Situation Report

Operational Intelligence Briefing - Major Updates and Analysis (May 3, 2025, 16:48 UTC)

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Updated Situation

The operational environment continues to be dominated by the ongoing intense ground combat across key axes, characterized by persistent Russian offensive efforts and localized gains. The pervasive and evolving Russian aerial and drone activity remains a significant threat, impacting a wide range of Ukrainian territory and resulting in continued civilian casualties and damage. The information landscape remains highly contested, with both sides employing propaganda and counter-narratives, particularly centered around the approaching May 9th and differing interpretations of historical events and potential peace negotiations. New reporting from Russian sources continues to emphasize increased pressure on specific fronts and claims of successful strikes and advances. Ukrainian sources highlight the ongoing threat to civilians, particularly from drone attacks in frontline areas, and the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations. Diplomatic activity continues, often intertwined with information operations, with differing views on the conditions for peace negotiations and international participation in commemorative events. Significant new information indicates continued intense fighting on the Southern Donetsk direction, particularly near Bogatyr, with Russian claims of repelling counterattacks and expanding control zones. Reports from the Pokrovsk direction also highlight ongoing Russian offensive actions and claimed advances near Kotlyarovka and New York. Civilian casualties have been reported from a drone attack in Kherson. Further details regarding damage in Novorossiysk from the recent Ukrainian attack are emerging. Ukrainian forces continue to showcase the effectiveness of their drone operations in destroying Russian equipment.

Key updates and analysis:

• Continued Intense Ground Combat and Russian Offensive Efforts: Reports from Russian sources continue to indicate active offensive operations and claims of territorial gains. The 39th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the "Vostok" Group of Forces claims to have established a foothold on the southern outskirts of Malinivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian military bloggers continue to report on fighting in various directions. The video from the "Center" group of forces claiming destruction of Ukrainian armor near Pokrovsk and reports of FPV drone effectiveness on the Kharkiv and Kherson fronts persist. Kadyrov's channel claims that "Akhmat" special forces and other units prevented Ukrainian forces from entering the Kursk Oblast in the Sumy direction. This underscores the continued Russian effort to push on multiple fronts and counter perceived Ukrainian incursions. Colonelcassad reports that Russian forces are increasing pressure towards the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with claimed recent successes in the areas of Uspenivka and Novoaleksandrivka, supported by video of FAB strikes on Novopavlivka, described as an important logistical hub for Ukraine. A Russian military blogger reports active combat near Borova, with a Russian infantry unit attacking in the direction of Novomykhailivka on the western bank of the Zherebets river and taking a stronghold under Ukrainian fire. They also claim Russian forces advanced over 2 km south of Makiyivka. New reports from the Southern Donetsk direction indicate continued intense fighting near Bogatyr, with Russian forces claiming to have repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks near Vilne Pole and expanded control zones near Otradnoe and Fyodorovka, cutting off enemy reserve approaches. Russian forces claim to be causing significant losses to Ukrainian forces in this area. Videos from "Voin DV" and Colonelcassad show Russian forces utilizing FAB-1500 guided aerial bombs and drone operators targeting Ukrainian positions in Bogatyr. Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны shares video claiming Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian equipment and infantry near New York (likely in the Toretsk direction) and using drone operators to hunt Ukrainian soldiers in strongpoints. Сливочный каприз reports active combat near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) and Kotlyarovka, with a Russian infantry unit claiming to occupy new positions in the vicinity of Kotlyarovka and an advance of up to 2 km on the southern охват of Krasnoarmeysk. This reinforces the ongoing Russian offensive push on the Pokrovsk axis.
• Persistent Russian Aerial and Drone Activity: Russian forces continue to heavily utilize drones and other aerial assets. Russian sources like WarGonzo highlight the effectiveness of FPV drones, with a video claiming a successful strike inside a Ukrainian dugout near Zaporizhzhia. The report from the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration confirms a Russian FPV drone attack in the Bilenke settlement of Zaporizhzhia district, causing damage to private houses from blast waves and debris, though no casualties were reported. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast reports being targeted by artillery and kamikaze drones throughout the day in the Nikopol, Pokrovsk, Marhanets, Myrove, and Chervonohryhorivka communities, resulting in damage to private houses, cars, and infrastructure. Further reports from Dnipropetrovsk mention Russian use of Grad MLRS and KABs in the Velykomykhailivka and Novopavlivka communities of Synelnykove district, damaging houses and non-operational buildings, and an FPV drone strike in the Zelenodolsk community of Kryvyi Rih district causing a fire. The Ukrainian Air Force reported rocket danger in Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts and a high-speed target in southern Odesa Oblast from the Black Sea, indicating ongoing missile and aerial threats. A Russian military blogger reports a powerful strike on a target near Odesa, with a large smoke column, and mentions reconnaissance drones were active beforehand. Colonelcassad reports an Iskander strike in the suburbs of Odesa after Orlan reconnaissance drone activity. A Russian military blogger shares video claiming their unit shot down a "Baba Yaga" drone.
• Ukrainian Deep Strikes and Counter-Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces continue to conduct effective drone operations. The video from the State Border Guard Service's "Phoenix" unit claiming destruction of multiple Russian equipment units near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast through drone strikes highlights this capability. STERNENKO's channel reports on the work of the "Chornyi Stryzh" unit in the Sumy region, claiming the destruction of two vehicles carrying ammunition, four artillery pieces (including a 155mm Hyacinth), a motorcycle, and a tractor, demonstrating ongoing efforts to degrade Russian logistics and artillery. A video from the Azov NGU brigade near Toretsk showcases drone operators using unmanned systems to "smoke out" Russian troops from underground positions, indicating adaptation to Russian defensive tactics. Videos from BUTUSOV PLUS and ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS also show Ukrainian drone operators targeting Russian troops in underground positions in the Toretsk direction. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS shares a video claiming the remote detonation of a drone when three Russian soldiers approached it. Оперативний ЗСУ shares a video of a claimed Ukrainian drone strike resulting in a "Headshot." БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС shares a video showing Russian T-90M and T-62M tanks with infantry being destroyed by Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the WORMBUSTERS unit of the 414th UAV Brigade and supporting units in Donetsk Oblast, highlighting the density of drone hits (5 FPV hits over 4 km advancement) and the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations against armored vehicles. This provides concrete evidence of successful Ukrainian counter-armor tactics utilizing drones.
• Civilian Impact and Casualties: The ongoing aerial and drone attacks continue to result in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The report from Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration confirms damage to private houses from an FPV drone attack. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast reports damage to houses, cars, and infrastructure from artillery and drone attacks. A new report from Kherson indicates a drone attack on civilians in the center of the city, resulting in one fatality and two injuries, prompting the head of the OMA to advise residents to avoid the area. This highlights the direct and deadly threat posed by drones to civilians in frontline cities. TASS and ASTRA report that at least 95 apartments were damaged in Novorossiysk due to the night attack by Ukrainian forces, and damage assessment is ongoing. This confirms the impact of the Ukrainian attack on civilian infrastructure in Russia.
• Information Operations and Propaganda: The information landscape remains highly active and contested, particularly in the lead-up to May 9th.
  • Russian sources, including Dmitry Peskov, are framing their proposed temporary truce for Victory Day as a "test of Kyiv's readiness for searching for ways for long-term sustainable peace" and waiting for "unequivocal statements and actions from Kyiv" for de-escalation during the holiday. Peskov also added that Ukraine's alleged "unwillingness to directly respond" to the proposal "clearly shows that the ideological basis of today's Kyiv regime is neo-Nazism," reinforcing a key propaganda narrative.
  • Reports from Russian military bloggers continue to emphasize claimed Russian successes and Ukrainian losses, often accompanied by videos.
  • Ukrainian sources continue to counter Russian narratives and highlight perceived Russian failures and internal issues. Operational ZSU presents a Forbes analysis suggesting that at current rates of advance and loss, Russia would take centuries to conquer the rest of Ukraine at a massive cost, using this to highlight perceived Russian failures and the futility of their efforts. DeepState's commentary on Donald Trump's statement about renaming May 8th and November 11th as Victory Days for WWI and WWII respectively is framed as a "strange case of interpreting world history" and a "competitor" to Russia's narrative of the "Great Victory," suggesting a potential shift in the global narrative of these historical events and potential implications for Russian propaganda.
  • Statements regarding the attendance of foreign leaders at the May 9th parade in Moscow remain a point of discussion and potential information manipulation. RBC-Ukraine reports that the Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has canceled his trip to the Moscow parade due to "exacerbation on the border with Pakistan" and will be replaced by his deputy.
  • Ukrainian sources are highlighting perceived internal Russian issues, such as the video from BUTUSOV PLUS showing scuffles over free "soldier's porridge" at a "Victory Train" event in Udmurtia, suggesting social and economic strains. МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники shares a video appeal from the family of a missing mobilized soldier from North Ossetia, claiming he was forcibly sent to the front despite a severe leg injury and official exemption, and that his family believes he was kidnapped. This highlights ongoing concerns about mobilization practices and the treatment of mobilized personnel in Russia. A Russian military blogger shares information about a program ("Family Nanny") for families of SVO participants and others, which is being proposed to be extended to all regions, highlighting social support initiatives for military families.
  • The Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War is actively campaigning against fraudulent schemes targeting the families of prisoners of war and missing persons, highlighting a vulnerability being exploited by malicious actors, likely including those linked to the conflict. They advise against contact with representatives of the aggressor state or "intermediaries."
  • A military expert from TASS frames Ukraine's combined attack on Crimea using UAVs, uncrewed boats, and missiles as a "provocation with the participation of Britain" in anticipation of a truce, pushing a narrative of Western involvement and Ukrainian aggression.
  • The report from the Zaporizhzhia police about detaining a man in Nazi-era uniform with a cache of weapons, while potentially an isolated criminal incident, is presented by Ukrainian sources and could be used to reinforce narratives about extremist elements. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS shares a photo and information about the detention in Zaporizhzhia of a man walking in Third Reich uniform with a grenade.
  • Colonelcassad comments on Ukrainian sources dropping flags in Oleshky using drones as an old method of creating fake "peremogas" (victories), comparing it to similar practices he claims occur on the Russian side and condemning such "oчковтирательство" (eyewash). This highlights the ongoing information warfare regarding claimed territorial control and the use of visual evidence for propaganda.
  • ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports that Russian language is disappearing from Ukrainian schools, with significantly fewer students learning or studying it compared to three years ago, and a bill registered in the Rada could ban the language in educational processes entirely. This highlights cultural and linguistic shifts within Ukraine in response to the conflict and potential long-term implications.
  • ASTRA reports that Kazakhstan has closed entry to the country for several prominent Russian figures, including Alexander Dugin, Petr Tolstoy, Tigran Keosayan, Tina Kandelaki, Yevgeny Fyodorov, and Yevgeny Primakov, citing their negative statements about Kazakhstan and its leadership. This indicates potential diplomatic friction between Russia and Kazakhstan and highlights the impact of the conflict on regional relationships.
  • Basurin о главном quotes Zelenskyy's reported statement that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders attending the May 9th parade in Moscow, framing it as an order to intensify attacks on Russian territory and a threat to guests and veterans. He also suggests European politicians who agreed to attend the parade may have faced pressure, citing the hospitalization of the Serbian president as potential evidence. This is a clear information operation aimed at portraying Ukraine as aggressive and Russia as a victim, while also attempting to sow discord among European leaders. He also quotes Maria Zakharova and Dmitry Medvedev making strong condemnations of Zelenskyy and his statement, further amplifying the narrative of Ukrainian aggression and neo-Nazism.
  • Рыбарь discusses the recent US approval of a $310.5 million package for Ukraine, framing it as spare parts and technical support for F-16s, noting that supplied F-16s have already been lost to "friendly fire." The post includes photos allegedly showing F-16 components being loaded onto AN-124 aircraft in Arizona. Рыбарь interprets this as the US not planning to cease support, though it may not be free, and that talks of a ceasefire are unrealistic and dependent on battlefield realities. This is an information operation aimed at downplaying the significance of Western aid, highlighting claimed Ukrainian military failures, and managing expectations about the duration of the conflict.
  • ТАСС reports on the "Immortal Regiment" action in Buenos Aires, Argentina, highlighting international participation in this Russian commemorative event. This is likely part of Russia's effort to demonstrate international support and leverage historical narratives.
  • DeepState shares a promotional message for merchandise featuring a map of Ukraine with cities Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, and Odesa forming a heart, emphasizing unity and control over key points, likely aimed at bolstering morale and national identity.
  • Colonelcassad shares a critical post regarding a Ukrainian figure (likely Arestovich) and a tweet from Yulia Latynina, highlighting a perceived change in how he is viewed within Ukraine compared to the beginning of the conflict. This is an information operation focusing on internal divisions within Ukraine and attempting to discredit Ukrainian figures.
• Focus on Military Losses and Tactics: Both sides are actively promoting content highlighting enemy losses and their own tactical successes, particularly in the realm of drone warfare and counter-drone measures. Russian military bloggers, like "Два майора," are openly fundraising for drones and recruiting for specific units like a UAV company and an engineering-diving group of the "Espanola" marine detachment, indicating ongoing needs and a focus on specialized capabilities. Два майора shares photos and videos of a "Front Armor" project, creating armored kits in memory of a WWII veteran, and fundraising for metal for these kits, linking current efforts to historical narratives and civilian support. Два майора also shares information about NATO countries (UK, Poland, France) developing and showcasing unmanned surface vessels (USVs) based on technologies tested in Ukraine, interpreting it as Western countries incorporating battlefield experience into their military technology and suggesting Russia should accelerate its own development of similar assets, possibly through private initiatives.
• Discussion of Peace Negotiations: The Russian stance on the temporary truce for Victory Day, as articulated by Peskov, indicates ongoing, albeit potentially performative, discussions around ceasefires and conditions for peace talks. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports Zelenskyy is ready for a ceasefire from May 7th for 30 days, but only when the killing stops. This sets a condition for negotiations. Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны reports, citing Bloomberg, that negotiations with W. Whitkoff stalled because Putin insists on full control over all four claimed regions (LNR, DNR, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia), not just the current front line, while Whitkoff proposed a ceasefire along the current line. The report suggests direct contact between Putin and Trump is needed for progress. This indicates a significant impasse in negotiations due to fundamental disagreements on territorial control. Basurin о главном's comments about Zelenskyy rejecting the ceasefire offer and escalating attacks further emphasize the current lack of progress towards a truce. "Зона СВО" reports that there are signals that after a ceasefire, Ukraine may be left "one on one" with Russia, implying that this is why Zelenskyy is trying to prevent a ceasefire. This aligns with Russian narratives seeking to isolate Ukraine from its Western partners.
• Regional Conflicts and Geopolitical Tensions: Reports continue to highlight broader geopolitical tensions. Colonelcassad mentions potential Israeli threats to shoot down Turkish aircraft in Syrian airspace and Turkey's response, as well as renewed conflict dynamics in Syria involving HTSh militants. The report on heightened tensions and severed agreements between India and Pakistan also indicates a complex regional security environment with potential indirect links to the broader geopolitical situation. Colonelcassad also notes continued Houthi attacks on Israeli and Western targets and their preparation for a potential ground invasion of Yemen, highlighting another active conflict zone. TASS reports on discussions between Walt Waltz and Netanyahu regarding a potential strike on Iran, suggesting ongoing high-level considerations of military action in the Middle East. ТАСС reports the arrest in Dagestan of a suspect in the preparation of a terrorist attack in Khasavyurt. This indicates ongoing internal security concerns in Russia. ASTRA reports on Kazakhstan closing entry to several prominent Russian figures, indicating potential diplomatic friction.
• Internal Ukrainian Developments: The Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration reports on the success of the "Dnipro" basketball team winning the Super League, providing a domestic focus amidst the conflict. The Ukrainian General Staff highlights the work of psychological support officers utilizing a therapy dog ("Addie") from the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, emphasizing efforts to support the mental well-being of soldiers. The report on the detention of a man with a cache of weapons in Zaporizhzhia highlights ongoing security concerns and law enforcement activity within Ukraine. The report from the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration about a librarian from Dniprorudne teaching Ukrainian embroidery and singing in Ireland highlights cultural preservation and integration efforts of displaced Ukrainians. Олександр Вілкул, Head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, provides an update on the situation, including confirmed Russian losses yesterday (1170 personnel, significant equipment), 4 intercepted drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, ongoing shelling and drone attacks in Nikopol and Kryvyi Rih districts causing damage but no casualties, demining efforts finding cluster munitions and WWII-era ordnance, and civilian activities like tree planting and sports achievements. This provides a comprehensive overview of the situation in the Kryvyi Rih area, highlighting both the ongoing threat and efforts towards recovery and normalcy. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports on the disappearance of Russian language from Ukrainian schools.
• Support for Military Personnel: Posts from Ukrainian and Russian military channels continue to include messages of gratitude for support from the public and highlight ongoing fundraising efforts for military units, underscoring the importance of civilian backing. Два майора highlights a "Front Armor" project in memory of a WWII veteran and is fundraising for materials, linking current military support to historical narratives. МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники shares information about a program aimed at supporting families of SVO participants.
• Border Security: Poland is reportedly reinforcing its border guard presence on the border with Belarus with an additional 1,500 officers, in addition to existing personnel and military presence, indicating concerns about border security.
• Russian Military Logistics: The Russian Ministry of Defense highlights the work of logistics specialists of the "Sever" Group of Forces in deploying a network of mobile fueling stations and bases, suggesting efforts to maintain operational reach and sustain offensive capabilities.
• Environmental Factors: РБК-Україна reports that Kyiv and several other regions are covered by a dust storm. This is an environmental factor that could potentially impact visibility and drone operations.
• Naval Developments: Два майора reports on the development and showcasing of USVs by the UK and Poland, based on technologies tested in Ukraine, highlighting the adoption of battlefield experience by NATO countries and suggesting the need for Russia to accelerate its own USV development, potentially through private initiatives.

Major Updates from the Article:

• Russian forces are reporting continued intense fighting on the Southern Donetsk direction, claiming to have repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks near Vilne Pole and expanded control zones near Otradnoe and Fyodorovka, cutting off enemy reserve approaches.
• Russian sources claim significant losses for Ukrainian forces on the Southern Donetsk direction.
• Russian forces are utilizing FAB-1500 guided aerial bombs and drone operators to target Ukrainian positions in Bogatyr on the Southern Donetsk direction.
• Russian forces claim to be attacking Ukrainian equipment and infantry near New York (likely in the Toretsk direction) and using drone operators to hunt Ukrainian soldiers in strongpoints.
• A Russian infantry unit claims to occupy new positions in the vicinity of Kotlyarovka on the Pokrovsk axis and an advance of up to 2 km on the southern охват of Krasnoarmeysk.
• A drone attack on civilians in the center of Kherson has resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The head of the OMA advises residents to avoid the area.
• At least 95 apartments were damaged in Novorossiysk due to the night attack by Ukrainian forces, and damage assessment is ongoing.
• Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the WORMBUSTERS unit of the 414th UAV Brigade and supporting units are shown destroying Russian T-90M and T-62M tanks with infantry in Donetsk Oblast. The video highlights the density of drone hits (5 FPV hits over 4 km advancement).
• ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS shares a video claiming the remote detonation of a drone when three Russian soldiers approached it.
• Оперативний ЗСУ shares a video of a claimed Ukrainian drone strike resulting in a "Headshot."
• ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports Zelenskyy is ready for a ceasefire from May 7th for 30 days, but only when the killing stops.
• Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны reports, citing Bloomberg, that negotiations with W. Whitkoff stalled because Putin insists on full control over all four claimed regions (LNR, DNR, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia), while Whitkoff proposed a ceasefire along the current line. The report suggests direct contact between Putin and Trump is needed for progress.
• "Зона СВО" reports that there are signals that after a ceasefire, Ukraine may be left "one on one" with Russia, implying that this is why Zelenskyy is trying to prevent a ceasefire.

Areas of Significant Activity (Updated)

• Southern Donetsk Direction: Extremely intense combat with Russian claims of repelling four Ukrainian counterattacks near Vilne Pole, expanding control zones near Otradnoe and Fyodorovka, and cutting off enemy reserve approaches. Russian forces are utilizing FAB-1500 guided aerial bombs and drone operators to target Ukrainian positions in Bogatyr. Russian sources claim significant losses for Ukrainian forces.
• Pokrovsk Direction: Ongoing Russian offensive actions with claims of occupying new positions near Kotlyarovka and an advance of up to 2 km on the southern охват of Krasnoarmeysk.
• Toretsk Direction: Reports of Russian forces attacking Ukrainian equipment and infantry near New York and using drone operators to hunt Ukrainian soldiers in strongpoints.
• Kherson Oblast: A drone attack on civilians in the center of Kherson has resulted in one fatality and two injuries.
• Novorossiysk (Krasnodar Krai, Russia): At least 95 apartments were damaged due to the night attack by Ukrainian forces.
• Donetsk Oblast: Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the WORMBUSTERS unit of the 414th UAV Brigade and supporting units are shown destroying Russian T-90M and T-62M tanks with infantry.

Potential Future Developments

• Continued High Probability of Russian Offensive Operations: The reports of repelled Ukrainian counterattacks and expanded control zones on the Southern Donetsk direction, coupled with continued claims of advances on the Pokrovsk and Toretsk axes, strongly indicate that Russian forces will maintain their offensive pressure on key fronts. The reported intensity of fighting near Bogatyr and New York suggests these areas will remain focal points.
• Continued High Probability of Russian Aerial and Drone Attacks: The persistent and widespread nature of Russian aerial and drone activity, including reports of renewed drone attacks in frontline cities like Kherson, indicates a continued high tempo of attacks across various areas of Ukraine.
• Continued Ukrainian Deep Strikes and Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces are likely to continue utilizing drones for deep strikes against Russian territory and assets, as evidenced by the confirmed damage in Novorossiysk. The effectiveness of Ukrainian FPV drone operations against Russian armor in Donetsk Oblast highlights their continued reliance on and development of unmanned systems for tactical engagements. The reported success in remotely detonating a drone near Russian soldiers and the "Headshot" drone strike indicate evolving Ukrainian drone tactics.
• Potential for Increased Civilian Casualties: The tragic fatality and injuries from the drone attack in Kherson underscore the ongoing and direct threat to civilians in frontline areas. Continued aerial and drone attacks are likely to result in further casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
• Continued Stalemate in Peace Negotiations: The reported impasse in negotiations over territorial demands, with Putin insisting on full control of the claimed regions, suggests that diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive ceasefire or peace agreement will remain challenging. Zelenskyy's condition for a ceasefire further highlights the differing positions.
• Continued Information Warfare: Both sides will continue to utilize information operations to shape narratives, highlight successes, and discredit the opponent, particularly in the lead-up to May 9th. Russian sources will likely continue to emphasize Ukrainian losses and failures, while Ukrainian sources will highlight Russian aggression and their own defensive successes. The narrative surrounding the Oleshky market attack and its condemnation by the Russian MFA is likely to persist as a point of information warfare.
• Increased Focus on Counter-Armor and Counter-Drone Tactics: The demonstrated effectiveness of Ukrainian FPV drones against Russian armor suggests a continued focus on developing and employing these tactics. Russian forces will likely continue efforts to counter Ukrainian drone threats and armor.
• Highlighting of Damage from Ukrainian Strikes: Russian sources are likely to continue highlighting damage to civilian infrastructure in Russia resulting from Ukrainian strikes, as seen with the reports from Novorossiysk, as part of their information operations.

Operational Summary

The operational situation is characterized by sustained and intense ground combat on multiple fronts, with Russian forces claiming to be repelling counterattacks and expanding control zones on the Southern Donetsk direction and continuing offensive actions on the Pokrovsk and Toretsk axes. The pervasive Russian aerial and drone campaign continues to impact numerous Ukrainian oblasts, resulting in civilian casualties, including a fatality and injuries from a recent drone attack in Kherson, and damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian forces are continuing to conduct effective drone operations, showcasing success against Russian armor in Donetsk Oblast and employing evolving tactics. Diplomatic discussions surrounding potential peace negotiations remain at an impasse due to fundamental disagreements on territorial control. The information landscape remains highly contested, with both sides actively engaged in propaganda. New information reinforces the intensity of fighting, the continued threat to civilians from drone attacks, and the evolving nature of drone warfare tactics employed by both sides. The reported damage in Novorossiysk from the recent Ukrainian attack highlights the impact of Ukrainian deep strikes on Russian territory.

Potential Indicators

• Observable changes in the frontline and territorial control on the Southern Donetsk, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk axes, including independent verification of claimed Russian advances and the outcomes of Ukrainian counterattacks.
• Further reports of drone attacks, their locations, and impact on civilian and military targets in Ukraine, particularly in frontline cities like Kherson and in areas like Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts.
• Further reports or visual evidence of Ukrainian drone and unmanned boat activity targeting Russian territory, and any additional confirmed damage in areas like Novorossiysk.
• Continued reporting and analysis of the effectiveness of Ukrainian FPV drone operations against Russian armor, including any changes in Russian tactics or countermeasures.
• Statements and actions from both sides regarding potential peace negotiations and the conditions for a ceasefire.
• Continued dissemination of specific information operations by both sides, including narratives surrounding claimed military successes, casualties, and the impact of attacks on civilian infrastructure.
• Any observable changes in the scale or nature of Russian aerial and drone attacks in response to Ukrainian deep strikes.
• Reports of any further civilian casualties or damage from drone attacks in Kherson or other frontline areas.
• Further details and assessment of the damage in Novorossiysk and any impact on port operations or military assets.