Russian Leadership Endorsements: President Putin awarded Foreign Minister Lavrov Russia's highest honor, the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. He also bestowed "Hero of the Russian Federation" titles upon Efreitor Lyudmila Balilova, a military nurse, and Dr. Vladimir Kharlan, chief physician of Oleshky Central District Hospital in occupied Kherson Oblast. These awards support current foreign policy, boost military morale, and legitimize control over occupied territories.
Russian Internal Control and Legal Actions: The State Duma ratified extradition treaties with Thailand and Seychelles. A State Duma Deputy requested an investigation into the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center for "anti-Russian activities" and alleged "Israeli influence." An ex-deputy governor of Krasnodar Krai was detained on suspicion of abuse of power. A Vorkuta lawyer received a 15-year sentence for "calls to extremism" and "justification of terrorism" based on Telegram comments.
Ukrainian Prisoner Exchange Efforts: President Zelenskyy confirmed Russia submitted lists for a "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange, which Ukraine is verifying. Russia’s Peskov confirmed their submission, and Ukraine confirmed theirs. Russia stated the exchange would take several days.
Ukrainian Military Personnel Support: Kryvyi Rih showcased a renovated rehabilitation department with radon baths for wounded service members. Eight such facilities, totaling 256 beds, have treated 4,000 servicemen.
Ukrainian Counter-Intelligence: The SSU and National Police in Kryvyi Rih reportedly neutralized Russian attempts to recruit teenagers for arson attacks on military vehicles, with two teenagers reporting the attempts. Over 600 such recruitment attempts have been recorded, 22% targeting minors. Six individuals (the youngest 13) suspected of being Russian special service accomplices in arson attacks on Ukrainian defense force vehicles and Ukrzaliznytsia facilities were detained.
Internal Russian Military Issues: A Russian servicemember reportedly stole a car while intoxicated and struck two schoolgirls in Prokopyevsk after fleeing his unit. A Russian military blogger expressed concerns about the "army of peacetime" failing to adapt to wartime.
Russian Migrant Control: The Head of the Investigative Committee of Russia reported a significant increase in crimes by foreign citizens in Q1 2025 and proposed mandatory biometric registration for all migrants. Russian law enforcement is reportedly conducting raids to identify Russian citizens who haven't registered for military service, claiming 80,000 identified and 20,000 sent to the front. A Russian military blogger advocated for a ban on nikabs and mandatory oral Russian language testing for migrant children.
Ukrainian De-Russification: A monument to Russian Emperor Peter I was dismantled in Poltava, Ukraine.
II. Ground Operations and Frontline Dynamics
Donetsk Oblast:
Novaya Poltavka Liberated (Russian Claim): Russian MoD and military bloggers claim liberation by the "Tsentr" group. Ukrainian sources confirm its occupation. The settlement is strategically located on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway.
Konstantinovka Anticipation: Intense ground fighting is reported. Russian units of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 20th Guards Motorized Rifle Division are advancing. A Ukrainian expert states Russian forces cut the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway from the northeast. Russian military bloggers claim logistics are "nullified" by daily FAB drops and FPV drone control. Advances are claimed on the Dzerzhynsk and Konstantinovka directions, including entering Romanovka and clearing areas north of Krymske. Further tactical gains claimed, including Romanovka's liberation and advances east of Alexandropol. Russian forces captured a stronghold northwest of Ozaryanivka, taking one Ukrainian soldier prisoner. Ukrainian drone control points destroyed north of Bila Hora and in Predtechyne. Russian forces are systematically advancing towards Kurdiumivka and from Druzhba towards Dyliyivka, also striking Ukrainian rear objects.
Russian Deep Strikes: Colonelcassad detailed overnight strikes (May 22, 2025):
Kramatorsk: Four UAVs struck the NKMZ administrative and technical sector, allegedly destroying a command post, communication post, Western-made armored vehicles, and an information distribution system.
Konstantinovka: Strike on a temporary deployment point, destroying tents and an armored vehicle.
Dolgaya Balka: Four UAVs struck the 109th Territorial Defense Brigade's position, destroying a field command post, an armored vehicle, and causing a fire at a communications depot.
Southern Donetsk Direction: Russian "Vostok" group claims continued penetration of Ukrainian defenses on the Shakhtyorsk (over 2 km deep, 1.5 km along front) and Vremevsky (occupying buildings in eastern Zelenoye Pole, clearing treeline, advancing 500m) directions. Ukrainian counterattacks were reportedly repelled. Six Ukrainian counterattacks involving eight armored vehicles (including a Leopard tank) were repelled. Two Ukrainian armored vehicles destroyed north of Bohartyr. A Leopard tank destroyed by a Lancet drone near Novoukrainka. Two MaxxPro vehicles destroyed east of Fedorivka and south of Komar. A 31st Mechanized Brigade assault repelled by FPV drones southwest of Novopol. On Shakhtyorsk direction, Russian forces occupied two defensive areas north of Otradne (over 1.5 km deep), blocking the settlement. Assault groups consolidating positions in eastern Otradne; "Battle for Otradne" intensifying. East of Fedorivka, Russian assault troops cleared a treeline (over 500m deep, 1km along front). On Vremevsky direction, Russian forces blocking Ukrainian resistance in Zelenoye Pole, controlling half the settlement. Artillery and FPV drones struck five Ukrainian reinforcement groups. Three Ukrainian rotations thwarted. Two mortars, six vehicles, and over 25 Ukrainian soldiers destroyed southwest of Vesele. Russian forces advancing along the Vovcha River. Ukrainian defensive structures absent northwest of Bohartyr and Otradne. Fierce battles ongoing in Zelenoye Pole and Novopol. Russian forces claim at least 2/3 of Otradne.
Dyleevka: Russian FPV drones reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian strongpoint.
Toretsk Direction: Ukrainian sources indicate a significant increase in Russian drone activity.
Kharkiv Oblast: Colonelcassad claims Russian assault groups occupied new positions in Vovchansk and "Far Easterners" secured positions in southeastern and eastern Otradnoye. Ukrainian forces repelled one Russian attack towards Stroivka. Ukrainian sources report Russian FPV drones targeting Kharkiv suburbs with RPG warheads. The Ukrainian General Staff reports four Russian attacks on Vovchansk repelled. A hostile reconnaissance UAV is active in northern Kharkiv Oblast.
Sumy Oblast: The acting governor of Kursk Oblast reports a Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a shop in Pushkarnoye village, injuring two civilians. Russian forces claim to have liberated Maryino and report ongoing battles for Belovody, claiming significant Ukrainian losses. Russian sources claim units close to fully controlling Loknya and 200 meters from Yunakovka. Ukrainian authorities announced evacuation of 202 settlements in Sumy Oblast. A ballistic missile threat and strike reported in Shostka. Ukrainian forces claim strikes on Russian military and police targets in Glushkovo, Kursk Oblast, hitting a post office and burning police vehicle boxes. Ukrainian sources highlight increased difficulty of travel on Toretsk direction due to Russian FPV drones.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Two Russian VDV soldiers from the 7th Airborne Assault Division are appealing for eight Starlink satellite communication terminals. A video shows a precision aerial strike on a building. An air raid alert has been declared for Zaporizhzhia city.
Kherson Oblast (Occupied): Russian official recognition of civilian contributions, with the chief physician of Oleshky Central District Hospital awarded "Hero of the Russian Federation," serves to legitimize Russian control.
III. Aerial and Naval Activity
Russian Missile/Drone Strikes:
Widespread Drone Activity (Claimed by Russia): Russian MoD claims shooting down 485 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions and the Black Sea from May 20 (20:00) to May 22 (08:00), with 63 over Moscow Oblast. Another report claims 182 drones shot down from May 20 (20:00) to May 22 (05:30) across numerous Western Russian oblasts. New updates claim 77 Ukrainian UAVs shot down between 20:00 and 23:50 MSK on Wednesday, including 9 over Moscow region. These claims suggest a persistent, widespread Ukrainian drone campaign. Russia claims 11 Ukrainian UAVs destroyed over Bryansk Oblast. Moscow Mayor Sobyanin reported Russian air defense repelled attacks by two more drones targeting Moscow. Ukraine reports active groups of Russian strike UAVs in Sumy Oblast (towards Poltava), within Poltava (Novi Sanzhary, Myrhorod), and in Kharkiv (Balakliia towards Barvinkove), and Donetsk (towards Kramatorsk). Explosions reported in Pavlohrad. Kharkiv is under drone attack, and explosions heard in Chuhuiv.
Ballistic Missile Threats: Ukrainian Air Force reports multiple ballistic missile launches from Crimea towards Kirovohrad Oblast (Kropyvnytskyi). Initial reports indicated impacts, but later claimed successful interception. Russian source confirms two ballistic missile strikes on an "enemy object" in Kropyvnytskyi. A ballistic missile threat and strike reported in Shostka, Sumy Oblast. Ukrainian Air Force reported a ballistic missile threat from Bryansk, later cleared. Russian sources claim an operational-tactical missile strike hit Kropyvnytskyi airfield. Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of Russian aerial weapons targeting Synelnykivskyi district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Patriot System Claim: Russian MoD claims an Iskander strike destroyed a US-made Patriot air defense system near Ordzhonikidze, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Video evidence from Russian MoD depicts a thermal strike.
HAWK System Claim: Russian MoD also claims an Iskander strike destroyed a HAWK air defense system position near Karnaukhovka, Dnipropetropetrovsk Oblast.
Industrial/Logistics Strikes: Colonelcassad reports detailed Russian strikes on Ukrainian military targets overnight (May 22, 2025):
Pavlograd (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast): Massive UAV strike on Pavlograd Chemical Plant, hitting two workshops and a railway station, paralyzing logistics.
Mykolaiv: UAV attack on Mykolaiv Aircraft Repair Plant, destroying hangars and damaging the runway.
Tula (Russia): ASTRA reports a Ukrainian drone attack on the NPO Splav defense plant in Tula, hitting a workshop and an electrical substation, causing a fire.
Tactical Aviation Activity: Ukrainian Air Force reports enemy tactical aviation activity on northern and eastern directions, posing a threat of aerial weapons for frontline oblasts. Renewed launches of guided aerial bombs (KABs) on Donetsk Oblast and towards Sumy Oblast, and on Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Reconnaissance UAVs: Ukrainian Air Force reports Russian reconnaissance UAVs active in southeastern Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts. Another reconnaissance UAV reported from Crimea towards Kirovohrad Oblast.
Ukrainian Air Defense: Ukrainian sources claim successful interception of two ballistic missiles targeting Kropyvnytskyi. Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed three Russian anti-aircraft missile systems (Tor, Buk-M3, S-300) and a command vehicle in the Donetsk direction. A Ukrainian FPV drone intercepted and destroyed a Russian ZALA 421-04M "Supercam" reconnaissance drone in mid-air.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks: Ukrainian FPV drone units ("Apachi," "Ronin," "Ivan Franko Group," Battalion of Unmanned Systems 110) showcase successful strikes against a variety of Russian targets, including structures/dugouts, camouflaged armored vehicles, individual personnel, an anti-drone jamming system ("Gyurza"), a militarized minivan, trucks with ammunition, and a checkpoint.
Ukrainian Air Force Assets: An image shows a Ukrainian military aircraft (likely a Soviet-era fighter jet) with a prominent Ukrainian Trident, indicating continued operational readiness. A 21-year-old female pilot from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade, "Anaconda," is highlighted as the only female pilot in her drone unit, showcasing advanced fixed-wing reconnaissance drones.
North Korean Destroyer Accident: CyberBoroshno and The Guardian report a "serious accident" during the launch of a new 5,000-ton North Korean destroyer in Chongjin, causing damage and angering Kim Jong Un.
Naval Intelligence: A French naval intelligence gathering ship, FS Dupuy de Lôme (A759), reportedly docked in Helsinki, Finland, indicating increased NATO intelligence presence in the Baltic Sea.
IV. Casualties and Losses
Russian Claims of Ukrainian Losses: Russian MoD claims 3 JDAM aerial bombs and 317 Ukrainian UAVs shot down over the past day, along with approximately 1,370 Ukrainian servicemen and 26 combat armored vehicles. They claim the destruction of a Patriot system, a HAWK system, command posts, communications hubs, ammunition depots, and various armored vehicles in their overnight strikes. Russian sources also claim significant losses among Ukrainian forces (specifically from the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade) in Maryino and Belovody (Sumy Oblast). Russian sources claim Ukrainian confirmed losses on the Southern Donetsk direction over the past day include 5 units of equipment, a Starlink terminal, an EW station, a resupply point, and 42 UAVs. A Russian military blogger claims a group of Latin American mercenaries was eliminated attempting to break through the state border in Kursk/Sumy regions.
Ukrainian Claims of Russian Losses: Ukrainian FPV drone units claim successful destruction of armored vehicles and personnel. Ukrainian "Ronin" unit claims destruction of an enemy anti-drone jamming system ("Gyurza"), a militarized minivan-type vehicle, and a building/shelter. A Ukrainian "Ivan Franko Group" video claims the destruction of a truck with ammunition, motorcyclists, "Bukhankas" (vans), "URALs" (trucks), and a "Bukhanka" at a checkpoint near Hirnyk, along with the checkpoint personnel. Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed three Russian anti-aircraft missile systems (Tor, Buk-M3, S-300) and a command vehicle in the Donetsk direction.
Civilian Casualties: Two civilians injured in a Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a shop in Pushkarnoye village, Kursk Oblast (Russia). Russian sources report a 50-year-old civilian killed and two others injured in Ukrainian shelling of Hiryi village, Kursk Oblast. A ballistic missile strike reportedly occurred in Shostka, Sumy Oblast. A 47-year-old man injured in a Russian drone attack on Huliaipole, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian officials confirm 9 fatalities and 4 injuries from a bus attack near Bilopillia (Sumy Oblast). A drone attacked a humanitarian aid distribution point in Velyka Pysarivka (Sumy Oblast), injuring two civilians. Two people injured in a Russian drone attack on a passenger bus in Kherson city (now increased to 5 injured), and Russian artillery shelling of Korabelnyi district of Kherson injured another 5 people, totaling 10 injured civilians. Russian sources report a woman injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Zapesochnye, Bryansk Oblast.
V. Humanitarian Situation
Rehabilitation Efforts: Opening of a new rehabilitation department with radon baths in Kryvyi Rih highlights Ukraine's focus on supporting wounded personnel. Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration is utilizing VR technology for therapy.
Prisoner Exchange: Active efforts by President Zelenskyy to prepare a large prisoner exchange (1000 for 1000) with Russia.
Mariupol Reconstruction (Russian Claim): A Russian military blogger commemorated the 3rd anniversary of Mariupol's "liberation," showcasing videos and panoramas of the city and stating the intention to rebuild it.
Underground Schools in Zaporizhzhia: Inauguration of the eighth "underground school" in Zaporizhzhia is a strategic adaptation, aiming to provide safe in-person learning and retain population.
Ukrainian Mine Action: Ukrainian sappers from the 47th Brigade conducting humanitarian demining in Kharkiv Oblast. The first Ukrainian remotely controlled demining machine, "HART 5100," developed in Kharkiv, has passed certification and is entering serial production. Russian demining specialists in Kursk Oblast report widespread booby-trapping of civilian objects by Ukrainian forces.
Child Evacuation: Ukraine rescued nine more children from temporarily occupied territories, including a girl needing urgent medical care, a boy who endured basement confinement and witnessed his father's torture, two sisters who stayed indoors for years, and a schoolgirl whose access to Ukrainian online education was blocked.
VI. International and Political Developments
EU Sanctions: European Parliament approved duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and agricultural products, effective July 1. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy thanked the European Commission for the 17th EU sanctions package and discussed the 18th.
US-Russia Summit: TASS reports date and location for a Russia-US summit are not yet defined.
Arctic Tensions: Norwegian Foreign Minister called for increased NATO presence in the Arctic.
North Korean Destroyer Accident: A "serious accident" during the launch of a new 5,000-ton North Korean destroyer. Ukraine is pursuing international recognition of North Korea as an aggressor state.
Russian State Symbol Controversy: Dmitry Peskov addressed controversy regarding the Russian Coat of Arms on the Kremlin website, attributing visual differences to "scaling" issues. Rybar reports multiple incidents of Christian crosses being removed from Russian state symbols.
US Aid Analysis: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US will conduct a thorough analysis of all aid provided to Ukraine.
Finland to Supply Ammunition: Finland will supply Ukraine with €90 million worth of 155mm heavy ammunition, using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
Internal Russian Politics: Governor of Vologda Oblast dismissed a district head due to "unacceptable" statements made by her daughter regarding the "Special Military Operation."
Germany on Negotiations: German Chancellor Merz states "no illusions" about a quick resolution.
Corruption in Motor Sich: A Ukrainian court arrested assets worth 500 million hryvnia belonging to the son of the ex-president of Motor Sich.
UK Influence in Central Asia: A Russian military blogger discusses alleged increased British interest in Tajikistan.
Russian Legal Actions: A Russian court sentenced a lawyer from Vorkuta to 15 years for "calls to extremism" and "justification of terrorism."
Medvedev's Stance: Dmitry Medvedev stated that if Ukraine refuses peace, it will face a path to unconditional surrender.
Ukrainian Communications Conference: Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives participated in the annual Public Communications Conference of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Russian Charity Regulation: Proposed initiative in the State Duma suggests banning charitable collections on personal bank cards.
Switzerland on Negotiations: Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Yermak confirmed Switzerland is ready to host negotiations.
Trump's Influence: Polish PM Tusk did not confirm Trump's alleged statement about Putin's unwillingness to end the war. Putin stated a ceasefire is possible upon reaching agreements. Trump characterized the call as "very good" and stated Russia and Ukraine will "immediately start negotiations."
Syria Sanctions (Russian Perspective): Rybar published a graphic questioning why the US lifted sanctions on Syria.
Belarusian Actions: Belarusian authorities initiated criminal proceedings and declared wanted 125 individuals associated with the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment. Five commanders sentenced in absentia. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov arrived in Mogilev, Belarus. Lukashenko advised all to plant potatoes to avoid problems after frosts.
Polish Assassination Plot: Polish prosecutors filed charges against an individual suspected of offering cooperation to Russian special services in a plot to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
German Concerns over US-Russia Deal: German newspaper Bild reports German authorities fear a US-Russia deal might lead to the lifting of sanctions.
Russian Demands for Peace Memorandum: An expert assessment suggests Russia's "peace memorandum" conditions are maximalist, including demands for US forces to withdraw from Europe, NATO to pull back, Ukraine to cede five regions, be demilitarized, adopt neutral status, and restore the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian language.
VII. Internal Russian Issues
Domestic Drone Activity: Temporary flight restrictions at Moscow airports due to drone activity. Russia claims 63 Ukrainian UAVs shot down over Moscow Oblast. Overall, 485 (Russian MoD) or 182 (Archangel of Spetsnaz) drones were claimed shot down. Sergey Sobyanin reported four more UAVs shot down over Moscow.
Internet Restrictions: Mobile internet restricted in Ivanovo and Oryol Oblasts for "security purposes."
Dissent and Suppression: A 23-year-old student in Mari El faces criminal charges for anti-war graffiti. A lawyer from Vorkuta sentenced to 15 years for "calls to extremism." Photojournalist Skvortsov pleaded guilty to treason. Two teenagers detained in Tver Oblast for allegedly preparing arson of a Ministry of Defense building.
Corruption Allegations: Report alleges former Defense Minister Shoigu's family and associates continue to profit from Ministry of Defense contracts. An ex-deputy governor of Krasnodar Krai detained on corruption suspicion related to construction delays. Violations totaling 109 million rubles reported in defensive structures in Belgorod Oblast.
Migrant Control: "Basurin about the Main" discusses the need for "21st-century technologies" for migrant control. The Head of the Investigative Committee proposed mandatory biometric registration. Russian law enforcement identifying and mobilizing migrants with Russian citizenship not registered for military service. A speaker at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum advocated for stricter rules for migrant workers.
Internal Accidents: A Russian servicemember allegedly stole a car while intoxicated and struck two schoolgirls in Prokopyevsk.
Symbolic Issues: A dog tag with Nazi-era German imperial eagle/swastika and a Russian name displayed by a military blogger.
IQ Test Disinformation: Russian bot accounts reportedly manipulating international online IQ test results to lower Ukraine's average IQ.
Rubel Depreciation Propaganda: "Alex Parker Returns" shares a chart showing Rubel depreciation with the caption "Russia is rising from its knees." The National Bank of Ukraine raised the official exchange rate for the dollar and Euro for May 23.
Family Discord: The father of Russian showman Alexander Revva publicly condemned his son as a "traitor to the Motherland."
Chechen Influence: A Russian military blogger expressed concerns about the influence of a Muslim religious organization (ДУМ) in Russia.
Demographic Projections: A Russian military blogger estimates Russia's total nuclear arsenal. A report projects a decrease in Russian school students. Mishustin announced increased maternity benefits.
Moscow Security: Temporary posts with armored vehicles and EW systems in Moscow due to drone attacks.
Food Safety: The producer of "Agusha" (baby food) denied bacterial contamination allegations.
Cultural Events: A boxing tournament organized in Shakhtersk. A Moscow music group performed in Donetsk. Russia's "Aerobatic Team" participated in LIMA 2025 in Malaysia.
Veteran Cemetery Neglect: A video from Vanino, Khabarovsk Krai, shows severe neglect of a "Heroes' Alley" cemetery for fallen Russian soldiers.
Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS): Russia's new orbital service station touted as superior to the ISS for military-applied experiments and able to function without permanent human presence.
Football News: Real Madrid footballer Luka Modrić will leave the club.
VIII. Ukrainian Force Composition and Training
Military Education Expansion: The General Staff of Ukraine announced a 20% increase in state orders for military specialist training in 2025 and new training for physical and sports rehabilitation specialists.
Female Drone Pilot: A 21-year-old female pilot from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade, "Anaconda," is highlighted as the only female pilot in her drone unit.
Internal Resistance to Mobilization: A report details a severe assault on a veteran and current military official involved in mobilization efforts in Novyi Rozdil.
Demining Efforts: Ukrainian sappers from the 47th Brigade conducting humanitarian demining in Kharkiv Oblast. The first Ukrainian remotely controlled demining machine, "HART 5100," developed in Kharkiv, passed certification.
FPV Drone Units: Ukrainian FPV drone units are showcasing successful strikes against Russian targets.
Use of Robotic Systems: The 13th Brigade of the National Guard "Khartia" reportedly conducted a successful medical evacuation using a ground robotic platform.
Motorcycle Assault Units: Ukraine's "Skala" 4:25 Regiment features a motorcycle company using dirt bikes and quad bikes for rapid assaults.
25th Separate Sicheslav Airborne Brigade: Multiple images show well-equipped soldiers with modern gear.
Coordination on POWs/Missing: The Coordination Staff for POWs held a meeting in Krasnokutsk, Kharkiv Oblast, with families of missing/captured servicemen.
59th Separate Motorized Brigade: The commander of the 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Drone Systems was reportedly relieved due to ordering a unit withdrawal.
IX. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Russian Internet Restrictions: Mobile internet restricted in Ivanovo and Oryol Oblasts for "security purposes."
IQ Test Manipulation: Russian bot accounts reportedly manipulating international online IQ test results for Ukraine.
Russian Claims of Ukrainian Command and Control Issues: A Russian military blogger claims Ukrainian command is struggling to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Alleged Russian Hacking of NATO/Ukraine Border Cameras: A report claimed Russian GRU hackers attacked companies supplying aid to Ukraine and potentially gained access to cameras on border crossings. Ukrainian border guards deny any penetration.
X. War Crimes Allegations
CNN reports radio intercepts of Russian occupiers indicate orders to kill Ukrainian military personnel taken prisoner, with drone footage supporting claims of probable executions.
A Russian "confession video" shows a captured Ukrainian admitting to shelling civilian settlements in Glushkovo, Kursk Oblast.
ASTRA reports an alleged rape of a resident by a Russian serviceman in occupied Holmovsky, Donetsk Oblast.
XI. Strategic Narratives
Russian "Denazification" Narrative: The dog tag incident is part of Russia's continued "denazification" narrative.
Internal Russian Dissent: Nikita Mikhalkov's controversial statement indicates potential underlying anxiety within some Russian elite segments.
Ukrainian Discreditation: Alleged manipulation of IQ test results by Russian bots.
Russian Maritime Blockade: Russian MoD infographic claiming 488 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian territories, emphasizing scale of attacks.
Mariupol Liberation: Russian sources actively commemorate the 3rd anniversary of Mariupol's "liberation."
Russian Claims of Advancing to Dnipropetrovsk Border: Colonelcassad claims Russian forces are on the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Russian Claims of Capturing Western Equipment: Russian Naval Infantry showcased a captured, damaged, and partially restored German-supplied M113 APC.
Ukrainian De-Russification Efforts: The dismantling of the Peter I monument in Poltava.
Ukrainian Resilience and Future-Oriented Strategy: The construction of underground schools in Zaporizhzhia.
Russian Attempts to Legitimize Actions: The "confession video" of a captured Ukrainian mortarman.
Russia-Belarus Unity: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's visit to Mogilev, Belarus, reinforces strategic alliance.
Polish Conspiracy Theory: Rybar published a graphic questioning why the US lifted sanctions on Syria.
Russian Propaganda on US Deportation of Ukrainians: Rybar released a graphic questioning "Why is Trump deporting Ukrainians?"
Russian Narrative on "Battle for Otradne": Russian military bloggers claim "Vostok" group units continuing "liberation" of Otradne, with 2/3 under Russian control.
Russian Narrative of Demining Challenges: Russian demining specialists highlight widespread booby-trapping of civilian objects by Ukrainian forces.
Russian Narrative of Neglected Soldiers' Graves: A video from Vanino, Khabarovsk Krai, shows severe neglect of a "Heroes' Alley" cemetery.
