Archived operational intelligence briefing
The operational tempo remains exceptionally high, dominated by intense ground combat on multiple axes, particularly the Pokrovsk, Novopavlivsk, Toretsk (Konstantinovka), Lyman, and Krasnolimansk directions. Russian forces continue offensive operations, reporting claimed advances and heavy engagements in these areas, specifically highlighting claimed tactical gains in Novoalexandrovka and near Shevchenko on the Pokrovsk direction, and near Velyka Novosilka and on the Aleksandro-Kalinovo direction. Recent analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), shared by РБК-Україна and ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, indicates Russian advances near Lyman, Siversk, Novopavlivka, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka, while ISW maps show Ukrainian counterattacks in a number of areas, indicating active and dynamic fighting on these fronts. Ukrainian forces report repelling a high number of assaults across numerous fronts and inflicting significant enemy losses, with ISW maps showing Ukrainian counterattacks in a number of areas. Russian sources are disseminating claimed visual evidence of Ukrainian casualties in border regions, specifically near Guyevo in Kursk Oblast, alongside propaganda encouraging surrender. The conflict is also characterized by persistent, widespread, and evolving Russian aerial and drone activity across widespread areas of Ukraine. Recent reports confirm launches of guided aerial bombs (KABs) by Russian tactical aviation targeting Sumy Oblast, northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, and now Donetsk Oblast, with the Ukrainian Air Force confirming launches targeting Kherson Oblast in a previous report and issuing a warning for Donetsk Oblast. Ongoing "Shahed" drone activity is impacting various regions, including recent and current threats to Kyiv, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Mirhorod, Sloviansk, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, potentially Vinnytsia, and now northeastern Vinnytsia Oblast and southeastern Zhytomyr Oblast, with air raid alerts active in some of these areas, including a new threat of strike UAVs for Khmelnytskyi Oblast from the east reported by the Ukrainian Air Force. Specifically, a new warning has been issued for Vinnytsia regarding an approaching strike UAV from the north, and for southeastern Zhytomyr Oblast. Recent detailed reporting provides an updated picture of remaining Russian drone activity across various oblasts, including movements towards Zhytomyr Oblast, Fastiv, Vasylkiv, Kremenchuk district, eastern Kyiv Oblast, and the Konotop area. Video evidence is emerging from Kyiv showing impacts on multi-story buildings and fires, with new photos from the State Emergency Service showing firefighters extinguishing fires in apartments and burned cars in Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts. The aftermath of the night attacks in Kyiv is being assessed, with confirmed damage and fires from falling debris and a rising number of civilian medical appeals, now totaling 4 injured, all receiving aid on the spot, with previous reports from the DSNS indicating a total of 7 injured, including 2 children, and the latest reports from РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ stating 11 injured, including 2 children, as confirmed by the Office of the Prosecutor General. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces are conducting effective deep strikes against Russian targets, with confirmed drone interceptions over Belgorod and Murmansk Oblasts, and reports of successful FPV drone strikes against Russian logistics and personnel, including a claimed drone destroyed over Kamensk-Shakhtinsky in Rostov Oblast, reported by TASS. Russia is claiming successful counter-drone and counter-artillery operations, including the claimed elimination of nine Ukrainian soldiers in Gornal, Kursk Oblast, by a marine of the "Sever" grouping. A Russian military blogger, Дневник Десантника🇷🇺, reports continued enemy reconnaissance activity over the Black Sea, sharing an image from Flightradar24 showing a Saab 340B ISR aircraft over Bulgaria and near Istanbul. The Black Sea remains a contested area, with Russian military bloggers discussing potential renewed Ukrainian drone activity, expressing concern about the Black Sea Fleet's reduced combat capability, and raising the specter of a potential large-scale attack on the Crimean Bridge. Information operations continue to be a significant element, with both sides leveraging narratives around military successes, casualties, and future aid. Diplomatic activity continues, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announcing upcoming sanctions against entities assisting Russia in circumventing existing sanctions and reiterating Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire under specific conditions, while facing continued diplomatic friction with Hungary and potential political changes in Slovakia and Serbia regarding attendance at Victory Day events in Moscow, with the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament stating Europe has lost competitiveness due to sanctions against Russia. Discussions regarding potential peace negotiations and the role of international actors are also ongoing, with new reports from US media highlighting difficulties in the implementation of the US-Ukraine mineral resources deal, and a report from the Financial Times suggesting Kyiv may resume military aggression if a peace agreement does not include recognition of territories incorporated into Russia. The humanitarian impact of the conflict remains severe, with continued civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure reported on both sides, currently evidenced by damage and fires from falling drone debris and civilian medical appeals in Kyiv and Cherkasy, the extensive destruction of Toretsk, and a significant increase in the number of injured in the Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhia. Oleg Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Administration, reports one man killed and four women injured in shelling in Kharkiv Oblast yesterday, along with significant damage to civilian infrastructure including administrative buildings, private homes, apartment buildings, a post office, a school, a warehouse, and cars in Izium and Kupiansk districts, and a private house in Kharkiv district. Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны reports an object in Sloviansk was damaged by 6 "Geran" drones overnight, with damage to premises and equipment in the Zaliznychnyi microdistrict reported by local authorities. Fundraising efforts for military units are actively being promoted by both Ukrainian and Russian military bloggers, highlighting ongoing logistical needs and reliance on public support. Internal Russian issues, including military welfare and potential dissent, are also being discussed in open source channels, including a reported confusing situation on the Volga River, legal proceedings initiated by the Russian Ministry of Defense against a major state-owned enterprise, and security forces conducting raids on bars in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, checking documents, tattoos, and phones, and questioning individuals about their political views and attitudes towards the "SVO." TASS reports that videoblogger Amiran Sardarov owes almost half a million rubles to the Federal Tax Service, according to law enforcement sources. Ukraine is facing potential challenges with electricity generation this summer, with potential evening deficits. Commemorative events related to Victory Day are being held, including in Washington, D.C. Russian military bloggers are showcasing images and videos of Russian drones participating in a Victory Day parade training in Moscow, including Orlans, Iks, and Geraniums, likely as part of information operations. A new report from the police in Khabarovsk Krai details various law enforcement activities in that far eastern region of Russia, including theft, property damage, violations of fire safety regulations, fraud, and illegal labor activities by migrants, providing a glimpse into localized internal Russian issues. Colonelcassad shares a video claiming that snipers of the 37th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, "Vostok" grouping, neutralized enemy personnel in a forest belt on the Southern Donetsk direction, as reported by the military blogger "Воин DV". This suggests ongoing Russian small arms engagements and claims of success on the Southern Donetsk direction. РБК-Україна, citing ISW maps, reports assessed Russian advances near Lyman, Siversk, Novopavlivka, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka, and Ukrainian counterattacks in a number of areas. These maps further corroborate the intense fighting on these fronts and indicate areas of contested control. Specific ISW maps provided by РБК-Україна and ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS show assessed Russian advances north of Sumy Oblast, extending into Ukraine, and Russian field fortifications in Kursk Oblast, as well as significant fighting near Makivka. These maps provide visual confirmation of the operational situation in the border regions and highlight a specific area of recent intense combat. ISW maps also detail assessed Russian advances and significant fighting in the Pokrovsk direction, Novopavlivka direction (specifically detailing advances towards Bahatyr and along a highway south of Vilne Pole), Svatove-Kreminna direction (with geolocated footage confirming advances west of Makiivka and north of Torske), Kherson direction (showing assessed advances and Ukrainian counteroffensives), and Zaporizhzhia direction (highlighting significant fighting around Robotyne and Mala Tokmachka). These detailed maps from ISW provide a comprehensive overview of the most active fronts, highlighting areas of Russian gains, Ukrainian resistance, and intense combat, supported by specific geolocated intelligence where available. New reports from the Ukrainian Air Force provide updated information on the movement of enemy strike UAVs in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts. Николаевский Ванёк provides granular details on the remaining drone activity, specifically noting three drones approaching Starokonstantiniv, one near Khmelnytskyi, and one from Zhytomyr Oblast heading towards Starokonstantiniv. The Ukrainian Navy and General Staff report the presence of one Russian warship capable of carrying up to 6 Kalibr missiles in the Black Sea, no ships in the Azov Sea, and three ships including one Kalibr carrier with up to 8 missiles in the Mediterranean Sea, along with Kerch Strait passage information. Новости Москвы reports on one-time payments to WWII veterans and other categories in Moscow. TASS reports that citizens of Kyrgyzstan were injured in a landslide in Gelendzhik. The 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade shares a video reporting on their combat work from April 27 to May 3. Два майора provides a morning summary (May 4), reporting a drone attack repelled in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, consequences of Ukrainian strikes on Novorossiysk including casualties and damage, intensified Ukrainian drone strikes on civilian targets in Bryansk Oblast causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, continued Russian drone strikes on Mirople in Sumy Oblast and advances by Russian forces near Loknya and Vodolagi in Sumy Oblast, continued Ukrainian activity and Russian claims of repelling attacks in Belgorod Oblast with civilian casualties from shelling and drone attacks, confirmation from Ukrainian channels of Russian advances under Pokrovsk in the central and eastern parts of Shevchenko village and fighting in Kotlyarka and Mirolyubovka, Russian claims of repelling counterattacks near Novoolenevka and developing success in Alexandropol and near Malinovka on the Konstantinovka direction, reports of fighting on the outskirts of Bogatyr on the Southern Donetsk direction with claimed advances and ongoing Ukrainian counterattacks, positional battles in the Zaporizhzhia direction near Shcherbaki, Stepovoe, and Kamenskoe with Russian artillery strikes and Ukrainian strikes on the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast causing damage and casualties, and continued Ukrainian shelling of Horlivka in the DNR causing a casualty and damage to a gas pipeline with reported use of 155mm and cluster munitions. Colonelcassad shares photos claiming to show Ukrainian trophies on the Pokrovsk direction. РБК-Україна reports one person injured in a drone attack on Cherkasy overnight with 5 fires reported at various addresses causing damage to residential apartments, a warehouse, a dacha, and dry vegetation. Оперативний ЗСУ shares photos and videos of the aftermath of the night attack on Kyiv, reporting 7 injured and destruction and fires in Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts, detailing specific damage to a 12-story building, cars, private houses, and infrastructure near a railway bridge. Воин DV shares a video claiming that UAV operators of the "Vostok" grouping destroyed a Ukrainian hiding place near Bogatyr. The Ukrainian General Staff reports corrected overall enemy losses since February 24, 2022, with adjustments to numbers of tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery systems, air defense systems, UAVs, cruise missiles, and special equipment due to updated intelligence. The overall estimated enemy personnel losses are now over 956,810, with an additional 1340 in the past day. Daily losses are reported as 1340 personnel, 11 tanks, 24 armored fighting vehicles, 52 artillery systems, 1 MLRS, 1 air defense system, 163 UAVs, and 129 vehicles and fuel tanks. The total count of certain equipment types (tanks, AFVs, artillery, air defense, UAVs, cruise missiles, special equipment) has been updated in the cumulative statistics. РБК-Україна reports that according to the State Emergency Service (DSNS), the number of injured in Kyiv due to the drone attack has increased to 11 people, including 2 children. 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) reports on the situation in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, stating that overnight, Russian forces shelled Nikopol district with 40 Grad MLRS rounds, causing fires and damage to three enterprises, two apartment buildings, and two private houses. In the morning, enemy forces used FPV drones and artillery to attack the Marhanets and Pokrovsk communities. Shahed drones also attacked the oblast overnight, damaging a agricultural enterprise in the Dnipro district. In the evening, the enemy used UAVs against the Novopavlivka community in Synelnykove district, injuring two police officers. Three enemy drones were shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports that at least eight enemy KABs attacked the frontline city of Orikhiv, destroying residential buildings and injuring two people. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 provides a summary of enemy attacks on 10 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast over the past day, including 10 aerial strikes on Malynivka, Temerivka, and Novodarivka, 256 drone attacks on Bilenke, Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, and Novodarivka, 15 MLRS shellings on Kamianske, Huliaipole, Novodanylivka, and Novodarivka, and 216 artillery shellings on Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, and Novodarivka. 26 reports of damaged apartments, private houses, and cars were received, with no civilian casualties reported in this summary. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports that over the past night, 13 Ukrainian aircraft-type UAVs were destroyed by air defense, including 11 over Rostov Oblast, 1 over Belgorod Oblast, and 1 over Bryansk Oblast. This is also reported by TASS and Два майора. AV БогомаZ reports that a Ukrainian aircraft-type UAV was detected and destroyed by air defense over Bryansk Oblast overnight, with no reported casualties or damage. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that the threat of enemy strike UAVs has been cleared for all oblasts. Басурин о главном shares a historical note about Vladimir Monomakh entering Kyiv on May 4, 1113, and highlights his leadership and achievements, including uniting much of Rus' and pushing back nomadic threats. This is presented in the context of "DAY in HISTORY." Multiple images shared by РБК-Україна depict the aftermath of drone attacks in the Obolonskyi district of Kyiv, showing damage to a shopping center, residential buildings, and burnt cars, visually confirming the civilian impact. РБК-Україна and ASTRA confirm one person injured and multiple fires in Cherkasy due to the overnight drone attack, with damage to residential and commercial properties. РБК-Україна provides an overnight summary highlighting the drone attack on Kyiv (11 injured, 2 children, damage in 3 districts), the attack on Cherkasy (1 injured, fires), France's commitment to produce 1200 AASM Hammer smart bombs for Ukraine, and the planned visit of the head of the Pentagon to Israel before Trump's Middle East trip. Воин DV reports on successful artillery and FPV drone strikes by Russian forces on the Southern Donetsk direction, claiming the destruction of two M-198 howitzers, a pickup truck, eight "Baba Yaga" and ten quadcopter-type UAVs, and disrupting Ukrainian personnel landings and logistics near Voskresenka. STERNENKO shares a message calling for donations for the "extermination" of Russians. Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны reports on the death of Leo Åland, the son of a Finnish politician, who was fighting for Ukraine, claiming he wanted to return home and was killed by an FPV drone, with his body left on the battlefield, and the Finnish Foreign Ministry expressing concern about mercenaries being unable to terminate contracts. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 shares a video of children in Mali preparing for Victory Day, framed as a cultural event and expressing desire to visit Russia. Fighterbomber, a Russian military blogger, expresses frustration with Ukrainian claims of a Russian Su-30 being shot down in Crimea, stating he found no evidence after checking the area and questioning the credibility of such reports. ТАСС reports that a Russian official stated that inflation in Russia could be reduced by increasing production and future cuts in state spending. Оперативний ЗСУ provides a summary of combat activity and enemy losses over the past day, reporting 253 combat engagements, including 113 on the Pokrovsk and 66 on the Novopavlivka directions, with extensive use of KABs (158 + 15 on Kursk), shelling (6384), and kamikaze drones (2760), and reporting Ukrainian forces hitting two command posts, five artillery systems, one EW station, seven areas of personnel and equipment concentration, two UAV control points, and one air defense system. Оперативний ЗСУ shares a battle map for the Pokrovsk direction, indicating 113 combat engagements and successful Ukrainian defense against Russian advances in multiple locations. Оперативний ЗСУ shares a battle map for the Novopavlivka direction, indicating 66 repelled Russian assaults in numerous settlements and directions. Оперативний ЗСУ shares a battle map for the Kursk direction, indicating 23 combat engagements with heavy enemy artillery and aerial activity. ТАСС reports that according to Russian security forces, Ukrainian 21st, 22nd, 61st, and 67th separate mechanized brigades in Sumy Oblast are suffering significant losses, and the 36th separate marine brigade has lost combat capability. ASTRA reports that the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, shared an image depicting Zelenskyy, drones, and a burning Red Square, with a caption suggesting this day was brought closer, framed within the context of Zelenskyy's earlier statement about not guaranteeing safety in Moscow on May 9th. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine provides an update on the overnight Russian drone attack, stating that Russia launched 165 strike UAVs and drone imitators, with 69 strike UAVs (Shahed and other types) shot down in the east, north, south, and center of the country. 80 drone imitators were "locationally lost" without negative consequences. The attack affected Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, and Kyiv Oblasts. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS shares the same information from the Ukrainian Air Force regarding the overnight drone attack and the number of downed UAVs and drone imitators. ASTRA also reports on the overnight Russian drone attack with the same numbers of launched and downed UAVs and drone imitators, adding that according to local authorities, a construction base in Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, was affected. Оперативний ЗСУ echoes the Ukrainian Air Force's report on the overnight drone attack. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS shares a photo showing smoke in the area of an electrical equipment enterprise in Bryansk Oblast after a drone attack, suggesting a successful Ukrainian strike on Russian infrastructure. Басурин о главном shares a piece analyzing India's recent purchase of French Rafale aircraft instead of Russian MiGs, highlighting perceived Indian irrationality, fear of sanctions, and potential incompatibility of the aircraft with Indian aircraft carriers as an argument for India to return to partnership with Russia. This serves as a Russian information operation aimed at influencing India's defense procurement and highlighting perceived flaws in Western military technology and partnerships. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions were introduced at Vnukovo airport. ASTRA and Новости Москвы report that Vnukovo airport temporarily suspended operations with delayed flights due to a "Kover" plan. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS shares information that France plans to increase the production of AASM Hammer guided aerial bombs to 1200 in 2025 and intends to transfer all of them to Ukraine, highlighting the importance of these bombs for the Ukrainian Air Force. This indicates continued Western military aid with precision-guided munitions. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 shares a video piece about the history of Crimea's transfer to Ukraine, likely for informational or historical context within the current conflict. РБК-Україна and ASTRA report on the upcoming presidential elections in Romania, highlighting a pro-Russian radical candidate, Russian interference, and the position of candidates regarding Ukraine. This suggests potential shifts in the political landscape of a neighboring country with implications for regional dynamics. ASTRA reports that a poster in Ruzа, Moscow Oblast, for May 9th with a portrait of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya contained a misspelling, prompting local authorities to remove it and apologize. This is a minor internal Russian issue but can be used in information operations. Colonelcassad shares a video claiming a Houthi hypersonic missile launched from Yemen hit Ben Gurion airport in Israel, stating it likely used the "Palestine-2" missile and emphasizing the Houthis' continued attacks on Israel despite US-led strikes. This highlights ongoing regional conflicts and potential implications for global security and weapons proliferation, while also serving as a narrative piece supporting anti-Western sentiment. Путин заявил, что у России достаточно сил и средств, и без ядерного оружия, чтобы довести до конца СВО. This statement from Russian President Putin is a significant declaration regarding Russia's military capabilities and resolve to continue the conflict without resorting to nuclear weapons, aimed at both domestic and international audiences. WarGonzo reports on the attack on the "Strela" factory in Suzemka, Bryansk Oblast, stating it was targeted by Ukrainian forces using Grad MLRS, confirming the location and type of attack and claiming the factory was destroyed. This provides a Russian military blogger's perspective on the incident, confirming the location and claimed destruction, though the attribution to Grad MLRS contradicts other reports suggesting a drone attack. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports that 11 people, including children, were injured in the overnight drone attack on Kyiv, and an investigation into war crimes has been initiated. This is an official confirmation from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office regarding the civilian casualties and damage in Kyiv, and the legal action being taken. Alex Parker Returns shares a video with a derogatory caption about an incident in Stavropol Krai involving an individual and an ambulance, which is likely intended as an information operation piece highlighting perceived negative social issues in Russia. Сили оборони Півдня України report that over the past day in their operational zone (southern Ukraine), Russian forces conducted 58 assault attempts and 10 aerial strikes, utilizing 18 guided aerial bombs (KABs) and 106 unguided aerial missiles (NARs). They also report nearly 480 artillery shellings and almost 700 kamikaze drone strikes, along with over 300 drops from UAVs. Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed 2 Shahed-136 drones, eliminated 248 Russian personnel, and destroyed significant quantities of Russian equipment. This provides detailed statistics on Russian military activity in southern Ukraine over the past day and claimed Ukrainian successes. Олександр Вілкул shares photos and information about a spring art exhibition in Kryvyi Rih featuring children's work dedicated to French and Ukrainian culture, highlighting cultural cooperation and local efforts to preserve arts education and provide shelters in cultural institutions. This is a positive report on cultural and social activities in a Ukrainian city amidst the conflict, emphasizing resilience and international partnerships. Анатолій Штефан "Штірліц" is conducting a fundraising campaign for equipment for Ukrainian SOF (Special Operations Forces), offering prizes including items signed by high-ranking Ukrainian military figures. This indicates continued reliance on public support for specialized Ukrainian military units and highlights the symbolic value placed on items signed by prominent commanders. Новости Москвы reports that Russian athlete Varvara Kuzminova set two world records in weightlifting, a non-military development but potentially used in Russian information operations to highlight national achievements. Басурин о главным shares a report about a Swedish minister's statement regarding revoking residency permits for participants of Victory Day car rallies, framing it as a sign of European fear of Russian narratives. This is a Russian information operation piece aimed at portraying Western reactions to Victory Day events negatively. Сили оборони Півдня України report that their air defense units destroyed 2 Shahed-136 UAVs and provide a detailed list of claimed Russian losses over the past day in their operational zone. This offers specific details on Ukrainian air defense effectiveness against Shaheds and a breakdown of claimed Russian personnel and equipment losses in the south. Colonelcassad and Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны share videos claiming to show a direct hit by a Houthi missile on or near Ben Gurion airport in Israel, emphasizing the failure of Israeli air defense systems. These are narrative pieces supporting anti-Western and anti-Israeli sentiment. РБК-Україна reports that a unit of the "Rubizh" Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine is fundraising for equipment and vehicle repairs, detailing their needs and fundraising goal. This highlights ongoing logistical requirements and reliance on public support for specific Ukrainian military units. STERNENKO shares a post questioning the reasons for attacks on Bryansk Oblast, attributing it to Russian military bloggers. MoD Russia shares a video claiming that Russian FPV drones of the "Vostok" group of forces detected and eliminated a hostile UAV in the South Donetsk direction. This is a Russian claim of success in countering Ukrainian drone activity on a specific front. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports that the attacked "Strela" factory in Suzemka, Bryansk Oblast, is still burning and provides details on the damage and the factory's connection to the Russian defense sector. This confirms the continued fire and highlights the military relevance of the targeted facility. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА shares a video claiming to show a captured Ukrainian soldier in Sumy Oblast, framing it sarcastically regarding the soldier's stated reasons for being in the conflict. This is a Russian information operation piece aimed at undermining Ukrainian narratives about mobilization and motivation. Два майора shares a video from the Konstantinovskoye direction, showing reconnaissance work by a UAV unit of the Russian 33rd Motorized Rifle Regiment and linking it to a fundraising appeal for the same unit. This connects claimed military activity to ongoing logistical support efforts. Новости Москвы reports on Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia from May 7-10 to participate in Victory Day events, confirming a high-level international presence at the celebrations.
The operational situation is characterized by intense ground combat, particularly on the Southern Donetsk direction where Russian military bloggers claim operational successes. Russia conducted a massive overnight drone attack across multiple Ukrainian oblasts, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, notably in Kyiv and Cherkasy. Ukraine successfully struck the "Strela" factory in Bryansk Oblast, a facility linked to the Russian defense sector. Both sides are actively engaged in information warfare, with notable propaganda efforts related to the upcoming May 9th holiday and leveraging historical narratives. Diplomatic efforts continue with the US calling for concrete ideas for resolution, but fundamental disagreements persist. The humanitarian impact remains severe, as evidenced by updated casualty figures in Zaporizhzhia. The conflict's influence extends to other regional tensions, as seen with the reported Houthi missile strike on Israel. Internal issues within Russia, including temporary disruptions at civilian infrastructure like Vnukovo airport and reports regarding the treatment of political prisoners, are also part of the broader picture. The dismantling of a Soviet memorial in Lviv is a cultural and political event that will likely fuel further information operations. Children from affected areas are receiving support and positive experiences in less impacted regions.
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