Archived operational intelligence briefing
Prisoner Exchange (Final Stage Conclusion - New Details & Controversy): The "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange has officially concluded with the return of 303 additional Ukrainian defenders (Army, National Guard, Border Guard, State Special Transport Service personnel), including 70 Mariupol defenders. This brings the total number of Ukrainians returned across the three stages of the exchange to 1000 for 1000 (390 on May 21, 307 on May 22, and 303 on May 25). The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirms medical, psychological, and financial support for the liberated individuals, and reiterates commitment to returning all remaining captives. TASS also published footage of Russian servicemen returning from captivity, displaying Russian, Soviet, and Russian Imperial flags, indicating their focus on propaganda. Russian MoD confirmed the return of 303 Russian servicemen and 303 AFU POWs, stating the agreements reached in Istanbul on May 16 were fully implemented (880 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians returned over three days). Ukrainian servicemen released from captivity were shown receiving chocolate, highlighting the conditions of their detention. Russian Deputy Minister of Defense General-Colonel Alexander Fomin stated that 880 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians were returned, and expressed hope that the exchange would create a favorable atmosphere for discussing peace settlement conditions, acknowledging Belarus's special role. Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Azov National Guard Corps, expressed deep concern and anger that among the 1000 Ukrainian POWs exchanged, there were no Azov fighters, while a "scoundrel" who allegedly requested a knife to harm Ukrainian soldiers was returned. Prokopenko stated this felt like a mockery of those who have endured inhumane conditions for four years and were guaranteed priority for exchange. He suggested that if Russians refuse to exchange Azov fighters for regular soldiers, Ukraine should find individuals who "weigh more" for them, hinting at Russian agents within Ukraine. Ukrainian GUR representative Andriy Yusov confirms Ukraine is already working on the next prisoner exchanges. Ukrainian defenders are seen discarding their black Russian uniforms after the exchange, symbolizing liberation.
Widespread Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage (Ukraine):
Russian Ground Advances (Donetsk Oblast - Pokrovsk Direction):
General Staff Reports Increased Combat Engagements (Ukraine): The Ukrainian General Staff reports extensive combat engagements across multiple axes:
Russian Claims of New Territorial Gains (Sumy Oblast): Poddubny claims the liberation of Maryino and Loknya in Sumy Oblast by the 810th Separate Guards Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet ("Sever" Group). They also report successes in the Vovchansk area of Kharkiv Oblast. This reinforces Russia's stated goal of creating a "buffer zone" along the border. "Z Committee" claims Russian forces have established control over Bilovody in Sumy Oblast. The Russian Ministry of Defense published video of 810th Separate Guards Marine Brigade FPV drones destroying Ukrainian shelters and combat equipment in Sumy Oblast, and fiber-optic controlled UAVs destroying an 82-mm mortar.
Russian Military Crowdfunding Acknowledged (TASS): TASS reports that Klishas, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on State Building, has publicly stated that pensions are guaranteed by the Russian constitution, likely in response to public discussions or concerns, which could be linked to the ongoing military costs and crowdfunding efforts for the armed forces. Putin recounts giving an order to his forces to hold back from a combat mission due to weather conditions, fearing high losses, but states they still completed the task with "more careful methods."
Russian Military Activity and UAVs:
Ukrainian Cyber Defense Day: May 25th is officially the Day of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, emphasizing the critical role of cyber defense. Ukraine also launched a course on OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) at the SBU National Academy with EU support, indicating a push to enhance intelligence capabilities. President Zelenskyy and General Syrskyi issued statements congratulating the service, highlighting their critical role in secure communication and cyber protection. The Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports providing over 20 million UAH worth of equipment to 17 combat units on the Zaporizhzhia front this week, including 160+ drones, 100+ drone accessories, UAVs, aviation complexes, 85+ EW systems, and other equipment.
Domestic Russian Incident (Moscow): A mining farm in a residential complex in Moscow led to residents overpaying over 4 million rubles for utilities in six months, highlighting a local economic issue. Russian law enforcement in Yekaterinburg detained 10 people at a "Yabloko" party office, including youth leaders, on suspicion of attempting to communicate with "terrorists and Wahhabis" at a political prisoner letter-writing event, following a Z-activist's denunciation. ASTRA reports that a military prosecutor stated to the mother of a soldier with a diagnosis of "mild mental retardation" that this condition is not an obstacle to service, and that the soldier was forced to sign a contract despite being on psychiatric record, being abused by fellow soldiers, and deserting.
Russian Claims on Strategic Strikes: The Russian Ministry of Defense officially states that all targets were achieved in the overnight combined strike against Ukraine's military-industrial complex, radio-electronic, and satellite communication centers, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities and over 60 injuries. Basurin claimed a record number of Russian drones (300) and missiles (100) struck Ukrainian military factories, warehouses, and bases in many regions. European countries condemned the night attack.
Ukrainian Deep Strikes in Russia: STERNENKO published a video of Ukrainian "Krila Do Pekla" drones destroying a Russian Tigr/VPK-Ural armored vehicle, an artillery gun, and an ammunition truck in Kursk Oblast. ASTRA reports a fire at the "Energiya" plant and "Kolos Agro" elevator in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, after a UAV attack on May 23, with 9 workers injured. The plant produces components for defense.
Ukrainian Special Operations: GUR (Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate) soldiers destroyed a Russian military train with fuel in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on May 24, on the Verkhniy Tokmak-Molochansk-Fedorivka section, destroying at least three fuel tanks. STERNENKO shares footage of a Russian soldier attempting to flee a Ukrainian "Flying Skull" drone but tripping and being engaged.
Putin's Helicopter Allegedly in "Epicenter" of Drone Attack: ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS and ASTRA report that a Russian PVO division commander claimed Putin's helicopter was "actually in the epicenter of the attack" during a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Kursk Oblast on May 20, where 46 drones were shot down. This claim is framed as potentially a fabrication for propaganda. Ukrainian sources satirically mocked the claim, calling Putin a "bunker coward" who "threw himself into the thick of a drone attack."
Upcoming Russian Offensive (Bild Report): Bild reports that a large Russian offensive is expected to begin in June, potentially targeting Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. The report indicates Russia is sending thousands of new soldiers and tanks to the front and has modernized its air capabilities, emphasizing Russia's learned lessons in drone warfare and their intent to use new drones to target Ukrainian logistics. This report suggests that Russia's strategic goals might expand from four to seven Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian sources (RBC-Ukraine) highlight that Putin's "wave of attacks" aims to pressure Ukraine amid ongoing negotiations and prisoner exchanges.
F-16 Delivery from Netherlands: The Netherlands will send the last of its 24 promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine tomorrow, May 26.
China's Support to Russia: Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) Head Oleg Ivashchenko states that China is supplying powder, special chemicals, and components to Russian military-purpose enterprises, with confirmed data on 20 Russian factories. By early 2025, up to 80% of critical electronics for Russian drones are reportedly of Chinese origin.
Polish Stance on Ukraine's NATO Membership: Polish presidential candidate Rafal Trzaskowski has refused to sign a declaration, proposed by an ultra-right leader, that included a promise to prevent Ukraine's entry into NATO, indicating continued Polish support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. Alex Parker Returns expresses satisfaction with Trzaskowski's stance, framing it as a desire for Russia to "break all its teeth in Ukraine" rather than in Poland, and opposing the sending of Polish soldiers to Ukraine.
Public Registry of Child Support Debtors (Russia): A public registry of child support debtors has launched in Russia, with nearly 200,000 names already listed. This is a new legal measure, and potential restrictions (e.g., on real estate purchases, credits) are being proposed.
Russian Recruitment Narrative: The "Union of Fathers of Russia" organization is encouraging men to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense as a way to "increase the level of family prosperity and well-being," framing military service as a financial opportunity.
Russian Information Warfare (Deepfakes): Operational Z (Ukrainian source) highlights continued Russian mass campaigns to discredit Ukrainian units (e.g., 225th Separate Assault Regiment) through cheap social media posts, deepfakes, and TV segments. They note that while deepfakes are not yet widespread, they are expected to become so, urging viewers to critically analyze content for inconsistencies (e.g., incorrect unit names, unrealistic visuals, artificial voices).
Russian Fighter's Propaganda: A Russian serviceman returning from captivity expressed overwhelming emotion and a desire to "kiss Russian soil," a clear propaganda piece. A different Russian fighter was shown making homemade noodles for his comrades, a morale-boosting narrative. Russian channels shared video of a Russian paratrooper, back from captivity, kissing the Russian soil, a clear propaganda effort. Colonelcassad shares a video of Japanese fighter Daisaku Kaneko, a former special forces member, serving in the SVO for Russia, who is considered a "criminal" in Japan for his choice, emphasizing foreign support for Russia.
Russian Military Crowdfunding: "Archangel Spetsnaz" is continuing crowdfunding efforts for Mavic drones for Russian paratroopers on the Sumy direction, indicating an ongoing need for public support for essential equipment.
Ukrainian Mobilization Challenges (Wall Street Journal): The Wall Street Journal reports that Ukraine's "Contract 18-24" program for attracting young recruits has largely failed, with only about 500 new recruits since February. This has created a rift within the Ukrainian army, as older soldiers resent the 1 million Hryvnia bonus given to these "millionaire" new recruits.
Andriy Portnov Allegations: Butusov Plus reports that the deceased former Yanukovych advisor Andriy Portnov continues to "sue" him and calls for a "Portnov list" of judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officials connected to his alleged "mafia group," to expose and hold accountable those who worked with him.
Ukrainian Air Force Assessment of Russian Strike Capability: The head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, Yuriy Ihnat, stated that while he has no data on immediate future Russian mass strikes, Russia could continue such actions. He also noted that Ukrainian forces are employing "all maximally possible methods" to counter attacks, indicating a recognition of sustained Russian aerial capabilities and Ukraine's commitment to robust defense.
Russian MoD Statement on "Sanitary Zone" and Sumy Advances: The Russian Ministry of Defense, through Yaroslav Yakimkin, head of the press center for the "Sever" Group of Forces, officially announced the creation of a "sanitary zone" along the border with Ukraine to ensure the security of Russian border regions. Yakimkin stated that Russian troops are advancing daily to push the enemy back from the state border. He further confirmed that Maryino and Loknya in Sumy Oblast have come under Russian control within the last week, and the "Sever" Group has advanced in the Vovchansk area (Kharkiv Oblast). This is a formal statement of Russia's strategic objective and recent gains.
Russian Military Blogger Discrediting Ukrainian Recruitment Propaganda: "Archangel Spetsnaz" and "Starshiy Edda" criticized Ukrainian military recruitment efforts aimed at 18-year-olds. They described a Ukrainian propaganda video, which references historical figures like Alexander the Great and Joan of Arc to encourage enlistment, as "stupid" and a "pathetic attempt" to attract recruits before inevitable forced mobilization. They argue that the realities of modern warfare make such historical analogies irrelevant and that young recruits face a "short-lived" existence on the front. This indicates an ongoing Russian information campaign to undermine Ukrainian recruitment.
Russian Artillery Strikes in Alekseyevka: "Voin DV" reported that artillery units of the 29th Guards Combined Arms Army (Vostok Group) conducted strikes on Ukrainian positions northwest of Alekseyevka.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes (Kurakhovo Direction): STERNENKO reported "Evil Beavers" (Zlyuki Bobry) drones hitting an armored vehicle (BBM), 2 Russian servicemen, and a house where the enemy was hiding on the Kurakhovo direction.
Ukrainian Air Defense Footage (X-101 Missile): A video circulating claiming to show the downing of a modern Russian Kh-101 missile with flares by a MIM-23 Hawk SAM system was clarified by Ukrainian sources to be older footage (several days old) of a Hawk at work.
Western Views on Ukraine's Future (Bloomberg): Bloomberg reports that Trump understands that abandoning Ukraine and allowing Russia's victory would be a significant political defeat for him, implying a continued, albeit transactional, US interest in Ukraine's outcome.
Danish/Swedish Fishing Nets for Anti-Drone Defense: Finnish broadcaster Yle reported that Denmark and Sweden have provided Ukraine with millions of euros worth of old fishing nets to be used against drones, indicating an innovative, low-tech counter-drone solution.
Georgian Protest: A Georgian musician reportedly urinated on a Russian flag during a performance at Tbilisi Open Air, symbolizing widespread anti-Russian sentiment. This act has led to a criminal investigation ordered by Russia's Investigative Committee.
Ukrainian Flag in Sievierodonetsk: A Ukrainian flag was raised over occupied Sievierodonetsk by Luhansk border guards from the "Pomsta" brigade on City Day.
Azerbaijan's Support for Ukraine: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev thanked Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and affirmed continued aid and mutual support for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Internal Ukrainian Incident (Nizhyn): A 44-year-old intoxicated man detonated a grenade in a park in Nizhyn (Chernihiv Oblast); no injuries were reported, and he was detained.
Ukrainian Social Project (Zaporizhzhia): A 13-year-old actor with autism spectrum disorder played the main role in a theater performance in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting successful socialization and inclusion, coinciding with National Accessibility Week.
Donetsk Oblast (General): Residents of Zugres (Donetsk People's Republic) are complaining about unpleasant odors from a burning landfill, with smoke spreading towards Khartsyzsk, highlighting environmental concerns in occupied territories. Ukrainian General Staff reports 160 combat engagements in total today, with Russian forces launching 2 missile and 53 air strikes (8 rockets, 75 KABs), and using 1277 kamikaze drones and 3987 shellings. On the Toretsk direction, Russians attacked 14 times, with 13 repelled and 1 ongoing, focusing on Druzhba, Dyliivka, Krymske, Toretsk, Shcherbynivka, Petrivka, Pleshchiivka, and Yablunivka. On the Novopavlivka direction, Ukrainian units stopped 18 Russian assaults near Kostiantynopil, Bahatyr, Otradne, Shevchenko, Vesele, Vilne Pole, Novosilka, Zelene Pole, Novopil, with 4 ongoing battles. Russian aviation also struck Novodarivka, Novopil, Perebudova, and Komar. A Russian military blogger (Voenkor Kotenok) shared a video of a Ukrainian disposition after a "successful hit," without specifying the direction. The Russian military has targeted the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with a new law allowing its liquidation and property confiscation, as discussed by politician Oleg Tsarev.
The conclusion of the "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange is a significant humanitarian and diplomatic success for Ukraine, demonstrating a functional, albeit limited, channel for cooperation despite ongoing hostilities. This sets a precedent for future exchanges and provides vital relief for hundreds of families. Russian propaganda on the exchange aims to highlight their own returnees and a narrative of resilience and historical continuity, with a new emphasis from Deputy Minister Fomin on its potential to create a favorable atmosphere for peace talks. However, the controversy surrounding the exchange, particularly the exclusion of Azov fighters and the alleged return of a "scoundrel" (Taranenko Anatoliy Mykhailovych), could undermine Ukrainian public trust in the process and create internal military tensions. Ukraine's immediate work on the next exchanges signals its commitment to returning all captives. The celebration of "no Azov fighters" freed by Russian military bloggers signals their tactical and propaganda importance.
Militarily, Russia continues its attritional offensive, particularly in Donetsk Oblast. The claimed "liquidation of the Kalinovka Pocket" and advances on the Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) direction, including the official liberation of Romanovka, Troitskoye, and Bogdanovka, and the reported capture of Zorya, suggest a sustained effort to push deeper into Ukrainian territory and disrupt supply lines. The "Archangel Spetsnaz" report on the liberation of Troitskoye and Bogdanovka and the proximity to the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border indicates a significant strategic thrust aiming to open a new axis. The Ukrainian General Staff's report of numerous ongoing combat engagements across multiple axes confirms the high intensity of fighting and sustained Russian pressure. The claimed liberation of Maryino, Loknya, and now Bilovody in Sumy Oblast reinforces Russia's stated intent to create a "buffer zone" along the border, aiming to reduce cross-border strikes and control contested territories, as formally confirmed by the Russian MoD. The Bild report on a potential large Russian offensive in June, targeting Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, further supports the assessment of an expansion of Russian strategic goals beyond the currently declared four regions, likely to seven. Russian elimination of Ukrainian snipers on the Artyomovsk direction indicates focused counter-personnel operations. Russian successes in liberating Romanovka are attributed to coordinated drone and assault operations against Ukrainian units, including Azov.
Ukraine continues to counter with its robust deep strike capabilities. The confirmed fire at the Lipetsk defense industry plant ("Energiya"), the destruction of a fuel train in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and the drone attack on Nikolsky Cathedral in Tula Oblast demonstrate the effectiveness and strategic importance of these Ukrainian operations. The development of the "Batyar" long-range drone further enhances Ukraine's ability to conduct such strikes deep within Russian territory, aiming to impose costs and disrupt Russian military-industrial capacity. The attack on Mihalovo airbase also signifies Ukraine's reach. Ukrainian Air Force's assessment that Russia can continue mass strikes indicates a realistic understanding of the ongoing aerial threat and underscores the need for robust air defense. The General Staff's report on 971 Russian POWs taken during the Kursk operation highlights Ukraine's success in asymmetrical warfare and the creation of an "exchange fund." The raising of the Ukrainian flag in Sievierodonetsk symbolizes continued resistance in occupied territories. Ukraine's continued development and provision of drones and EW systems to front-line units, as exemplified by aid to the Zaporizhzhia front, is crucial for maintaining tactical parity and offensive capabilities.
The widespread civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Ukraine, particularly the fatalities and injuries in Zhytomyr, Kupiansk, Kyiv Oblast, and now Chernihiv, including significant damage in Makariv, underscore the severe humanitarian cost of Russia's continued aerial bombardment. This strategy aims to deplete Ukrainian air defense resources, demoralize the population, and degrade critical infrastructure. Russia's official statement claiming all targets were achieved in these strikes, despite widespread civilian impact, further emphasizes their disregard for civilian lives.
The ongoing information warfare, as exemplified by Russia's psychological operations concerning Ukrainian cultural practices, the attempt to discredit Ukrainian units with deepfakes, and the promotion of military service for financial gain, aims to demoralize and undermine Ukrainian national identity and recruitment. Russia's official statement on the "sanitary zone" and border advances is a clear strategic communication effort. Ukraine's new OSINT course signals an adaptation to modern intelligence gathering methods, while its satirical mocking of Putin's "helicopter incident" and military bloggers' criticism of Ukrainian recruitment efforts highlight the active and contested nature of the information space. The confirmed Chinese supply of military components to Russia highlights a significant challenge for international sanctions enforcement and sustains Russia's military-industrial complex. The difficulties in Ukraine's "Contract 18-24" program and the resulting internal military tensions could impact future force generation. The Polish presidential candidate's stance on Ukraine's NATO membership demonstrates continued political support despite internal pressures, although Alex Parker Returns' commentary frames it as a "desire for Russia to break its teeth in Ukraine." The use of fishing nets for anti-drone defense reflects creative, low-cost adaptation. Azerbaijan's continued support for Ukraine signifies a positive diplomatic development. The internal Russian security actions in Yekaterinburg reflect tightening control and suppression of dissent, and the reported military prosecutor's stance on a mentally disabled soldier highlights concerning ethical and recruitment practices within Russia. The new Ukrainian law targeting the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church will be leveraged by Russia for information warfare, aiming to portray religious persecution. The ongoing Russian aerial attacks during prisoner exchanges and negotiations is a key information warfare tactic to maintain pressure and leverage. Putin's anecdotal account of commanding his troops to avoid high losses due to weather, but them proceeding with "more careful methods," is a propaganda effort to portray him as a caring leader while highlighting troop heroism. The development of unmanned drone-carrier BMPs by Japan underscores a global trend in military technology that will reshape future battlefields, with both sides in this conflict already adopting such advanced concepts.
We only use optional analytics cookies if you allow them. Necessary cookies stay on for sign-in and site security.
Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
