Sitrep 2025-04-28 18:19:53

Operational Intelligence Briefing - Major Updates and Analysis (April 28, 2025, 18:19 UTC)

Executive Summary

The operational tempo remains high across the frontlines with Russia continuing offensive actions and claiming further localized gains. A significant development is the activation of an air raid siren in Moscow, the cause of which is currently unknown, adding a layer of domestic uncertainty within Russia. Simultaneously, Russia reports extensive Ukrainian drone attacks on Bryansk Oblast, detailing widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, though reporting no casualties in this specific update. Russian sources continue to amplify narratives of Ukrainian forced mobilization and lack of unit control. Ukraine continues its defense, highlights efforts in countering Russian UAVs, and focuses on diplomatic engagement and internal economic initiatives. Discussions regarding potential peace settlements persist, with varying preconditions and external perspectives, including Donald Trump's reported continued belief in a potential deal while expressing irritation with both Ukrainian and Russian leadership. Tensions between India and Pakistan are also a notable international development.

Strategic and Tactical Overview

Ukrainian Actions and Capabilities:

Active Defense and Counter-Attacks: Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian assaults. While Russia claims advances, Ukraine's reporting from DeepState on the Belgorod operation highlights continued tactical actions in border regions, claiming significant Russian losses and the operational success of specific Ukrainian units (225th assault regiment, 414th "Birds of Madyar", 47th and 17th brigades).
Air Defense and Counter-UAV Operations: Ukraine is actively countering Russian aerial threats. The 3rd Assault Brigade reports significant success in downing numerous Russian UAVs (349 total, with 220 downed by FPV interceptors, including various types like Zala, Supercam, Skat, Orlan, Merlin, Lancet, and Molniya) over the past 6 months, highlighting specialized units and tactics. Air raid alerts were active and air defense confirmed working in Zaporizhzhia Oblast previously, indicating ongoing vigilance. A Ukrainian unit "DARKNODE" is actively recruiting and specializing in countering Shahed drones.
Artillery Operations: Ukrainian artillery, including NATO-standard 155mm howitzers like the "Bohdana" and FH70, is actively engaged on the Zaporizhzhia direction, highlighting continued reliance on and effective use of these systems for fire support, counter-battery fire, and targeting enemy positions and logistics.
Technological Innovation and Adoption: The launch of the Brave1 Market aims to streamline the procurement of modern military technologies directly by units, including UAVs, ground robots, EW, and AI solutions, accelerating technological adoption and improving battlefield effectiveness. A Ukrainian unit specializing in countering Shahed drones is actively recruiting, demonstrating focus on this specific threat.
Force Generation and Training: Ongoing training programs, including those with international partners (NATO/Poland as previously reported) and specialized units like the one focused on countering Shahed drones, are crucial for maintaining combat effectiveness. A Ukrainian unit shares images of their training.
Logistical Support: While volunteer fundraising supplements official supplies, the ongoing use of artillery and the need for advanced technologies underscore the continued requirement for robust logistical support and international aid. Volunteer fundraising for specific units continues.
Information Operations and Diplomacy: Ukraine is highlighting the work of its military units, particularly in air defense and artillery, showcasing their capabilities and claimed successes. They are also emphasizing efforts towards long-term recovery and development, as seen in the announcement of a meeting on startup ecosystem development in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian sources continue to report on Russian drone attacks and their impact. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Sybiha, has contacted France, Spain, and Portugal, offering Ukrainian assistance in overcoming the energy crisis, indicating diplomatic engagement beyond the immediate conflict. Operational ZSU reports that the US calls for elections in Ukraine as a condition for a peace settlement have reportedly faded from official Washington rhetoric. Ukrainian sources are reporting on Donald Trump's statements regarding his belief in a possible peace deal. Ukrainian sources are disseminating videos of captured Russian servicemen, aiming to highlight perceived issues within the Russian military, such as forced conscription. DeepState provides an analysis of the 40-day Belgorod operation, highlighting claimed Ukrainian successes and Russian losses. ASTRA reports on Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast resulting in civilian casualties. Ukraine is reporting on the appointment of a new head of Naftogaz.
Internal Security: The tragic incident involving a hand grenade and police officers in Mykolaiv Oblast highlights the challenges of maintaining internal security and responding to domestic issues during the conflict. Ukrainian sources (БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС) are disseminating videos of captured Russian servicemen claiming issues with forced conscription.
Personnel: Ukrainian units are actively engaged in combat, indicating ongoing personnel commitment. Claims of successful drone interceptions by the Third Assault Brigade specifically highlight the personnel operating these systems. The fatal incident in Mykolaiv Oblast resulted in the death of a police sergeant. ASTRA reports civilian casualties in Kherson Oblast due to Russian shelling.

Russian Actions and Claims:

Persistent Offensive Operations and Claimed Gains: Russia continues intense ground assaults on multiple axes. Russian sources (Slovochniy Kapriz) claim advances on the Pokrovsk direction (near Berezivka and the Ocheretyne junction) and the Kostiantynivka direction (near Sukha Balka). Detailed fighting is reported in the Southern Donetsk direction (near Bogatyr and Otradnoye), with claims of clearing forest belts and taking strongpoints. Russia now specifically claims the "liberation" of Kamenka on the Kupyansk direction. Russian sources are reporting on efforts to destroy Ukrainian logistics, including bridges, on the Velykonovoselivka direction. They are also showcasing claimed destruction of Ukrainian positions and equipment near Pokrovsk. Colonelcassad reports intensified pressure on the industrial zone of Pisky and Shevchenko on the Pokrovsk direction, claiming these areas are strategically important for logistics and reserves. Pressure is also reported near Lysivka. Russian forces are claiming significant successes near Tarasivka, where they claim to have "practically completely taken Vodyane Druhe and Zelenyy Pole." Russian sources also report attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses near Hryhorivka on the Siversk direction, claiming Ukrainian forces are withdrawing.
Large-Scale Drone and Air Attacks: Russia continues widespread drone and artillery attacks. Russian sources (AV БогомаZ, TASS) provide a detailed report of extensive Ukrainian drone attacks on Bryansk Oblast, listing numerous damaged or destroyed civilian objects, vehicles, and infrastructure in multiple settlements across several districts, though reporting no casualties in this specific update (contrasting with a previous report of a fatality and injuries in Bryansk). Russia is utilizing artillery and aviation (including KAB strikes) on the frontlines (e.g., Velykonovoselivka direction, Donetsk Oblast). Russian sources are showcasing drone operations, including targeting Ukrainian blindages. Fighterbomber reports a drone threat in the area of Prymorsk and Berdyansk and further towards Krasnodar Krai. Dnevnik Desantnika reports that the enemy is attempting to attack Crimea with drones using a new trajectory.
Information Operations and Political Signaling: Russia is actively using information operations to portray military successes, including claimed territorial gains and destruction of Ukrainian assets. Russian sources (MoD Russia) are disseminating propaganda videos featuring captured Ukrainian servicemen claiming issues with Ukrainian mobilization and training, specifically mentioning the alleged recruitment of disabled, mentally ill, blind individuals, and female prisoners. This aims to undermine Ukrainian morale and international support by portraying a desperate and ineffective Ukrainian military. Russia continues to push the narrative of its proposed Victory Day ceasefire as a sign of goodwill while suggesting Ukraine is incapable of guaranteeing its adherence due to a lack of unit control. Russian military bloggers (Kotsnews) are conducting polls reflecting a desire for aggressive retaliation against Ukraine, particularly "targeted liquidation of VSU leaders" in response to the death of a Russian general. Russia is emphasizing its alliances (previously highlighting North Korea, now also promoting the idea of strong alliances generally, such as in the context of North Korean troop involvement in Kursk). Russian sources continue to promote their domestic efforts and internal stability (reporting on police corruption case in Moscow). Russian military bloggers are also promoting specific units' activities and fundraising efforts. They are also showcasing claimed destruction of Ukrainian assets like blindages and tanks. Russian military bloggers are commenting on the Moscow siren incident, amplifying the uncertainty. Russian state Duma speaker Volodin is promoting laws on protecting historical memory. WarGonzo reports on a marathon in Donetsk celebrating Victory Day, highlighting Russian narratives and figures. Russian military bloggers are reporting on Donald Trump's statements regarding peace talks. Russian military bloggers are commenting on US requests for Greece to transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine, framing it as a sign of Ukraine's air defense problems and continued US military assistance. Rybar reports on Kazakhstan investigating Sputnik Kazakhstan for allegedly violating Kazakh law by portraying a Kazakh citizen fighting for Russia as a hero, framing it as a potential information campaign against Russian resources. Russian military bloggers are reporting on tensions between India and Pakistan.
Force Generation and Adaptation: Recruitment for internal affairs organs in occupied territories (previously reported) continues, suggesting efforts to consolidate control and maintain internal security. The showcasing of North Korean troop involvement (previously reported) and now general statements on the importance of strong alliances indicate ongoing efforts to leverage external support and project strength. Russian sources are disseminating information on recruiting Ukrainian citizens for a "people's resistance."
Border Operations: Russia continues to report and detail Ukrainian attacks on its border regions (Bryansk Oblast). DeepState's analysis of the Belgorod operation highlights the presence of Russian forces (UV "Belgorod") in this area.
Internal Security and Corruption: Reports of corruption within Russian institutions persist, with a new report detailing charges against police officers in Moscow for a large bribe. The activation of an air raid siren in Moscow, particularly with no immediate explanation, is a significant internal security event, likely causing public alarm and potentially raising questions about the effectiveness of air defense in the capital region. BУТУСОВ ПЛЮС shares a video of a captured Russian soldier claiming forced conscription.
Diplomatic Engagement: Russian officials continue to engage in diplomatic discussions, as seen in previous reports of dialogue with the US and statements on peace proposals. Peskov states Russia is ready for unconditional negotiations if Ukraine ceases arms supplies and doesn't use a ceasefire to rearm. Peskov also comments on the possibility of dialogue between Putin and Trump. Lavrov outlined Russia's conditions for ending the war, including Ukraine lifting the negotiation ban, neutral status, liquidation of the "neo-Nazi regime," and recognition of occupied territories.
Military Justice and Accountability: Colonelcassad shares a video from the "Rubikon" combat groups showcasing their claimed destruction of Ukrainian assets near Donetsk, which likely serves to demonstrate operational effectiveness.

Areas of Significant Activity (Updated)

Pokrovsk Axis: Highly active with Russian claims of advances near Berezivka and the Ocheretyne junction, and continued heavy fighting reported by Ukraine. Russian sources claim intensified pressure on the industrial zone of Pisky and Shevchenko, and significant successes near Tarasivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Zelenyy Pole.
Southern Donetsk Direction: Active fighting with Russian claims of clearing areas and taking strongpoints near Bogatyr and Otradnoye. Slovochniy Kapriz claims Russian forces advanced 1 km west of Kurakhove and occupied new positions on the southern approaches to Bogatyr.
Kostiantynivka Direction: Russian claims of capturing a strongpoint near Sukha Balka.
Kupyansk Direction: Russia claims the "liberation" of Kamenka.
Velykonovoselivka Direction: Russian efforts reported to destroy Ukrainian logistics, including bridges.
Bryansk Oblast: Subject to extensive Ukrainian drone attacks, resulting in widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, vehicles, and homes across multiple districts and settlements.
Zaporizhzhia Direction: Ukrainian artillery (including "Bohdana" and FH70) is actively engaged, highlighting continued combat activity in this area. Air raid alerts were active and air defense was working. Russian military bloggers report a drone threat in the area of Prymorsk and Berdyansk.
Donetsk Oblast: Subject to Russian artillery and aviation strikes (including KABs). Colonelcassad shares a video of "Rubikon" groups operating near Donetsk.
Siversk Direction: Russian sources report attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses near Hryhorivka.
Kherson Oblast: ASTRA reports three civilian casualties due to Russian shelling in Bilozerka and a drone attack in Dniprovskyi district of Kherson.
Belgorod Oblast: DeepState provides an analysis of the 40-day Ukrainian operation, highlighting claimed Ukrainian successes and Russian losses.
Crimean Peninsula: Dnevnik Desantnika reports that the enemy is attempting to attack Crimea with drones using a new trajectory.
Mykolaiv Oblast: Fatal incident involving a hand grenade and police officers.
Moscow: Activation of an air raid siren with unknown cause. Reports of a criminal case against police officers for corruption.
Kazakhstan: Investigation into Sputnik Kazakhstan for alleged violation of Kazakh law.
India-Pakistan Border: Reported increased tensions and potential for conflict.

Potential Future Developments

Independent verification of claimed territorial changes, particularly the "liberation" of Kamenka, advances on the Pokrovsk, Southern Donetsk, Kostiantynivka, and Siversk axes, and claimed gains near Tarasivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Zelenyy Pole.
Further information and clarification regarding the air raid siren activation in Moscow and any potential connection to the conflict.
The scale and impact of continued Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian border regions and any potential Russian escalation in response.
Further details on the impact of Ukrainian artillery fire on Russian forces and logistics on the Zaporizhzhia direction.
The effectiveness of Ukraine's Brave1 Market in accelerating the adoption of new technologies and its impact on battlefield capabilities.
Continued Russian information operations, particularly those focusing on Ukrainian mobilization and unit control, and any observable impact on Ukrainian domestic morale or international support.
The outcome of discussions regarding potential ceasefires and the likelihood of any temporary truce being observed.
Further reports or investigations into corruption cases within Russian institutions and any potential broader implications.
The trajectory of the India-Pakistan tensions and any potential wider geopolitical consequences.
Confirmation or refutation of claims regarding the presence of foreign fighters on either side.
Any observable impact of the fatal grenade incident in Mykolaiv Oblast on internal security measures or public discourse in Ukraine.
Further details and the outcome of the investigation into Sputnik Kazakhstan in Kazakhstan.
Any observable changes in the trajectory or intensity of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Crimea.
Any response from France, Spain, or Portugal to Ukraine's offer of assistance in overcoming the energy crisis.
Any observable impact of the claimed Russian advances near Tarasivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Zelenyy Pole on the operational situation on the Pokrovsk direction.
Any observable impact of Russian attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses near Hryhorivka on the Siversk direction.
Any observable impact of the claimed Russian advances west of Kurakhove and towards Bogatyr on the Southern Donetsk direction.
Any changes in the intensity or location of Russian shelling and drone attacks in Kherson Oblast.
Further information or independent verification regarding claims of forced conscription in Russia.

Potential Indicators

Independent confirmation or refutation of claimed territorial changes (e.g., Kamenka, advances near Berezivka, Ocheretyne junction, Sukha Balka, Bogatyr, Otradnoye, Pisky, Shevchenko, Tarasivka, Vodyane Druhe, Zelenyy Pole, Hryhorivka, advances west of Kurakhove and towards Bogatyr) and claimed destructions.
Official statements or explanations regarding the air raid siren activation in Moscow.
Any significant changes in the frequency, scale, or targeting of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian border regions or Crimea.
Observable changes in Russian operational tempo or tactics in response to claimed Ukrainian drone attacks.
Increased reporting or visual evidence of the use of technologies acquired through Ukraine's Brave1 Market.
Changes in the volume or nature of information operations from either side, particularly focusing on mobilization, unit control, or alliances.
Statements or actions from either side regarding the proposed Victory Day ceasefire and whether any truce is observed.
Further details or official outcomes of investigations into corruption cases in Russia.
Changes in rhetoric or military posture between India and Pakistan.
Independent confirmation or refutation of the presence of foreign fighters.
Any public statements or policy changes in Ukraine related to the Mykolaiv Oblast incident.
Observable changes in artillery activity on the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Further reports on claimed successful Ukrainian air defense engagements and the specific types of UAVs being intercepted.
Any official statements or outcomes regarding the investigation into Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Any changes in the intensity or location of Russian shelling and drone attacks in Kherson Oblast.
Any response from France, Spain, or Portugal to Ukraine's offer of energy crisis assistance.
Independent verification or refutation of claimed Russian advances near Tarasivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Zelenyy Pole.
Any observable changes in the situation near Hryhorivka on the Siversk direction.
Independent verification or refutation of claimed Russian advances west of Kurakhove and towards Bogatyr.
Further reports or independent verification of claims of forced conscription in Russia.

Updated Situation: The conflict continues with exceptionally intense ground combat across multiple axes. Russia claims further localized gains on multiple fronts, including significant advances on the Pokrovsk and Sumy directions (previously reported), and new claims of advances on the Lyman direction towards Ridkodub, Kolodyazi, and Zelyonaya Dolina (previously reported), as well as claiming to have repelled counterattacks and consolidated positions near Stupochky on the Chasiv Yar direction (previously reported), suggesting Russian forces have entered the immediate vicinity of Stupochky. Russia continues to make unconfirmed claims on the Kherson direction (previously reported) and is claiming significant Ukrainian personnel losses on the LPR front lines over the past week and claims to have disrupted almost 260 aerial attacks over major cities in the DNR over the past week (previously reported). Rybar reports claimed Russian advances near Vodyane Druhe and Berezivka on the Konstantinovka direction (previously reported). The Ukrainian General Staff reports 168 combat engagements over the past day, with the Pokrovsk direction experiencing the highest intensity (64 assaults repelled). Other areas with significant combat activity include Lyman (20 Russian attacks), Kramatorsk (16 engagements), Novopavlivsk (13 attacks), Toretsk (9 attacks), and Kursk (23 Russian assaults repelled). There were also 6 Russian attacks on the Kharkiv direction and 3 on the Kupyansk direction, which were stopped. Ukrainian forces stopped 2 offensive actions on the Siversk direction. No combat clashes were reported on the Huliaipole direction. There were single Russian attempts to advance on the Orikhiv and Prydniprovskyi directions. No signs of enemy offensive groups forming on the Volyn and Polissia directions (all previously reported). A major new development is the official confirmation and extensive reporting by Russia and North Korea of the deployment and participation of North Korean troops in combat operations in Kursk Oblast, framed as allied support under their defense treaty and a response to Ukrainian actions. Russian sources are now further elevating the significance of this operation, suggesting its inclusion in historical textbooks and standardized exams (ЕГЭ), and highlighting it as proof of the unbreakable military alliance between the two nations. Adding to this, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly called the participation of North Korean soldiers in fighting in Kursk Oblast a "sacred mission" and announced the construction of a monument in Pyongyang to honor the soldiers who fought in Russia. The US State Department has reportedly expressed concern over North Korea's assistance to Russia and called for it to cease. North Korea has for the first time officially confirmed that it sent its military personnel to participate in the war in Ukraine (all previously reported). Aerial bombardment persists with significant drone activity, particularly near Kharkiv and in western/southern directions, with new waves of drones detected and tracked in Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv Oblasts, including specific areas like Шостка and Zaporizhzhia Oblast/City, and now moving towards key urban centers in Donetsk Oblast and towards Poltava Oblast (Mirgorod and Hadiach), and towards Chernihiv Oblast and Cherkasy Oblast (Zolotonosha, Smila, Cherkasy). Air raid alerts were activated and confirmed air defense activity in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, although air raid alerts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast have now been cancelled. Ukrainian sources also report tactical aviation launching guided aerial bombs (КАБів) on Donetsk Oblast and the Kursk direction (all previously reported). A significant Ukrainian UAV attack has targeted Bryansk Oblast, reportedly a military microelectronics factory, resulting in civilian casualties (previously reported) and claimed destruction of numerous drones by Russian air defense. Russia's Ministry of Defense claims a total of 102 Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over Bryansk Oblast overnight and a total of 115 across various regions overnight (all previously reported). TASS now reports the Bryansk governor stating no casualties in this specific update, but detailing widespread damage to civilian infrastructure and vehicles. A new video from Russian sources claims the destruction of a Western-made armored vehicle by a drone operated by the "South" Group of Forces reconnaissance units, and showcases mobile groups fighting FPV drones on the Pokrovsk direction (all previously reported). The Ukrainian Navy reports the presence of a Russian missile carrier in the Black Sea with a salvo capacity of up to 6 Kalibr missiles and a Russian missile carrier in the Mediterranean Sea with a salvo capacity of up to 8 Kalibr missiles (previously reported). The Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports a high volume of Russian strikes on civilian areas in the oblast over the past day, including aerial strikes, drone attacks, MLRS, and artillery fire (previously reported). Temporary flight restrictions have been imposed at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg (previously reported). Russian military bloggers report that explosions in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy (Shostka), and Kharkiv overnight were a result of "Geranium" drone activity (previously reported). Russian airborne forces reportedly used Grad MLRS for strikes near Chasiv Yar and destroyed temporary deployment points in Kherson Oblast (previously reported). Russian sources claim a "Lancet" drone strike destroyed a Ukrainian self-propelled artillery system in Orikhiv on the Zaporizhzhia front (previously reported). Two Mayors reports that the enemy used remote mining on the Basivka direction in Sumy Oblast and attempted an assault with up to 6 AFVs and two platoons of motorized infantry (previously reported). Two Mayors reports that Russian forces are advancing towards Yunakivka, a logistics hub, through Basivka and Loknya (previously reported). Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast State Administration, reports a civilian fatality and injury in Kupiansk due to an FPV drone attack and significant damage to civilian infrastructure and livestock losses (including deaths and injuries) in Izium and Kharkiv districts due to Russian drone and artillery attacks over the past day (previously reported). ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports that the Kremniy El military microelectronics factory in Bryansk was attacked by unknown drones (previously reported). РБК-Україна also reports on the drone attack on the Kremniy El factory in Bryansk (previously reported). Information operations are intense, with Russia emphasizing claimed successes and allied support (particularly from North Korea, including promoting the historical and educational significance of their military cooperation and the announcement of a monument, and highlighting the unbreakable alliance), circulating videos portraying alleged forced conscription, and discussions regarding potential peace settlements are ongoing with conflicting narratives. Russia is also claiming successes in countering Ukrainian aerial attacks in the DNR. Significantly, Donald Trump has now explicitly called on Putin to "stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal," stating his belief that conditions for a deal exist, and stating he will decide whether he trusts Putin in two weeks or less, and believes Zelenskyy understands Crimea will remain Russian and attributes the conflict to Ukraine's NATO aspirations (all previously reported). Ukraine is focused on defense, inflicting losses, securing reparations, and highlighting national resilience and claimed successes in border operations, and reporting daily Russian personnel and equipment losses. The confirmed presence of North Korean troops is a significant shift in the external support dynamic for Russia, underscoring a strengthened military alliance with stated commitments under a defense treaty. Russian military bloggers are also contributing to information operations through visual content, promoting recruitment for internal security forces in occupied territories, reporting on potential cyber threats targeting military map applications, and highlighting the financial impact of measures targeting "foreign agents," and showcasing efforts to counter Ukrainian FPV drones. New propaganda claims from Russian sources allege the presence of French fighters fighting for Russia and the death of the son of a US Deputy Director of Intelligence fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Domestic Russian news includes reports on scam attempts in Telegram and new regulations on electric scooter usage. A new video from Russian sources claims the destruction of a Western-made armored vehicle by drone fire. Russia is also actively using information channels to recruit Ukrainian citizens for a "people's resistance" with financial incentives. The Russian Ministry of Defense has released video claiming the destruction of a Ukrainian temporary deployment point by a Mi-28NM helicopter strike (all previously reported). A civilian transportation accident involving an overturned bus in Vladimir Oblast has resulted in injuries and required medical assistance for approximately 35 people (previously reported). An international development shows Israeli PM Netanyahu advocating for complete dismantlement of Iranian nuclear infrastructure in any US-Iran deal (previously reported). A Russian military blogger shares a video of a sniper destroying a mine or IED remotely (previously reported). An explosion in Balashikha, Russia, has been officially attributed to an explosive device and is being investigated as a murder by the central apparatus of the Investigative Committee of Russia, with several Russian military bloggers claiming the deceased was Major General Yaroslav Moskalik, Deputy Head of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff (previously reported). Saudi Arabia and Qatar have reportedly pledged to pay Syria's $15 million debt to the World Bank (previously reported). Pakistan has reportedly offered India a plan to prevent a new regional war, including a "neutral" investigation into tourist killings in Kashmir (previously reported). The world's military spending in 2024 reportedly broke Cold War records, reaching $2.718 trillion, a 9.4% increase from 2023, according to SIPRI (previously reported). The 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Airborne Assault Forces is reportedly seeking a doctor for their medical post through recruitment (previously reported). Rybar provides a detailed analysis of the fighting in the Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk) area, claiming Russian forces have largely restored control over the city after regrouping and repelling counterattacks, and are conducting raids north of Dzerzhinsk, advancing towards Dyliivka, and fighting on the western flank near Shcherbynivka and Petrovka (previously reported). Alautdinov reports that Russian forces are showing very good progress in Sumy Oblast (previously reported). ASTRA reports one person died and one was injured in the attack on Bryansk Oblast, with the injured person hospitalized and damage inflicted on civilian objects and infrastructure (previously reported). The Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine is reportedly investigating the attack on Pavlohrad as a war crime (previously reported). TASS reports that all individuals involved in the mercenary case in Kyrgyzstan, including a blogger and Russian House employee, have been released under house arrest (previously reported). NgP raZVedka reports that Ukrainian forces are preparing for an offensive north of Dzerzhinsk to regain lost positions, potentially simultaneously with intensified combat near Basivka in Sumy Oblast to constrain Russian forces (previously reported). Fighterbomber discusses the "liberation" of Kursk Oblast, the participation of North Korean troops, the role of other military allies, Ukrainian terrorism, London's importance, a "battle for chairs" at a funeral, Ukrainians "biting the hand that feeds," and aspects of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in a weekly summary (previously reported). Anatolii Shtefan "Shtirlits" reports the death of Umkhanov Buvaisar "Tarzan," a platoon commander of the "Akhmat" 4th brigade's "Okhotnik" battalion, on the Kursk direction, alleging his participation in atrocities in Kyiv and Chernihiv Oblasts in 2022 (previously reported). ASTRA reports on the ongoing protests and demands of residents in occupied Mariupol regarding the destruction of their homes and the construction of unaffordable mortgage housing, framing it as a "raider seizure" of the city and its residents' property (previously reported). TASS reports on a system for accepting payments directly from state institutions without bank involvement, planned for 2025 (previously reported). ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 shares photos of training activities of the 127th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade (previously reported). Десантно-штурмові війська ЗС України shares photos and information about meetings with recently released POWs undergoing medical and psychological rehabilitation (previously reported). A new development is the unexpected activation of an air raid siren across Moscow, with no immediate information on the cause. DeepState provides an analysis of the 40-day Belgorod operation, highlighting claimed Ukrainian successes and Russian losses, and expressing some concerns about the limited tactical gains and ongoing pressure on Ukrainian forces in the area. ASTRA reports three civilian casualties in Kherson Oblast due to Russian shelling and a drone attack. Ukraine reports the appointment of Serhii Koretskyi as the new head of Naftogaz. Ukraine's Foreign Minister has offered Ukrainian assistance to France, Spain, and Portugal in overcoming the energy crisis. Operational ZSU reports that US calls for elections in Ukraine as a condition for peace have reportedly disappeared from Washington's rhetoric. Dnevnik Desantnika reports Russian forces attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses near Hryhorivka on the Siversk direction, claiming Ukrainian forces are withdrawing. Colonelcassad reports intensified Russian pressure on the industrial zone of Pisky and Shevchenko on the Pokrovsk direction, and claims significant Russian successes near Tarasivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Zelenyy Pole. Tensions between India and Pakistan are reportedly increasing, with Pakistan's Minister of Defense warning of a potential war within 2-4 days. Dnevnik Desantnika reports the enemy attempting to attack Crimea with drones using a new trajectory. The strategic landscape remains highly contested with ongoing military activity, significant information warfare, diplomatic maneuvering, and now an unexplained domestic security event in Russia.

Situation Report