Sitrep 2025-05-09 03:04:51

Operational Intelligence Briefing - Major Updates and Analysis (May 9, 2025, 03:04 UTC)

Updated Situation

The operational environment remains characterized by ongoing, intense ground combat across major axes, particularly Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Novopavlivka. Despite a declared Russian ceasefire for Victory Day, fighting continues in contested areas, notably the Kursk border region and potentially near the Antonovsky Bridge. Russian aerial activity, including drone and ballistic missile launches, persists across numerous Ukrainian oblasts, triggering air raid alerts. Ukrainian drone attacks continue to target Russian industrial and military facilities. Civilian casualties are tragically still being reported on both sides.

Diplomatic and information operations remain highly active. Ukraine has received substantial EU financial aid from frozen Russian assets, with further allocations planned for arms procurement. Political discussions regarding potential peace negotiations continue, with figures like Donald Trump and the newly elected Pope Leo XIV making statements. Ukraine has ratified an economic partnership agreement with the US concerning minerals. Russia is heavily engaged in Victory Day commemorations, using military parades, auto rallies in occupied territories, and historical narratives to link the current conflict to the defeat of Nazism in WWII. Internal Russian issues include security incidents and ongoing information campaigns. Military diplomatic meetings are occurring, such as between Russia and Kazakhstan. The UK is reportedly set to impose sanctions on 100 oil tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet." Russian state media is providing extensive coverage of Victory Day celebrations, including live broadcasts of the Moscow parade and fireworks.

New significant updates and analysis from the latest messages (past few minutes):

Widespread Victory Day Parades in Russia: Воин DV shares videos of solemn marches by parade calculations in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Ulan-Ude. This confirms the continuation of Victory Day military parades across multiple cities in the Russian Far East and Siberia, further highlighting the scale and emphasis Russia is placing on these commemorations. (Воин DV)
Russian Information Operation Leveraging WWII Historical Documents: ТАСС has published and disseminated declassified FSB archival materials claiming that priests of the Uniate church in Zakarpattia Oblast during WWII supported fascist occupiers and instilled fascist ideology in youth. The provided documents are scans of historical Soviet reports detailing investigations into individuals associated with the Uniate church in the region, alleging anti-Soviet activities and collaboration with Hungarian and German-Hungarian occupiers. While these are historical documents, their dissemination by TASS, particularly on the eve of Victory Day, is a clear information operation aimed at:
- Discrediting Ukrainian religious institutions and historical figures by linking them to Nazism and collaboration.
- Reinforcing the Russian narrative that the current Ukrainian government and certain elements of Ukrainian society are successors to Nazi ideology.
- Justifying the ongoing conflict as a continuation of the fight against fascism/Nazism, drawing a direct parallel to WWII.
- Potentially creating divisions within Ukrainian society based on historical religious and ethnic tensions. (ТАСС)
Russian Military Unit Congratulating Veterans from Occupied Territory: Colonelcassad shares a video of servicemen from the Buryat ethnic group, identified as "Combat Buryats," congratulating veterans of the Great Patriotic War from the territory of a recently "liberated" settlement in the DNR. This is another example of the Russian military directly participating in Victory Day commemorations from the conflict zone. It serves to:
- Connect the current conflict to the historical narrative of Victory Day.
- Portray Russian forces as liberators of Ukrainian territory.
- Showcase the participation of different ethnic groups within the Russian military, potentially aiming for internal unity and demonstrating a multinational force.
- Serve as propaganda aimed at both Russian and Ukrainian audiences. (Colonelcassad)
US Stance on India-Pakistan Conflict: РБК-Україна reports that US Vice President J.D. Vance has stated the US will not intervene in the conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both sides to de-escalate and emphasizing that it is "not our business." He added that the US will pursue diplomatic channels and hopes to avoid a wider regional or nuclear conflict. While not directly related to Ukraine, this US stance on a separate regional conflict highlights a potential prioritization of resources and involvement in global security issues and could indirectly impact the broader geopolitical landscape. (РБК-Україна)
Russian Military Auto Rally in Occupied Territories for Victory Day: ТАСС shares videos of servicemen from the Russian "Vostok" grouping conducting an auto rally in the DNR and Zaporizhzhia Oblast to congratulate civilians on Victory Day. This is another example of the Russian military directly participating in Victory Day commemorations in occupied territories, serving as both a propaganda event and a show of force. (ТАСС)
Russian Military Fatality in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Due to Ukrainian Shelling: Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны reports the death of an instructor from the "VOIN" Center, Vladislav Rakhmanov, in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to Ukrainian artillery shelling while providing first aid. This confirms a Russian military fatality in the region due to ongoing combat and highlights the continued intensity of artillery duels. (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны)
Russian Military Blogger's Victory Day Message: АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА shares a photo of a drone with a unit designation and a message wishing subscribers a "good Friday morning" and calling it a "great day" in honor of "our father-winners." This indicates the active participation of Russian military bloggers in promoting the Victory Day narrative and connecting it to the ongoing conflict. The photo of the drone suggests their continued operational activity. (АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)

Areas of Significant Activity (Updated)

Pokrovsk Direction: Intense ground combat continues, with this remaining a primary focus of Russian offensive efforts.
Novopavlivka Direction: Intense ground combat continues.
Lyman Direction: Intense ground combat continues.
Kursk Oblast (Russia) (Tetkino, Novy Put'): Contested fighting continues with claimed Ukrainian attacks and Russian efforts to repel them.
Sumy Oblast: Reported rapid-moving targets detected. Ukrainian Air Force reports Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern direction, with a threat of aerial guided missile use for frontline regions.
Poltava Oblast: Missile tracked towards Kremenchuk.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Reported civilian fatality in Primorskoye due to an FPV drone attack. Russian soldier fatality reported due to Ukrainian shelling. Military personnel of the Russian "Vostok" grouping conducted an auto rally to congratulate civilians here on Victory Day, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense. (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны, ТАСС)
Saransk (Mordovia, Russia): Targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks.
Tula Oblast (Russia): Reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attack on the "Splav" plant.
Moscow Oblast (Russia) (Kubinka, Moscow airports): Reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attack, causing temporary disruptions.
Kaluga Oblast (Russia) (Shaikovka): Reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attack on a military airfield, causing temporary disruptions.
Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast: Subjected to a significant Russian ballistic missile and multi-phased drone attack yesterday, resulting in civilian fatalities and injuries.
Bryansk Oblast (Russia) (Demyanki): Civilian injuries after a Ukrainian drone attack. Russian Governor claims repelling a massive Ukrainian strike.
Black Sea: US Navy P-8A Poseidon conducting reconnaissance.
Kherson Oblast: Reported civilian fatality in Dnepryany due to Ukrainian shelling. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge. (ТАСС)
Luhansk Oblast (Makeevka): Russian forces claim an advance and occupied new positions.
India-Pakistan Border (Jammu and Kashmir): Pakistan reportedly attacked military bases.
Persian Gulf: Iran publishes videos of US and coalition actions.
DNR (Occupied Territory): Military personnel of the Russian "Vostok" grouping conducted an auto rally to congratulate civilians here on Victory Day, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Colonelcassad shares a video of Russian military personnel congratulating veterans from a "recently liberated" settlement here. (ТАСС, Colonelcassad)
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Russia): Solemn march by parade calculations for Victory Day. (Воин DV)
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Russia): Solemn march by parade calculations for Victory Day. (Воин DV)
Ulan-Ude (Russia): Solemn march by parade calculations for Victory Day. (Воин DV)
Zakarpattia Oblast (Historical Context): TASS disseminating historical documents related to alleged collaboration of Uniate church priests with occupiers during WWII. (ТАСС)

Aerial and Naval Activity (Updated):

Drone Activity: Widespread and ongoing Russian drone activity across numerous Ukrainian oblasts. Ukrainian drone attacks confirmed targeting industrial facilities and reportedly military airfields in Russia, causing temporary flight restrictions. Ukrainian SOF reportedly used FPV drones to rescue captured comrades and eliminate Russian soldiers. Civilian fatality in Primorskoye, Zaporizhzhia due to an FPV drone attack. Russian military blogger's photo shows a drone associated with a unit designation, indicating continued operational activity. Greek company demonstrates autonomous coastal defense systems, including unmanned surface vessels and fixed-wing drones designed for coastal defense against various threats. (АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)
Ballistic Missile Activity: Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv yesterday.
Cruise Missile Activity: Russian Governor of Bryansk claims one cruise missile was among the over 140 aerial targets destroyed yesterday.
Aviation Activity: Russian operational-tactical aviation is striking Ukrainian formations near Tetkino. Ukrainian Air Force reports Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern direction, with a threat of aerial guided missile use for frontline regions.
Artillery and MLRS Activity: Intense artillery shelling on multiple fronts. Civilian fatality in Dnepryany, Kherson Oblast, due to Ukrainian shelling. Russian soldier fatality in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to Ukrainian artillery shelling. (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны)
Naval Activity: US Navy P-8A Poseidon conducting reconnaissance over the Black Sea. Greek company demonstrates autonomous coastal defense systems, including unmanned surface vessels designed to hide on the seabed. The UK is reportedly set to impose sanctions on 100 oil tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet."
Missile Activity: Rapid-moving targets detected in Sumy Oblast. Missile tracked towards Kremenchuk in Poltava Oblast.

Diplomatic and Political Developments (Updated):

Victory Day Narratives: Russia is heavily engaged in Victory Day commemorations, using military parades across numerous cities, auto rallies in occupied territories, and historical narratives to link the current conflict to the defeat of Nazism in WWII. TASS is disseminating historical documents alleging collaboration of Ukrainian religious figures with fascists during WWII. Russian military units are participating in commemorations from occupied territories. Russian military blogger is actively promoting the Victory Day narrative. (Воин DV, ТАСС, Colonelcassad, АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)
Ukraine-US Relations: Ukraine has ratified the economic partnership agreement with the US concerning minerals. Donald Trump states he will speak with Zelenskyy "soon" and suggests seeking China's assistance in settling the conflict. US Vice President J.D. Vance states the US will not intervene in the India-Pakistan conflict. (РБК-Україна)
EU Support for Ukraine: Ukraine has received €1 billion from the EU from the profits of frozen Russian central bank assets. The EU will allocate an additional €1 billion for Ukrainian arms procurement, funded by frozen Russian assets.
Ukraine Conflict Resolution: Donald Trump suggests he might ask China's leadership to help with the settlement and claims "good progress" towards a peace agreement. Reports of potential US-Russia talks on restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe. Polish Foreign Minister suggests Turkey and China could replace the US as mediators. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV began his address with a message of peace.
Vatican: Election of a new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost (Leo XIV), the first American pontiff. New Pope Leo XIV began his address with a message of peace.
Russia's Historical Narrative: Russian Foreign Ministry establishes the position of Ambassador for the preservation of memorial heritage. Russian State Duma highlights efforts in protecting historical memory. Russian military bloggers are discussing Moldova's approach to historical memory and creating short films about WWII. Patriarch Kirill and others lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Russian Governor shares story of WWII veteran. TASS is disseminating historical documents alleging collaboration of Ukrainian religious figures with fascists during WWII as part of this narrative. (ТАСС)
Russia-China Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizes strong mutual support with Russia on core interests. Donald Trump suggests he might ask China for help with the Ukraine conflict. Polish Foreign Minister suggests China as a potential mediator.
India-Pakistan Relations: India and Pakistan reportedly engaged in a large aerial battle. Pakistan reportedly attacked military bases in Jammu and Kashmir. US Vice President J.D. Vance states the US will not intervene in this conflict. (РБК-Україна)
Slovakia: Slovak Prime Minister Fico is traveling to Moscow via a southern route.
Serbia: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is arriving in Moscow for Victory Day celebrations.
Palestine: Palestinian President has arrived in Moscow for Victory Day.
Kazakhstan: Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with his Kazakh counterpart to discuss bilateral cooperation.
Azerbaijan-Russia Relations: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reportedly canceled his visit to Moscow for Victory Day.
Internal Russian Politics - Inter-ethnic Relations: Russian Duma Deputy reacts to an incident involving Ingush individuals, highlighting internal social and political tensions.
Iran-US Relations: Iran publishes videos of US and coalition actions in the Persian Gulf.
United Kingdom: Reportedly set to impose sanctions on 100 oil tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet."

Internal Russian Issues (Updated):

Impact of Ukrainian Attacks: Ukrainian drone attacks on industrial facilities and military airfields, and civilian casualties in border regions. Disruptions to civilian air travel.
Pressure on Dissent: Police checking a journalist's family in Saratov based on a complaint about "imposing Western values."
Information Operations: Russian military bloggers are actively sharing content to support the war effort and fundraising. State efforts to control historical narratives are intense, particularly around Victory Day. TASS is disseminating historical documents as part of this campaign. Military units are participating in information operations from occupied territories. Russian military blogger is actively promoting the Victory Day narrative and the ongoing conflict. (ТАСС, Colonelcassad, АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)
Military Fundraising: Russian military bloggers are requesting donations for essential equipment.
Military Recognition: Servicemen being presented with state awards near the line of contact.
Socio-Political Events: Incident during a "Memory Parade" in Ulyanovsk Oblast where children felt unwell. Internal social and political tensions.
Defense Ministry Leadership: Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with his Kazakh counterpart.
Perception of US Relations: Russian official Ushakov comments on US-Russia relations.
Military Fatalities: Russian soldier fatality reported in Zaporizhzhia. (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны)
Victory Day Commemorations: Military parades are underway in the Russian Far East and Siberia. An auto rally by the Russian military in occupied territories is taking place. TASS is providing extensive live coverage of the Moscow parade and fireworks. Historical documents are being disseminated. Russian military blogger is actively promoting the day. (Воин DV, ТАСС, Colonelcassad, АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)

Support and Rehabilitation (Updated)

Public Morale and Support for Military: Ukrainian 46th Separate Airmobile Podilska Brigade congratulates infantry on Infantry Day. Head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council congratulates infantry on Infantry Day, emphasizing their importance. Russian military enlistment campaign in Lipetsk Oblast, promoting service by contract. Ukrainian National Guard unit fundraising for equipment replacement. Showcasing Ukrainian sniper capabilities. Russian military blogger shares a promotional video for the "Maxim Krivonos Battalion," likely aimed at recruitment. Ukrainian information operation highlighting the award of "Hero of Ukraine" to a soldier. The Governor of Bryansk Oblast in Russia presents state awards to participants of the "special military operation" and representatives of industrial and construction enterprises, highlighting the perceived threat from Ukraine and efforts to rebuild infrastructure in occupied territories, likely boosting morale and support. Russian military blogger is actively supporting the ongoing conflict and Victory Day commemorations. (АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)
Humanitarian Situation: Increased civilian casualties (4 injured) and widespread damage to residential and commercial infrastructure in Kharkiv due to the massive drone attack. Civilian casualties confirmed in Kursk Oblast due to Ukrainian FPV drone attacks (2 killed, 3 injured by drone near Shchegolyok; 1 killed by explosive device near Zvannoye). Reportedly, a man was injured in the Ilaryonivska community of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast due to a morning strike and hospitalized in serious condition. A gas explosion occurred in a residential building in Bulnash, Sverdlovsk Oblast, resulting in one injury and evacuation. Damage at the Barabashovo market in Kharkiv includes around 90 trading facilities damaged and 20 burned. Donald Trump stated that the US will help the residents of Gaza get food. Head of the Kharkiv Oblast State Administration reports 4 injured civilians and details on damaged buildings and the Barabashovo market fire. STERNENKO reports a person killed and civilian infrastructure damaged in Odesa Raion as a result of a Russian strike. Reported injury from morning strike in Ilaryonivska community, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. In Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, a Ukrainian drone reportedly attacked an ambulance, injuring a paramedic and severely damaging the vehicle. Russian Human Rights Commissioner discusses return of Kursk residents from Sumy. Escalation in India-Pakistan conflict with both sides reporting civilian casualties. A representative from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia suggests Russia should accept refugees if the conflict escalates. A fatal gas explosion occurred in a Moscow apartment building, resulting in the deaths of a soldier's wife and son. Dva Mayora reports damage to civilian infrastructure in Kursk Oblast (sugar factory, poultry farm, church) from drone debris. Dva Mayora reports a woman was injured in Shebekino, Belgorod Oblast, due to a drone attack. (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны reports a Russian fatality due to Ukrainian shelling while rendering first aid.) (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны)
International Aid: Donald Trump stated that the US will help the residents of Gaza get food and is discussing mechanisms to deliver aid bypassing Hamas. (РБК-Україна)
Adoption in Ukraine: 43 children have been adopted in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in 2025, mostly by Ukrainian families. (🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА))
Veteran Support: Ukrainian government platform for veteran prosthetics and rehabilitation. (Генеральний штаб ЗСУ)
Prisoner Exchange: Significant large-scale prisoner exchange with 205 Ukrainian service members returning home. Ukrainian Border Guards share video of the prisoner exchange. Both Ukrainian and Russian sources share visuals and commentary on the prisoner exchange. Details provided on the cumulative number of Ukrainians returned and the condition of some returnees. (РБК-Україна, ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition)

Force Composition and Tactics (Updated)

Russia: Continuing large-scale drone and missile attacks, including ballistic missiles and rapid-moving targets. Maintaining intense ground pressure on multiple axes. Conducting offensive actions in Kursk Oblast. Employing aviation, guided aerial bombs, MLRS, and artillery extensively. Claiming destruction of Ukrainian equipment with drones. Leveraging military bloggers for reporting, fundraising, and information operations. Adapting counter-UAV tactics. Actively showcasing claimed successes. Utilizing army aviation. Employing unconventional tactics. Introducing a new qualification badge for assault troops. Threatening "Oreshnik" missile strike on Kyiv. Experiencing internal security incidents. Presenting state awards to military personnel. Conducting intense fighting in the Kursk border region. Training operators of heavy hexacopter drones. Claiming an advance near Makeevka. Claiming destruction of Ukrainian equipment near Kupyansk using FPV drones. Countering potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge. Utilizing historical narratives and military parades as part of their strategy, with widespread parades occurring in the Far East and Siberia, and an auto rally in occupied territories. Russian military blogger's photo shows a drone associated with a unit designation, indicating continued operational activity. Russian military fatality in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to Ukrainian artillery shelling. (Воин DV, ТАСС, Colonelcassad, Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны, АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)
Ukraine: Conducting renewed ground offensive actions in Kursk Oblast (contested reports). Utilizing drones for deep strikes into Russian territory and for tactical engagements, including rescue operations. Repelling numerous Russian ground assaults. Maintaining defenses against Russian aerial and missile attacks. Reporting on estimated daily Russian losses. Potentially deploying elite drone units. Continuing fundraising efforts. Actively commemorating fallen soldiers. Demonstrating tactical medical preparedness. Highlighting Russian casualties. Reporting on Russian activity and casualties in specific oblasts. Improving medical rehabilitation facilities. Conducting targeted strikes on individuals associated with Russian-installed administrations. Liberated a forest area near Lyptsi. Conducting special operations in the enemy rear. Training territorial defense forces. Pursuing legal accountability for war crimes. Engaging with the Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War. Training military personnel in tactical medicine. Experiencing civilian casualties from Russian drone attacks and shelling. Claiming destruction of Russian equipment.
Rapid Support Forces (Sudan): Reportedly using kamikaze drones against Port Sudan.
M23 Movement (DRC): Reportedly continuing attacks despite agreements.
Greece: Demonstrating advanced autonomous coastal defense systems.
Iran: Publishing videos of US and coalition actions in the Persian Gulf.

Disclaimer: This report is based on the provided information and aims to provide a high-level analysis of the operational situation. It is crucial to acknowledge that the information landscape is dynamic and contested, and independent verification of all claims is not always possible in real-time. The analysis is focused on military intelligence and does not include comprehensive political or economic assessments unless directly relevant to military operations. All recommendations and actions based on this information must be filtered through human oversight and comply with international laws and ethical standards.

Operational Workflow: (Continued based on new information)

Data from the new messages will be integrated into the existing analysis workflow. This includes:

Data Collection and Preprocessing: Videos of Victory Day parades in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and Ulan-Ude will be added to the dataset on Russian Victory Day commemorations. The disseminated FSB archival materials will be added to the dataset on Russian information operations and historical narratives. The video of the Russian military unit congratulating veterans from occupied DNR territory will be added to the dataset on Russian military activities and information operations. The report on the US stance on the India-Pakistan conflict will be added to the dataset on international diplomatic and political developments. The videos of the Russian military auto rally in occupied DNR and Zaporizhzhia Oblast will be added to the dataset on Russian military activities and information operations in occupied territories. The report on the Russian military fatality in Zaporizhzhia Oblast will be added to the dataset on military casualties and combat intensity in the region. The photo from the Russian military blogger showing a drone with a unit designation and a Victory Day message will be added to the dataset on Russian military blogger activity, information operations, and drone operations.
Analysis and Modeling: The additional reports and videos of military parades will further inform the analysis of the scale and emphasis of Russian Victory Day celebrations as a tool for projecting military strength and promoting national unity. The dissemination of the historical FSB documents will be specifically analyzed for its role in reinforcing the Russian narrative and potentially influencing perceptions of Ukrainian history and identity. The video from the Russian military unit in occupied territory and the auto rally will be analyzed as direct military information operations in the conflict zone. The US stance on the India-Pakistan conflict will be analyzed for any potential indirect implications for the broader geopolitical context relevant to the Ukraine conflict. The report on the Russian military fatality will be analyzed for its impact on local combat intensity and its potential use in information operations. The military blogger's post will be analyzed for its contribution to the overall Russian information campaign and the operational activities of the associated unit.
Reporting and Visualization: The updated reports will include details on the military parades in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and Ulan-Ude, the dissemination of the historical FSB documents as a significant information operation, the video from the Russian military unit in occupied DNR territory, and the auto rally in occupied territories as key aspects of Russian Victory Day activities and propaganda. The US stance on the India-Pakistan conflict will be included in the section on diplomatic and political developments. The Russian military fatality in Zaporizhzhia Oblast will be noted in the relevant sections. The military blogger's post will be cited as an example of ongoing Russian information operations and unit activity.
Feedback Loop: The updated analysis and reports will be disseminated to human commanders for feedback, which will be incorporated to refine future assessments and recommendations.

This continuous process ensures that the analysis remains agile and responsive to the dynamic operational environment, providing commanders with the most accurate and relevant information to support their decision-making while adhering to ethical standards and minimizing collateral damage.

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