Operational Intelligence Briefing - Major Updates and Analysis (May 13, 2025, 19:26 UTC)
Updated Situation
The operational landscape continues to be characterized by intense ground combat, particularly in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, with ongoing Russian aerial and missile strikes impacting civilian areas and infrastructure across Ukraine. Russian claims of tactical advances persist in several directions, including a recent claim of progress near Myrolyubivka on the Pokrovsk direction. Diplomatic efforts regarding potential negotiations in Istanbul remain a key point of discussion, with varying perspectives from involved parties and international actors. Internal Russian matters, including alleged high casualties, social issues, and information operations, continue to be reported. Ukraine is focused on bolstering its defense capabilities through international cooperation and addressing logistical challenges. A significant development is the reported temporary lifting of the border blockade at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint. Discussions around the potential influence of Donald Trump on negotiation dynamics and the perceived effectiveness of European sanctions against Russia are also prominent.
Significant updates from the latest messages include:
Continued Intense Fighting and Russian Claims of Advances:Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims successful offensive actions on the Pokrovsk direction, clearing an area south of Myrolyubivka, advancing 2.5 kilometers, and taking control of the Myrolyubivka reservoir. The report states Myrolyubivka itself is not fully liberated, positions north-east of Kotlino have been improved, Kotlyarivka is partially in the gray zone, and fighting in Novooleksandrivka is ongoing clearing operations. Z комитет + карта СВО shares a map claiming Russian advances near Myrolyubivka, Nova Poltavka, and Oleksandropol on the Konstantinovka direction. This indicates continued Russian offensive efforts in these areas. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 125 combat engagements in total over the day, with the most active direction being Pokrovsk (42 attacks). Ukrainian forces repelled 40 attacks on this direction, with two ongoing. Russian aviation struck Poltavka and Rusinyi Yar with KABs. Ukrainian forces on this direction inflicted 144 casualties and destroyed various equipment including a mortar, 8 reconnaissance UAVs, 8 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, a cannon, a mortar, and a combat armored vehicle. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ also reports significant Russian activity on the Lyman (17 attacks repelled, 7 ongoing), Novopavlivka (20 attacks repelled, 5 ongoing), Siversk (3 attacks repelled), Kramatorsk (8 attacks, 4 ongoing), Toretsk (6 attacks repelled), Orikhiv (2 attacks repelled), Prydniprovsk (5 unsuccessful attempts), and Kursk (8 attacks repelled) directions. This provides a comprehensive overview of the intensity of fighting across multiple fronts.
Significant Russian Aerial and Drone Activity:Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports that Russia conducted 60 airstrikes using 101 guided bombs, launched 1052 kamikaze drones, and carried out 3580 shelling incidents. This highlights the significant volume and diversity of Russian strikes. Повітряні Сили ЗС України warns of a threat of enemy strike UAVs in Chernihiv Oblast.Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports enemy (Ukrainian) drones in the sky over the Zaporizhzhia direction.АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА shares a video claiming successful destruction of enemy equipment using drones. This underscores the continued extensive use of drones and aerial assets by both sides.
Diplomatic and Negotiation Stances:РБК-Україна reports that the US State Department considers potential negotiations in Istanbul a "critical opportunity" for peace.ТАСС reports that Vice-President of Turkey Jevdet Yilmaz considers the expected negotiation process in Istanbul extremely important and hopes for its success.ТАСС reports that Macron demanded a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine on land, sea, and air, stating that Russia wants the ceasefire to be discussed in Turkey. Macron also stated that representatives of the "coalition of willing" did not receive a response to their ceasefire demand and that it is currently impossible to confiscate frozen Russian assets in Europe due to lack of legal frameworks, but income from these assets is being used to support Ukraine. Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны, citing Reuters, reports that strong ultimatums to Russia from EU leaders could undermine trust in the EU if not followed by real action. They cite a diplomat stating there is no enthusiasm at the European level for such sanctions and that agreeing on a basic package is difficult. They also note that it is unclear if Trump is ready to join efforts with Europeans on sanctions and that he has not stated readiness to impose new sanctions if Moscow doesn't accept a ceasefire. ТАСС reports that Poland's Defense Minister Vladislav Kosinyak-Kamysh stated that Poland will not send troops to Ukraine to participate in a ceasefire monitoring mission. This clarifies Poland's position on potential troop deployment. ASTRA reports on Donald Trump's alleged statement in Riyadh about plans for the US to lift sanctions on Syria due to a new government, and discussions about a possible meeting between Trump and the new Syrian President. This is an external development with potential geopolitical implications.
Internal Russian Issues and Information Operations:Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims successful offensive actions on the Pokrovsk direction.Z комитет + карта СВО shares maps claiming Russian advances on the Konstantinovka and Dzerzhinsk directions.Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports on a fundraising effort for a drone and signal amplifier for a Russian military unit, highlighting reliance on public support for equipment.Colonelcassad shares commentary emphasizing the importance of drones and equating donating money for drones to saving lives.Colonelcassad shares a video criticizing Ukrainians for allegedly destroying Russian classical literature, framing it as "brain degradation" and using it for propaganda.Alex Parker Returns reports on the administration of Zaporizhzhia Oblast (presumably Russian-occupied) requesting the cancellation of General Ivan Popov's sentence, highlighting potential internal dissent or support for the dismissed general.БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС reports on a statement by Russian military figure Pavel Gubarev claiming Russian irrecoverable losses in Ukraine are around 1 million, and that this figure can be proven through open sources. This is a highly significant and contested claim regarding Russian casualties. РБК-Україна reports, citing analysts, that the Russian economy is unstable and weakening despite claims of growth.Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims Ukrainian forces are hitting civilians in Tokmak and Molochansk, a common Russian narrative.Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны discusses the potential negative impact of empty EU ultimatums on trust and the lack of clarity on Trump's willingness to join sanctions.
Ukrainian Military Capabilities and Needs:🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on efforts towards energy decentralization in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, creating additional generating capacity. This is aimed at improving energy resilience against Russian attacks. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС reports on a statement by Russian military figure Pavel Gubarev claiming high Russian casualties, which, if accurate, suggests significant losses are being inflicted by Ukrainian forces.Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 requests donations for a bank, likely for military needs, highlighting ongoing reliance on public support.ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 shares a video showing Ukrainian soldiers operating drone equipment, emphasizing the importance of antennas and control equipment for drone units. This highlights the continued reliance on and operational environment of drone warfare. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ provides statistics on Russian losses of personnel and equipment on the Pokrovsk direction, highlighting the effectiveness of Ukrainian defense.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports on the overall intensity of combat across multiple directions, indicating sustained Ukrainian resistance.
Poland-Ukraine Border Blockade:Оперативний ЗСУ reports that a Polish court has banned the protest by Polish carriers at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint, meaning the protest that started on Monday should end.STERNENKO confirms the Polish court's decision. This is a significant development resolving a logistical issue impacting Ukraine.
Impact on Civilians:Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims Ukrainian forces are hitting civilians in Tokmak and Molochansk. This is a Russian claim of civilian targeting by Ukraine.
Areas of Significant Activity (Updated)
Pokrovsk Direction (including Myrolyubivka, Kotlino, Kotlyarivka, Novooleksandrivka, Malynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Novoserhiivka, Udachne, Novooleksiivka, Zaporizhzhia, Andriivka, Stara Mykolaivka, Muravka, Oleksiivka, Nova Poltavka, Yablunivka, Myrolyubivka, Zorya, Promin, Poltavka, Rusinyi Yar): Remains the most active direction with intense ground combat. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims Russian advances and control of the Myrolyubivka reservoir.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 42 Russian attacks, 40 repelled, with two ongoing, and Russian aviation strikes with KABs. Ukrainian forces inflicted significant casualties and equipment losses on the Russians here.
Konstantinovka Direction (including Oleksandropol, Rozliv, Malynivka, Nova Poltavka, Oleksandropil): Russian claims of advances continue. Z комитет + карта СВО shares a map claiming Russian advances near Malynivka, Nova Poltavka, and Oleksandropil. This suggests ongoing Russian offensive pressure.
Kharkiv Direction (including Vovchansk):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports one Russian attempt to advance in the Vovchansk area was repelled.ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 shares a video of Ukrainian soldiers operating drone equipment in the Kharkiv operational area.
Lyman Direction (including Novomykhailivka, Novoserhiivka, Kolodiazi, Hryhorivka, Ridkodub, Lypove, Zelena Dolyna, Olhivka):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 17 Russian attacks repelled, with 7 ongoing.
Kupiansk Direction (including Pishchane, Zahryzove):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports two Russian attempts to advance were repelled.
Siversk Direction (including Hryhorivka):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports three Russian attacks were repelled.
Kramatorsk Direction (including Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports eight Russian attacks, with four ongoing.
Toretsk Direction (including Toretsk, Dyliivka):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports six Russian attacks were repelled.
Novopavlivka Direction (including Kostiantynopil, Skudne, Rivnopil, Pryvilne, Vilne Pole, Shevchenko, Bohatyr, Novopil, Odradne, Zelene Pole, Novodarivka, Temirivka):Генеральний штаб ЗSU reports 20 Russian attacks repelled, with five ongoing, and Russian aviation strikes with guided bombs.
Huliaipole Direction (including Vysokoe, Malynivka, Huliaipole):Генеральний штаб ЗSU reports Russian aviation strikes.
Orikhiv Direction (including Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Kam'yanske):Генеральний штаб ЗSU reports two Russian attacks repelled and Russian aviation strikes.
Prydniprovsk Direction (including Sadove):Генеральний штаб ЗSU reports five unsuccessful Russian attempts to advance.
Kursk Direction (Russia):Генеральний штаб ЗSU reports eight Russian attacks repelled, Russian aviation strikes with guided bombs, and significant artillery shelling.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast (including Tokmak, Molochansk):🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on energy decentralization efforts.Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports enemy (Ukrainian) drones in the sky and claims Ukrainian forces are hitting civilians in Tokmak and Molochansk.
Chernihiv Oblast:Повітряні Сили ЗС України warns of a threat of enemy strike UAVs.
Donetsk Oblast (Dzerzhinsk/Toretsk, Shcherbinovka):Z комитет + карта СВО shares a map claiming Russian advances near Dzerzhinsk and Shcherbinovka.
Aerial and Naval Activity (Updated):
Drone Activity: Continued extensive drone usage by both sides. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 1052 kamikaze drones used by Russia.Повітряні Сили ЗС України warns of strike UAV threat in Chernihiv Oblast.Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports enemy drones in the sky over Zaporizhzhia.АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА shares a video claiming successful destruction of enemy equipment using drones.ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 shows Ukrainian soldiers operating drone equipment.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports destruction of 8 Russian reconnaissance UAVs on the Pokrovsk direction.Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 is fundraising for a drone and signal amplifier.Colonelcassad emphasizes the importance of drones in warfare.
Guided Aerial Bombs (KABs):Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 101 guided bombs used by Russia.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports Russian aviation struck Poltavka and Rusinyi Yar on the Pokrovsk direction and Novodarivka and Temirivka on the Novopavlivka direction.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports Russian aviation struck Vysokoe, Malynivka, and Huliaipole on the Huliaipole direction and the Kam'yanske area on the Orikhiv direction.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 33 guided bombs used by Russia on the Kursk direction. This confirms continued and widespread Russian use of these destructive munitions.
Aviation Activity:Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 60 airstrikes conducted by Russia. Russian aviation is actively used to deliver guided bombs across multiple fronts and in border regions.
Artillery and MLRS Activity:Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 3580 shelling incidents by Russian forces.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 241 artillery shelling incidents, including 10 from MLRS, on the Kursk direction.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports destruction of a Russian mortar and a cannon on the Pokrovsk direction. This highlights the continued heavy reliance on artillery by Russian forces and the ongoing counter-battery fire by Ukraine.
Air Defense Activity:Генеральний штаб ЗСУ's report on the destruction of Russian UAVs on the Pokrovsk direction indicates successful Ukrainian air defense efforts.
Diplomatic and Political Developments (Updated):
Ceasefire and Negotiation Discussions:The US State Department and the Vice-President of Turkey view the planned Istanbul meeting as a critical opportunity.Macron is demanding a 30-day ceasefire but notes no response from Russia.Russia wants the ceasefire discussed in Turkey.Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны and ТАСС discuss the lack of clarity on Trump's willingness to join EU sanctions related to a ceasefire. This highlights the ongoing, complex, and uncertain nature of negotiation efforts.
International Support for Ukraine:Macron states that income from frozen Russian assets is being used to support Ukraine. This is a confirmation of a source of financial support. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on energy decentralization efforts, which can be seen as a form of strategic development supported by international partners.БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС's report on alleged high Russian casualties could be used to advocate for continued international support for Ukraine.
Russia-Poland Relations:ТАСС reports that Poland will not send troops to Ukraine for a ceasefire monitoring mission. This clarifies Poland's position on direct military involvement.
Russia-Ukraine Diplomatic Activity: Discussions around potential direct or indirect talks in Istanbul continue, with varying conditions and expectations from each side.
Russian Internal Politics:Alex Parker Returns reports on the Zaporizhzhia Oblast administration's request regarding General Popov's sentence, highlighting potential internal divisions.БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС reports on Pavel Gubarev's claim of high Russian casualties, which is a significant internal political and social point of contention.РБК-Україна reports on analysts' assessment of the weakening Russian economy. These reports indicate ongoing internal political discussions, challenges, and differing perspectives within Russia.
Ukraine's International Relations:The temporary lifting of the Polish border blockade is a positive development for Ukraine's logistics and international trade.
US-Russia Relations:The US State Department views potential talks in Istanbul as a critical opportunity.ТАСС and Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны discuss Trump's potential role in sanctions and negotiations.ASTRA reports on Trump's alleged statement about lifting sanctions on Syria. These indicate ongoing US engagement and potential shifts in policy impacting Russia.
Turkey-Russia/Ukraine Relations: Turkey is positioned as a potential host for negotiations, with its Vice-President expressing hope for success.
Information Operations:Russian sources continue extensive information operations, including claims of Ukrainian attacks on civilians, framing the conflict and related issues from a specific perspective, and highlighting alleged Ukrainian cultural degradation.БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС's report on alleged high Russian casualties and the possibility of verification through open sources could be part of an information operation or an attempt to challenge official narratives.РБК-Україна's report on the Russian economy, citing Western analysts, is a counter-narrative to official Russian statements.
Internal Ukrainian Politics:🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on energy decentralization efforts, highlighting government initiatives.
Internal Russian Issues (Updated):
Casualties:БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС reports on Pavel Gubarev's statement claiming Russian irrecoverable losses in Ukraine are around 1 million, with a possibility of proving this through open sources. This is a highly significant and disputed claim. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports 144 Russian casualties (killed and wounded) on the Pokrovsk direction alone for the day. These reports provide contrasting perspectives on the scale of Russian losses.
Economy:РБК-Україна reports, citing analysts, that the Russian economy is unstable and weakening despite claims of growth. This suggests potential economic challenges for Russia.
Information Operations:Russian sources continue extensive information operations, including claims of Ukrainian attacks on civilians, framing the conflict and related issues from a specific perspective, and highlighting alleged Ukrainian cultural degradation.БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС's report on alleged high Russian casualties and the possibility of verification through open sources could be part of an information operation or an attempt to challenge official narratives.Colonelcassad shares a video criticizing Ukrainians for allegedly destroying Russian classical literature, framed as "brain degradation."Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims Ukrainian forces are hitting civilians in Tokmak and Molochansk.
Military Personnel Status:Alex Parker Returns reports on the Zaporizhzhia Oblast administration's request regarding General Popov's sentence, highlighting potential support for the dismissed general.
Support for Military Personnel:Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 is fundraising for a drone and signal amplifier, highlighting reliance on public support for equipment.Colonelcassad emphasizes the importance of drones and donating for them.
Internal Politics:Alex Parker Returns reports on the Zaporizhzhia Oblast administration's request regarding General Popov's sentence, highlighting potential internal divisions.
Social Issues:Colonelcassad shares a video criticizing Ukrainians for allegedly destroying Russian classical literature, framing it as "brain degradation," potentially aimed at the Russian public.
Support and Rehabilitation (Updated)
Military Support (Ukraine):🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on energy decentralization efforts, enhancing resilience.Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 requests donations for military needs.ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 shows Ukrainian soldiers operating drone equipment, highlighting the need for related gear.Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports on the effectiveness of Ukrainian forces in inflicting casualties and destroying Russian equipment. This underscores the ongoing need for support and the impact of current efforts.
Military Support (Russia):Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 is fundraising for a drone and signal amplifier, highlighting reliance on public support for equipment.
Humanitarian Situation:Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claims Ukrainian forces are hitting civilians in Tokmak and Molochansk. This is a claim of negative impact on civilians.
Force Composition and Tactics (Updated)
Russia: Continuing intense ground assaults, particularly on the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions. Claiming tactical advances in areas like Myrolyubivka and on the Konstantinovka and Dzerzhinsk directions. Utilizing extensive aerial and drone strikes, including guided bombs and kamikaze drones. Conducting widespread shelling. Facing significant reported casualties and equipment losses, particularly artillery. Relying on public fundraising for some equipment needs. Engaging in information operations to shape narratives. Potentially facing internal dissent regarding casualty figures. (Дневник Десантника🇷🇺, Z комитет + карта СВО, Генеральний штаб ЗСУ, Повітряні Сили ЗС України, АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА, Colonelcassad, БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС)
Ukraine: Maintaining defensive positions and repelling numerous Russian attacks across multiple fronts, inflicting significant casualties and equipment losses. Utilizing drones for various purposes. Focusing on energy decentralization to enhance resilience. Seeking continued support, including potentially through public fundraising efforts. Countering Russian information operations. Facing significant Russian aerial and shelling activity. (Генеральний штаб ЗСУ, 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦, Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦, ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦)
Strategic Considerations (Updated)
The continued intense ground combat on multiple fronts, particularly the high number of engagements on the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions, underscores Russia's strategic focus on achieving territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. Russian claims of localized advances, while contested, indicate persistent pressure in these areas.
The significant volume of Russian aerial and drone strikes, including the widespread use of guided bombs and kamikaze drones, highlights a strategic effort to degrade Ukrainian defenses, infrastructure, and morale across the country. This necessitates continued robust Ukrainian air defense capabilities.
The ongoing diplomatic discussions surrounding potential negotiations in Istanbul, with the US and Turkey viewing them as a critical opportunity, represent a significant strategic dimension aimed at finding a political resolution. However, the differing conditions for a ceasefire (Macron's demand vs. Russian preference for discussion in Turkey), lack of a Russian response to the ceasefire demand, and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's potential involvement and stance on sanctions, indicate a complex and potentially stalled diplomatic process.
The reported claim of 1 million Russian irrecoverable casualties, if substantiated, would have profound strategic implications for Russia's military capacity, manpower availability, and long-term sustainability of the conflict. It would also significantly impact internal Russian politics and public opinion regarding the war.
The lifting of the Polish border blockade is a positive strategic development for Ukraine, easing logistical challenges and facilitating the flow of goods and potentially military aid.
The discussion surrounding the potential effectiveness of European sanctions against Russia and the lack of clarity on US alignment on this issue highlight ongoing strategic debates within the international coalition supporting Ukraine and the challenges of maintaining a unified front on economic pressure against Russia.
Ukraine's efforts towards energy decentralization are a crucial strategic initiative to enhance energy security and resilience against Russian attacks targeting critical infrastructure. This aims to mitigate the strategic impact of Russian strikes on civilian life and the economy.
The continued reliance on public fundraising by some Russian military units for essential equipment like drones suggests potential limitations or inefficiencies in official Russian military supply chains, which could have strategic implications for sustaining operations. Similarly, requests for donations for Ukrainian units highlight ongoing needs for equipment.
Information operations remain a significant strategic tool for both sides, aiming to influence domestic and international perceptions of the conflict, justify actions, and demoralize the opponent. The contrasting narratives surrounding casualties, economic stability, and alleged cultural issues are examples of this ongoing strategic effort.
The reported internal political dynamics in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast regarding General Popov's sentence suggest potential internal divisions or disagreements within the Russian administrative and military structures, which could have strategic implications for control and governance in occupied territories.
The alleged statement by Donald Trump about lifting sanctions on Syria, while external to the immediate conflict, highlights the potential for shifts in US foreign policy that could indirectly impact Russia's position and influence in the Middle East.
