Situation Report

Operational Intelligence Briefing

Executive Summary

The military situation continues to be characterized by intense ground combat and dynamic aerial operations, particularly in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. Russian forces are attempting to push towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, claiming advances by the 90th Tank Division and the "Vostok" Group, while simultaneously facing robust Ukrainian defenses and counter-drone operations. Ukrainian forces are effectively employing FPV drones to strike Russian logistics and personnel, significantly contributing to attrition.

A key development is the intensification of drone attacks deep inside Russia, with multiple Ukrainian UAVs targeting Moscow and leading to numerous interceptions and temporary airport restrictions. Russia is also conducting counter-intelligence operations, including the arrest of an individual in Kaluga allegedly providing PVO (air defense) information to Ukraine, highlighting both the expanding reach of Ukrainian intelligence gathering and Russia's internal security concerns.

On the information and political fronts, Russia continues to push its maximalist territorial claims on Sumy Oblast and a narrative of Ukrainian illegitimacy. Contradictory statements from Russian officials regarding peace talks underscore the Kremlin's complex diplomatic posture. Former US President Trump's reported conviction of Russia's victory and his disinclination to support further sanctions against Russia create a growing risk of Western disunity and a potential reduction in support for Ukraine, impacting strategic decision-making. The report of intercepted Russian orders to execute Ukrainian prisoners of war is a grave development with significant international legal and ethical implications, demanding immediate attention for war crimes investigations and affecting the psychological dimension of the conflict.

Economically, a Chinese credit rating agency (CCXI) has assigned Russia a "BBB+" rating with a stable outlook, which is presented as a positive shift, indicating some economic resilience amidst sanctions, although internal risks like inflation and labor shortages persist. This contrasts with reports of US domestic economic concerns regarding rising national debt.

Major Updates

Intensified Combat and Drone Warfare

• Russian Advances in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk:
  • Russian "Vostok" Group claims advances of up to 2 km along the front and 1 km deep in forest belts near Otradnoe and Bogatyr (Southern-Donetsk direction). They also report clearing the northern part of Novopol and an area up to 500m deep. Rybar reports Russian forces have advanced into the western outskirts of Verkhnekamenskoye on the Seversk direction, with Ukrainian forces retaining presence in the southern part; however, the situation is complex and neither side fully controls the village. Russian forces also advanced towards Grigoryevka near Belogorovka, clearing a chalk quarry.
  • Russian "Center" Group units continue to advance towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border, fighting for the western part of Novosergeevka and entering southern/southeastern Novonikolaevka. Attacks also continue towards Muravka. Fierce fighting is reported in Orekhovo, and Ukrainian forces have been pushed out of Troitskoye, with battles continuing on its western outskirts. Ukrainian counterattacks are noted in these areas.
  • New reports from pro-Russian sources (Colonelcassad, Два майора, Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны, Военкор Котенок) claim that leading units of the Russian 90th Tank Division of the "Center" Group have reached the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. These reports often include images of personnel with Russian flags and concertina wire, suggesting border demarcation or defensive establishment.
  • Pro-Russian sources also claim advances by "Vostok" Group through Zelenoe Pole and Novopol, linking these efforts.
  • "Battle for Otradnoye" has reportedly begun, with "Vostok" Group units reaching the southeastern part of the settlement. Otradnoye is described as a large fortified area with defensive lines and natural cover. Russian forces are employing artillery, aviation, and FPV drones to prevent Ukrainian rotations or resupply, aiming to establish control over this "logistical hub" and advance towards Komar.
  • Russian military maps (Z комитет + карта СВО) dated May 21, 2025, show significant Russian territorial gains in the South-Donetsk direction, including control over settlements like Kurakhovo and Ugledar, and a deep push towards Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk). Extensive Russian "dragon's teeth" and other fortifications are depicted, suggesting prepared defenses, while areas around Pokrovsk show Ukrainian fortifications. Settlements like Shevchenko, Peschanoye, and Zverevo are highlighted as areas of Russian advance near Pokrovsk.
• Ukrainian Counter-Actions and Drone Efficacy:
  • Ukrainian forces continue to demonstrate highly effective FPV drone strikes, neutralizing Russian personnel and destroying armored vehicles. Notably, a Ukrainian T-64 tank was catastrophically destroyed by a Russian FPV drone near Kupyansk (Kasyanovka), while Ukrainian Southern Defense Forces used drones to precisely target Russian personnel, including those disembarking from boats. Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade demonstrates precision FPV drone strikes against entrenched Russian personnel and positions, including those protected by EW.
  • Ukrainian Border Guard Service's "Phoenix" brigade (Punishment Brigade) reports destroying 20 units of Russian automotive equipment, three 152-mm Msta-B howitzers, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, two other cannons, and six fuel/lubricant depots in Kharkiv Oblast over the past week using strike drones. One video shows an FPV drone destroying a Russian BM-21 "Grad" MLRS after several hits, corrected by a German Vector drone near Zorya (south of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast), indicating effective precision strikes on high-value targets.
  • Ukrainian Azov Regiment's 12th Separate Special Purpose Brigade (BSP) reports downing seven Russian reconnaissance UAVs (5 Zala and 2 Supercam), highlighting successful counter-UAV operations.
  • A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet successfully intercepted and destroyed a Russian "Shahed" drone during a night attack, showcasing effective aerial defense capabilities.
  • Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) are actively engaged in combat in Kharkiv Oblast and are equipped with heavy machine guns, showcasing their sustained operational readiness.
• Russian "Motorcycle Assaults": Russian forces persist with "motorcycle assault" tactics near Vovchansk and Dvorychne in Kharkiv Oblast, incurring heavy personnel and light vehicle losses, yet maintaining offensive pressure. Russia is accumulating reserves in these areas, suggesting continued intent to establish a "buffer zone."
• Widespread Russian Drone Interceptions and Counter-Intelligence:
  • Russian air defense has reportedly destroyed multiple Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, resulting in temporary "Carpet" flight restrictions at Sheremetyevo and other regional airports. At least three more drones were destroyed approaching Moscow.
  • Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and other sources (Новости Москвы, Два майора, Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition, ASTRA) confirm multiple waves of Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, with a total of 11 drones reportedly destroyed or repelled by air defense within two hours (May 21).
  • The FSB has reportedly apprehended a resident of Kaluga Oblast who was collecting information on Russian PVO (air defense) systems in the region and communicating with "Ukrainian subversive groups." Seized items included multiple phones, power banks, and "dry shower" kits, suggesting preparations for clandestine operations. The detainee reportedly confessed, and a case of treason has been opened.
  • Russian military sources (MoD Russia) claim "Vostok" Group's Orlan-10 UAV team detected enemy targets in Zaporizhzhia direction, leading to artillery strikes that destroyed Ukrainian UAV command posts, disrupted communication, and thwarted unit rotations. This highlights integrated Russian ISR-strike capabilities.
• Russian Drone Resupply: Russian forces are using drones for unconventional resupply, including delivering cooked meals to soldiers in challenging forward positions, demonstrating adaptability in logistics.
• Ukrainian Ammunition Depot Destroyed: An epic explosion of a Russian ammunition depot after a Ukrainian FPV drone attack is reported in Novotroitskoye, Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian VDV Reliance on Crowdfunding for Drones: Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) soldiers in the Zaporizhzhia direction showcased new DJI Inspire 2 drones, explicitly thanking crowdfunding sources ("Paratrooper's Diary" Telegram channel and "Two Majors" charitable foundation) for their acquisition. This highlights reliance on public donations for high-end ISR equipment, even for "elite" units like the 7th Guards Airborne Assault Division, suggesting potential logistical gaps in official high-end equipment supply.
• Russian Military Adapts Vehicles with Anti-Drone Cages: Photos from "Два майора" show UAZ-452 "Bukhanka" vans and other utility trucks modified with improvised "cope cages" on the Zaporizhzhia front, suggesting adaptation to drone threats.

Escalation in Diplomatic and Information Warfare

• Russia's Explicit Territorial Ambitions (Sumy): A Russian official publicly called for Russia to "take Sumy," arguing for the need to be "larger" and not live "like on a peninsula." Putin did not deny these goals, indicating direct territorial ambitions beyond currently occupied areas. A Russian official, Khinshtein (acting governor of Kursk Oblast), stated that Sumy is "not a foreign region" to him, as his grandfather was from there, reinforcing the narrative.
• "USSR Legally Still Exists" Narrative: A Russian presidential advisor asserted that the 1991 dissolution of the USSR was "legally flawed," implying the "Ukrainian crisis" is an "internal process" rather than an invasion. This provides a pseudo-legal justification for Russian aggression and denial of Ukrainian sovereignty.
• Trump's Stance on War and Western Unity:
  • Bloomberg reports that former US President Donald Trump has informed European leaders of his conviction that Russia is "winning" and has repeated "Kremlin's talking points" after a phone call with Putin. This poses a significant risk to Western unity and sustained support for Ukraine.
  • STERNENKO and Kotsnews report that the US is no longer insisting on a ceasefire in Ukraine, with Trump stating that "Russia and Ukraine must find their own solutions" and refusing to join new EU sanctions. This is presented as a blow to European leaders, leaving them without US support and forcing Europe to "significantly strengthen Ukraine, or fight alone."
  • US State Secretary (Reportedly Rubio) states that the US "can no longer solve all the world's problems" and must prioritize "national interests." This statement, echoed by Ukrainian and Russian sources, signifies a potential shift in US foreign policy away from global interventionism, raising concerns about sustained support for Ukraine.
  • Rubio, in a Senate hearing, repeatedly avoided directly calling Putin a "war criminal," stating that "we will not end the war without talking to Putin" and that accountability will come "at a certain time and place." This indicates a pragmatic diplomatic approach by the US to maintain channels for negotiation, even with adversaries, which could be perceived as a weakening of resolve against war crimes.
• Russian Rejection of Ceasefire Conditions: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia will not accept "truce-and-then-we'll-see" scenarios, accusing European leaders of "hysterically" demanding increased anti-Russian actions. This indicates Russia's hardened stance against conditional ceasefires. However, Peskov contradicts this by stating Russia is not delaying the peace process and is working on a ceasefire memorandum, highlighting conflicting messages from the Kremlin.
• "Museumification" of Destroyed Cities: Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed "DNR," stated that destroyed Ukrainian cities like Avdiivka might be "conserved" as "museums" to show the "tragic consequences of AFU attacks," a clear propaganda effort to control the narrative of destruction.
• Russian Accusations of Mercenary Recruitment: The head of the Russian Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, claimed Ukraine recruits mercenaries through its embassies abroad, identifying over 3,300 from 70+ countries and stating that infrastructure supporting such recruitment is a "legitimate target."
• CNN Reports Russian Orders to Execute Ukrainian POWs: RBC-Ukraine reports that CNN has published intercepted Russian radio communications ordering the killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The intercepts allegedly coincide with drone footage from November 2024 (presumably 2023, given current context) in eastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, showing the apparent execution of surrendering Ukrainian troops. One Ukrainian commander was reportedly spared while others were shot. Ukrainian prosecutors report a significant increase in documented cases of POW executions (8 in 2023, 39 in 2024, 20 in first four months of 2025). This is a severe allegation of war crimes.
• Zelenskyy-NATO Secretary General Call: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed the current situation, joint next steps, and the need for pressure on Russia with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. They talked about formats for continuing negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire and coordinated sanctions.
• German Chancellor's Assessment: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that there are no signs the war in Ukraine will end soon.
• Russian Claims of US Justifying "Star Wars" Revival: Russian official Kartapolov claims US statements about Russian space weapons are an attempt to justify the revival of Reagan's "Star Wars" program. Rybar expands on this, stating that the US Space Force Commander's calls for more funding, citing competition with Russia and China, are a "standard move" to secure more financing, as US space capabilities are already strong and support NATO and Ukraine.
• Russian Propaganda Targeting Ukraine: "Два майора" promoting a new "fairy tale" publication called "Russian Kolobok and Green Drug Addict" (referring to Zelenskyy) demonstrates ongoing, crude, and dehumanizing propaganda efforts.

Domestic and International Developments

• Russian Mobile Internet Disruptions: Mobile internet access has been temporarily disabled in parts of Moscow Oblast and Tula Oblast, attributed by Tula Governor Dmitry Milyaev to "safety" measures against Ukrainian drone attacks. This confirms the expanding reach and impact of Ukrainian deep strike operations.
• Ukrainian POW/MIA Support: The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for POWs and Missing Persons held a meeting with families of servicemen, discussing obstacles to return and the unconditional return of sick/wounded.
• Chechen Leadership Succession: Adam Kadyrov, son of Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov, received his 26th award for contributions to Rosgvardia's OMON Akhmat-Krepost unit, including "active participation in the SVO," reinforcing his growing influence.
• Ukrainian Social Support for Military Personnel: The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers approved extended social support for basic service and conscript military personnel, and their families, including those in captivity, treatment, or missing.
• Russian Economic Projections and Status:
  • Russian "Politburo" (inner leadership circle) has agreed on a gradual "fall" of the ruble to 140 rubles per US dollar by year-end, with experts anticipating "catastrophic" inflation.
  • The Russian Central Bank lowered the dollar exchange rate for May 22 to 79.75 rubles, while raising the euro to 91.3 rubles. This reflects immediate currency fluctuations.
  • Басурин о главном reports that the Chinese credit rating agency CCXI has given Russia a sovereign credit rating of "BBB+" with a "stable" outlook, stating that the Russian economy is "gradually adapting to sanctions" and "demonstrates resilience to shocks." This is presented as a positive development, with the rating being higher than before the "special military operation." However, CCXI also notes risks related to demand-supply imbalance, personnel shortages, and inflation. The report also highlights that Moody's has downgraded the US rating from AAA to AA1 due to concerns over rising national debt, contrasting it with Russia's perceived stability.
• Russian Casualty Reporting: Bastrykin stated that since 2014, 5,649 civilians have died in Donbas due to Ukrainian aggression, with over 7,900 shelling incidents reported across 43 Russian regions.
• Ukrainian Recruitment Efforts: The 8th Detachment of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service is actively recruiting, using slogans like "Look at the World Differently" and emphasizing an "OFFENSIVE" posture, despite Berdyansk being occupied.
• Russian Humanitarian Aid Appeals: Public fundraising campaigns are underway in Russia to collect aid for children in Donbas and the "SVO zone."
• Middle East Tensions: Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on a diplomatic delegation (including EU, UK, Canada, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco representatives) and journalists visiting a refugee camp in Jenin, West Bank.
• Civilian Casualties and Damage in Kharkiv Oblast: National Police of Ukraine reports one person killed and four injured in Russian attacks on Kupyansk and Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. Fires in residential areas in Kupyansk and a destroyed entrance of a three-story residential building in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy from a guided aerial bomb. A man may be under the rubble. Images confirm extensive damage to civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv Oblast. Oleh Syniehubov, head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration, reports a fallen unknown UAV near a residential building in Industrialniy district of Kharkiv city around 16:20. No casualties reported from this specific incident.
• Civilian Casualty in Chernihiv Oblast: Chernihiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reports a 28-year-old local man was killed by a Russian UAV attack from Russian territory in Novgorod-Siverskyi district on May 21, 2025, at 11:30. An investigation has been launched into a war crime.
• Russian DRG in Bryansk Borderland: Russian military sources claim a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group (10-12 fighters) was detected and blocked in a forest in Trubchevsky and Vygonichsky districts of Bryansk borderland, attempting to retreat after failing their objectives. No large-scale breakthroughs reported.
• Internal Russian Dissatisfaction: A video shows a pro-Kremlin Russian citizen expressing extreme anger and frustration over a sewage-flooded WWII veterans' cemetery in Samara, accusing local authorities of disrespect and neglect. This highlights domestic discontent over infrastructure issues.
• Russian Internal Suppression: Criminal cases for "financing extremist activities" have been opened against journalist Alexander Nevzorov and his wife. Their family was previously deemed an "extremist organization," and property was confiscated. This indicates a tightening of internal controls and suppression of dissent. A Russian book store "Podpisnye Izdaniya" in St. Petersburg was fined 800,000 rubles for "LGBT propaganda" based on classic literature, highlighting tightening social controls and internal suppression.
• Russian Municipal Modernization: Moscow reports opening a new electric depot and deploying new metro trains, aiming to replace all old trains by 2026. This showcases continued investment in civilian infrastructure, aiming to project normalcy.
• Lipetsk Election & AI Focus: Lipetsk's governor, Igor Artamonov, announced doubled funding for district improvements and training 150 young people on AI's role in organizing elections (e.g., ballot processing), highlighting the integration of AI into civic processes.
• Russian Diplomatic Engagement in Armenia: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov met with Armenian Foreign Minister Pashinyan in Yerevan, signaling continued Russian diplomatic activity and influence in the South Caucasus.
• Russian Fundraising for Artillery & Drones: A Russian "People's Front" campaign, led by military correspondent Alexander Kots, is fundraising for artillery units, specifically for drones, stating "drones have long been consumables, and they are always in short supply." The campaign acknowledges the conflict will be "long."
• Bitcoin Reaches New Record: RBC-Ukraine reports that Bitcoin has reached a new record of nearly $110,000, surpassing its peak during Trump's inauguration. This indicates a broader economic trend in cryptocurrency markets.
• Ukrainian Extradition of Former Official: RBC-Ukraine reports that a former head of Derzhheokadastr (StateGeoCadastre) in Kyiv Oblast, Lyudmyla Prykhodko, was extradited to Ukraine. She is accused of involvement in an organized group that seized over 1200 hectares of land near Kyiv, valued at over 1.8 billion hryvnias. This highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Ukraine.
• Emotional Reunion of Russian Soldier: Mash na Donbasse shares a propaganda video showing a Russian marine's emotional reunion with his son at school in Donbas. The soldier, who participated in the May 9th parade in Moscow, is portrayed as a hero returning on leave, aiming to boost morale and humanize the conflict.
• Ukraine's General Staff Reports on Kursk Activities: The General Staff of Ukraine states that Russian claims of ending hostilities in Kursk Oblast are false, confirming ongoing Ukrainian defense operations in border areas of Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts. They claim Russia has suffered significant losses in Kursk: 63,402 personnel, with 25,625 killed and 971 captured, and 5,664 units of equipment destroyed or damaged. This directly counters Russian narratives on the border situation.
• Explosion Near Skadovsk, Kherson Oblast: Nikolaevskiy Vanek reports an explosion near Skadovsk (Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast), reportedly killing four Russian personnel and destroying a vehicle carrying ammunition. This indicates successful Ukrainian deep strikes in occupied territories.

Strategic Outlook

The conflict remains a brutal war of attrition, with both sides adapting their tactics and leveraging technology. Russia continues its efforts to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses through relentless ground assaults, particularly in Donetsk, and extensive aerial bombardment. The reported Russian advances towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and the "Battle for Otradnoye" indicate renewed Russian offensive thrusts aimed at expanding territorial control and disrupting Ukrainian logistics. Ukraine, however, maintains tactical initiative with its precision FPV drone operations, inflicting significant material and personnel losses on Russian forces and extending the reach of its attacks deep into Russian territory, as evidenced by the numerous drone interceptions over Moscow and successful strikes in occupied Kherson Oblast. The reliance of some Russian "elite" units on crowdfunding for drones highlights potential internal logistical gaps, which Ukraine could exploit.

Diplomatic and information warfare are deeply integrated with military objectives. Russia's explicit territorial claims over Sumy and its narrative of Ukraine's illegitimate statehood (USSR's dissolution flawed) confirm Moscow's maximalist war aims, rendering any conditional ceasefire highly improbable. Conflicting statements from Lavrov and Peskov on negotiations add complexity and uncertainty. Former US President Trump's reported statements, if accurate, could critically undermine Western unity and sustained support for Ukraine, necessitating proactive Ukrainian diplomatic efforts to counter such narratives. The shift in US rhetoric towards prioritizing "national interests" and avoiding direct condemnation of Putin could be perceived as a weakening of resolve and a strategic opening for Russia. The reported intercepted Russian orders to execute Ukrainian prisoners of war is a critical development that demands immediate international legal action and could significantly impact the psychological dimension of the conflict, potentially affecting Ukrainian troops' willingness to surrender.

The resilience of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including the strategic adaptation to build underground schools in frontline cities like Zaporizhzhia, and sustained support for military personnel, are crucial for national cohesion. Conversely, internal Russian economic challenges, allegations of mercenary recruitment, propaganda efforts like the "museumification" of war-torn cities, and domestic discontent over neglected infrastructure reveal the societal strains and narrative control driving Moscow's war. The positive credit rating for Russia by a Chinese agency, while potentially beneficial for Moscow's image, may not fully capture the underlying economic pressures. The broader international context, including Russian diplomatic efforts in the South Caucasus and concerns about internal dissent, adds complexity to global security and resource allocation for Ukraine.

Recommendations

1. Enhance Counter-UAV Capabilities and Tactics:

   • Prioritize rapid deployment and integration of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) systems to disrupt Russian FPV drone operations across all active fronts, particularly in Zaporizhzhia where new high-end Russian ISR drones are being deployed.
   • Increase production and distribution of low-cost, effective counter-UAV measures (e.g., FPV interceptors, anti-drone rifles) to frontline units.
   • Develop and disseminate adaptive tactics to counter Russian "motorcycle assaults," exploiting their vulnerabilities to maximize Russian casualties.
   • Improve intelligence gathering on Russian drone procurement and crowdfunding efforts to identify and disrupt their supply chains.

2. Strengthen Multi-layered Air Defense, especially in Border Regions and Deep Rear:

   • Accelerate acquisition and integration of more robust air defense systems to protect major cities and critical infrastructure from continuous Shahed drone and KAB attacks, specifically reinforcing defenses in Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts against cross-border drone and guided bomb attacks, and improving protection for the Kyiv region against deep strikes.
   • Optimize coordination between ground-based and aerial air defense assets, including fighter intercepts, to improve interception rates.

3. Fortify Defensive Lines and Sustain Combat Operations:

   • Allocate additional engineering and defensive resources to critical areas under intense Russian pressure (e.g., Donetsk: Otradnoe, Bogatyr, Novopol, Seversk, Krasnoarmeysk; Kharkiv: Vovchansk, Dvorychne; Dnipropetrovsk: Novosergeevka, Novonikolaevka, Orekhovo) to consolidate defensive gains and mitigate further advances.
   • Ensure robust force protection measures against both manned and unmanned aerial threats for all forward-deployed personnel.
   • Prioritize resupply of FPV drones and other consumables to units like the 63rd Mechanized Brigade and the Border Guard Service's "Phoenix" brigade, given their demonstrated effectiveness in precision strikes on Russian logistics and high-value targets.

4. Proactive Information Warfare and Diplomatic Engagement:

   • Launch a comprehensive information campaign to counter Russian narratives on Ukrainian statehood, "internal processes," and the "illegitimacy" of the USSR's dissolution, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty, international law, and the human cost of Russian aggression.
   • Actively engage international partners and public opinion to expose and mitigate the impact of external narratives that align with Russian war aims (e.g., Trump's statements, US "national interest" rhetoric), emphasizing the critical need for sustained aid and unified condemnation. Proactively address any perceived shifts in US foreign policy.
   • Immediately launch a robust international campaign to highlight and pursue investigations into the reported Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war, ensuring accountability for war crimes. This should be accompanied by efforts to reassure Ukrainian troops regarding the value of surrender for Russian combatants.
   • Amplify documented successes of Ukrainian forces (e.g., FPV drone precision strikes, successful air intercepts, destruction of Russian logistics) and highlight Russian military limitations (e.g., reliance on crowdfunding for advanced equipment) to boost domestic morale and demonstrate operational effectiveness to international partners.
   • Disseminate information on Russian internal issues (e.g., neglected infrastructure, suppression of dissent, reliance on crowdfunding for military equipment) to underscore societal strains within Russia.

5. Prioritize Personnel Welfare and Strategic Mobilization:

   • Ensure swift and comprehensive implementation of new social support measures for military personnel and their families to maintain morale and address critical needs.
   • Continuously adapt and enhance recruitment efforts for all branches, including the Border Guard Service and Territorial Defense Forces, leveraging strong national identity and public support while ensuring ethical and lawful processes.
   • Strengthen internal oversight of recruitment to maintain public trust and prevent abuses.

6. Humanitarian Response and Civilian Protection:

   • Prioritize resources for rapid humanitarian response to civilian areas affected by Russian attacks, particularly in Kupyansk, Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Chernihiv Oblast, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Nikopolshchyna).
   • Continue and expand initiatives like the construction of underground schools to protect civilian life and maintain educational continuity in frontline cities like Zaporizhzhia.
   • Increase efforts to expose and document all instances of collateral damage to civilian infrastructure and casualties, using this information for both international legal processes and information warfare.