation of Popovka in Belgorod Oblast and the ongoing creation of a security zone in Sumy Oblast. The official acknowledgment of North Korean forces is being used to reinforce the narrative of North Korea as a steadfast ally. Russian sources are also disseminating their daily reports on claimed Ukrainian losses. The reported death of EW developer Rytikov is being reported by Russian sources. Fundraiser appeals highlight the reliance on public support for equipment. Russian sources are highlighting claimed tactical advances, such as near Dachne and Leonidivka. Russian milbloggers are also discussing concerns about historical narratives in Central Asian textbooks and their implications.
Ukrainian sources are directly countering the Russian claims regarding Kursk Oblast, emphasizing that their defensive operation continues, positions are held, and Russian claims are propaganda, reporting on repelled assaults. They are reporting on ongoing operations in designated areas of Belgorod Oblast. The reported meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump is being highlighted, along with the subsequent clarification that a longer meeting did not occur, and Zelenskyy's continued diplomatic engagements, including with Keir Starmer. Ukrainian sources are also reporting on civilian casualties from Russian attacks, highlighting Ukrainian drone effectiveness (downing an Orlan, destroying infantry), the increased production rate of Bohdana SPGs, and reporting on international diplomatic developments including the US rejection of Russian territorial demands. The increasing casualties from the explosion in Iran are also being reported. The reported death of Russian EW developer Rytikov is also being highlighted by Ukrainian sources. DeepState acknowledges Russian progress near Hornal but attributes it to North Korean numbers. Ukrainian DShV are publishing videos claiming destruction of Russian forces in Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian sources are also reporting on alleged upcoming prisoner exchanges.
Propaganda efforts continue by both sides, with visual evidence and official statements being used to support their respective narratives. Russian sources are also highlighting internal issues and perceived shortcomings of the Ukrainian side.
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