Archived operational intelligence briefing
1. Diplomatic Discourse and Rhetoric: * Putin's Continued "Terrorist" Narrative: Putin reiterated his assertion that the "Kyivan regime, already illegitimate, is transforming into a terrorist organization" and that "Ukraine is suffering huge losses and retreating along the entire front line, therefore it is trying to intimidate Russia with terrorist acts." He again stated that "peace is not needed by the Kyiv regime" as it would mean "loss of power" and that any ceasefire would be used by Kyiv for "forcible mobilization, pumping weapons, and preparing terrorist acts." This highly aggressive framing of Ukraine as a terrorist entity by Putin himself, widely reported by Russian and Ukrainian sources, reinforces the immediate diplomatic stalemate. Putin further expressed doubt regarding the possibility of a truce with Ukraine given the attacks in Bryansk and Kursk Oblasts. This stance was again re-emphasized in new messages, specifically linking Ukrainian deep strikes on Russian border areas to the necessity for Russia to continue military actions. New messages from Russian channels (Mobilization, Новости Москвы) reiterate Putin's rejection of a truce and personal negotiations. * Zelenskyy Seeks Meeting with Trump and Putin: Zelenskyy expressed a desire to hold a four-way meeting with himself, President Erdogan, former President Trump, and President Putin, indicating a continued conditional openness to dialogue despite the impasse and a potential shift in desired diplomatic formats. * Trump-Putin Phone Call and Its Implications: Crucially, new messages from TASS, ASTRA, RBK-Ukraine, Alex Parker Returns, Оперативний ЗСУ, Военкор Котенок, and Два майора confirm that Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. Trump stated that Putin "very resolutely" informed him he "will be forced to respond to the recent attack on airfields." Trump also characterized the conversation as "positive, but not one that will lead to immediate peace." This direct communication between Trump and Putin, and Putin's explicit warning to Trump, significantly escalates the diplomatic and military tension, directly linking Russian retaliation to recent Ukrainian deep strikes. * Zelenskyy Rejects Russian Memorandum and Seeks Negotiations: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has de facto rejected Russia's proposed memorandum for a ceasefire and peace, calling it an "ultimatum" that "no one takes seriously," particularly Ukraine's European partners. Kyiv also deems continued Istanbul-level meetings "meaningless" if they do not lead to concrete solutions. Zelenskyy, however, indicated Ukraine's readiness to engage in talks "tomorrow" in various locations (Istanbul, Vatican, Switzerland) to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace, suggesting a conditional openness to dialogue despite the impasse. * Turkey's Continued Mediation Role: New messages from TASS confirm that Turkey is ready to host a meeting of leaders for a settlement on Ukraine, provided certain issues are resolved and the summit is prepared, reaffirming Turkey's ongoing role as a potential mediator. * Putin's Call with New Pope Leo XIV: New messages from TASS, ASTRA, and RBK-Ukraine confirm Putin held a phone call with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. Putin reportedly drew the Pope's attention to the "escalation of the conflict by the Kyiv regime" and expressed gratitude for the Pope's willingness to assist in a settlement. He also informed the Pope about the Istanbul agreements on POW and body exchanges. This indicates Russia's effort to leverage religious figures for diplomatic influence and reinforce its narrative. * Yermak-Rubio Meeting and Air Defense Needs: Yermak met with Senator Rubio in the US, discussing the Istanbul negotiations and reiterating Ukraine's request for more weaponry, specifically focusing on strengthening Ukrainian air defense capabilities. This highlights Ukraine's continued focus on international military aid amidst diplomatic stagnation. New messages from ASTRA confirm the meeting between Yermak and US State Secretary Marco Rubio. * Umerov and Budanov Discuss POW Exchanges: Despite the overall diplomatic deadlock, Ukraine's Minister of Defense Umerov and HUR Head Budanov held a meeting regarding prisoner exchanges with Russia. A new POW exchange is anticipated this weekend. This indicates that humanitarian discussions and specific limited agreements may still be possible even amid broader political and military hostilities. New messages from RBK-Ukraine indicate Umerov announced a new "Ramstein" agreement regarding weapons for Ukraine, further solidifying international support. * Kim Jong Un and Shoigu Discuss Ukraine: TASS reported that Kim Jong Un and Shoigu discussed the situation around Ukraine and other international problems, signaling continued diplomatic and military coordination between Russia and North Korea.
2. Intensified Russian Aerial Campaign and Air Defense Responses: * Persistent KAB Launches: The Ukrainian Air Force reports continued launches of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation towards Zaporizhzhia Oblast and northern Kharkiv Oblast. This signals sustained Russian air superiority and targeting of ground positions and infrastructure in these critical areas. A new strike with KABs on a settlement in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been reported. * New High-Speed Target in Kharkiv: The Ukrainian Air Force reported a "high-speed target from Donetsk region to southern Kharkiv region," indicating potential missile threats or advanced drones. Another Russian UAV was detected on the western outskirts of Kharkiv, with air defense assets engaged. * UK MOD Assessment of Russian Drone Production: The UK Ministry of Defense assesses that Russia is regularly launching over 300 UAVs daily at Ukraine and can sustain this tempo throughout 2025. Ukrainian HUR further details this, stating Russia produces 170 "Shaheds" per day with a 90kg warhead, capable of 24/7 attacks. This significant production capacity presents a long-term strategic challenge for Ukrainian air defense and civil protection, requiring continuous and substantial Western air defense support. * Lipetsk Oblast "Yellow Level" Alert Cancelled: Russian sources (Governor Igor Artamonov) reported the cancellation of the "yellow level" (drone threat) in Lipetsk Oblast, indicating a temporary cessation or successful neutralization of perceived aerial threats in that region. * Increased Fatalities in Nikopolshchyna (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast): An 83-year-old resident of Marhanets was wounded in Nikopolshchyna. Imagery confirms damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and a retail establishment, underscoring ongoing Russian artillery/drone attacks in the area. Crucially, new intelligence confirms that the woman injured in the Nikopolshchyna attack has died in hospital, raising the civilian casualty count. * New Ballistic Missile Threat to Poltava: A new ballistic missile threat was reported by STERNENKO from temporarily occupied Crimea, potentially targeting Poltava, triggering an air raid alert that was subsequently lifted. New messages from the Ukrainian Air Force (Повітряні Сили ЗС України) indicate an active air raid alert that was subsequently lifted, confirming the dynamic nature of these threats. * Confirmed "Geranium" Strikes in Zaporizhzhia: Russian sources (Colonelcassad) released video footage of "Geranium" (Shahed) drone strikes on an enterprise in Zaporizhzhia, providing visual confirmation of damage and ongoing attacks. * Reported Iskander Strike on Training Ground in Poltava: Russian milblogger "Старше Эдды" claims an Iskander missile strike on a Ukrainian training ground ("polygon") in Poltava, asserting it was a successful hit. This claim requires independent verification. * US Embassy Warning of Significant Air Attacks: New messages from RBK-Ukraine, Оперативний ЗСУ, ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, Colonelcassad, Alex Parker Returns, ASTRA, and Военкор Котенок confirm that the US Embassy in Kyiv has re-issued a warning to US citizens about the threat of "significant air attacks," with some sources specifying a "massive strike" is expected soon. This, combined with Trump's statement about Putin's intent to retaliate, reinforces the high probability of immediate, large-scale Russian retaliation.
3. Ukrainian Deep Strike Operations and Damage Confirmation: * New "Operation Web" Footage: BÚTUSOV PLUS released a video compilation of Ukrainian FPV drone strikes on Russian aircraft (A-50, Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Tu-160, An-12, Il-78) at various airbases during "Operation Web" on June 1st. This directly corroborates previous claims of significant damage to Russian air assets. CyberBoroshno indicates further details about "Operation Web" are forthcoming. Fighterbomber acknowledged the release of new videos of drone attacks on five Russian airfields, claiming "nothing new was added" regarding the damage. STERNENKO released a video of an SBU FPV drone attacking a Russian Il-22M aircraft at Ivanov airfield, confirming a successful hit. Furthermore, RBK-Ukraine released updated video footage explicitly claiming and showing the impact on two A-50 AWACS aircraft at Ivanovo airfield, indicating more significant damage to critical Russian aerial assets than previously acknowledged. New messages from ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS and DeepState confirm new video footage of "Operation Web" hits, with DeepState specifically stating "objective control of damage to KTsAP's strategic aviation," implying confirmed damage to Russian strategic aircraft. CyberBoroshno has urged to "close the topic" for a while regarding A-50 hits, possibly due to the sensitivity of the information or to avoid over-confirming details. STERNENKO further claimed that NATO confirmed SBU hit at least 40 Russian aircraft during "Operation Web," indicating significant external corroboration of the operation's scale. * Ukrainian Attacks in Bryansk Oblast: Ukrainian forces reportedly shelled a pig farm in the Khoromnoye settlement of Bryansk Oblast.
4. Frontline Dynamics and Ukrainian Defensive Measures: * Russian Claims of Redkodub Capture (DPR): Colonelcassad posted a photo showing Russian forces with flags in Redkodub (DPR), claiming its capture. Russian military expert Marochko (via TASS) stated that the capture of Redkodub is allowing Russian forces to put pressure on a Ukrainian grouping located in the vicinity of neighboring Luhansk Oblast. This indicates continued Russian pressure and potential advances in Donetsk Oblast. A new message from Z комитет + карта СВО includes a map showing Russian advances around Otradnoye as of June 4, 2025, providing a visual representation of claimed territorial changes, and specifically mentions advances in the "Южно-Донецкое направление" (South-Donetsk direction) near Shevchenko. * Russian Claims of Deep Advance in Zaporizhzhia: Russian channel "Дневник Десантника" claims a 12 km deep penetration into enemy defenses west of Novoyakovlevka on the Zaporizhzhia front, suggesting significant localized gains. This requires independent verification. New messages from Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 specifically refer to the "Красноармейское направление" (Krasnoarmeysk direction), providing maps depicting military movements and control areas. * Ukrainian Training in Kharkiv Oblast: OTU "Kharkiv" posted images and a description of the 58th Brigade training infantry for combat in forested areas, focusing on ambushes and camouflage. This confirms active Ukrainian preparation and adaptation to the natural terrain in the Kharkiv direction, anticipating or responding to Russian movements. * Russian Claims of Strikes in Kharkiv Oblast: Russian sources claimed that strikes in Kharkiv Oblast eliminated a UAV warehouse and foreign mercenaries. * Unconfirmed Russian Claim of F-16 Shootdown: Russian milblogger "Военкор Котенок" made an unconfirmed claim of an F-16 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force being shot down near Hlukhoho, Sumy Oblast. This claim lacks independent verification. * Russian Drone Strikes on Shakhtersk Direction: Russian MoD and "Воин DV" published video footage of drone operators from the 36th Combined Arms Army of the "Vostok" group destroying enemy equipment and communication devices on the Shakhtersk direction, indicating ongoing Russian offensive actions using UAVs. New messages from БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС confirm significant Ukrainian drone operations, with the Black Raven battalion (93rd Brigade) reporting 733 enemy targets destroyed/damaged in May on the Bakhmut and Pokrovsk directions, underscoring the vital role of drones in combat. Additionally, Воин DV released a video showing UAV operators from the 64th separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade striking Ukrainian positions on the Polozhsky direction, including D-30 howitzers and command posts, indicating continued Russian drone effectiveness. * Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade Recruiting: The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura" released a new recruiting video highlighting its combat history (Vuhledar, Zaporizhzhia, Avdiivka, Pokrovsk, Kursk) and Western equipment (Bradleys), focusing on attracting professionals for voluntary contract service with a 1-year term and a 1M UAH payment. This indicates continued efforts to bolster Ukrainian ground forces. * Russian Propaganda on Ukrainian Casualties: "Военкор Котенок" stated that "Zelenskyy sacrifices the last combat-ready units for his image," a propaganda message aiming to demoralize Ukrainian forces and question their leadership. New messages from Военкор Котенок also include propaganda regarding Sumy, portraying it as an "occupied Russian city" where "Bandera supporters" are preparing for "occupation," indicating ongoing Russian psychological operations. * Russian Confirmation of "Lost" Soldier in Tyotkino: Colonelcassad shared a graphic image of what appears to be a deceased Russian soldier in the Tyotkino border area (Kursk Oblast), labeling him as "another missing occupier," which indicates ongoing close-quarter engagements and casualties in this cross-border region. * Claim of French Mercenaries in Odesa: New messages from Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 claim that French mercenaries have been brought into Odesa Oblast, suggesting a potential increase in foreign military presence or a new Russian propaganda narrative. * Ukrainian FPV Drone "Requiem Group" Activity: New messages from STERNENKO show a video from the "Requiem Group" special unit "Ballista" using a ReDrone program FPV drone to destroy two bikers, implying active Ukrainian FPV drone operations against mobile targets. * Ukrainian Crowdfunding for EW Systems: New messages from Zvиздец Мангусту show a crowdfunding effort for EW (Electronic Warfare) systems for soldiers of the 205th Separate Battalion of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade, highlighting ongoing Ukrainian reliance on volunteer support for critical equipment.
5. Russian Internal Affairs and Information Control: * Putin Orders Shift to Russian Messenger: Putin instructed officials to transfer public and financial services to a Russian messenger application, indicating a push for digital sovereignty and control over communication infrastructure. Minstry of Digital Development of Russia confirmed ongoing technical work for this. * Russia Protests Japanese Drills: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong protest to the Japanese Embassy in Moscow regarding naval drills with a patrol boat ("Kawagiri") near Russian borders without prior notification. This reflects Russia's sensitivity to perceived foreign military activity near its territories. * Trump's Influence on Sanctions: TASS reported that Trump asked the Senate to postpone considering a project to toughen sanctions against Russia, as stated by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Wicker. This indicates potential political influence on US foreign policy regarding Russia. "Операция Z" reiterated this point. * Demining Efforts in Border Regions: Russian Defense Minister Belousov held a meeting on demining operations in border areas, specifically mentioning Kursk Oblast. He reported 49,000 hectares, 11,000 buildings, 768 km of roads demined, and 43,000 explosive objects destroyed in Kursk, emphasizing the need to quickly clear areas for returning citizens and reconstruction. This indicates significant efforts by Russia to restore stability and facilitate civilian return in its border regions affected by Ukrainian cross-border actions. New messages from Colonelcassad and WarGonzo confirm Belousov's meeting on demining, with WarGonzo releasing video footage and providing details on the extent of demining efforts in Kursk. * Propaganda Efforts: Russian channels disseminated videos depicting purported "horrors of occupation" in Mariupol (unverifiable), and a propaganda video encouraging Ukrainian soldiers to surrender, dropped by drone. Colonelcassad shared a video showing a man attempting to evade mobilization officers in Kyiv, portraying it as "escaping manhunters." Fighterbomber shared images of large FAB-500 and FAB-3000 bombs with "For Moscow" and "For Bryansk" inscriptions, indicating a retaliatory and propagandistic message on Russian munitions. New messages from Alex Parker Returns contain Russian propaganda claims of up to 200 NATO officers being eliminated by a Kinzhal strike on a field near Mykolaiv, a highly improbable claim aimed at inflating Russian success and deterring Western support. * Education Policy in Russia: Rosobrnadzor did not support the idea of allowing students removed from the Unified State Exam (EGE) to retake it in the same year, limiting the possibility to only Russian language and mathematics. This highlights internal policy discussions within Russia. * Journalist Detention in St. Petersburg: ASTRA reported the detention of RusNews journalist Elina Kozich in St. Petersburg, indicating continued internal repression and suppression of independent media in Russia. * Criminal Case for Kidnapping at Yaroslavsky Station: TASS reported that a criminal case was opened and suspects detained regarding an alleged kidnapping incident at Yaroslavsky Station in Moscow, reflecting domestic security concerns. New messages from Colonelcassad, Операция Z, Alex Parker Returns, Военкор Котенок, and Новости Москвы confirm the opening of a criminal case by the Russian Investigative Committee regarding the incident at Yaroslavsky Station, with several individuals detained. * Conviction of Ukrainian Blogger Shariy: New messages from TASS, Офіс Генерального прокурора, РБК-Україна, and Оперативний ЗСУ confirm that Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shariy was заочно (in absentia) sentenced to 15 years in prison for treason by a Ukrainian court. This is a significant development in Ukrainian internal affairs and information warfare. * New South Korean President: New messages from Rybar highlight the election of a new South Korean president, a development with potential geopolitical implications for the conflict, although the immediate impact is unclear.
6. International Support for Ukraine: * Germany to Acquire and Transfer Patriot Systems: German Defense Minister Pistorius announced Germany's readiness to purchase Patriot systems from partners and transfer them to Ukraine. He also indicated that the first Ukrainian "long-range weapons systems" supported by Berlin could be operational within weeks, signaling expedited and enhanced military aid. New messages from РБК-Україна confirm Pistorius's statement that German-funded long-range weapons for Ukraine will appear by the end of the year. * French Mirage 2000 Flights over Black Sea: The Ukrainian Air Force reported that French Mirage 2000 fighters flew over the Black Sea, drawing a trident (Ukrainian national symbol) with their flight path. This is a symbolic show of support and potentially a demonstration of increased NATO presence in the region. New messages from Генеральний штаб ЗСУ and Оперативний ЗСУ confirm that French Mirage 2000 fighters conducted a patrol flight over the Black Sea, described as a "demonstration flight" by the General Staff. * US Rejection of Air Cover for "Coalition of the Willing": Bloomberg reported that the US refused to provide air cover for a "coalition of the willing" in post-war Ukraine, suggesting limitations on direct US military involvement. This was also echoed by Russian sources. New messages from TASS reconfirm the Bloomberg report that the US will not provide air defense means to a "coalition of the willing" after a settlement in Ukraine. * US Control Over Aid: A Russian military observer (Yuri Kotenok) claimed that the US wants to maintain personal control over aid to Ukraine and manipulate NATO countries to increase their support, to reduce the burden on Washington. * Netherlands Transfers €400 Million Maritime Package: RBK-Ukraine reported that the Netherlands is transferring a €400 million maritime package to Ukraine, indicating continued and specialized international military aid. * STERNENKO's May Report: STERNENKO's foundation released a detailed report for May, showcasing procurement efforts for FPV drones, anti-UAV measures ("Heavenly Russian-Slayer"), and estimated losses inflicted on Russian forces. This demonstrates continued robust civilian fundraising and support for the Ukrainian military's drone and counter-drone capabilities. * NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's Statement: Russian channel "Два майора" quoted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, though the content of the quote itself is not provided, it implies ongoing discussions and statements from NATO leadership relevant to the conflict. * UK's John Healey's Support for "Operation Web": New messages from RBK-Ukraine indicate that UK's John Healey was "very pleased" with Ukraine's "Operation Web" special operation, signaling strong political support for Ukrainian deep strikes. * Results of 28th Ramstein Meeting: New messages from RBK-Ukraine provide a summary of the results of the 28th Ramstein meeting for Ukraine, indicating ongoing international coordination and commitments for military aid.
The diplomatic chasm between Russia and Ukraine remains profound, characterized by Putin's intensified "terrorism" narrative and Zelenskyy's conditional but firm rejection of Russian "ultimatums." While humanitarian exchanges continue, core peace talks are stalled, reinforcing the projection of a protracted conflict. The direct phone call between Trump and Putin, where Putin issued a clear warning of retaliation for Ukrainian deep strikes, is a significant development, underscoring the immediate high-stakes nature of the conflict and the direct linkage between Ukrainian operations and Russian responses. Zelenskyy's expressed willingness for a four-way summit involving Trump and Putin indicates a dynamic shift in Ukrainian diplomatic strategy, potentially seeking a broader international framework for negotiations or attempting to leverage the influence of key global actors. Turkey's continued readiness to mediate offers a narrow avenue for potential future dialogue. The North Korea-Russia engagement further highlights evolving geopolitical alignments. Putin's continued refusal of personal negotiations with Zelenskyy, despite Zelenskyy's overtures, underscores this stalemate. Putin's call with Pope Leo XIV further demonstrates Russia's attempt to use various channels to legitimize its narrative and seek influence.
Russia's sustained aerial campaign, particularly the high volume of KAB and drone launches, continues to pose a severe threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas, now with confirmed fatal outcomes in Nikopolshchyna. The confirmed "Geranium" strikes in Zaporizhzhia and the alleged Iskander strike in Poltava demonstrate Russia's continued focus on degrading Ukrainian military potential and civilian morale through missile and drone attacks. The renewed US Embassy warning of imminent "massive air attacks," directly aligned with Putin's reported statement to Trump, indicates high confidence in an impending major Russian retaliation for recent Ukrainian deep strikes, elevating the immediate risk to Ukrainian cities. Germany's commitment to acquiring and transferring Patriot systems, along with the imminent operationalization of German-backed long-range weapons, indicates crucial military support that will enhance Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities. The significant maritime package from the Netherlands diversifies and strengthens Ukraine's naval defense capabilities.
Ukrainian deep strikes on Russian airfields, now with clearer video evidence of impacts on A-50 AWACS aircraft at Ivanovo, remain a critical strategic tool for Ukraine to degrade Russian air power and influence Russian operational planning. The continued release of "objective control" footage by Ukrainian sources, even with the subsequent urge for discretion (CyberBoroshno), signals continued success and the strategic value placed on these operations. The reported NATO confirmation of significant damage to Russian aircraft during "Operation Web" provides strong external validation. Russian acknowledgement of these attacks, albeit with downplayed damage assessments, and their rapid deployment of propaganda messages on munitions, confirm the significant impact of these strikes. The unconfirmed Russian claim of an F-16 shootdown should be viewed with skepticism until verified, but highlights Russian sensitivity to the impending arrival of modern Western fighter jets. The positive UK political reaction to "Operation Web" reinforces the importance of these strikes to international support.
Frontline dynamics indicate continued Russian pressure in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, with claims of localized advances around Redkodub and Otradnoye/Shevchenko. The focus on demining in Kursk suggests Russia is preparing for a long-term presence in border areas, but also reflects the ongoing threat of Ukrainian cross-border actions. Ukrainian recruitment efforts and demonstrated capabilities through STERNENKO's foundation, alongside the significant drone activity reported by the Black Raven battalion, illustrate their commitment to sustaining military operations. The Russian claim of French mercenaries in Odesa, if substantiated, could escalate the narrative of foreign involvement, but is more likely a propaganda effort.
Russia's internal affairs demonstrate ongoing efforts to solidify control (digital sovereignty, suppression of dissent) and manage public perception of the war, including the rapid response to the Yaroslavsky Station incident and the propaganda surrounding the Mykolaiv Kinzhal strike. Ukraine's conviction of blogger Shariy underscores its own efforts to counter internal threats and maintain information integrity.
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