Archived operational intelligence briefing
Intense ground combat continues across multiple axes with significant reported Russian gains on the Pokrovsk and Sumi fronts. New Russian claims of advances on the Lyman direction towards Ridkodub, Kolodezi, and Zelyonaya Dolina and in the western microdistrict of Chasiv Yar are circulating. Russian forces are also reported to be fighting in Uspenovka, Kotlino, near Zverevo, towards Chunishino, and on the outskirts of Mirolyubovka on the Pokrovsk direction, with claimed successes in Novogrodovka, eastern outskirts of Novosergiyevka, northern Kotlyarovka, and Orekhovo. On the Southern Donetsk direction, Rybar reports Russian forces advancing towards Bogatyr and claims their aviation destroyed two bridges near Zeleny Kut and Novoukrainka. The liberation of Tarasovka near Toretsk is reported. Russian sources claim continued encirclement of Petrovka and Shcherbinovka from the west after liberating Sukha Balka, advancing towards Romanovka. DeepState reports Russian advances in Uspenivka, near Kotlyarivka and Rozdolne. Ukraine reports inflicting significant losses and maintaining heavy fighting across various sectors, repelling numerous assaults including 9 on the Kharkiv direction and 7 on the Kupyansk direction. The Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports a very high volume of Russian strikes (544) across 10 settlements in the oblast over the past day, utilizing aviation, drones, MLRS, and artillery, causing damage but no casualties. The Ukrainian General Staff provides updated operational data, reporting 178 combat engagements over the past day, with Ukrainian forces repelling 59 attacks on the Pokrovsk direction, 18 on Lyman, 6 on Siversk, 10 on Kramatorsk, 14 on Toretsk, 23 on Novopavlivsk, 5 on Orikhiv, 5 on Prydniprovskyi, and 15 on Kursk. They also report repelling 9 attacks on the Kharkiv direction and 7 on the Kupyansk direction, and note no combat on the Huliaipole direction. A Russian military blogger claims active combat continues on the Krasnoarmeysk direction, with enemy (Ukrainian) pressure continuing on almost all parts of this direction. A Russian source claims Russian forces advanced 2.5 km in Sumy Oblast and occupied new positions in the northern part of Bilovody. Russian sources are promoting video reports claiming significant destruction of Ukrainian armored vehicles and vehicles on the Southern Donetsk direction by special forces drone operators. Ukrainian sources report actively searching for manufacturers of anti-aircraft FPV drones, indicating efforts to enhance counter-drone capabilities. Australia is reportedly still awaiting US permission to transfer M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine after a year, highlighting ongoing logistical and bureaucratic hurdles in military aid delivery. Russian sources claim to have destroyed a Ukrainian command post in Kherson Oblast using a FAB-500 with a UMPK, and destroyed a Ukrainian T-72 tank near Vasyltsivka, Kharkiv Oblast, also claiming the destruction of a Ukrainian MaxxPro armored vehicle in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. Colonelcassad provides map updates claiming Russian gains including expanded control near Hryhorivka and Lysovka, liberation of Kamyanka, advances near the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway interchange, pushing Ukrainian forces back from the state border near Popivka, advances north of Nadiyivka, and expanded control in Chasiv Yar. The Southern Ukraine Defense Forces report eliminating 103 Russian personnel and destroying significant amounts of Russian equipment in the South over the past day, including 11 artillery systems, 51 units of vehicles/armored vehicles, 8 UAVs, 5 boats, 3 electronic warfare stations, and other assets. Ukrainian forces claim the destruction of a Russian MaxxPro armored vehicle and six personnel west of Vesele using FPV drones. Russian sources, citing Ukrainian channels, reiterate the claim that a Ukrainian Su-27 was shot down by a friendly F-16 due to issues with the "friend or foe" system during a Russian drone attack, a claim also mentioned by a Ukrainian source (head of staff fund of the 3rd Assault Brigade) without specifics but attributing it to human error. A Russian military blogger suggests the potential for North Korean military personnel to be involved in combat operations on other fronts after the completion of operations in Kursk Oblast, citing the head of the State Duma Defense Committee. Russian sources report receiving bills for garbage collection in Sudzha, Kursk Oblast for March, when fighting was ongoing, which they highlight with sarcasm regarding the operational environment. Russian sources continue to disseminate narratives suggesting a potential Trump peace deal would be a "trap" for Zelenskyy, potentially leading to a political crisis in Ukraine, citing Politico.
A major development remains the official confirmation and extensive reporting by North Korea and Russia regarding the deployment and participation of North Korean troops in "operations to liberate areas of Kursk Oblast" within the framework of a defense agreement, citing Article 4 of their treaty. This is explicitly linked by Russian sources to Ukraine's actions and is being promoted as a model of a true military alliance, with suggestions for inviting North Korean labor and drawing historical parallels. Russian sources are now further elevating the significance of this operation, suggesting it should be included in historical textbooks and standardized exams (ЕГЭ). 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. Ukrainian forces continue combat operations in Kursk Oblast, with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reporting 15 combat engagements, 17 airstrikes, 27 guided aerial bombs dropped, and 338 shellings over the past day. A Russian military expert claims Russian forces, in the course of liberating Gornal in Kursk Oblast, encountered mercenaries from Poland, the USA, and Turkey. Ukraine continues combat operations in Belgorod Oblast, claiming control of a border strip and inflicting significant Russian losses. Russian sources continue to deny any significant Ukrainian presence in border areas like Popivka and Demidivka. TASS reports that no Ukrainian servicemen who tried to enter Popivka in Belgorod Oblast returned, citing a Ukrainian prisoner. Astra reports two people died and three were wounded as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack on a car on a road in Belgorod Oblast. Russian sources are discussing the potential for North Korean military personnel to be involved in combat operations on other fronts after the completion of operations in Kursk Oblast.
A significant and widespread Ukrainian UAV attack targeted multiple regions in Russia and occupied Crimea overnight. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have destroyed a total of 91 Ukrainian UAVs, including 40 over Kursk Oblast, 12 over Oryol, 11 over Ryazan, 8 over Nizhny Novgorod (with reports of an attack on the Sverdlov plant in Dzerzhinsk), 7 over the Black Sea, 6 over Crimea, 3 over Belgorod, 2 over the Moscow region, 1 over Kaluga, and 1 over Bryansk. The governor of Bryansk Oblast reports one civilian fatality and one injury from a Ukrainian UAV attack. News reports from Moscow confirm the interception of 2 UAVs over the Moscow region. The governor of Bryansk reports the destruction of one UAV over the oblast with no casualties or damage. ASTRA also reported on the claimed destruction of 91 drones and highlighted the attack on Dzerzhinsk. This indicates a large-scale, coordinated Ukrainian drone operation targeting various locations within Russia and Crimea. Rybar reports that 51 drones were destroyed over the Black Sea, Crimea, Kursk, Oryol, and Belgorod Oblasts shortly before midnight, and attacks were repelled in Nizhny Novgorod and Kaluga Oblasts overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that 100 strike UAVs and drone simulators were launched by Russia overnight, with 37 strike UAVs and drones of other types shot down and 47 drone simulators "locationally lost" (without negative consequences). Affected regions include Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kyiv Oblasts. Russian sources claim the Ukrainian "Wild Hornets" UAV group may be involved in the death of journalist Semyon Eremin.
Aerial bombardment persists with "Shahed" drones and guided aerial bombs (KABs) targeting multiple Ukrainian oblasts. Air raid alerts were active in several areas including Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts, but have now been lifted across all oblasts. The Kyiv mayor reports a woman was injured and a recreation base building was destroyed in a drone attack on the Desnianskyi district. The Kyiv City Military Administration reports 11 enemy UAVs were detected in the vicinity and airspace of the capital, with 9 destroyed and 2 locationally lost. No critical infrastructure was hit, but the fall of debris caused a fire at a recreation base with damage to buildings and vehicles, and three people sought medical attention on site. The Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration reports a massive Russian drone attack on the oblast, with air defense destroying 7 UAVs. However, the attack resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl and injuries to a 6-year-old girl and two adults in Hubynyska community (Samarivskyi district). Damage to private houses and outbuildings was also reported. A UAV strike in Slovyanska community (Synelnykivskyi district) caused a fire at an agricultural enterprise. A KAB strike was reported in Velykomykhailivska community (Synelnykivskyi district) with consequences being clarified. Nikopol, Marhanetska, and Pokrovska communities on Nikopolshchyna were targeted by artillery and FPV drones, resulting in one injured 47-year-old woman, damage to infrastructure, houses, an outbuilding, and power lines. Olexandr Vilkul reports the situation in Kryvyi Rih is controlled, with no shelling in Kryvyi Rih district, but attacks in Nikopol district (Nikopol, Marhanetska, Pokrovska communities) with artillery and FPV drones resulting in one injured woman and damage. RBC-Ukraine reports on the drone attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast resulting in a child's death and another rescued from rubble and shares photos from the aftermath. Rybar reports Russian forces conducted strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk, with Ukraine reporting over 40 Russian UAVs. Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reports that over the past day, 20 strike UAVs and 31 guided aerial bombs were used against civilians, resulting in injuries to two men. Specific incidents included a Shahed causing a warehouse fire in Kehychivka, a drone damaging a house and causing a fire in Kupiansk, KABs hitting the outskirts of Duvanka, a Shahed causing a fire in an disused building in Zarichne, a drone damaging a window in Vilshany, Uragan MLRS damaging garages and a house in Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, KABs damaging houses in Kupiansk and Pisky-Radkivski (also causing a forest fire and damage to outbuildings/garages), a FAB-250 damaging a house in Kivsharivka, artillery damaging a garage in Kupiansk, an explosion injuring a man in Kupiansk, a drone dropping ordnance causing a grass and outbuilding fire in Verkhnii Saltiv (also hit by a Molniya drone), and a FAB-1500 injuring a man in Kupiansk (hospitalized) and a FAB-500 damaging a house in Kupiansk. Rocket danger is reported in Kharkiv Oblast. The Office of the Prosecutor General has initiated criminal proceedings regarding the drone and artillery attacks in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, confirming the death of the 12-year-old girl and injuries to four others, and damage to civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation on Sumy Oblast and Donetsk Oblast. Russian sources claim that T-72B3M tanks of the "Sever" Group of Forces destroyed Ukrainian strongholds and armored vehicles on the Kharkiv direction overnight, guided by UAVs with thermal imaging. WarGonzo reports Russian UAV calculations of the 41st Motorized Rifle Regiment destroyed three "Baba Yaga" hexacopters in the sky over Kharkiv Oblast. STERNENKO reports that in Nikopol, Russians attacked rescuers during the liquidation of a fire, with no casualties among personnel but damage to a fire truck. The Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports that energy infrastructure of communities in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are under constant enemy attacks, with over 22,000 subscribers recently left without power, which was restored in less than an hour. The Ukrainian Air Force warns of enemy tactical aviation activity and threat of aerial weapons on the southern and southeastern directions, and also on the eastern and northeastern directions. The Ukrainian Air Force also reports launches of guided aerial bombs on Kherson Oblast. A Ukrainian source claims a Ukrainian Su-27 was shot down by an F-16 during a Russian drone attack on Cherkasy due to human error, although this is presented as a possibility from media and a claim by a Ukrainian source, not an official confirmation. Ukrainian Air Force is reporting on enemy reconnaissance UAV activity on the west of Donetsk region. A Russian military blogger claims that the Su-27 was shot down by friendly fire from an F-16 due to confusion caused by Russian Geran drones, citing issues with the "friend or foe" system. The Air Force of Ukraine reports a guided aerial bomb towards Kherson and reconnaissance UAV activity in western Donetsk Oblast. RBC-Ukraine reports on Romania raising F-16 and Eurofighter jets during the Russian drone attack on Ukraine, with the possibility of a drone briefly crossing Romanian airspace. The Air Force of Ukraine reports a missile in southern Sumy Oblast heading southwest, later specifying it is heading towards Lebedyn. Russian military bloggers claim the destruction of a Ukrainian MaxxPro armored vehicle in the Krasnoarmeysk direction by a Nona-SVK self-propelled mortar crew of the "Tsentr" Group of Forces. Colonelcassad shares a video claiming the destruction of a Ukrainian T-72 tank near Vasyltsivka, Kharkiv Oblast, by fighters of the 16th Separate Special Purpose Brigade. The Office of the Prosecutor General is investigating drone and artillery attacks in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Discussions regarding potential peace settlements continue. Russian statements about readiness for negotiations and Donald Trump's reported claims regarding Zelenskyy's readiness to abandon claims to Crimea and his view on the conflict's cause are circulating. Significantly, Donald Trump has now explicitly called on Putin to "stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal," stating he believes conditions for a deal exist. The UN has responded to Putin's unilateral ceasefire announcement, stating their position remains the same: they want to see the end of the war based on the UN Charter, international law, and relevant resolutions, without directly endorsing or rejecting the ceasefire. Ukraine is proposing a new economic mechanism for reparations. The US House of Representatives has reportedly received articles of impeachment against President Trump from Congressman Shri Thanedar, citing serious violations. Yermak states that Putin could stop the fire with one command but does not, hoping to deceive everyone, and says Russia must stop the fire and not block Trump's peace efforts, which Ukraine supports. Russian sources are disseminating opinions from Western media (UnHerd) suggesting Europe should accept Trump's peace deal and that victory is not an option for Ukraine. TASS reports that Patrushev claims the majority of Odesa residents have nothing in common with the Kyiv regime. Ukrainian sources report that in the US Congress, impeachment of President Trump was initiated, with accusations on 7 articles. Kotsnews cites Military Watch Magazine (USA) on the North Korean factor and a new truce, mentioning the role of North Korean military equipment in Russian operations and the possibility of the US President hardening his stance towards Putin. It also cites The Telegraph (UK) on Putin's three-day ceasefire announcement and Trump's push for a peace deal. It cites Fakt (Poland) and General Waldemar Skrzypczak on Trump's threats of sanctions against Russia and the opinion that Putin does not listen to Trump and sees him as weak in imposing anything on Russia. WarGonzo cites Bloomberg on Trump hating the EU and the relationship between the US and Europe only worsening. Wargonzo cites "Abkhaz" (commander Akhra Avidzba) on the Russian side demonstrating humanity with the truce, mentioning exchanges of bodies and willingness for negotiations. Russian military bloggers are showcasing propaganda videos portraying Ukrainians abroad celebrating and being indifferent to the conflict, framing it in a negative light. Peskov stated that Putin is ready to start negotiations without preconditions, but there is no response from Ukraine. Peskov also noted that there is no understanding whether Kyiv will join the ceasefire for Victory Day, calling Ukraine's lack of a direct response a "manipulation." Peskov acknowledged difficulties with the legitimacy of the Kyiv regime but emphasized that the interests of peaceful settlement are paramount. Peskov did not clarify if North Korean military personnel would participate in the Victory Parade, but stated that Russian awards for distinguished North Korean soldiers fighting in Kursk are possible. Peskov reiterated the lack of a direct response from Kyiv on the ceasefire, calling it a "manipulation." Peskov also stated that Russia is ready for direct negotiations with Ukraine and that Zelenskyy's status is "not so important" in this matter, while acknowledging "legal difficulties" with his legitimacy but prioritizing peaceful settlement. Medvedev expressed strong negative opinions on inviting "Bandera-Nazis" to Berlin for the 80th anniversary of Victory, calling it "beyond cynicism." Medvedev also stated that Russia's response to the Western principle of "peace through strength" should be "peace through fear," as "fear still works." Medvedev claimed Trump essentially admitted that the US, Europe, and Kyiv are responsible for the conflict in Ukraine. Medvedev stated that the "special operation" must end with Russia's victory and the destruction of the "Kyiv regime." Medvedev noted that during the "special operation," legitimate targets include not only the Armed Forces of Ukraine but also foreign mercenaries. China has called on Ukraine and Russia to clarify the roots of the "conflict" and supports steps towards a peaceful resolution and a balanced, long-term agreement, according to the Chinese Foreign Minister.
Domestic Russian news includes reports on a fatal ambulance accident in Belgorod, discussions among military bloggers, recruitment for internal affairs organs in occupied territories, a report from the Russian МВД on scam attempts in Telegram, and increased fines for children operating electric scooters. Reports circulating in Russian military blogger channels about a potential cyber threat targeting military users of the Alpine Quest offline map application via a fake "Pro-version" highlight ongoing cybersecurity concerns. Russian military bloggers are also highlighting the financial impact of "foreign agent" status on individuals like Ilya Varlamov, framing it as a successful state measure. Russian state media continues to publish historical documents from the FSB related to alleged collaboration during WWII in Donbas. Reports indicate an increase in direct flights between Tunisia and Russia. Basurin highlights the historical significance of Vasily Tatishchev on "Day in History," focusing on his contributions to Russian history, geography, and the founding of cities. Archangel Spetsnaz shares a video of a light installation in Volgograd for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A preliminary model of the MS-21 aircraft with new Russian systems has completed its first flight, according to Rostec, as reported by TASS and ASTRA, showcasing efforts towards technological self-sufficiency in aviation. Fighterbomber shares videos of the MC-21 flight. Kotsnews reports on the imported-substituted MS-21's first flight, emphasizing the replacement of foreign systems and the use of PD-14 engines. The police in the Khabarovsk Territory report that 18 residents fell victim to scammers last week, with a total loss of over 5 million rubles and are investigating possible damage to structures at a city cemetery. Russian military bloggers are disseminating Russian Ministry of Defense claims that NATO is practicing scenarios for capturing Kaliningrad Oblast and blocking shipping in the Baltic and Black Seas during exercises near Russia's borders, a claim echoed by Patrushev. TASS reports that Fortum is not planning to return to Russia and will continue the process of selling assets when possible and is also pursuing arbitration against Russia regarding the transfer of its assets to external management. ASTRA reports that a 19-year-old student of the Baltic Naval Institute in Kaliningrad has been accused of rape, and a police investigation is underway. Russian military bloggers are highlighting the presence of NATO aircraft (AWACS, special mission aircraft) near Kaliningrad as evidence of NATO activity near Russia's borders. TASS reports that Putin stated it is necessary to repel those who try to justify Nazi crimes. TASS reports on the cost of river electric transport in Moscow with the "Summer tariff". Mash on Donbas shares a video of Vitaly Gura, head of Novokakhovsky district, before recording a video. Alex Parker Returns comments on the burning of a computer with "insides" of "Tolik" and an incident on the Pakistan border. TASS reports on plans to install new monuments to Soviet military sailors in Russia and Panama to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory. TASS reports the body of a deputy head of the Federal Penitentiary Service in the Krasnoyarsk Territory was found in a garage, with suspected suicide. ASTRA reports the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed new grounds for granting asylum, including facing "rusophobia" or inability to "observe traditional values." Colonelcassad reports on the alleged liquidation of a Ukrainian champion in Muay Thai. Russian sources are promoting a fundraising effort for quadcopters for an assault battalion of the 60th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade for operations on the Southern Donetsk direction. The Office of the Prosecutor General in Ukraine is investigating two individuals for allegedly producing fake military documents for border crossing for $20,000, arresting them and seizing funds. News from Moscow indicates city services will continue working as usual during the May holidays. Astra reports on the removal of a children's playground in Novosibirsk under the control of a United Russia deputy, which was built by his election opponent, with residents calling it theft. TASS reports on the need for doctors in Russia, particularly ambulance doctors, pharmacists, and dietitians. The Police in the Khabarovsk Territory are conducting raids to prevent fires. Russian military bloggers are sharing content highlighting the daily life of soldiers. Medvedev characterized inviting "Bandera-Nazis" to Berlin for the 80th anniversary of Victory as "beyond cynicism." Medvedev stated that Russia's response to "peace through strength" should be "peace through fear." Medvedev claimed Trump acknowledged the US, Europe, and Kyiv are responsible for the conflict. Medvedev stated the "special operation" must end with Russia's victory and the destruction of the "Kyiv regime," and foreign mercenaries are legitimate targets.
Concerns are voiced from Ukrainian perspectives regarding the sincerity of the Russian ceasefire and the potential for its exploitation. Russian sources acknowledge the low probability of Ukraine adhering to the ceasefire. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) concludes that Putin's Victory Day "truce" is likely not intended as a serious step towards lasting peace, suggesting Russia benefits from vague ceasefire terms. Peskov's comments reinforce the Russian stance that negotiations require the settlement of "all nuances" and frames Ukraine's lack of a direct response as manipulative. Peskov's acknowledgment of "legal difficulties" with Zelenskyy's legitimacy while prioritizing peaceful settlement is also notable.
Additional developments include Russian reports of a Ukrainian drone attack in Gorlovka causing a fire and casualties, Ukrainian reports of effective use of anti-drone cloaks by Russian forces on the Lyman direction, and continued diplomatic activity including Putin's upcoming meeting with Lukashenko. A notable incident is the fining of a blogger in occupied Crimea for reporting on environmental damage, highlighting Russian efforts to control information. Russian sources also report a potential terrorist plot thwarted in Barnaul. Confirmed training activities and efforts to support military personnel are ongoing on both sides, with a Ukrainian initiative offering psychological support for former POWs and their families. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released updated estimated Russian losses as of April 29th, showing a cumulative total of approximately 950,860 personnel losses, with an increase of 1060 over the past day. Significant daily increases in artillery systems (42), UAVs (94), and vehicles/fuel tanks (140) are also reported. Operational ZSU also reported on these updated Russian losses, highlighting the number of personnel losses (1060). Russian military bloggers are disseminating video and information claiming corruption and "slavery" within the Ukrainian military regarding prices for avoiding conscription and alleged trading of Russian prisoners. A Eurocommissioner has warned that prohibiting Ukraine's entry into NATO plays into Russia's hands, as Russia fears NATO protection for Ukraine, not a NATO offensive. "Dnevnik Desantnika" reports that Ukraine is transferring reserves to Sumy Oblast, including from the Zaporizhzhia direction, due to losses, and mentions a change in command of the 67th mechanized brigade. Anatolii Shtefan "Shtirlits" reports the successful "demobilization" (death) of Captain Amur Izhberdin, a battalion commander in the Russian 55th separate motorized rifle brigade. WarGonzo's morning report highlights continued positional battles on the Zaporizhzhia front with active use of long-range weapons and no significant changes in the line of battle contact. They also report the continuation of the Russian offensive in the Bogatyr area on the Donetsk front, with Ukrainian forces offering fierce resistance and counterattacking, but being unable to stop the Russian advance, only slow it down. They emphasize the significant impact of drones on this and all other directions. In Kursk Oblast, they report continued search and destruction of dispersed Ukrainian groups and constant long-range strikes on border areas. Colonelcassad reports a US F/A-18E Super Hornet fell overboard from a US aircraft carrier after it conducted an evasive maneuver from Houthi drones targeting the carrier. This is a non-Ukraine related event. Dnevnik Desantnika reports Russian forces destroyed three "Baba Yaga" drones on the Siversk direction. The Air Assault Forces of Ukraine share a video claiming to show a drunk Russian soldier missing a Ukrainian assault and then being targeted by a drone after being disciplined by his commander. BUTUSOV PLUS is fundraising for a drone control station and antenna amplifiers for a UAV platoon of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade and offering Javelin missile tube acoustic systems and artillery shell vases as prizes for donations. STERNENKO is continuing a fundraising effort for FPV drones and offering a Tesla Model 3 as a prize for donations. The Kyiv City Military Administration and "Memorial" platform are honoring fallen defenders from Kyiv, highlighting the story of soldier Dmytro Hlavinskyi. WarGonzo is promoting a report on the Avon cosmetic corporation as a tool of alleged "world shadow government influence" and supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Alex Parker Returns is reporting on alleged claims by "Belarusian Silovik" and Apti Alaudinov that Demidovka and Popivka in Belgorod Oblast have been cleared of Ukrainian forces, while a small piece near the border remains under Ukrainian control, and also reporting on the alleged burning of a computer with "insides" belonging to "Tolik" and an incident on the Pakistan border involving Taliban attempting to cross and being eliminated by Pakistani border guards using FPV drones. Operational ZSU is promoting the daily minute of silence for those killed in the war. The Office of the Prosecutor General has initiated criminal proceedings regarding the drone and artillery attacks in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Dnevnik Desantnika is advertising the sale of aluminum mugs with VDV (Airborne Forces) symbols. Archangel Spetsnaz is sharing information about legal support for military personnel and also discussing the claimed cost-effectiveness of using "Geran" drones against Ukrainian NASAMS missiles, using images of Ukrainian air defense activities. Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reports on a music camp for 29 Ukrainian children in Azerbaijan within the framework of the "People of the Future" project for creative rehabilitation, realized with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine in Azerbaijan, and other partners. Operational ZSU reports that Israeli intelligence stopped arms smuggling from Egypt to Israel yesterday evening, finding ten M16 rifles and ammunition on a downed UAV. BUTUSOV PLUS shares a video of a Russian soldier surrendering to a Ukrainian drone operator. Alex Parker Returns cites ASTRA reporting that General Moskalik, who died in the explosion in the Moscow region, was responsible for preparing materials for Putin on the situation in the war in Ukraine, citing a necrology in the Russian Ministry of Defense newspaper "Krasnaya Zvezda". Janus Putkonen shares a poll regarding Alexander Stubb and a meeting with Trump and Zelenskyy, but the image content is not directly related to military operations. Alex Parker Returns comments on the declassification of almost two thousand documents in Argentina about the life of high-ranking figures of the Third Reich who escaped from Germany. Dnevnik Desantnika reports that the fundraising for paratroopers on the Zaporizhzhia front is almost complete. RBC-Ukraine reports on the restoration of power in Spain after the blackout, a report echoed by TASS. Tsaplienko reports on the results of parliamentary elections in Canada, with the Liberal Party leading, and a statement by Mark Carney on US-Canada relations. Basurin shares a video report on a tank commander of the 59th regiment. Tsaplienko reports on a statement by Trump claiming he is saving Ukraine and the war would end in a day without his help. Tsaplienko shares videos of a Russian soldier surrendering to a Ukrainian drone. STERNENKO shares videos claiming Ukrainian forces shot down two reconnaissance UAVs approaching a city in the South. Southern Ukraine Defense Forces report repelling 23 attacks on the Novopavlivka direction, 0 on Huliaipole, 5 on Orikhiv, and 5 on Prydniprovskyi over the past day. They also report 310 shellings, over 600 drone strikes, 400 drops from UAVs, and 21 KABs and 92 NARs used by Russia in the South. They claim destroying 3 Shahed-136 UAVs. The Donetsk People's Militia reports destroying mortars and an ammunition depot in Kalinovo using drone operators of the 238th artillery brigade. The Office of the Prosecutor General in Ukraine reports two individuals were notified of suspicion for producing fake documents for border crossing for $20,000, seizing money and other evidence. An obligatory evacuation of families with children has been announced in the Raypilsky Starostinsky District of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, including the villages of Kolonna Mezheva, Novopodgorodnoye, Raypole, and Sukhareva Balka, according to Ukrainian sources and confirmed by Russian military bloggers who note fighting is occurring near the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and claiming Ukrainian forces have been cut in two. Russian sources highlight that the front is approaching the eastern part of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. RBC-Ukraine reports that prices for used cars in Ukraine may increase in 2025 due to a new taxation system. Operational ZSU shares a video report on the combat work of the "Predator" brigade on the Toretsk direction, noting active FPV drone use by the enemy and close combat, questioning the advantage of tracked vs. wheeled vehicles. BUTUSOV PLUS shares a video report on the air defense work of the 3rd Assault Brigade, claiming they are leaders in shooting down small targets and Lancets, including "Product-55", with 349 total targets destroyed. KiberBoroshno shares a story of a 19-year-old volunteer joining the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces and a soldier in the 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade who joined voluntarily. Russian military bloggers are sharing content regarding the daily life of soldiers on the front lines. Medvedev has made a series of strong statements, including calling the invitation of "Bandera-Nazis" to Berlin "beyond cynicism," advocating for "peace through fear," claiming Trump's acknowledgement of Western responsibility for the conflict, and stating that the "special operation" must end with Russia's victory and the destruction of the "Kyiv regime," with foreign mercenaries being legitimate targets.
The new messages reinforce several existing trends and introduce new details and perspectives:
The core operational picture remains one of sustained, high-intensity conflict on multiple fronts, with significant use of drones and aerial bombardment by both sides, resulting in civilian casualties and now impacting areas closer to the administrative borders of oblasts previously less affected. The North Korean military involvement and diplomatic maneuvering remain key strategic factors. Continued Russian efforts on the Sumy direction and now demonstrably towards eastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast are evident, as are ongoing Ukrainian counter-intelligence and defense measures against aerial threats. The large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia continue. The rhetoric from both sides remains firm, with no clear path to a negotiated settlement evident despite ongoing discussions.
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