Situation Report

INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT (ISR)

TIME: 211211Z JUL 25

1. SITUATION OVERVIEW

1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain

• Ukraine General: Nationwide air raid alerts for missile threats have been lifted. Localized Shahed UAV threats persist for Lviv Oblast and Southern Ukraine, and a new threat has emerged for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Samarskyi, Kamianskyi districts). Confirmed civilian casualties in Ivano-Frankivsk (4), Kyiv (8 injured, 1 fatality, now 9 injured), Chernivtsi (4), Zaporizhzhia (2), Dnipropetrovsk (2), and Sloviansk (4). Total confirmed fatalities are 13, with multiple injuries. Rescue and emergency services are actively engaged across multiple oblasts, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Kherson. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Northern Ukraine (Kyiv Oblast): Confirmed continued AD engagement against Shahed UAVs over Kyiv. Kinetic impacts on residential buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi district and "Lvivskyi Kvartal" residential complex. Damage includes destroyed windows, structural damage, and ongoing fires. A commercial building (McDonald's/supermarket) and the entrance to Lukyanivska metro station also sustained damage. One confirmed fatality and nine injuries reported in Kyiv. Firefighters and emergency services are actively engaged. Confirmed kindergarten fire. Visuals confirm extensive damage to kiosks and commercial facades on Kyiv streets. Lukyanivska metro station has fully restored operations. OBA reports consequences in two districts of Kyiv Oblast. PS ZSU spokesman Ihnat reports over fifteen direct hits on various objects in Kyiv overnight. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reiterates PS ZSU spokesman Ihnat's report of "over fifteen direct hits" in Kyiv, further confirming widespread damage. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms smoke and damage within Lukyanivska metro station after impact. UAV reported on Poltava Oblast, course Kyiv Oblast. PPO working on enemy drones in Kyiv Oblast. Chernihiv Oblast - threat of enemy strike UAVs. ASTRA reports the number of injured in Kyiv has increased to nine. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports looting of equipment from a damaged store near Lukyanivska metro station after the RF attack. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night. This is a critical new development. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Eastern Ukraine: Initial cruise missile group from Tu-95MS aircraft was detected over Kharkiv Oblast, moving towards Poltava Oblast. Kharkiv's Kyivskyi district hit by 12 UAV strikes overnight, with visual evidence of craters and damaged buildings. RF milblogger "Воин DV" claims bomber strikes by 11th Guards Army VVS and PVO (East Grouping) on UAF forward positions in Yanvarskyi, supporting 36th Army advance, claiming personnel and equipment losses in their area of responsibility. A new group of RF UAVs is reported from Luhansk Oblast moving towards Kharkiv Oblast. Kharkiv Oblast governor, Oleg Sinegubov, confirms strikes on Kharkiv city and 10 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast over the past day. DeepState reports RF advances in Vilne Pole, Andriivka, Popovy Yar, and near three other villages in Donetsk Oblast. DNR People's Militia channel provides video of claimed destruction of a UAF communication antenna and a "Baba Yaga" heavy drone. MoD Russia provides video of servicemen from the 102nd Motorised Rifle Regiment (Tsentr Group of Forces) giving details about the claimed liberation of Popov Yar in the Donetsk People's Republic, including aerial views with smoke plumes. Воин DV shares FPV drone footage claiming successful neutralization of multiple units of enemy equipment by the "Kaira" squad of the 39th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, showing a strike on a pickup truck. STERNENKO shares 18+ video footage of FPV drone strikes, claiming destruction of a quad bike with occupant, and a motorcycle and rider in Luhansk, and a car, likely showcasing RF losses. Операция Z (Voenkory Russkoy Vesny) and Colonelcassad report on a claimed new RF front opened in Kharkiv Oblast, aiming to stretch UAF reserves. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 shares thermal imagery video claiming activity in Chasiv Yar direction, showing military vehicles in a wooded, snowy area. Басурин о главном video confirms Russian military operations in vicinity of Belaya Gora in Donetsk region, with destroyed buildings and a soldier describing tactics including drone-kamikazes and assault troops, claiming capture of Swedish, Spanish, and Turkish made enemy weapons. He states capture of Belaya Gora is significant for logistics and communications to Kostiantynivka. Colonelcassad shares map showing changes over past 24 hours, indicating continued positional changes on the front line. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction using a Lancet loitering munition. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video claims Ukrainian National Guard "Khartia" brigade drone operators destroyed nearly a platoon of Russian occupiers in Kharkiv Oblast. Два майора video shows a drone operator stating he is from the 3rd Motor Rifle Division, 20th Motor Rifle Division, operating in the Kostiantynivka direction. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports a tractor driver was blown up by a mine in a field in Balakliia community. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports at least 54 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, including Kharkiv city, were affected by enemy strikes over the past week. STERNENKO video shows a drone strike on 7 Russian personnel, resulting in an explosion and fire, likely inflicting casualties. Оперативний ЗСУ video claims SSO (Special Operations Forces) raided and eliminated a group of Russians attempting to set up a new position. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, causing an explosion. Воин DV video shows drone operators of the "Southern" grouping bombing "enemy holes," resulting in an explosion and smoke plume. Liveuamap Source reports Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Plavni, Prymorske, Orikhiv of Zaporizhzhia region, Odradokamyanka of Kherson region. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Lyman direction near Karpivka, Kolodyazi, Novyy Myr, Ridkodub, Shandryholove, Torske and towards Serebryanka. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Sieversk direction near Vyyimka, Verkhnokamyanske, Fedorivka and Hryhorivka. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Kramatorsk direction near Predtechyne and Bila Hora. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Toretsk direction near Dyliyivka, Scherbynivka, Rusyn Yar, Toretsk and towards Katerynivka. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Pokrovsk direction near Poltavka, Udachne, Novoekonomichne, Lysivka, Zvirove, Volodymyrivka, Novotoretske, Dachne, Novopavlivka, Horikhove, Oleksiyivka and towards Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Filiya. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Novopavlivka direction near Yalta, Myrne, Tolstoy, Voskresenka, Maliyivka, Zelene Pole, Temyrivka, Piddubne and Novopil. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Huliaipole direction near Malynivka. Liveuamap Source reports Ukrainian forces have repelled 23 Russian army assaults at Kursk and North Slobozhansky(Sumy) direction. ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 video shows FPV drone strike on Russian UAZ-452 ('Bukhanka') vehicle, resulting in explosion and secondary detonations, confirming effective UAF drone operations against RF logistics in this sector. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Central Ukraine: Missile group (up to 10) confirmed flying towards Myrhorod district in Poltava Oblast, then passing Poltava towards Kremenсhuk. New missile group from Sumy Oblast also moved towards Poltava Oblast. Another group of missiles from Cherkasy Oblast was confirmed to have diverted from Kropyvnytskyi and headed towards Zvenyhorodka, Kaniv, and Uman districts of Cherkasy Oblast, then further into Vinnytsia Oblast (Nemryriv, Trostyanets), with a general westward course. Kryvyi Rih reports "situation controlled" (Олександр Вілкул). Visuals from "Оперативний ЗСУ" show aftermath of attacks in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, confirming damage. TASS claims RF forces used FABs against UAF reserve positions in Ivanivka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. New threat of strike UAVs for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Samarskyi, Kamianskyi districts). Air Force reports UAV in Poltava Oblast, heading southwest. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports a threat of enemy strike UAVs in Zolotoniskyi and Cherkaskyi districts of Cherkasy Oblast. РБК-Україна reports one fatality in Vinnytsia from a 16 July strike, indicating delayed casualty reporting. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat. High-speed target on Kropyvnytskyi. Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warns of threat of aviation weapon use in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Western Ukraine: Cruise missiles confirmed from Vinnytsia Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The main group of missiles was in southern Khmelnytskyi Oblast, maintaining a western course. Subsequently, these missiles entered Ternopil Oblast, then Chernivtsi Oblast (with AD actively engaging a missile over Chernivtsi, 4 fatalities confirmed), and finally Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, with confirmed explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk and reports of damage (blown out windows, light injuries) in one village. A Kinzhal hypersonic missile launched from a MiG-31K was tracked on a vector towards Starokostiantyniv, then further to Ternopil/Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts, with confirmed explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk and reports of casualties. The Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk confirmed infrastructure damage and continued strikes. Three Shahed UAVs approaching Ivano-Frankivsk were reported as intercepted. Visual evidence of damage to civilian buildings in a village near Ivano-Frankivsk, including blown out windows and structural damage, but specifically note no casualties in the Astra report. Damage to a kindergarten and university (Lviv Polytechnic) in Lviv has been confirmed. Damaged residential buildings (20 private houses) confirmed in Kamianets-Podilskyi district, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Southern Ukraine: New Shahed UAVs detected in the Black Sea, heading towards Pivdenne/Koblevo, with 8 inbound approaching Pivdenne/Koblevo. RF strike on Vasylivskyi district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, resulted in 3 injuries (now 2 fatalities confirmed in Zaporizhzhia, 1 male wounded in Vasylivskyi district). Dnipropetrovsk Oblast reports 7 UAVs shot down. "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" shared video claiming drone activity and possible explosions in Zaporizhzhia direction. A missile threat is active for Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration has provided photos of damage, likely from recent attacks. Alex Parker Returns (RF milblogger) claims a missile strike on a platform in the Black Sea used by UAF as a strongpoint, and shows photos of a small boat, implying UAF maritime presence. This claim is unverified. ASTRA reports 7 injured from Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast, increasing casualty figures. Threat of ballistic weapon use from the south. Liveuamap Source reports clashes yesterday at Kherson direction near Prydniprovske. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports air raid alarm has been lifted. Сили оборони Півдня України video shows drone footage of artillery strikes by UAF 44th Artillery Brigade targeting a 2A65 Msta-B (Russian flag visible), confirming successful counter-battery fire against RF forces. This indicates active engagement and effective targeting in the Southern Axis. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Russia: Temporary flight restrictions at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports have been lifted. Restrictions also lifted at Nizhny Novgorod airport. RF milbloggers (Fighterbomber) are gloating about Kyiv impacts, and claiming "precision" of their strikes. Moscow Mayor Sobyanin claims 18 UAVs shot down over Moscow (Два майора); RF MoD now claims 23 UAVs over Moscow, and a total of 74 Ukrainian UAVs destroyed overnight (TASS, ASTRA, Операция Z reports; AV БогомаZ reports 10 UAVs in Bryansk Oblast). Falling UAV debris on a railway station in Rostov Oblast has delayed 26 passenger trains and is reported to cause schedule changes for the next two days (TASS now reports over 50 trains delayed). Visuals from "Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦" confirm a fire at Kamianolomni railway station, Rostov Oblast. "Оперативний ЗСУ" shares video showing damaged building and fire at Kamianolomni, with individuals examining UAV debris. RF Prime Minister Mishustin announced ~180 billion rubles for border crossing point repairs. Mishustin also stated Russia is open to investments from "friendly countries" (ТАСС). Flooding reported in Moscow streets (Новости Москвы, TASS video confirmation). "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" reports fires in Rostov and Moscow oblasts after UAV hits, with video of burning trucks and an explosion near a bridge. Belgorod governor reports 2 civilian injuries from UAF UAV attack. RF milblogger "Два майора" reports continued "transport collapse" at airports due to UAF drone attacks. Sheremetyevo airport warned of possible increased passenger service time. TASS reports a Moldovan national detained in Ryazan confessed to transmitting data on RF Armed Forces and a defense industry plant to Kyiv. Butusov Plus channel shows propaganda posters of Ramzan Kadyrov in occupied Sevastopol, highlighting RF internal messaging. TASS confirms Vnukovo airport resumed normal operations after 12-hour restrictions. TASS provides video of flooded pedestrian tunnel at Pavshino station (MCD-2) in Moscow. ASTRA confirms over 50 trains delayed after UAV attack on Kamianolomni station, Rostov Oblast. Новости Москвы urges Moscow residents not to go outside without necessity due to heavy rain, indicating significant disruption to civilian life in the capital. ASTRA videos confirm severe flooding in Moscow, showing an ambulance stuck in water, a three-wheeled vehicle navigating flooded streets, and vehicles in a flooded underpass, all underscoring internal infrastructure vulnerabilities. TASS reports a man was detained in St. Petersburg for collecting information on RF MoD and military industry facilities for Ukrainian special services, with plans for an 80-drone attack on one such facility. Colonelcassad shares video of a detention in St. Petersburg, confirming the arrest of an alleged Ukrainian intelligence accomplice who transmitted coordinates of military facilities. TASS reports a State Duma committee recommended adoption of a bill introducing administrative liability for digital platform operators failing to meet platform economy law requirements, indicating continued internal regulatory focus. Kotsnews expresses skepticism regarding Senator Lindsey Graham's motivations, implying his focus is on the American military-industrial complex rather than genuine concern. TASS reports Trump lost 75% of federal cases challenging his decrees, reflecting internal political dynamics in the US. Новости Москвы forecasts sunny and dry weekend for Moscow and Moscow Oblast, indicating a return to more favorable weather. TASS reports RF MoD claims 14 Ukrainian UAVs shot down over Kaluga, Bryansk, Tula, and Oryol Oblasts between 08:30 and 12:00 MSK. TASS reports RF MoD claims 3 Patriot SAM launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar were destroyed. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) TASS reports RF MoD claims over 1260 UAF military personnel losses in past 24 hours. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) TASS reports RF MoD claims 397 aircraft-type UAVs and one HIMARS missile shot down. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Два майора reiterates RF MoD claims of 397 UAVs and one HIMARS missile shot down. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Crimean Bridge queue reached 2000 vehicles. Военкор Котенок reports 14 more UAVs shot down over Russian territory in the past four hours. Военкор Котенок claims a UAF RZ-100 "Morok" kamikaze drone was successfully intercepted near the LBS. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reports a contract soldier killed his wife on their wedding night in Tyumen Oblast. AV БогомаZ reports 2 UAVs shot down over Bryansk Oblast. ТАСС reports FIDE (International Chess Federation) allowed the Russian women's team to participate in the World Team Chess Championship under the FIDE flag. ТАСС reports MP Nilov proposed remote work for office employees during severe bad weather. ТАСС reports Sergey Leonov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, supports remote work during bad weather. ТАСС reports former Ukrainian Interior Ministry and National Guard official Ihor Hrushevsky was found dead in a pool in Spain, confirmed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alex Parker Returns (RF milblogger) shares a satirical video of Donald Trump depicting Barack Obama's arrest by the FBI. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Alex Parker Returns shares photos and text on a new railway construction agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokered by Russia. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Старше Эдды is advertising the manufacture and installation of truck bed caps and covers for various pickup truck models, including Chinese, Japanese, and American brands. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Операция Z (Voenkory Russkoy Vesny) video shows a priest and military personnel restoring a bullet-damaged memorial to miners, Chernobyl liquidators, and internationalist warriors. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Russia will await official verdicts if Azerbaijan decides to sue Russia. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Moscow and Baku are in a difficult period but hopes it will pass. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Russia respects Azerbaijanis and persecutes only those who violate the law. ТАСС reports Peskov stated a meeting between Putin and Trump in Beijing in September is possible if Trump attends. ТАСС reports Pudov, Deputy Minister of Labor, stated migrants will not be allowed to work as drivers, sellers, or medical personnel without knowing Russian and passing a test. ASTRA reports EU introduced sanctions against an Iranian oil magnate for trade with Russia, confirmed by Bloomberg. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter were introduced at Sheremetyevo airport. ТАСС reports Sheremetyevo resumed operations without restrictions. ТАСС reports at least 20 people injured in Bangladesh Air Force plane crash. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court for preliminary hearings. ТАСС reports the Spanish Civil Guard found nothing suspicious in the death of former Ukrainian Interior Ministry official Ihor Hrushevsky. Север.Реалии reports a war participant who killed a girl is being expelled from a university in St. Petersburg. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov for two additional articles of the Russian Criminal Code. ТАСС reports 15 "Tavriya" trains are delayed in communication with Crimea as of 14:00 MSK, indicating ongoing logistical issues for Crimea via the railway. Новости Москвы reports trains on the Paveletsky direction and Aeroexpress trains are delayed due to weather, further indicating internal transport disruptions. ТАСС reports a proposal in the State Duma to introduce compensation for cars flooded due to heavy rains, highlighting internal infrastructure vulnerabilities to weather. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Intelligence Gaps: Confirmed detailed BDA on all Kyiv impacts, particularly the full extent of damage to residential areas and the warehouse fire. Confirmation of any kinetic impacts from the missile groups in Poltava, Kremenсhuk, and the diverted groups. Exact number of missiles launched from Tu-95MS aircraft. Confirmation of cluster munition use for X-101 cruise missiles in Chernivtsi. Detailed BDA on western Ukrainian impacts (Lviv, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts), specifically from the Kinzhal, and the nature of the "infrastructure damage" (e.g., energy, rail, military). Verification of "minus" for the Kinzhal. Full assessment of damage to railway infrastructure in Rostov Oblast from UAV debris. Confirmation of the status of new Shahed groups in Southern Ukraine. Full BDA on reported ground engagements in Yanvarskyi, Eastern Axis, and Ivanivka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Verification of RF claims of a bridgehead near Guyevo (Kursk Oblast) and details of RF Northern Grouping reserves. Verification of TASS claims regarding 71st Separate Jager Brigade (UAF) losses in Sumy Oblast. Verification of DeepState claims of RF advances in Vilne Pole, Andriivka, Popovy Yar, and three other villages in Donetsk Oblast. Verification of Alex Parker Returns claim of missile strike on Black Sea platform and identification of object shown. Verification of RF claims regarding Popov Yar and actual territorial gains/losses. Verification of claimed new RF front in Kharkiv Oblast and impact on UAF reserves. Verification of RF MoD claims of destroyed Patriot systems and AN/MPQ-65 radar. Verification of Alex Parker Returns claim of US business impact at Artyom plant. Verification of Colonelcassad's claim of three Kinzhal missile impacts on Kyiv. (CONFIDENCE: LOW)

1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations

• Ukraine General: Night operations continue to provide low visibility, favoring RF UAV and missile saturation tactics. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Russia: Heavy rainfall in Moscow Oblast (over 80% of monthly norm in 24 hours) indicates adverse weather conditions within RF territory, potentially impacting logistics or internal movements. TASS reports bridge collapse in Moscow region due to heavy rains, cutting off villages, confirming infrastructure vulnerability to weather. "Новости Москвы" provides video of flooded streets and mentions almost 40% of monthly rainfall expected today, confirming continued adverse conditions. TASS video confirms heavy rainfall and reduced visibility on roads in Moscow and Podmoskovie. TASS video shows flooded pedestrian tunnel at Pavshino station, Moscow, confirming continued disruption due to weather. TASS reports heavy rain may persist in Moscow until 19:00 MSK, confirming ongoing adverse weather. Новости Москвы forecasts sunny and dry weekend for Moscow and Moscow Oblast, indicating a return to more favorable weather conditions, potentially easing civilian disruption but not yet impacting military operations. Transport movement blocked on Volokolamskoye Highway, Admiral Kornilov Street, and near Nagatinskaya Embankment due to bad weather. Новости Москвы video shows flooding inside an elite residential complex in Moscow, further confirming adverse weather impacts on urban infrastructure. Новости Москвы reports trains on the Paveletsky direction and Aeroexpress trains are delayed due to weather, impacting internal travel and highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure to adverse weather. TASS reports a proposal in the State Duma to introduce compensation for cars flooded due to heavy rains, further confirming significant weather impacts. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures

• UAF:
  • Air Defense (AD): Fully engaged nationwide against a multi-vector RF aerial assault, including Tu-95MS launched cruise missiles (24 confirmed), ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from MiG-31K, and OWA UAVs (Shahed, 426 confirmed). AD actively tracked multiple missile groups across Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. Kyiv AD actively engaged approximately 10 inbound Shaheds and multiple missiles, with "minus" on Shaheds reported by Nikolaevsky Vanyok. AD actively worked on drones over Podil in Kyiv and on a missile over Chernivtsi. Shahed UAVs approaching Kyiv from Chernihiv Oblast were tracked. The Kinzhal was tracked from Zhytomyr Oblast to Starokostiantyniv, then Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk. UAF AF provided continuous updates on missile and UAV movements. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast AD shot down 7 UAVs. President Zelenskyy reports UAF AD destroyed over 20 missiles and the "overwhelming majority" of drones (344 of 623 total aerial targets). Southern Defense Forces report 18 Shaheds destroyed in their operational zone in the last day. New group of RF UAVs is reported from Luhansk Oblast towards Kharkiv. Missile danger for Zaporizhzhia Oblast. UAF AF reports 224 targets shot down/suppressed, with 203 UAVs not reaching targets due to loss of localization/REB. New threat of strike UAVs for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Samarskyi, Kamianskyi districts). Air Force reports UAV in Poltava Oblast, heading southwest. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports a threat of enemy strike UAVs in Zolotoniskyi and Cherkaskyi districts of Cherkasy Oblast. UAV in Poltava Oblast heading towards Kyiv Oblast. High-speed target on Kropyvnytskyi. Threat of enemy strike UAVs in Chernihiv Oblast. PPO working on enemy drones in Kyiv Oblast. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports all ballistic missile threats have been lifted. Николаевский Ванёк reports AD clear. Оперативний ЗСУ reports ballistic threat clear. РБК-Україна reports Ignat's reaction to a German General's statement about RF wanting to launch up to 2000 drones, indicating continued discussion on air defense capabilities. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Germany will provide 5 Patriot systems and ammunition to Ukraine, a critical reinforcement of AD capabilities. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, confirming continued focus on AD. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Emergency Services: Medical teams dispatched to multiple districts in Kyiv (Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi) in response to explosions and falling debris. Rescue efforts underway for confirmed fatalities and casualties (at least one confirmed fatality, 9 injured in Kyiv, 4 injured in Ivano-Frankivsk, 2 fatalities in Zaporizhzhia, 2 fatalities in Dnipropetrovsk, 4 fatalities in Sloviansk, 4 fatalities in Chernivtsi, 1 wounded in Vasylivskyi district, Zaporizhzhia, 7 injured in Kherson). Fire reported at residential and warehouse facilities in Solomianskyi district and a kindergarten. Firefighters are actively engaged in Kyiv, with visuals confirming their presence at damaged residential buildings, and Yermak showing fires in Kyiv. Pre-positioned for rapid response in western oblasts following confirmed impacts, including Ivano-Frankivsk and Kamianets-Podilskyi. Minister of Internal Affairs reports 15 fires due to Russian shelling, 13 liquidated, 2 ongoing, confirming continued emergency response efforts. KMVA video confirms rescue and emergency work ongoing in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Kherson. KMVA provides photos/videos showing firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires at damaged multi-story residential buildings in Kyiv. РБК-Україна reports relevant services have gone to the explosion site in Kropyvnytskyi district. ASTRA photo and video messages show firefighters responding to damaged residential buildings in Kyiv, confirming active emergency services engagement. РБК-Україна video shows patrol police rescuing people after the Kyiv shelling, indicating active public safety measures and response. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Control Measures: Nationwide air raid alerts for missile threats have been lifted, though localized alerts for drones may persist (Lviv Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Cherkasy Oblast). Public warnings for shelter were ongoing in Kyiv and other threatened regions. Kyiv City Military Administration (KMVA) is providing updates on attack consequences; metro red line partially suspended, Lukyanivska station closed initially, now fully reopened. Temporary changes to Kyiv bus/trolleybus routes due to night attacks. Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration issued an urgent warning. Cabinet of Ministers officially reorganized and closed a number of ministries. Lukyanivska metro station has fully restored operations. Cabinet of Ministers officially merged Ministry of Strategic Industry with Ministry of Defense. ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 provides an informational message on the situation in the OTU "Kharkiv" operational zone as of the morning of 21.07.2025, indicating ongoing localized control and reporting. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 issues urgent warning. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Zelenskyy has dismissed a number of ambassadors. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy's decrees on appointing new ambassadors have appeared. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Zelenskyy signed decrees on appointing 16 new ambassadors. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Brig. Gen. Hennadiy Shapovalov appointed new commander of UAF Ground Forces. STERNENKO confirms Brig. Gen. Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of UAF Ground Forces, including his previous command roles, signifying a new leadership appointment. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Security Services: SBU and OGP are conducting a special operation to "neutralize Russian influence on NABU". NABU has confirmed that SBU and OGP are conducting investigative actions against its employees. The Office of the Prosecutor General and Mykolaivskiy Vanok, STERNENKO, RBK-Ukraine, and Оперативний ЗСУ all confirm the detention of a NABU detective head suspected of aiding RF and doing business in RF, specifically Ruslan Magamedrasulov, indicating a significant internal security operation. Office of Prosecutor General (OGP) provides photo/video evidence supporting the claim of detention of an active MP from the banned OPZZh party, suspected of being a senior FSB agent and influencing NABU. РБК-Україна reports "at least 70 searches" are being conducted by SBU, SBI, and OGP regarding NABU employees, indicating the wide scope of this internal security operation. Оперативний ЗСУ provides video and text confirming SBU and OGP exposed a banned OPZZh party MP, Fedir Khristenko, working for FSB and influencing NABU. РБК-Україна reports court ordered detention of Kyiv prosecutor, Andriy Molochko, involved in fatal traffic accident, indicating domestic legal enforcement not directly related to military operations. Оперативний ЗСУ reports the death of a former Ukrainian Interior Ministry official in Spain, requiring further investigation to determine if it is related to the conflict. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms SBU and OGP exposed an acting Ukrainian People's Deputy working for Russia, who had significant influence on NABU's activities, including facilitating illegal departures and influencing investigations. ТАСС reports Igor Hrushevsky, former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and National Guard of Ukraine, was found dead in a pool in Spain. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video shows heavily burned bodies of Russian soldiers and damaged vehicles in a wooded area, likely after a Ukrainian strike. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports a court arrested a prosecutor involved in a fatal drunk driving accident in Kyiv, indicating continued internal legal enforcement. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports an announcement about the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," indicating ongoing internal governance and anti-corruption efforts. Оперативний ЗСУ reports suspicion has been served to the General Director of "Forests of Ukraine" for illegal enrichment. Оперативний ЗСУ reports SBU initiated a comprehensive check on adherence to state secrets legislation in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). РБК-Україна reports SBU denies gaining access to NABU and SAP cases, indicating ongoing internal complexities. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports that the General Director of "Rostec" and an assistant to the leadership of the aggressor state have been notified of suspicion, indicating continued efforts to prosecute high-level Russian officials. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Foreign Volunteers: 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura" claims 2,000 Colombians are fighting in its ranks, with more expected. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) TASS claims UAF deployed a platoon of "Latin American mercenaries" to Aleksandrovgrad, DNR. This aligns with and attempts to counter the narrative of foreign volunteers supporting UAF. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Оперативний ЗСУ video shows an interview with a foreign volunteer, stating 2000 Colombian fighters have arrived in Ukraine and are professionally performing combat tasks, confirming continued influx of foreign fighters. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Resource Requirements: UAF National Guard's "Rubizh" brigade is crowdfunding for "destroyed property and equipment," indicating localized resource constraints for specific units. Zelenskyy conducts meeting with military, internal affairs, and foreign ministers, appoints 16 new ambassadors and sets diplomatic priorities, indicating proactive foreign policy and resource alignment. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ shares a NATO graphic announcing the 2026-2030 NATO Common Funding Resource Plan provides resources for priority activities in support of Ukraine (JATEC and NSATU), indicating future long-term support. Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative "Gift for Putin" which accumulated nearly €2.5 million for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, including footage of soldiers operating a D-30 in a snowy environment, indicating international support for material requirements. Zelenskiy / Official video shows President Zelenskyy presenting new Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal, emphasizing the need for increased domestic production of weapons and drones, and a response to Russian strikes. Zelenskiy / Official states Ukraine needs to increase its share of domestic weapon production to 50% within the next six months. Zelenskiy / Official highlights hundreds of agreements with partners for weapon supply, joint production, and investments, and demands a report on their audit and implementation within ten days. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reiterates Zelenskyy's statements on domestic weapon production and international agreements. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an audit of defense agreements with partners. РБК-Україна video shows 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade Artillery requires REB means for combat missions and safe logistics, indicating specific equipment requirements. РБК-Україна reports Ukraine invested over $20 billion in its own defense industry over two years, per Umerov. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting. This is a critical and immediate resource requirement. TASS reports Britain has transferred $200 million of a planned $940 million in air defense assets and artillery shells to Ukraine this year, indicating ongoing but insufficient international material support. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• RUF:
  • Deep Operations (UAV/Missile/Aviation Munitions): RF is executing a high-volume, multi-wave, multi-domain deep strike campaign. This included:
    • Tu-95MS strategic bomber launches, with 24 cruise missiles detected across a significantly expanded area, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts.
    • Sustained Shahed UAV attacks targeting Kyiv (~10 initially over Kyiv), with 426 total OWA UAVs launched. Shahed UAVs were reported approaching Kyiv from Chernihiv Oblast, with some now targeting areas around Brovary and Slavutych. New Shahed groups are active in the Black Sea towards Southern Ukraine (Pivdenne/Koblevo). A new group of Shahed UAVs from Luhansk Oblast reported towards Kharkiv Oblast. New threat of strike UAVs for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
    • Re-engagement of MiG-31K for Kinzhal hypersonic missile launch, targeting Western Ukraine (Starokostiantyniv, Ivano-Frankivsk). Nikolaevsky Vanek questions the effectiveness of Kinzhal. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, indicating a critical re-engagement of this system on the capital.
    • TASS claims RF forces used FABs against UAF reserve positions in Ivanivka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
    • RF milbloggers (Fighterbomber, Два майора, WarGonzo, Операция Z) are spreading demoralizing propaganda and claiming successful strikes on Kyiv, including a sarcastic claim about "Vasilkov airfield out of chat" and "Kyiv has no AD left." "Dva Mayora" channel is gloating about the "accuracy" of their strikes and predicting increasing strikes on capitals and critical infrastructure. Colonelcassad is disseminating photos of claimed destroyed UAF M2 Bradley BMPs, and video of claimed captured UAF personnel. "Басурин о главном" posting historical photos ("#ДЕНЬвИСТОРИИ") indicates standard content unrelated to current ops. "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" posts a generic "productive Monday" photo with soldiers, indicating morale messaging. Operatsiya Z and Colonelcassad circulate photos/videos of claimed impacts in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Kotsnews shows video of "precise fire damage" against infantry. Fighterbomber (RF milblogger) provides photo of large explosion plume, captioned "Beautiful," likely celebrating recent strikes. Alex Parker Returns claims missile strike on Black Sea platform and shows an image of a small boat, implying UAF presence. Воин DV shares FPV drone footage claiming successful neutralization of multiple units of enemy equipment by the "Kaira" squad of the 39th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, showing a strike on a pickup truck. STERNENKO shares 18+ video footage of FPV drone strikes, claiming destruction of a quad bike with occupant, and a motorcycle and rider in Luhansk, and a car, likely showcasing RF losses. НгП раZVедка provides a summary of "Night strike of retribution." TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Colonelcassad shares videos showing the aftermath of strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv, including smoke plumes from damaged buildings and a large explosion at night. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, claiming it affected American business. Fighterbomber video shows a ground-level view of a military aircraft, likely a fighter jet, on an airfield, indicating ongoing aviation operations. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, causing an explosion, confirming continued air-to-ground strike capabilities. Воин DV video shows drone operators of the "Southern" grouping bombing "enemy holes," resulting in an explosion and smoke plume, indicating continued tactical drone strikes. Liveuamap Source reports Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Plavni, Prymorske, Orikhiv of Zaporizhzhia region, Odradokamyanka of Kherson region, confirming continued aviation use in frontline areas. ТАСС video shows a burning pickup truck in the special operation zone after being attacked by three drones, as reported by the host of "Large-caliber trouble" Smirnov, indicating continued RF vulnerability to UAF tactical drones. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo message and caption "Massive strike on Ukrainian territory" reinforces RF deep strike narrative. Рыбарь video shows smoke plumes over a city and multiple explosions at night in an urban environment, and damage to a multi-story building, consistent with ongoing military operations/attacks. Оперативний ЗСУ video shows FPV drone pilots destroying an enemy UAV, indicating counter-drone operations. Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition video shows individuals assembling and preparing drones, implying ongoing efforts to maintain and increase drone operational capacity. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Aviation: RF airports (Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, Nizhny Novgorod) have lifted temporary restrictions, indicating a return to normal domestic air traffic following previous UAF drone activity. Moscow Mayor Sobyanin claims 18 UAVs destroyed over Moscow by midnight (Два майора). RF MoD now claims 23 UAVs over Moscow region and 74 total UAVs destroyed over RF territory (TASS, ASTRA, Операция Z). RF Minister of Transport Nikitin addressed concerns about flight delays under "Kover" plan (temporary flight restrictions due to UAVs). "Воин DV" claims bomber strikes in Yanvarskyi. Red Wings airlines announced new flights from Kazan and Yekaterinburg to Gelendzhik, indicating confidence in civilian air traffic. TASS confirms Vnukovo airport resumed normal operations. TASS reports RF MoD claims 14 Ukrainian UAVs shot down over Kaluga, Bryansk, Tula, and Oryol Oblasts between 08:30 and 12:00 MSK. TASS reports RF MoD claims 397 aircraft-type UAVs shot down. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Два майора reiterates RF MoD claims of 397 UAVs shot down. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок reports 14 more UAVs shot down over Russian territory in the past four hours. AV БогомаZ reports 2 UAVs shot down over Bryansk Oblast. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter were introduced at Sheremetyevo airport. ТАСС reports Sheremetyevo resumed operations without restrictions. Новости Москвы reports airports in Moscow were closed over 20 times in three days due to drone attacks, highlighting the impact of UAF drone operations. ТАСС reports a crash of an aircraft in Bangladesh with at least 20 injuries, while not directly related to the conflict, highlights the general risks associated with aviation. Военкор Котенок claims NATO aviation, likely reconnaissance aircraft with transponders off, are patrolling the western Black Sea, indicating RF awareness of NATO air presence. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Ground Operations (Popov Yar, Bila Hora claim): RF Ministry of Defense claims ground forces liberated "Popov Yar" through multi-directional assault, providing drone footage of damaged structures and ground movement. Leonid Sharov from the "Zapad" grouping claims destruction of UAF M113 BTR and Akatsiya SPG, inflicting over 240 personnel losses in Kupiansk, Lyman, and Kupyansk directions. "Dnevnik Desantnika" shared video of soldiers training against aerial targets (possibly drones/balloons) and drone activity on Zaporizhzhia direction, also appealed for donations for drones and Starlink. Rogozin of "Dva Mayora" commented on the Zaporizhzhia front, but no specific operational details were provided. RF sources claim the establishment of a bridgehead near Guyevo (Kursk Oblast) to support future operations into Sumy Oblast. This claim requires verification. Рыбарь provides a general summary for the morning of July 21st. TASS claims "liberation of Bila Hora" which "allows cutting an important supply route of the UAF in DNR" as stated by Pushilin. "Сливочный каприз" (RF source) provides visual confirmation of a destroyed settlement between Kostiantynivka and Bila Hora, indicating intense combat in this area. DeepState reports RF advances in Vilne Pole, Andriivka, Popovy Yar, and near three other villages in Donetsk Oblast. DNR People's Militia channel claims destruction of a UAF communication antenna and a "Baba Yaga" heavy drone. Rybar provides image/caption of new rockets for helicopters, indicating focus on aviation munition development. MoD Russia provides video of servicemen from the 102nd Motorised Rifle Regiment (Tsentr Group of Forces) giving details about the claimed liberation of Popov Yar in the Donetsk People's Republic, including aerial views with smoke plumes and descriptions of encountering enemy positions in basements and houses. Операция Z (Voenkory Russkoy Vesny) and Colonelcassad claim RF has opened a new front in Kharkiv Oblast, aiming to stretch UAF reserves. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 shares thermal imagery video and caption indicating activity on Chasiv Yar direction, showing military vehicles. Alex Parker Returns video shows vehicle moving on dirt road at twilight, with sparks and smoke in distance, suggesting an explosion or artillery impact, consistent with ongoing conflict. Mash na Donbasse video shows individuals, some in military attire, checking fishing nets, collecting fish, and handling packaged goods, possibly related to resource gathering or illicit activities during conflict. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Басурин о главном video confirms Russian military operations in the vicinity of Belaya Gora in the Donetsk region, with destroyed buildings and a Russian soldier describing tactics including drone-kamikazes and assault troops, claiming capture of Swedish, Spanish, and Turkish made enemy weapons, and stating its significance for logistics and communications. Colonelcassad shares map showing changes over past 24 hours, indicating continued positional changes on the front line. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction using a Lancet loitering munition. Два майора video shows a drone operator stating he is from the 3rd Motor Rifle Division, 20th Motor Rifle Division, operating in the Kostiantynivka direction. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, causing an explosion, indicating continued ground operations and drone integration. Воин DV video shows drone operators of the "Southern" grouping bombing "enemy holes," confirming ongoing tactical drone use in ground operations. Liveuamap Source provides multiple photo messages of clashes at Lyman, Sieversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, Huliaipole, and Kherson directions, confirming widespread ground engagements. Liveuamap Source reports Ukrainian forces repelled 23 Russian army assaults at Kursk and North Slobozhansky(Sumy) direction, indicating persistent RF ground pressure in border regions. Colonelcassad provides a video of a four-wheeled robotic platform with an antenna, suggesting ongoing development and potential deployment of UGVs for reconnaissance or delivery. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows drone reconnaissance and attacks on enemy vehicles and positions in Pokrovsk, indicating continued heavy fighting in this direction. Воин DV video shows a drone strike on an enemy robotic platform which was loaded with supplies, destroying a generator and possibly fuel cans, confirming RF's ability to interdict UGV logistics. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal Security: TASS reports a man was detained in St. Petersburg for collecting information on RF MoD and military industry facilities for Ukrainian special services, with plans for an 80-drone attack on one such facility. Colonelcassad shares video of the FSB detention of an alleged Ukrainian intelligence accomplice in St. Petersburg, confirming the arrest and the claim of intelligence transmission regarding military facilities. ASTRA provides video of the FSB detention in St. Petersburg, confirming reports of an alleged spy collecting data on RF military facilities. Военкор Котенок shares video depicting an arrest operation in a public, residential area, consistent with the detention of an agent of Ukrainian special services in St. Petersburg collecting data on military-industrial complex and MoD RF facilities. МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reports a contract soldier killed his wife on their wedding night in Tyumen Oblast. ТАСС reports Igor Hrushevsky, former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and National Guard of Ukraine, was found dead in a pool in Spain. Два майора video shows the apprehension of an individual by law enforcement, with discussion of documents, identified as a Ukrainian intelligence agent in St. Petersburg, confirming internal security operations against intelligence threats. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court for preliminary hearings, indicating ongoing internal security and counter-terrorism efforts. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, indicating continued focus on high-profile internal security events and their potential connections. Север.Реалии reports a war participant who killed a girl is being expelled from a university in St. Petersburg, indicating social implications of returning soldiers and internal legal processes. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov for two additional articles of the Russian Criminal Code. ТАСС reports entry to Russian seaports for foreign vessels will require FSB consent. ТАСС reports FSB detained a top manager of Snezhinsky Bank, Fedor Bogdanchikov. ТАСС reports 437 million rubles will be collected from the former head of Kirovsky and Moskovsky districts of Kazan, Sergei Mironov and his relatives, indicating ongoing anti-corruption or financial crime efforts within RF. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, reflecting domestic political messaging and historical revisionism. This could signify an intent to reinforce state control and suppress dissent. ASTRA reports Russia plans to introduce fines for cryptocurrency payments starting in 2026, indicating continued internal regulatory control. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (Threat assessment)

2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action

• Capabilities:
  • Strategic Drone/Missile/Aviation Munitions Strikes (Sustained, Adaptive, CRITICAL VOLUME & DEPTH, Now Multi-Warhead, WIDE GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE, Hypersonic Threat Resurfaced, Enhanced Saturation, FAB Use, NEW KINZHAL ON KYIV): RF continues to demonstrate an extremely high capability for widespread, high-volume, multi-vector aerial attacks. The confirmed use of Tu-95MS strategic bombers for cruise missile launches (24 missiles), alongside continued massed Shahed drone attacks (426 total), and the re-engagement of MiG-31K for Kinzhal ballistic missile use indicates a sustained and robust deep strike capability. Their ability to simultaneously target Northern (Kyiv, Chernihiv), Eastern (Kharkiv), Central (Poltava, Kremenсhuk), and now significantly Western (Lviv, Lutsk, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk) Ukraine demonstrates significant coordination and resource availability. The confirmed use of cluster munitions with X-101 in Chernivtsi represents an escalation in lethality. The repeated multi-day nature of these large-scale strikes confirms robust production or stockpiles of munitions. Claimed FAB strikes on UAF reserves in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast indicate continued air-to-ground precision strike capability. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Colonelcassad shares videos showing the aftermath of strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv, including smoke plumes from damaged buildings and a large explosion at night, visually confirming the impact of RF deep strikes. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, further illustrating the scope of RF strikes on civilian and commercial infrastructure. Fighterbomber video of a military aircraft on an airfield indicates continued aviation capability. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike in Kursk Oblast, demonstrating continued deep strike capability with drones. Воин DV video shows drone operators bombing "enemy holes," confirming tactical drone strike capability. Liveuamap Source reports Russian aviation conducted airstrikes in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, confirming continued aviation strike capabilities on the frontline. ТАСС video shows a burning pickup truck in the special operation zone after being attacked by three drones, indicating continued RF vulnerability to UAF tactical drones but also confirming RF's ability to operate in contested areas. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo message and caption "Massive strike on Ukrainian territory" indicates RF's self-assessment of its deep strike capability. Рыбарь video shows smoke plumes and explosions over a city, and damage to a multi-story building, confirming continued and effective deep strike capabilities. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, confirming the capability to use hypersonic missiles against the capital. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Information Warfare (Aggressive, Psychological, and Exploitative): RF continues to use its military actions to bolster its narrative. Messaging from milbloggers directly aims to terrorize the population and undermine Ukrainian morale, while simultaneously attempting to project overwhelming force and futility of Ukrainian resistance. The sarcastic claim about Vasylkiv airfield and references to "Geraniums flying in dozens," as well as claims of Kyiv being "without AD," are designed to create psychological pressure. Dissemination of claimed UAF equipment losses (e.g., Bradley BMP) aims to show tactical success. RF state media (TASS) is also leveraging internal incidents (UAV attacks on Moscow airports, train delays due to debris) to portray Ukraine as causing civilian disruption, justifying RF actions. "Воин DV" suggests Kyiv is creating a "background" for negotiations this week. Colonelcassad shows videos of claimed "Geranium" strikes in Kyiv. Alex Parker Returns (RF milblogger) explicitly engages in propaganda comparing Russian and Ukrainian International Mathematical Olympiad results to claim Ukrainian academic inferiority and cause "hysterics." This is a new example of RF hybrid warfare exploiting non-military topics. Операция Z (Voenkory Russkoy Vesny) propagates a narrative that Trump's tariffs have made the US critically dependent on Russia for fertilizer supplies, aiming to highlight RF's economic leverage and the unintended consequences of Western policies. TASS reports RF MoD claims destruction of 3 Patriot SAM launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) ТАСС reports FIDE (International Chess Federation) allowed the Russian women's team to participate in the World Team Chess Championship under the FIDE flag, a move that can be leveraged by RF to show international acceptance despite sanctions. Alex Parker Returns shares a satirical video of Donald Trump depicting Barack Obama's arrest by the FBI, aiming to sow discord and exploit political divisions in the US. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Alex Parker Returns shares photos and text on a new railway construction agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokered by Russia, which could be framed as a diplomatic success for RF. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) video showing the restoration of a memorial can be used to project a narrative of Russian resilience and care for historical memory amidst conflict. WarGonzo video discussing the Afghanistan war in a retrospective context might aim to link past military achievements with current operations, boosting morale or historical narrative. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Два майора video, in the context of an alleged Ukrainian intelligence agent detention, reinforces the narrative of successful counter-intelligence and Ukrainian malevolence. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) photo message claims the "Nazi regime is devouring itself" due to corruption in NABU, attempting to undermine Ukrainian institutions. ТАСС reports the Spanish Civil Guard found nothing suspicious in the death of former Ukrainian Interior Ministry official Ihor Hrushevsky, which could be used to deflect any RF involvement narratives. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, framing it within a broader intelligence/security narrative. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV aims to project technological advancement and adaptability. Kotsnews photo message at an airport with a child drinking from a fountain aims to project normalcy and stability, counteracting narratives of disruption. Старше Эдды's statement about Ukrainian military tactics aims to demoralize. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claims Ukraine has run out of cemetery space, a clear disinformation attempt to demoralize Ukraine. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, reflecting an internal propaganda effort to glorify figures associated with state control and repression, signaling an intent to reinforce authoritarian narratives. Басурин о главном highlights a rating of "War Correspondents" channels, indicating RF's self-awareness and efforts to manage its information space. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Ground Operations (Persistent Attritional Pressure, Shaping Operations): RF continues to conduct attritional ground assaults in Eastern Ukraine, with recent claims of "Popov Yar" liberation (unverified location) and specific claims of UAF equipment destruction and personnel losses, indicating persistent offensive intent and focus on denying UAF equipment. "Воин DV" claims recent bomber strikes in Yanvarskyi (East) supporting 36th Army advance, suggesting continued focus on Eastern front. Claims of a bridgehead in Kursk Oblast for a Sumy offensive indicate active shaping operations on the Northern Axis. DeepState reports advances near Popovy Yar and other villages, corroborating RF ground offensive pressure. MoD Russia's video on Popov Yar liberation confirms RF's capability to conduct ground assaults, describing encountering enemy positions and consolidating positions. Воин DV and STERNENKO's FPV drone videos, showing strikes on UAF vehicles, confirm RF's increasing capability to deploy tactical drones for direct engagement and inflict localized losses on UAF equipment and personnel. Операция Z (Voenkory Russkoy Vesny) and Colonelcassad claim RF has opened a new front in Kharkiv Oblast, aiming to stretch UAF reserves. Басурин о главном video confirms Russian military operations in vicinity of Belaya Gora in Donetsk region, with destroyed buildings and a soldier describing tactics including drone-kamikazes and assault troops, claiming capture of Swedish, Spanish, and Turkish made enemy weapons, and stating its significance for logistics and communications. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction using a Lancet loitering munition. Два майора video shows a drone operator stating he is from the 3rd Motor Rifle Division, 20th Motor Rifle Division, operating in the Kostiantynivka direction. Оперативний ЗСУ video claims SSO eliminated a group of Russians attempting to set up a new position, indicating RF's continued attempts to establish forward positions. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, confirming active shaping operations in border regions. Воин DV video shows drone operators bombing "enemy holes," confirming ongoing tactical drone use in ground operations. Liveuamap Source provides multiple photo messages of clashes at Lyman, Sieversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, Huliaipole, and Kherson directions, confirming widespread ground engagements. Liveuamap Source reports Ukrainian forces repelled 23 Russian army assaults at Kursk and North Slobozhansky(Sumy) direction, indicating persistent RF ground pressure in border regions. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV indicates an emerging capability to enhance ground operations through unmanned systems. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows drone reconnaissance and attacks on enemy vehicles and positions in Pokrovsk, indicating continued heavy fighting and RF capability to conduct targeted strikes. Воин DV video shows a drone strike on an enemy robotic platform, indicating RF's capability to counter UGV deployments. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Intentions:
  • Systemic Degradation of Ukrainian Infrastructure, Air Defense & Western Aid Logistics (PRIMARY - Deepest & Widest Expansion, Exhaustion, Hypersonic Targeting, Cluster Munition Use, FAB Use, NEW KINZHAL ON KYIV): RF's immediate intention is to maximize damage to critical infrastructure, exhaust UAF air defense munitions, and instill widespread fear through sustained, high-intensity, multi-domain aerial campaigns. The targeting of areas like Poltava, Kremenсhuk, and the new western trajectory through Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Ivano-Frankivsk, including a Kinzhal strike, suggests specific intent against energy infrastructure, industrial capacity, and key transportation nodes across broader central and now significantly western Ukraine, directly impacting Western aid corridors. The massing of Shaheds and multiple missile types on Kyiv is intended to saturate AD in the capital. The confirmed use of cluster munitions aims to increase the lethality and area effect of strikes. The claimed use of FABs on UAF reserves suggests an intent to degrade UAF ability to maneuver and reinforce. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, likely intended to demonstrate the broad impact of RF strikes beyond military targets. Liveuamap Source reports Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Plavni, Prymorske, Orikhiv of Zaporizhzhia region, Odradokamyanka of Kherson region, indicating continued intent to disrupt frontline support and logistics. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo message and caption "Massive strike on Ukrainian territory" indicates an intent to project overwhelming force. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, confirming the intent to use high-value, hard-to-intercept missiles against the capital, likely to maximize strategic impact and pressure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Psychological Warfare & Demoralization: RF intends to break Ukrainian civilian morale through relentless, widespread attacks causing casualties and damage. Propaganda messaging (e.g., mocking shelter effectiveness, gloating about impacts, claiming AD exhaustion) directly supports this. The narrative from "Военкор Котенок" suggesting Zelenskyy seeks negotiations to "buy time" for missile deliveries exemplifies this. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими video discusses how Russia uses propaganda to sow discord within Ukrainian society and negatively influence prisoner exchange outcomes, indicating RF's intent to exploit sensitive issues for psychological warfare. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Territorial Gain (Limited, with Potential for Expansion): RF continues to press for tactical gains in the East, as evidenced by claims of "Popov Yar," "Bila Hora," and reported UAF losses, and DeepState's assessment of RF advances. Preparations on the Northern Axis suggest a potential for future large-scale offensive operations aimed at fixing UAF forces or seizing territory in Sumy/Kharkiv Oblasts. Басурин о главном video claims capture of Belaya Gora is significant for logistics and communications to Kostiantynivka, suggesting continued RF intent for territorial gain and control of supply routes. Liveuamap Source reports multiple clashes across various axes, indicating continued RF intent for territorial gains. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Counter-Intelligence and Internal Security Operations: The detention of a Moldovan national in Ryazan accused of transmitting military and defense plant data to Kyiv indicates RF's intent to aggressively counter perceived Ukrainian intelligence activities within its borders. Voenkor KOTENOK provides video of the FSB detention of a Moldovan national with Russian passport in Ryazan, accused of being recruited by Kyiv intelligence services, reinforcing RF's intent to publicize counter-intelligence successes. TASS reports the detention of a man in St. Petersburg for collecting information on RF MoD and military industry facilities for Ukrainian special services, signaling an intensified focus on counter-intelligence against perceived UAF sabotage/intelligence efforts within RF. Военкор Котенок video and text confirms detention of an agent of Ukrainian special services in St. Petersburg, reinforcing RF intent to actively counter intelligence gathering on military-industrial complex and MoD RF facilities. МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reporting on a contract soldier killing his wife in Tyumen Oblast, while not directly intelligence-related, could be used by RF to demonstrate transparency or address internal issues, depending on the internal narrative. ТАСС reports Igor Hrushevsky, former Ukrainian official, was found dead in a pool in Spain. Два майора video on the detention of a Ukrainian intelligence agent in St. Petersburg confirms RF's intent to aggressively counter perceived threats to its military facilities. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court, indicating a clear intent to pursue counter-terrorism measures. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, framing it within a broader intelligence/security narrative. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov, indicating continued high-level anti-corruption efforts within RF. ТАСС reports FSB detained a top manager of Snezhinsky Bank, Fedor Bogdanchikov, indicating RF's intent to pursue high-level financial crime. ТАСС reports 437 million rubles will be collected from the former head of Kirovsky and Moskovsky districts of Kazan, Sergei Mironov and his relatives, indicating an intent to prosecute corruption cases. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, suggesting an intent to reinforce state control and suppress dissent. ASTRA reports Russia plans to introduce fines for cryptocurrency payments starting in 2026, indicating an intent to tighten internal financial controls. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Disrupt Ukrainian Internal Stability: The claimed detention of a Ukrainian MP working for the FSB and influencing NABU aligns with an intention to destabilize internal Ukrainian governance and exploit vulnerabilities. Басурин о главном's claim that Istanbul negotiations are a "Ukrainian PR action" signals an intent to undermine UAF's diplomatic efforts and portray them as insincere. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) photo message claims NABU is corrupt, demonstrating an intent to undermine Ukrainian internal stability. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) video on a court hearing with military connections in Ukraine indicates RF monitoring and potential exploitation of Ukrainian internal legal processes. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

2.2. Recent tactical changes or adaptations

• Geographic Expansion into Western Ukraine, Multi-Platform Coordination & Diversionary Tactics (CRITICAL - Including Hypersonic Missile & Cluster Munitions, New FAB Use, NEW KINZHAL ON KYIV): The expansion of strategic missile strikes deep into Western Ukraine (Lviv, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts) from Tu-95MS, concurrently with ongoing Shahed waves, and the re-engagement of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from MiG-31K targeting deep Western Ukraine (Starokostiantyniv, Ivano-Frankivsk) and now Kyiv, indicates a continued and enhanced adaptation of multi-platform, coordinated deep strikes. This new focus on far-western regions, which are critical logistical and industrial hubs for Western aid, represents a significant escalation in geographic scope and lethality. The confirmed use of X-101 with cluster munition warheads in Chernivtsi is a critical tactical adaptation, increasing indiscriminate lethality. The claimed use of FABs on UAF reserves in Ivanivka suggests an expansion of precision aviation strikes into central Ukraine beyond frontline areas. The sustained multi-vector threats to Kyiv with Shaheds, and new missile threats from Sumy axis, demonstrates an adaptive strategy to probe and exploit AD gaps across Ukrainian territory. Missile trajectory changes (e.g., from Kropyvnytskyi to Cherkasy/Vinnytsia and then further west) indicate a sophisticated attempt to confuse and evade UAF AD. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat. High-speed target on Kropyvnytskyi. Threat of ballistic weapon use from the south. Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, indicating a critical tactical adaptation of using hypersonic missiles against the capital. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Increased Shahed Volume on Kyiv, Southern Ukraine, and now Kharkiv: The increase in the number of Shahed UAVs specifically targeting Kyiv (now ~10), the emergence of new Shahed groups in the Black Sea heading towards Southern Ukraine, and new groups towards Kharkiv indicates an intent to increase saturation and potential kinetic effects on the capital, southern coastal areas, and eastern urban centers. New Shahed threat for Dnipropetrovsk indicates continued spread of drone activity. UAV threat for Zolotoniskyi and Cherkaskyi districts of Cherkasy Oblast, indicating adaptive shift in drone vectors. UAV in Poltava Oblast heading towards Kyiv Oblast. Threat of enemy strike UAVs in Chernihiv Oblast. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warns of threat of aviation weapon use in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, indicating a continued and potentially adapted air threat. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Ballistic Missile Re-engagement on Kyiv and Hypersonic Missile on Western Ukraine and NOW Kyiv: The re-engagement of ballistic missiles on Kyiv and the use of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile on Ivano-Frankivsk and now Kyiv indicates an escalation in the type of munitions used against the capital and far-western Ukraine, likely intended for rapid kinetic effect and to bypass layered AD. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat. High-speed target on Kropyvnytskyi. Threat of ballistic weapon use from the south. Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, confirming this critical escalation. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Information Operations (Exploitative & Adaptive): RF has rapidly adapted its information operations to exploit UAF deep strikes on Moscow, using the lifting of airport restrictions as a propaganda point to demonstrate RF resilience, while simultaneously intensifying demoralizing rhetoric regarding strikes on Ukraine, specifically claiming UAF AD is "gone." RF state media (TASS) is also disseminating video of claimed ground operations (Popov Yar, UAF equipment losses) and drone intercept claims (TASS, ASTRA) to demonstrate tactical successes. They are also actively reporting on the "collateral damage" of UAF drone attacks on Russian territory, such as train delays in Rostov, to shape domestic and international narratives. "Воин DV" suggests these strikes are intended to create a "background" for negotiations. RF milbloggers are adapting to exploit non-military events (e.g., International Math Olympiad results) for propaganda purposes against Ukraine. RF state media (Операция Z / Voenkory Russkoy Vesny) adapts its economic propaganda to claim US critical dependence on Russia for fertilizer, demonstrating a multi-domain approach to information warfare. TASS reports RF MoD claims destruction of 3 Patriot SAM launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок claims a UAF RZ-100 "Morok" kamikaze drone was successfully intercepted near the LBS, indicating adaptation to counter new UAF drone threats. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) ТАСС reports FIDE (International Chess Federation) allowed the Russian women's team to participate in the World Team Chess Championship under the FIDE flag, representing an adaptation to maintain international presence despite sanctions. ТАСС reports MP Nilov proposed remote work for office employees during severe bad weather, showing an adaptation to address internal civilian issues. ТАСС reports Sergey Leonov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, supports remote work during bad weather, reinforcing civilian adaptations to internal challenges. ТАСС reports Peskov's comments on various international relations topics suggest a centralized and coordinated diplomatic messaging strategy. ТАСС reports Pudov's statement on migrant language requirements indicates adaptation of internal policy. WarGonzo video discussing the Afghanistan war in a retrospective context might aim to link past military achievements with current operations, boosting morale or historical narrative. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) photo message on NABU corruption demonstrates an adaptive information operation to target Ukrainian internal stability. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, indicating an adaptive exploitation of high-profile deaths for information operations. Kotsnews photo message at an airport with a child drinking from a fountain indicates adaptation to project normalcy and stability in the face of disruptions. Старше Эдды's statement about Ukrainian military tactics suggests adaptive information warfare targeting UAF morale. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claims Ukraine has run out of cemetery space, an adaptive disinformation attempt. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, reflecting an adaptive internal propaganda effort to reinforce state control and historical narratives. Басурин о главном highlights a rating of "War Correspondents" channels, indicating an adaptive focus on managing the information space. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Shaping Operations on Northern Axis: RF is observed to be establishing a bridgehead near Guyevo (Kursk Oblast) and increasing logistical flow into Belgorod Oblast, indicative of shaping operations for a potential large-scale offensive on Sumy/Kharkiv. Operatsiya Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) and Colonelcassad claim RF has opened a new front in Kharkiv Oblast, indicating a significant tactical adaptation by RF to stretch UAF reserves. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, confirming active shaping operations in border regions. Liveuamap Source reports Ukrainian forces repelled 23 Russian army assaults at Kursk and North Slobozhansky(Sumy) direction, confirming persistent shaping operations. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

2.3. Logistics and sustainment status

• RUF:
  • Very High Munitions Consumption (Sustained): The continued, multi-day, high-volume launches of Shaheds (426 confirmed), newly confirmed cruise missiles from Tu-95MS (24 confirmed), and ballistic and hypersonic missiles (Kinzhal), indicates RF's continued capacity to sustain a very high rate of munition expenditure. This suggests robust production or large stockpiles of strategic munitions. The claimed use of FABs also indicates continued aviation munition availability. Rybar's post on "new rockets for helicopters" suggests ongoing R&D and production efforts for aviation munitions. TASS reports RF MoD claims 397 aircraft-type UAVs and one HIMARS missile shot down. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, further confirming high-value munition expenditure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal Logistics (Minimal Impact, some vulnerabilities, but recovering): The lifting of airport restrictions in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod indicates normal functioning of domestic air travel infrastructure, with no apparent military logistical impact. Mishustin's visit to Blagoveshchensk and announced airport modernization further suggests normal internal logistics for high-ranking officials and a focus on long-term infrastructure. However, debris from UAF UAVs causing significant train delays in Rostov Oblast, with impacts projected for two days (confirmed fire at Kamianolomni railway station, now over 50 trains delayed), demonstrates a vulnerability in RF's internal logistical network that can be exploited by UAF deep strikes. Mishustin's statement about 180 billion rubles for border crossing point repairs also indicates a focus on bolstering logistics infrastructure. Mishustin's statement about openness to investments from "friendly countries" (TASS) indicates economic stability messaging. "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" video of burning trucks and an explosion near a bridge after UAV hits in Rostov Oblast confirms logistical disruption. RF milbloggers note continued "transport collapse" at airports, suggesting persistent disruption despite official statements. TASS reports a bridge collapse in Moscow region due to heavy rains, impacting local travel, highlighting internal infrastructure vulnerabilities. TASS confirms over 50 trains delayed at Kamianolomni station, Rostov Oblast, due to UAV attack debris, demonstrating continued significant disruption to RF rail logistics. ASTRA videos confirm significant flooding in Moscow, with vehicles stuck, suggesting adverse weather is posing a logistical challenge within the capital. Transport movement blocked in Moscow due to bad weather, indicating continued internal logistical challenges. Crimean Bridge queue reached 2000 vehicles, suggesting a significant bottleneck for a key logistical artery to Crimea. Mash na Donbasse video on "fishing inspectors and poachers" in DNR suggests potential issues with resource control and potentially illicit supply chains within occupied territories, though not directly military logistics. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Старше Эдды advertising truck bed caps and covers for pickup trucks indicates a potential civilian market, but also a demand that could stem from "volunteer" efforts to equip paramilitary or informal units on the Russian side, potentially filling logistical gaps for light transport. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Новости Москвы video shows flooding inside an elite residential complex in Moscow, further confirming weather-related impacts on urban infrastructure and potentially logistics. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter were introduced at Sheremetyevo airport. ТАСС reports Sheremetyevo resumed operations without restrictions. Новости Москвы reports airports in Moscow were closed over 20 times in three days due to drone attacks, highlighting RF logistical vulnerability to UAF deep strikes. ASTRA video on Kamianolomni railway station damage from UAV confirms persistent logistical disruption. TASS video shows a partially collapsed building facade due to bad weather, indicating internal infrastructure vulnerabilities. ТАСС reports 15 "Tavriya" trains are delayed in communication with Crimea, confirming ongoing logistical issues for Crimea. Новости Москвы reports trains on the Paveletsky direction and Aeroexpress trains are delayed due to weather, further indicating internal transport disruptions. ТАСС reports a proposal in the State Duma to introduce compensation for cars flooded due to heavy rains, highlighting internal infrastructure vulnerabilities to weather. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal Incidents: Reports of a fire on a coal conveyor in Sakhalin and 5 fatalities in an Orenburg fire are likely unrelated to the conflict but indicate ongoing internal challenges for RF. Power outages in Irkutsk Oblast impacting 40k residents, and a traffic accident with 13 fatalities in Yakutia (now a criminal case), while non-military, suggest domestic infrastructure and safety challenges for RF. Recent reports of flooding in Moscow (Новости Москвы, TASS video) also suggest internal infrastructure challenges. TASS provides video of flooded pedestrian tunnel at Pavshino station (MCD-2) in Moscow, confirming continued internal infrastructure challenges due to heavy rain. TASS reports a large seizure of jewelry (37kg, 7 million rubles) at Domodedovo airport from a Bahrain passenger, suggesting ongoing civilian economic activity and potential illicit flows, but no direct military relevance. TASS photos confirm flooding on Durova Street in Moscow. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reports a contract soldier killed his wife on their wedding night in Tyumen Oblast, indicating a non-military, but potentially morale-impacting internal incident. ТАСС reports Igor Hrushevsky, former Ukrainian official, was found dead in a pool in Spain. ТАСС reports at least 20 people injured in Bangladesh Air Force plane crash, a non-military incident but demonstrating the potential for accidents. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court, indicating internal security challenges and resource allocation to address them. ТАСС reports the Spanish Civil Guard found nothing suspicious in the death of former Ukrainian Interior Ministry official Ihor Hrushevsky, a non-military internal incident with potential for propaganda exploitation. Север.Реалии reports a war participant who killed a girl is being expelled from a university in St. Petersburg, indicating social implications of returning soldiers and internal legal processes. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov for two additional articles of the Russian Criminal Code. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• UAF:
  • Air Defense Munitions Strain (CRITICAL - EXTREME & NATIONWIDE, Including Hypersonic Threat): The sustained high-volume, multi-platform attacks (426 UAVs and 24 missiles), particularly the cruise missiles from Tu-95MS (now deep into western Ukraine), ballistic and hypersonic missiles (Kinzhal), continue to place unprecedented and critical strain on UAF air defense munitions stockpiles. The claimed three Kinzhal impacts on Kyiv will exacerbate this strain significantly. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Logistics Corridors (Increased Risk): The deliberate targeting of Western and Central Ukrainian oblasts (Lviv, Lutsk, Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi) which contain critical rail and road logistics hubs indicates RF intent to interdict Western military aid supply lines. Confirmed damage to civilian infrastructure in these areas highlights the increased risk to logistics. РБК-Україна photos show French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, confirming damage to civilian structures that could be indicative of logistics impact. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports looting of equipment from a damaged store near Lukyanivska metro station, indicating potential disruptions to local supply chains or security issues following attacks. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Frontline Logistics (Crowdfunding Reliance): Requests for donations for drones and Starlink from RF frontline units (e.g., 7th Airborne Division) indicate that some RF units continue to rely on crowdfunding for critical, technically advanced equipment, which could suggest gaps in formal RF logistical support for specific technologies or units. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) UAF National Guard "Rubizh" brigade crowdfunding for "destroyed property and equipment" also points to localized resource constraints on the UAF side. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Nikolaevsky Vanek video shows Spartan brigade receiving DJI Matrice 4T drones from donations, indicating continued reliance on external funding for tactical equipment. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА channel seeks donations for a "big sum," indicating continued crowdfunding for RF units. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative accumulating €2.5 million for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, highlighting the role of international crowdfunding for heavy weaponry. Zelenskiy / Official video and text on increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements points to a critical focus on streamlining and securing future logistics and supply chains for UAF. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an audit of defense agreements with partners, indicating a focus on optimizing supply chains. РБК-Україна video on 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade Artillery requires REB means for combat missions and safe logistics, indicating specific equipment requirements. STERNENKO crowdfunding for "Shahedorez" (Shahed cutter) indicates specific equipment needs. РБК-Україна reports UK supplied 50,000 drones to Ukraine since March, highlighting the reliance on international supplies for critical equipment. РБК-Україна reports Ukraine invested over $20 billion in its own defense industry over two years, per Umerov, indicating increasing domestic capacity but also a high investment requirement. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, indicating a critical immediate shortfall. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows RF soldiers appealing for donations for drones and Starlink, suggesting persistent logistical gaps on the RF side for specific high-tech equipment. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

2.4. Command and control effectiveness

• RUF:
  • Centralized Strategic C2 (Highly Effective & Adaptive): The coordinated launches of Tu-95MS missiles and massed Shahed waves across multiple axes, including the significant new extension into Western Ukraine, coupled with adaptive trajectory changes and ballistic/hypersonic missile re-engagement, demonstrate highly effective, centralized strategic C2 for deep operations. Their rapid adaptation of information operations also confirms effective C2 in the information domain. RF Ministry of Defense releasing video of claimed ground operations (Popov Yar, UAF equipment losses) and drone intercept claims (TASS, ASTRA) indicates centralized control over information dissemination. "Воин DV" post suggests centralized command for bomber operations (11th Guards Army). Zvиздец Мангусту's detailed analysis of RF ground operations demonstrates centralized planning for the Pokrovsk direction. MoD Russia's detailed video with soldiers on the claimed liberation of Popov Yar suggests centralized control over tactical narrative and media dissemination. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, indicating effective C2 in tactical targeting. Два майора video shows a drone operator stating he is from the 3rd Motor Rifle Division, 20th Motor Rifle Division, suggesting established C2 for tactical drone operations. ТАСС reports Peskov's comments on various international relations topics suggest a centralized and coordinated diplomatic messaging C2. ТАСС reports Pudov's statement on migrant language requirements indicates coordinated C2 in internal policy. Два майора video on the detention of a Ukrainian intelligence agent demonstrates effective C2 in internal counter-intelligence operations. Воин DV video showing drone operators bombing "enemy holes" demonstrates effective C2 for tactical drone employment. Liveuamap Source reports multiple clashes across various axes, indicating coordinated ground operations C2. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV indicates an emerging C2 capability for unmanned ground systems. ТАСС reports new Russian decree for foreign vessels entering Russian seaports requires FSB consent, indicating centralized control over maritime security. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, confirming highly effective and centralized strategic C2 for high-value targets. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows coordinated drone reconnaissance and attacks in Pokrovsk, indicating effective tactical C2 for ground operations. Воин DV video showing a drone strike on a robotic platform indicates effective C2 for counter-UGV operations. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal C2: The rapid lifting of flight restrictions in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod airports and Mishustin's public statements indicate effective internal C2 for civil aviation management and information dissemination. High-level domestic travel by Mishustin further suggests normal internal C2 for government functions. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter were introduced at Sheremetyevo airport, and then lifted, indicating adaptive C2 for civil aviation management under threat conditions. Новости Москвы reports airports in Moscow were closed over 20 times in three days, suggesting that while C2 is adaptive, the volume of UAF drone attacks tests its limits. TASS video shows a partially collapsed building facade due to bad weather, indicating responsiveness to civilian infrastructure issues. ТАСС reports Putin commented on birth rates, indicating C2 over internal social policies. ТАСС reports FSB detained a top manager of Snezhinsky Bank, Fedor Bogdanchikov, confirming effective internal security C2. ТАСС reports 437 million rubles will be collected from the former head of Kirovsky and Moskovsky districts of Kazan, Sergei Mironov and his relatives, indicating effective C2 in internal legal processes. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• UAF:
  • Highly Effective Air Defense C2 (Strained but Resilient): UAF AD demonstrates highly effective C2 in rapid detection, tracking, and public warning of complex, multi-speed, multi-vector threats (426 UAVs and 24 missiles) across the entire country, including the Tu-95MS missile launches, numerous inbound UAVs, and ballistic/hypersonic missile threats. Continued real-time reporting from AFU and regional administrations on missile and UAV movements and AD activity confirms robust and resilient UAF C2 for air defense operations despite extreme pressure. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reporting all ballistic missile threats lifted and Николаевский Ванёк confirming AD clear demonstrates effective C2 and timely information dissemination. Оперативний ЗСУ video on "USF Today" highlighting destruction of RF AD systems and discussion on NATO security doctrines, indicates high C2 effectiveness in drone warfare and strategic thinking. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Germany will provide 5 Patriot systems and ammunition to Ukraine, indicating highly effective C2 for international military aid procurement. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, confirming effective C2 for communicating strategic requirements to partners. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal Security C2: The SBU/OGP joint operation against alleged Russian influence on NABU (NABU confirms investigative actions) indicates robust internal security C2 aimed at preventing hybrid warfare infiltration. Multiple Ukrainian sources (OPG, Nikolaevsky Vanok, STERNENKO, RBK-Ukraine, Operatyvnyi ZSU) confirming the coordinated detention of a senior NABU detective on suspicion of collaboration with RF illustrates effective inter-agency coordination for internal security. OGP's release of photo/video evidence regarding the detention of a high-ranking individual suspected of being an FSB agent and influencing NABU underscores effective internal security C2 and coordination. РБК-Україна reports "at least 70 searches" regarding NABU employees, further confirming extensive and coordinated internal security operations. Оперативний ЗСУ video of the exposed MP Fedir Khristenko as an FSB agent is a high-profile success. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms SBU and OGP exposed an acting Ukrainian People's Deputy working for Russia, who had significant influence on NABU's activities, including facilitating illegal departures and influencing investigations, demonstrating highly effective C2 in uncovering and neutralizing high-level internal threats. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports on the arrest of a Kyiv prosecutor in a fatal drunk driving accident, demonstrating effective internal legal C2. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports on an announcement about the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," indicating C2 in addressing corruption or inefficiency. Оперативний ЗСУ reports suspicion served to the General Director of "Forests of Ukraine" for illegal enrichment, confirming ongoing anti-corruption C2. Оперативний ЗСУ reports SBU initiated a comprehensive check on adherence to state secrets legislation in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). РБК-Україна reports SBU denies gaining access to NABU and SAP cases, indicating ongoing internal complexities but also a structured response. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports that the General Director of "Rostec" and an assistant to the leadership of the aggressor state have been notified of suspicion, indicating effective C2 in pursuing legal action against high-level Russian officials. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Government Reorganization C2: The Cabinet of Ministers officially reorganized and closed ministries indicates a continued ability to adapt and reform governance structures during wartime. The merging of Ministry of Strategic Industry with Ministry of Defense indicates effective wartime adaptation and streamlining of defense procurement and production under centralized military C2. Zelenskyy's meeting with ministers, ambassador appointments, and setting of diplomatic priorities confirms strong civilian-military coordination and effective C2 for strategic foreign policy. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ's dissemination of NATO common funding plan information suggests effective strategic communication and coordination with international partners. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Zelenskyy has dismissed and appointed new ambassadors, indicating continued effective C2 in diplomatic restructuring. Zelenskiy / Official video and text emphasize increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements, demonstrating strong C2 for strategic defense planning and resource management. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an audit of defense agreements with partners, demonstrating effective C2 in strategic resource management. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Brig. Gen. Hennadiy Shapovalov appointed new commander of UAF Ground Forces, indicating effective C2 in military leadership appointments. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on diplomatic meetings in Zaporizhzhia, demonstrating effective C2 in coordinating high-level visits during wartime. STERNENKO and ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS confirm Brig. Gen. Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of UAF Ground Forces, demonstrating effective C2 in military leadership changes. РБК-Україна video on patrol police rescuing people after Kyiv shelling indicates effective C2 for emergency response. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

3. FRIENDLY FORCES (Blue force tracking)

3.1. Ukrainian force posture and readiness

• Posture: UAF is operating at maximum defensive posture across all air defense sectors nationwide. Ground forces maintain established defensive lines in the East and maintain heightened alert on the Northern Axis. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Readiness:
  • Air Defense: At peak readiness and fully engaged against a complex, high-volume RF aerial assault, including the Kinzhal. The sustained engagement of numerous Shaheds on Kyiv and cruise missiles across various Oblasts, now including far-western regions, demonstrates continuous high readiness. UAF AD successfully engaged and destroyed 344 of 623 total aerial targets. Southern Defense Forces claim 18 Shaheds destroyed. UAF AF reports 224 targets shot down/suppressed, with 203 UAVs not reaching targets due to loss of localization/REB. This confirms continued high readiness and effectiveness against the sheer volume of attacks. PPO working on enemy drones in Kyiv Oblast. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports all ballistic missile threats have been lifted and Николаевский Ванёк reports AD clear, indicating continued high readiness and effective response. Оперативний ЗСУ video "USF Today" highlights the destruction of RF AD systems (Strela, Buk) by the 14th Drone Regiment, showcasing high readiness and effectiveness in counter-AD operations. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Germany will provide 5 Patriot systems and ammunition to Ukraine, indicating a proactive effort to sustain and enhance AD readiness. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, underscoring the critical need to maintain this readiness. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Emergency Services: Emergency services (medical, fire, rescue) are maintaining high readiness in all major urban centers, particularly Kyiv, and now in Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, and other western areas. Zelenskyy's video message confirms ongoing rescue and emergency work across multiple oblasts, illustrating sustained readiness. KMVA video/photos showing firefighters actively engaged at damaged residential buildings in Kyiv confirm high readiness and rapid response capability. РБК-Україна reports relevant services have gone to the explosion site in Kropyvnytskyi district, indicating continued readiness and rapid response. ASTRA photo and video messages show firefighters responding to damaged residential buildings in Kyiv, confirming active emergency services readiness. РБК-Україна video shows patrol police rescuing people after the Kyiv shelling, confirming the high readiness and active engagement of emergency and security services. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Overall: Readiness remains high but is under extreme and potentially unsustainable pressure due to the continuous, nationwide aerial attacks and severe AD munition consumption. Zelenskiy / Official video and text emphasize the need for a "commensurate response" to Russian strikes, signaling a high state of readiness and determination to counter offensive actions. DeepState video discusses Ukraine's drone forces, highlighting high readiness and effectiveness, even with civilian involvement in training, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

3.2. Recent tactical successes or setbacks

• Successes:
  • Active Air Defense Engagements & Early Warnings (Nationwide & Adaptive): UAF AD demonstrates continuous success in tracking and warning of incoming missiles and UAVs across almost the entire country. Continued AD operations in Kyiv (Podil) and against cruise missiles across various Oblasts (Chernivtsi, etc.) indicate ongoing success in mitigating RF aerial attacks, despite high volume. The prompt reporting of trajectory changes aids AD effectiveness. Interception of three Shaheds approaching Ivano-Frankivsk and "minus" for Shaheds on Kyiv (Nikolaevsky Vanyok) confirms ongoing AD effectiveness. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast AD shot down 7 UAVs. UAF AF reports 344 of 623 aerial targets destroyed, indicating significant interception success against a massive barrage. Southern Defense Forces claim 18 Shaheds destroyed. UAF AF confirms 224 targets shot down/suppressed, with 203 UAVs not reaching targets due to loss of localization/REB. This indicates significant success in degrading RF drone attacks. Zelenskyy's video confirms drone interceptions in Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Kherson Oblasts. PPO working on enemy drones in Kyiv Oblast. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports all ballistic missile threats have been lifted and Николаевский Ванёк reports AD clear, confirming successful AD operations. Оперативний ЗСУ video shows FPV drone pilots destroying an enemy UAV, indicating successful counter-drone operations. Сили оборони Півдня України video shows drone footage of successful artillery strikes by UAF 44th Artillery Brigade targeting a Russian 2A65 Msta-B, confirming successful counter-battery fire. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Moscow UAV Interceptions (Escalated Impact): RF reports of 18-23 UAVs destroyed over Moscow (Два майора, TASS, ASTRA), and a total of 74 UAVs destroyed over RF territory (TASS, ASTRA, Операция Z, AV БогомаZ reports 10 in Bryansk), indicate continued UAF capability to project force into RF territory, forcing RF to divert AD resources to homeland defense. The confirmed disruption to railway traffic in Rostov Oblast due to UAV debris (Kamianolomni station fire confirmed by Шеф Hayabusa, Оперативний ЗСУ) demonstrates kinetic effects and logistical disruption within RF territory, with reports of up to two days of schedule changes (now over 50 trains delayed per TASS). "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" provides visual evidence of fires in Rostov and Moscow Oblasts from UAV hits. Bbutusov Plus channel mocks Russian anti-drone protection. ASTRA confirms over 50 trains delayed in Rostov Oblast due to UAV attack on Kamianolomni station, highlighting persistent and expanding disruption within RF territory. AV БогомаZ reports 2 UAVs shot down over Bryansk Oblast, confirming continued UAF drone effectiveness over RF territory. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter at Sheremetyevo airport due to a drone threat, confirming UAF's continued ability to disrupt Russian air operations. Новости Москвы reports airports in Moscow were closed over 20 times in three days due to drone attacks, underscoring continued UAF success in disrupting RF civilian air operations. ASTRA video on Kamianolomni railway station damage from UAV provides further visual evidence of successful UAF deep strikes. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal Counter-Influence Operations: SBU and OGP conducting a special operation to neutralize Russian influence within Ukrainian institutions (NABU confirms investigative actions) indicates proactive measures against hybrid threats. Detention of NABU detective head suspected of aiding RF confirmed by multiple sources, solidifying this as a successful internal security operation. OGP's public announcement and evidence regarding the detention of a high-ranking individual suspected of being an FSB agent and influencing NABU is a significant success in countering RF hybrid warfare and internal subversion. РБК-Україна reports "at least 70 searches" regarding NABU employees, indicating a comprehensive and successful internal security purge. Оперативний ЗСУ video of the exposed MP Fedir Khristenko as an FSB agent is a high-profile success. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms SBU and OGP exposed an acting Ukrainian People's Deputy working for Russia, who had significant influence on NABU's activities, including facilitating illegal departures and influencing investigations, confirming a significant internal counter-intelligence success. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports a court arrested a Kyiv prosecutor involved in a fatal drunk driving accident, demonstrating internal legal successes. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports an announcement about the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," potentially indicating success in addressing internal corruption or inefficiency. Оперативний ЗСУ reports suspicion served to the General Director of "Forests of Ukraine" for illegal enrichment, confirming a continued focus on anti-corruption efforts. Оперативний ЗСУ reports SBU initiated a comprehensive check on adherence to state secrets legislation in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). РБК-Україна reports SBU denies gaining access to NABU and SAP cases, controlling the narrative on internal security. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports that the General Director of "Rostec" and an assistant to the leadership of the aggressor state have been notified of suspicion, confirming successful prosecution of high-level Russian officials. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Daily RF Personnel Losses: UAF General Staff reports significant RF personnel losses (+1170) and equipment destruction as of 21 JUL 25. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video claims Ukrainian National Guard "Khartia" brigade drone operators destroyed nearly a platoon of Russian occupiers in Kharkiv Oblast, indicating continued success in inflicting RF personnel losses. STERNENKO video shows a drone strike on 7 Russian personnel, resulting in an explosion and fire, likely inflicting casualties, demonstrating continued UAF tactical success. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video shows heavily burned bodies of Russian soldiers and damaged vehicles, confirming significant RF losses. Оперативний ЗСУ video claims SSO eliminated a group of Russians attempting to set up a new position, indicating continued success in inflicting RF casualties and disrupting their tactical plans. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video claims a Russian occupier shot himself upon seeing a drone, indicating extreme psychological pressure on RF personnel from UAF drone operations. Оперативний ЗСУ video "USF Today" details destruction of Russian air defense systems by 14th Drone Regiment, confirming successful targeting of valuable RF assets. ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 video shows FPV drone strike on a Russian UAZ-452 ('Bukhanka') vehicle, resulting in an explosion and secondary detonations, confirming effective Ukrainian drone operations inflicting RF personnel and equipment losses. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Successful Defense in Lyman: UDF forces successfully repelled a company-sized armored assault in Lyman, inflicting significant losses on RF equipment. Liveuamap Source reports clashes at Lyman direction, indicating continued UAF defense. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Targeting of North Korean MLRS: The 1st Brigade of the National Guard confirmed the destruction of a rare North Korean 107-mm Type 75 MLRS in the Kupyansk sector, degrading RF fire support. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Drone Effectiveness: UDF drone units continue to successfully target and destroy RF armored vehicles, artillery, and personnel along the FLOT. Kotsnews video shows precise fire damage against RF infantry. STERNENKO's FPV drone videos show destruction of RF vehicles and personnel, serving to counter RF narratives of tactical success and highlight RF losses. РБК-Україна video shows UAF destroying Russian artillery in Zaporizhzhia direction. Nikolaevsky Vanek video shows Spartan brigade receiving DJI Matrice 4T drones, stating they are for reconnaissance and striking the enemy, indicating continued tactical success with drone usage. DeepState video discusses Ukraine's drone forces, highlighting their effectiveness and strategic importance, even with civilian involvement in training, confirming ongoing successes in drone warfare. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Government Reorganization: The Cabinet of Ministers officially merged the Ministry of Strategic Industry with the Ministry of Defense, indicating successful administrative streamlining for wartime efficiency. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Diplomatic Appointments: President Zelenskyy's appointment of 16 new ambassadors and setting of diplomatic priorities demonstrates successful adaptation and strengthening of the diplomatic corps. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Zelenskyy appointed 16 ambassadors after a meeting with Sybiha, confirming successful diplomatic strengthening. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Zelenskyy has dismissed and appointed new ambassadors, further solidifying successful diplomatic restructuring. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • International Support: Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative "Gift for Putin" which accumulated nearly €2.5 million for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, indicating successful international fundraising efforts for material support. РБК-Україна reports Trump announced new plan for large-scale NATO weapons supplies to Ukraine, supported by Britain, indicating high-level political support for continued military aid. РБК-Україна reports Germany will help with 5 Patriot systems for Ukraine, per Pistorius and Heggset, a significant success in AD procurement. STERNENKO reports Ramstein meeting underway with 52 countries, indicating continued robust international support. РБК-Україна reports UK has supplied 50,000 drones to Ukraine since March, showing significant material support. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Germany will provide 5 Patriot systems and ammunition, confirming a critical diplomatic and military success. TASS reports Britain has transferred $200 million of a planned $940 million in air defense assets and artillery shells to Ukraine this year, indicating continued, albeit partial, international material support. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Repelled RF Ground Assaults: Liveuamap Source reports Ukrainian forces have repelled 23 Russian army assaults at Kursk and North Slobozhansky(Sumy) direction, confirming significant UAF defensive successes on the Northern Axis. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Setbacks:
  • CRITICAL Massed Aerial Attack (Sustained & NATIONAL Scope, Multi-Wave, Western Expansion, Hypersonic Threat, Cluster Munition Use, NEW KINZHAL ON KYIV): Ukraine is experiencing a continuous, unprecedented multi-vector, high-volume RF aerial assault, now including Tu-95MS launched cruise missiles deep into central and significantly western Ukraine, ballistic missiles on Kyiv, and a Kinzhal hypersonic missile on Ivano-Frankivsk and now Kyiv. Confirmed explosions and fires in Kyiv's Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts, along with confirmed damage to a metro station entrance (Lukyanivska) and a warehouse fire in Solomianskyi district, represent ongoing significant setbacks for civilian protection and infrastructure. The confirmed fatality in Kyiv and injuries (now 9) are severe setbacks. Confirmed explosions and preliminary reports of damage and injuries (now 4) in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast represent a new significant setback in a previously less targeted region, particularly due to the Kinzhal strike. Kharkiv's Kyivskyi district sustained 12 UAV strikes, with visual evidence of damage. New confirmed fatalities (2) in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, (2) in Dnipropetrovsk, (4) in Sloviansk, and (4) in Chernivtsi. Confirmed kindergarten fire in Kyiv and Lviv. Damage to Lviv Polytechnic university. Damage to 20 private residential buildings in Kamianets-Podilskyi district, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. PS ZSU spokesman Ihnat reports over fifteen direct hits on various objects in Kyiv overnight, indicating extensive damage across the capital. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms smoke and damage inside Lukyanivska metro station. ASTRA reports 7 injured from Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat, indicating new areas affected by kinetic impacts. STERNENKO confirms Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles, which will contribute to widespread public fear. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports a tractor driver was blown up by a mine in a field in Balakliia community, which indicates civilian casualties from unexploded ordnance or mines. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports at least 54 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, including Kharkiv city, were affected by enemy strikes over the past week, confirming widespread damage and setbacks. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, indicating a setback for civilian infrastructure. ASTRA reports the number of injured in Kyiv increased to nine, confirming continued civilian casualties. ASTRA photos and videos show significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv from the attack, confirming continued civilian infrastructure setbacks. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports looting of equipment from a damaged store near Lukyanivska metro station, indicating a secondary setback following the attack. ТАСС video shows a burning pickup truck in the special operation zone after being attacked by three drones, indicating the destruction of a UAF asset or asset in UAF-controlled territory. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo message and caption "Massive strike on Ukrainian territory" confirms the scale of the setback. Рыбарь video shows smoke plumes and explosions over a city and damage to a multi-story building, underscoring civilian and infrastructure setbacks. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, confirming a significant escalation and setback for Kyiv's defense. РБК-Україна video of patrol police rescuing people after Kyiv shelling illustrates the scale of the setback for civilian safety. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Psychological Operations Impact: RF's immediate and aggressive information operations, including sarcastic claims about Vasylkiv airfield and mocking UAF AD, and claims of AD exhaustion, are designed to undermine UAF morale and confidence. Старше Эдды's statement about Ukrainian military tactics being "bite and gnaw" suggests a negative portrayal. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claiming Ukraine has run out of cemetery space is a significant psychological setback if widely believed. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими video discusses how Russia uses propaganda to sow discord within Ukrainian society and negatively influence prisoner exchange outcomes, highlighting the ongoing psychological warfare setback. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Metro Operations Disruption: Temporary closure of sections of Kyiv's red metro line and Lukyanivska station (now fully reopened) is a direct disruption to civilian life and transport. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Logistics Hub Damage: Confirmed damage to infrastructure in Lviv, Lutsk, Chernivtsi, and Khmelnytskyi, key Western logistics hubs, indicates successful RF interdiction attempts against Western aid. РБК-Україна photos show French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, confirming damage to civilian structures that could be indicative of logistics impact. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Ground Force Setbacks in Donetsk Oblast: DeepState reports RF advances in Vilne Pole, Andriivka, Popovy Yar, and three other villages in Donetsk Oblast, indicating localized territorial losses. MoD Russia's video claims further details on the liberation of Popov Yar, suggesting continued UAF ground setbacks in that area. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) and Colonelcassad claim a new RF front opened in Kharkiv Oblast, intended to stretch UAF reserves, which if successful, would represent a significant setback in force posture. Басурин о главном video confirms Russian military operations in the vicinity of Belaya Gora in the Donetsk region, with destroyed buildings, and claims its capture is significant for logistics and communications to Kostiantynivka, suggesting a tactical setback in the region. Colonelcassad shares map showing changes over past 24 hours, indicating continued positional changes on the front line, which could include setbacks. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction using a Lancet loitering munition, indicating a loss of UAF artillery. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video shows heavily burned bodies of Russian soldiers and damaged vehicles, while attributed to UAF success, the scene itself depicts a battlefield setback, albeit for RF forces. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, indicating potential RF success against UAF positions in border areas. Воин DV video shows drone operators bombing "enemy holes," indicating UAF ground forces continue to be targeted effectively. Liveuamap Source reports numerous clashes across various axes, indicating ongoing challenges and potential setbacks for UAF ground forces. РБК-Україна video on 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade Artillery requesting REB means indicates a vulnerability to RF drones. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows drone reconnaissance and attacks on enemy vehicles and positions in Pokrovsk, confirming continued heavy fighting and potential setbacks in this sector. Воин DV video showing a drone strike on a robotic platform indicates RF's ability to interdict UGV deployments, potentially leading to UAF tactical setbacks. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Financial Shortfall for Arms Procurement: РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, indicating a critical financial setback for UAF resource sustainability. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

3.3. Resource requirements and constraints

• Requirements:
  • Air Defense Munitions (CRITICAL - IMMEDIATE & EXPANDED, SUSTAINED, WESTERN FOCUS, HYPERSONIC CAPABLE): Urgent and critical requirement for interceptor missiles, particularly for countering high-volume, adaptive drone swarms, ballistic missile threats, cruise missile threats across all affected regions, especially now extending into Western Ukraine, and specifically hypersonic missile capable interceptors for Kinzhal threats. The intensity of the current attack necessitates an immediate increase in supply. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Germany will provide 5 Patriot systems and ammunition to Ukraine, directly addressing a critical requirement. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, confirming the continued urgent need. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • ISR Assets (Enhanced Focus on New Western Strike Vectors & Diversionary Tactics, including Kinzhal Tracking, and Northern Axis RF Reserves): Continued high demand for real-time ISR to track RF strategic aviation, missile trajectories (especially cruise missiles from Tu-95MS and ballistic/hypersonic missiles), and high-volume drone movements across the newly threatened Central, Northern, Eastern, and now Western regions, particularly tracking sudden trajectory changes and diversions. Increased focus on identifying RF bomber deployment locations to Western targets. Critical requirement for ISR to determine the composition, readiness, and exact disposition of RF operational reserves in Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts and verify claims of a bridgehead near Guyevo. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • BDA Resources: Increased need for rapid BDA teams to assess the widespread damage from the latest attacks, particularly in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and the newly targeted western regions (Lviv, Lutsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi), with specific focus on critical logistics infrastructure (rail hubs, bridges, airfields). РБК-Україна photos show French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, underscoring the need for BDA and the international visibility of the damage. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports on affected settlements in Kharkiv Oblast and a mine incident, indicating continuous need for BDA and hazard clearance. ASTRA photos and videos show significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, requiring further BDA and post-strike response. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports looting of equipment from a damaged store, indicating a need for post-strike security measures and BDA on economic impact. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Unit Re-equipment/Support: Crowdfunding by UAF "Rubizh" brigade indicates a need for continued support for unit re-equipment and material replacement. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ's announcement of NATO's 2026-2030 Common Funding Resource Plan for Ukraine suggests a strategic recognition of long-term resource needs, but immediate operational needs remain paramount. Nikolaevsky Vanek video shows Spartan brigade receiving DJI Matrice 4T drones from donations, indicating ongoing need for such equipment and reliance on external funding. Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative accumulating €2.5 million for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, confirming a requirement for artillery pieces. Zelenskiy / Official video and text on increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements emphasize the critical nature of resource management. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an an audit of defense agreements with partners, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment of defense resources. DeepState video discusses the need for mass production of drones and continuous adaptation, highlighting a key resource requirement for Ukraine's military. РБК-Україна video on 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade Artillery requesting REB means highlights a specific, urgent equipment requirement. STERNENKO crowdfunding for "Shahedorez" (Shahed cutter) indicates specific equipment needs. РБК-Україна reports UK supplied 50,000 drones to Ukraine since March, highlighting the high demand for drones. РБК-Україна reports Ukraine invested over $20 billion in its own defense industry over two years, per Umerov, indicating high investment needs. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, indicating a critical and immediate resource requirement. TASS reports Britain has transferred $200 million of a planned $940 million in air defense assets and artillery shells to Ukraine this year, indicating ongoing but insufficient international material support against current needs. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows RF soldiers appealing for donations for drones and Starlink, highlighting the need for advanced technological assets. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Constraints:
  • Air Defense Saturation (CRITICAL): The sheer volume (426 UAVs and 24 missiles) and adaptive nature of incoming RF attacks, now including Tu-95MS launched cruise missiles across vast areas of Ukrainian territory (now into Western Ukraine) and ballistic/hypersonic missiles on Kyiv and Western Ukraine, severely risks overwhelming UAF air defenses, leading to breakthroughs and increased damage. The approximately 10 Shaheds inbound to Kyiv, combined with multiple missile groups and a Kinzhal, represent an immediate and severe saturation risk. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, confirming the high lethality and difficulty of interception, thus exacerbating AD saturation. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Geographic Stretch (EXTREME): The nationwide expansion of deep strikes, now encompassing central and significantly western Ukraine with strategic missile and hypersonic threats, forces UAF to further disperse already severely strained AD assets, creating critical vulnerabilities across the entire country. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Internal Resource Constraints: Reliance on crowdfunding for specific unit re-equipment, as seen with the "Rubizh" brigade, suggests that formal supply chains may not be meeting all immediate equipment needs. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА channel seeks donations for a "big sum," indicating continued crowdfunding for RF units, which could reflect constraints on their formal supply chain as well. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Zelenskiy / Official highlighting the need to increase domestic weapon production to 50% in six months and audit existing agreements implicitly acknowledges current constraints and the urgency to overcome them. DeepState video discusses the challenges of mass production for drones, indicating a constraint in scaling this crucial technology. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, indicating a critical and immediate financial constraint. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (Cognitive domain)

4.1. Propaganda and disinformation campaigns

• RUF:

  • "Overwhelming Force" Narrative (Amplified, Sustained & Aggressive, Emphasizing AD Exhaustion & Hypersonic Advantage): RF continues to use its extensive aerial attacks (426 drones, 24 missiles), particularly the use of strategic bombers for cruise missile launches and ballistic/hypersonic missiles, to project overwhelming military superiority and inevitability of Ukrainian defeat. Milblogger commentary (Fighterbomber, Два майора, WarGonzo, Операция Z) directly aims to terrify the population and demoralize UAF, including sarcastic claims about Vasylkiv airfield and openly mocking Ukrainian AD capabilities by stating Kyiv is "without AD." The use of Kinzhal will be highlighted to demonstrate Russian advanced capabilities and the difficulty of interception. "Dva Mayora" is explicitly stating "accuracy of our strikes" in relation to impacts in Kyiv and predicting increasing strikes on capitals and VPK. "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" posts generic morale messages, contrasting with the aggression of other channels. Colonelcassad shows videos of claimed "Geranium" strikes in Kyiv. Fighterbomber (RF milblogger) posted a photo of a massive explosion plume captioned "Beautiful," reinforcing the narrative of successful and destructive strikes. Alex Parker Returns attempts to mock UAF maritime capabilities by showing a small boat in relation to a claimed strike on a Black Sea platform. MoD Russia's video on Popov Yar further reinforces the narrative of successful ground operations and territorial gains, showcasing detailed accounts from servicemen. Воин DV's FPV drone video claiming successful neutralization of UAF equipment contributes to the narrative of RF tactical superiority and effective drone warfare. TASS reports RF MoD claims destruction of 3 Patriot SAM launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) TASS reports RF MoD claims over 1260 UAF military personnel losses in past 24 hours, aiming to portray significant UAF attrition. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) TASS reports RF MoD claims 397 aircraft-type UAVs and one HIMARS missile shot down, aiming to demonstrate RF AD effectiveness against UAF deep strikes. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure, aiming to demonstrate strategic precision and overwhelming force. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction, reinforcing claims of RF tactical success. Colonelcassad shares videos showing the aftermath of strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv, reinforcing the narrative of successful and destructive strikes. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, claiming it affected American business, potentially to show the broad impact of RF strikes or to indirectly target US interests. Fighterbomber video of a military aircraft and cryptic caption may serve as morale-boosting or subtle threat messaging. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike in Kursk Oblast, reinforcing a narrative of active military operations and effectiveness. Воин DV video shows drone operators bombing "enemy holes," aiming to portray RF tactical superiority and effective drone warfare. ТАСС video shows a burning pickup truck in the special operation zone after being attacked by three drones, reinforcing narratives of combat and RF presence. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo message and caption "Massive strike on Ukrainian territory" is a direct propaganda message. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV aims to project technological superiority and innovation. Рыбарь video shows smoke plumes and explosions over a city, and damage to a multi-story building, aiming to project devastating force. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, reinforcing the narrative of overwhelming force and advanced capabilities. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows drone reconnaissance and attacks on enemy vehicles and positions in Pokrovsk, reinforcing claims of RF tactical success and effectiveness. Воин DV video showing a drone strike on a robotic platform, which was loaded with supplies, is used to highlight RF's capability to counter enemy technological advancements. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Ukrainian Weakness" Narrative (Exploitative & Manipulative): RF is immediately leveraging successful impacts in Kyiv and other regions, including metro disruptions and civilian casualties, to amplify narratives of Ukrainian AD ineffectiveness, even with sarcastic or exaggerated claims, to further psychological pressure. Dissemination of claimed UAF equipment losses (e.g., Bradley BMP) aims to show tactical superiority. RF channels are also spreading claimed information from UAF POWs (e.g., Andrey Kachur) about "inhumane conditions" to sow discord and demoralize UAF personnel. Alex Parker Returns explicitly engages in disinformation by comparing International Mathematical Olympiad results to claim Ukrainian academic inferiority and cause "hysterics," demonstrating RF's willingness to exploit non-military achievements for propaganda. Alex Parker Returns video, claiming "Ukrainians tried to set up a car ambush with a drone," aims to portray UAF as deceptive and RF forces as skilled in countering them. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) Alex Parker Returns shares a satirical video of Donald Trump depicting Barack Obama's arrest by the FBI, which, while not directly about Ukraine, reflects an attempt to exploit and amplify internal US political divisions, potentially to show Western weakness. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) photo message claims the "Nazi regime is devouring itself" due to corruption in NABU, attempting to undermine Ukrainian institutions and portray internal weakness. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, potentially framing it as a sign of internal Ukrainian instability or consequence of conflict. Север.Реалии reports a war participant who killed a girl is being expelled from a university in St. Petersburg, which could be spun to imply moral decay within elements of Ukrainian society or challenges with reintegration of combatants. Старше Эдды's statement about "former Ukraine" and its military tactics further attempts to dehumanize and weaken Ukraine's image. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claims Ukraine has run out of cemetery space, directly promoting the narrative of immense UAF losses and weakness. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими video discusses how Russia uses propaganda to sow discord within Ukrainian society and negatively influence prisoner exchange outcomes, explicitly confirming this RF propaganda effort. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows RF soldiers appealing for donations, inadvertently highlighting potential logistical weaknesses on their side, but framed as a necessary measure for victory. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "RF Victimhood" Narrative (Counter-UAF Attacks Justification): RF is actively reporting on UAF drone attacks on Moscow (e.g., 23 UAVs destroyed as per Sobyanin/MoD, via Два майора/TASS/ASTRA/Операция Z) and their "collateral damage" (e.g., train delays in Rostov, now confirmed for over 50 trains delayed with Kamianolomni station fire) to portray Russia as a victim and justify its ongoing military actions, aiming to garner domestic support and deflect international criticism. RF Transport Minister Nikitin's comments aim to reassure the public about airport safety despite the incidents. Mishustin's announcement of border crossing point point repairs also feeds into a narrative of maintaining and improving national infrastructure despite external threats. The Belgorod governor's report of 2 civilian injuries from UAF UAV also supports this narrative. The detention of a Moldovan national for espionage will likely increase vigilance and support for counter-intelligence measures. Voenkor KOTENOK provides video of the FSB detention of a Moldovan national with Russian passport in Ryazan, accused of being recruited by Kyiv intelligence services, serving to bolster the "RF Victimhood" and "Successful Counter-Intelligence" narratives. TASS confirms over 50 trains delayed due to UAV attack in Rostov, continuing to highlight disruption. TASS reports the detention of a man in St. Petersburg for collecting information on RF MoD and military industry facilities for Ukrainian special services, explicitly tying internal security successes to counter-Ukrainian efforts. Colonelcassad's video of the St. Petersburg detention amplifies this counter-intelligence narrative. TASS reports RF MoD claims 14 Ukrainian UAVs shot down over Kaluga, Bryansk, Tula, and Oryol Oblasts between 08:30 and 12:00 MSK, supporting the victimhood narrative and RF AD effectiveness. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Crimean Bridge queue reached 2000 vehicles, which can be used to highlight UAF attacks impacting civilian travel. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Военкор Котенок claims a UAF RZ-100 "Morok" kamikaze drone was successfully intercepted near the LBS, framing UAF as aggressive and RF as defensive. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) AV БогомаZ reports 2 UAVs shot down over Bryansk Oblast, directly supporting the victimhood narrative. Два майора video of an alleged Ukrainian intelligence agent detention in St. Petersburg, linked to an 80-drone attack plan, aims to justify RF counter-intelligence and portray Ukraine as aggressive. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter were introduced at Sheremetyevo airport, supporting the victimhood narrative. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court, reinforcing the narrative of successful counter-terrorism efforts. Новости Москвы reports airports in Moscow were closed over 20 times in three days, serving to highlight the "victimhood" of RF civilian infrastructure and justify RF actions. ASTRA video on Kamianolomni railway station damage from UAV reinforces the victimhood narrative. ТАСС reports 15 "Tavriya" trains are delayed in communication with Crimea, and Новости Москвы reports trains in Moscow are delayed due to weather, both contributing to the "RF Victimhood" narrative by highlighting disruptions impacting civilian life. ТАСС reports a proposal in the State Duma to introduce compensation for cars flooded due to heavy rains, further supporting the victimhood narrative and the government's response to it. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Chinese Support" Narrative (Diplomatic Leveraging): China's statement about "decisive measures" in response to EU sanctions on Russia will be leveraged by RF state media to demonstrate continued international support from a major power, counteracting Western narratives of isolation. The upcoming EU/European Council visit to China on 24 JUL may be framed by RF as China maintaining dialogue despite Western pressure. TASS reports an Iranian official delivered a message to Putin, indicating continued diplomatic engagement with "friendly" states to project international support. TASS reports a trilateral meeting (China, RF, Iran) on the Iranian nuclear program on July 22, showcasing Russia's continued diplomatic relevance and cooperation with non-Western powers. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Alex Parker Returns shares photos and text on a new railway construction agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokered by Russia, which can be framed by RF as a diplomatic success and regional influence. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) TASS reports Peskov's comments on Azerbaijan-Russia relations and a potential meeting between Putin and Trump in Beijing are part of RF's diplomatic messaging to project influence. ASTRA reports EU sanctions against an Iranian oil magnate for trade with Russia, which could be framed as Western overreach. ТАСС reports foreigners can visit Karabakh from July 23, potentially showing RF's role in stabilizing regions. Colonelcassad reports Russia and Iran began joint military exercises in the Caspian Sea, indicating continued military cooperation with "friendly" states and projecting regional influence. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Tactical Success" Narrative (Ground Operations): RF MOD releasing video claiming "Popov Yar" liberation and specific UAF equipment destruction (Bradley, M113, Akatsiya) aims to demonstrate ground force effectiveness and territorial gains, counteracting any perception of RF stagnation. "Воин DV" claims bomber strikes in Yanvarskyi supporting ground advance with claimed UAF losses. Pushilin's claim about "liberation of Bila Hora" and cutting UAF supply routes in DNR reinforces this narrative of RF tactical success. Kotsnews video of "precise fire damage" also contributes to this narrative. DNR People's Militia channel provides video of claimed destruction of a UAF communication antenna and a "Baba Yaga" heavy drone, reinforcing RF tactical success narrative. Rybar's post on "new rockets for helicopters" aims to project ongoing military development. MoD Russia's video further details the claimed liberation of Popov Yar, featuring servicemen discussing the combat and aerial views of the destroyed settlement, reinforcing the narrative of ground gains. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) and Colonelcassad explicitly claim RF has opened a new front in Kharkiv Oblast, aiming to demonstrate strategic initiative and UAF vulnerability. Басурин о главном video confirms Russian military operations in vicinity of Belaya Gora in Donetsk region, with destroyed buildings and a soldier describing tactics including drone-kamikazes and assault troops, claiming capture of Swedish, Spanish, and Turkish made enemy weapons, aiming to demonstrate RF tactical success and material superiority. Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction, directly reinforcing RF tactical success claims. Два майора video shows a drone operator stating he is from the 3rd Motor Rifle Division, 20th Motor Rifle Division, operating in the Kostiantynivka direction, which is a subtle reinforcement of ongoing ground operations. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, used to project military effectiveness. Воин DV video shows drone operators bombing "enemy holes," aiming to demonstrate tactical success. Liveuamap Source reports multiple clashes across various axes, providing frequent updates on RF tactical actions. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV can be used to project a narrative of technological advancement and successful tactical operations. Басурин о главном announces a new episode of "Basurin Answers!", a direct propaganda effort to disseminate RF narratives. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows drone reconnaissance and attacks on enemy vehicles and positions in Pokrovsk, contributing to the narrative of RF ground force effectiveness. Воин DV video showing a drone strike on an enemy robotic platform which was loaded with supplies, is used to highlight RF's success in countering enemy technological advancements. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Stability and Development" Narrative (Internal): Mishustin's statements on airport modernization and border crossing point repairs aim to project an image of internal stability and long-term development despite the conflict. State Duma proposal to increase debt threshold for travel ban likely aims to project internal stability and control. Mishustin's statement on openness to investments from "friendly countries" also supports this narrative. News about fining crypto payments in 2026 ("Новости Москвы") attempts to project a long-term economic planning image. TASS reporting on the VK Fest in Moscow aims to project normalcy and large-scale public events. New Red Wings flights announced also aim to project normalcy. TASS confirms Vnukovo airport resumed normal operations, contributing to the narrative of returning normalcy and stability. TASS videos of Moscow flooding and flooded pedestrian tunnel, while demonstrating challenges, also serve to project a state that is addressing internal issues. Minlabor proposes a 20.7% increase in the minimum wage from January 2026 (TASS), aiming to project economic stability and improved living standards. Mash na Donbasse promoting real estate sales in Sochi (Agoi Grand Hotel) serves as a subtle internal propaganda message of normalcy and investment in civilian life, despite the ongoing conflict. TASS reports a State Duma committee recommended adoption of a bill introducing administrative liability for digital platform operators failing to meet platform economy law requirements, aiming to project effective internal governance. TASS reports an interview with Sergei Stepashin calling for salary caps in Russian football, indicating domestic societal issues are also part of RF information space, diverting from military topics. Новости Москвы forecasts sunny and dry weekend for Moscow, aiming to project normalcy and stability. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo caption "СБОР КО ДНЮ ВДВ!" indicates internal morale-boosting and a focus on military holidays. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Стрелков Игорь Иванович's channel posts about Igor Strelkov's arrest, portraying him as a "true patriot" and implying "enemies of Russia" are undermining the country, reflecting internal dissent and grievances. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Полиция Хабаровского края video and photos, focusing on a radio broadcast and a "presentation slide," likely serve to project internal order, community engagement, and stability. (CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM) TASS reports a court sentenced Darvol jewelry house owner Daria Spiridonova to 7 years for fraud, which aims to project internal rule of law and anti-corruption efforts. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) TASS reports Hungary discussed with Serbia construction of an oil pipeline for Russian oil supplies, involving Russian representatives, aiming to demonstrate continued economic cooperation despite Western sanctions. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) TASS reports State Duma Committee supported a bill to expand benefits for "hero mothers," aiming to project support for traditional values and demographic growth. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) ТАСС reports MP Nilov proposed remote work for office employees during severe bad weather, framing it as a measure for citizen well-being. ТАСС reports Sergey Leonov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, supports remote work during bad weather, supporting a narrative of government care for citizens. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) video showing the restoration of a memorial can be used to project a narrative of Russian resilience and care for historical memory amidst conflict. Старше Эдды is advertising the manufacture and installation of truck bed caps and covers for various pickup truck models, potentially signaling domestic production and a resilient economy. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) ТАСС reports FIDE allowing Russian women's chess team to compete under FIDE flag, serving to project normalcy and international acceptance. ТАСС reports Sheremetyevo resumed operations without restrictions, reinforcing the stability narrative. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov, which, if presented as part of an anti-corruption drive, can reinforce a narrative of internal stability and rule of law. Kotsnews photo message at an airport aims to project normalcy and stability of civilian infrastructure. ТАСС reports Putin commented on the birth rate, indicating a focus on social stability. Новости Москвы reports American scientists created a universal mRNA vaccine for cancer, a non-military piece of information that can be used to project a focus on scientific advancement. ASTRA reports Russia plans to introduce fines for cryptocurrency payments starting in 2026, aiming to project long-term internal economic stability and control. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, aiming to project historical continuity and state strength. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Disunity within Ukraine" Narrative: "Дневник Десантника🇷🇺" is explicitly attempting to project internal disunity within Russian society by stating "Разрозненность общества у нас зашкаливает, многие ведут себя как рагули из соседней б/украины." This attempts to suggest a false equivalence of internal societal issues. Alex Parker Returns posts a video related to TCC (Ukrainian military recruitment centers) and Romani people, attempting to sow discord and exploit internal social issues within Ukraine for propaganda. Sever.Realii reports that "fake news" and "discreditation" cases are now being included in the list of terrorists and extremists, indicating RF's intent to suppress internal dissent and control information narratives. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video (from a Ukrainian source) shows an RF soldier expressing extreme xenophobic and aggressive sentiments towards people at a river, which if amplified by RF, could suggest internal disunity and brutalization of personnel, but if from a Ukrainian source is likely used to portray RF negatively. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 video, with Ukrainian commentary, compares current socio-economic conditions in Donetsk to 10 years prior, implying decline under Russian control and potentially highlighting disunity or discontent within occupied territories. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 video showing a 'Donetsk philanthropist' replacing a basketball net, while seemingly benign, could be used by RF to counter narratives of decline and promote a sense of normalcy and investment. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) photo message on NABU corruption directly attempts to portray disunity and institutional decay within Ukraine. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claims Ukraine has run out of cemetery space, aiming to create internal panic and disunity regarding war losses. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими video discusses how Russia uses propaganda to sow discord within Ukrainian society and negatively influence prisoner exchange outcomes, explicitly confirming this RF propaganda effort. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Propagandizing Domestic Opinions: The "Mobilization | News | Conscripts" channel posting a video titled "Ksenia Sobchak's husband called the war 'the luck of a generation'" aims to showcase elite support for the war. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reports a contract soldier killed his wife on their wedding night in Tyumen Oblast, which could be spun to show consequences of military service or to portray individuals as outliers, depending on RF narrative. WarGonzo video discussing the Afghanistan war in a retrospective context can be used to frame current military operations within a historical narrative of Russian military prowess and sacrifice. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники video of a man claiming to be a returned deputy from the front aims to showcase support from various societal layers and normalize military service. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Undermining Western Support: Kotsnews directly states that Senator Lindsey Graham is a "Russophobe" who "just works for the American military-industrial complex," implying Western sanctions are for profit, aiming to sow discord within Western alliances and undermine their motivations. ТАСС reports Trump lost 75% of federal cases challenging his decrees, which can be used by RF to depict Western political instability and internal division. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Alex Parker Returns posts photo with caption about "American bulldozer of politics" and Trump's presidency, which, given the context, is likely a subtle dig at Western political figures or an attempt to highlight perceived Western instability. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) ТАСС reports Peskov's comments on US political figures and Azerbaijan-Russia relations are part of RF's diplomatic messaging to project influence and potentially sow discord within Western alliances. STERNENKO video of Senator Lindsey Graham commenting on Trump's potential tariffs on Russian oil, while a UAF source, disseminates information that can be spun by RF to highlight Western internal disagreements on policy toward Russia. ASTRA reports EU sanctions against an Iranian oil magnate for trade with Russia, which could be framed by RF as Western overreach and an attempt to isolate non-Western powers. РБК-Україна reports Pistorius stated Putin is not interested in negotiations and pushes his military agenda, which could be spun by RF as Western intransigence or misunderstanding. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

• UAF:

  • "Resilience and Effectiveness" Narrative (Maintaining Transparency): UAF channels (Air Force, regional administrations, Mayor Klitschko, STERNENKO, ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, Оперативний ЗСУ) continue to provide timely and transparent updates on missile and UAV movements and AD engagements, aiming to reassure the public and counter RF narratives of overwhelming force. The continued dispatch of emergency services reinforces a narrative of effective response. Visual evidence of damage in Kharkiv and Kyiv from UAF sources (РБК-Україна, ASTRA) counters RF claims of precision strikes on military targets and highlights the impact on civilians, including a kindergarten and university. President Zelenskyy's statement on AD successes (344 of 623 targets destroyed) aims to maintain confidence. KMVA's video message and photos showcasing ongoing rescue and emergency operations in Kyiv and other regions directly counters RF claims of overwhelming destruction and reinforces UAF's narrative of resilience and effective civilian protection. RBK-Ukraine reports over fifteen direct hits in Kyiv, maintaining transparency about the scale of the attack. РБК-Україна photos show French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, reinforcing the narrative of civilian impact and international solidarity. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video claims Ukrainian National Guard "Khartia" brigade drone operators destroyed nearly a platoon of Russian occupiers in Kharkiv Oblast, projecting UAF effectiveness. STERNENKO video shows a drone strike on 7 Russian personnel, projecting UAF effectiveness and tactical success. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports on the number of affected settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, maintaining transparency about the scale of damage and the ongoing threat. Zelenskiy / Official video and text emphasize increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements, projecting UAF determination and strategic effectiveness. Оперативний ЗСУ video claims SSO eliminated a group of Russians, projecting UAF effectiveness. ASTRA reports the number of injured in Kyiv increased to nine, maintaining transparency regarding civilian casualties. ASTRA photos and videos show significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, reinforcing transparency regarding impact. DeepState video discussing Ukraine's drone forces highlights their effectiveness and innovation, reinforcing the "resilience and effectiveness" narrative. Liveuamap Source reports on daily clashes along the front, providing transparency on ongoing military operations. 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) video aims to project public spirit and resilience. РБК-Україна video shows patrol police rescuing people after the Kyiv shelling, reinforcing the narrative of resilience and effective emergency response. Сили оборони Півдня України video shows drone footage of successful artillery strikes, projecting UAF effectiveness. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "RF Losses" Narrative: UAF General Staff and Operational ZSU channels continue to publish daily RF combat losses, reinforcing the narrative of successful defense and attrition of RF forces. STERNENKO's FPV drone videos show destruction of RF vehicles and personnel, serving to counter RF narratives of tactical success and highlight RF losses. РБК-Україна video shows UAF destroying Russian artillery in Zaporizhzhia direction. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video shows heavily burned bodies of Russian soldiers and damaged vehicles, explicitly highlighting RF losses and the brutality of the conflict. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video claims a Russian occupier shot himself upon seeing a drone, which, if authenticated, would be a significant psychological blow against RF morale. Оперативний ЗСУ video "USF Today" details destruction of RF AD systems, showcasing RF losses. ОТУ "Харків"🇺🇦 video shows FPV drone strike on a Russian UAZ-452 ('Bukhanka') vehicle, resulting in an explosion and secondary detonations, explicitly highlighting RF equipment and personnel losses. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Counter-Hybrid Warfare" Narrative: Reports on SBU/OGP operations against Russian influence within Ukrainian institutions (РБК-Україна, ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS, STERNENKO) demonstrate Ukraine's active efforts to counter internal subversion and hybrid threats, reinforcing national resilience. OGP's detailed public announcement and evidence regarding the detention of an MP for suspected FSB agency and influence on NABU is a significant success in countering RF hybrid warfare and internal subversion. РБК-Україна reports "at least 70 searches" regarding NABU employees, reinforcing UAF's proactive stance against internal subversion. Оперативний ЗСУ video of the exposed MP Fedir Khristenko as an FSB agent is a high-profile success. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms SBU and OGP exposed an acting Ukrainian People's Deputy working for Russia, who had significant influence on NABU's activities, including facilitating illegal departures and influencing investigations, strongly supporting the "Counter-Hybrid Warfare" narrative. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports on the arrest of a Kyiv prosecutor, indicating continued efforts to maintain rule of law and counter internal threats. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports on an announcement about the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," potentially part of a counter-corruption narrative. Оперативний ЗСУ reports suspicion served to the General Director of "Forests of Ukraine" for illegal enrichment, reinforcing anti-corruption efforts. Оперативний ЗСУ reports SBU initiated a comprehensive check on adherence to state secrets legislation in the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). РБК-Україна reports SBU denies gaining access to NABU and SAP cases, controlling the narrative on internal security. Офіс Генерального прокурора reports that the General Director of "Rostec" and an assistant to the leadership of the aggressor state have been notified of suspicion, reinforcing the "Counter-Hybrid Warfare" narrative and efforts against external influence. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Internal Challenges of RF" Narrative: Butusov Plus video of Russian soldier "catapulting" from vehicle and STERNENKO's video of burning trucks/explosion near bridge in Rostov can be used to highlight RF internal disarray and vulnerabilities. Butusov Plus also mocks Kadyrov's poster in Sevastopol. TASS reports on Moscow flooding and metro disruptions (though not directly military-related) can be leveraged to highlight RF's internal infrastructure challenges. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 video mocks Russian airport closures, directly targeting Russian public inconvenience caused by UAF attacks. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video showing an RF soldier expressing xenophobic and aggressive sentiments towards civilians might negatively impact public perception of military personnel if it gains widespread attention, or be ignored as isolated. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 video highlights perceived decline in Donetsk under Russian control, attempting to sow discontent. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 video ironically highlights "development and prospects" in Donetsk, implicitly contrasting it with decline. Север.Реалии reports a war participant who killed a girl is being expelled from a university in St. Petersburg, highlighting negative social consequences within RF. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov, which could be framed as a sign of internal RF instability or corruption. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • "Transparency and Efficiency" Narrative (Administrative Services): Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration's video demonstrating online pre-registration for Administrative Service Centers (TSNAPs) aims to highlight government efficiency and service provision amidst conflict, a soft power initiative. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 graphic on "Map of Voices" poets initiative aims to project normalcy, cultural preservation, and civilian engagement. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on diplomatic meetings in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting efficiency and international engagement. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Strategic Messaging: Operatyvnyi ZSU shares Senator Graham's direct challenge to Putin, "Putin, your turn is coming. Trump is going to kick your ass." Colonelcassad shares Senator Graham's comments on Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, which is a key messaging point for Western pressure on RF. Zelenskyy's public meeting with ministers, ambassador appointments, and setting of diplomatic priorities are strong messages of continued governance and proactive international engagement. Оперативний ЗСУ and РБК-Україна highlighting UK's "50-day campaign to arm Ukraine" boosts the narrative of strong, continued international support and resupply efforts. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ's dissemination of information on NATO's 2026-2030 Common Funding Resource Plan for Ukraine strengthens the narrative of long-term Western commitment and institutional support. Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative "Gift for Putin" for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, emphasizing the strategic importance of international material support. Оперативний ЗСУ and РБК-Україна reporting on Zelenskyy's dismissal and appointment of new ambassadors further solidifies strategic messaging on effective governance and diplomatic efforts. Zelenskiy / Official video and text on increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements serve as strong strategic messaging to both domestic and international audiences regarding Ukraine's long-term defense strategy. STERNENKO video of Senator Lindsey Graham's comments on Trump's policy towards Russia aims to influence international perceptions of potential US actions. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an audit of defense agreements with partners, indicating strategic focus on future military capabilities. РБК-Україна reports Trump announced new plan for large-scale NATO weapons supplies to Ukraine, reinforcing strong strategic messaging on international support. РБК-Україна reports Germany will help with 5 Patriot systems for Ukraine, a critical strategic success message. STERNENKO reports Ramstein meeting is underway with ministers from 52 countries, underscoring strong international military support. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, serving as strategic messaging for urgent international financial support for military needs. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, reinforcing the strategic messaging on critical needs. ASTRA reports a collection for ASTRA employee salaries continues, indicating a counter-narrative of independent journalism and civilian support efforts. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Humanitarian Concerns: The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War organizes a public event in Kharkiv, "Don't be silent. Captivity kills," highlighting humanitarian concerns and supporting POWs and missing persons. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими reports a meeting with families of servicemen held in Torez colony, indicating ongoing efforts for POW welfare. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими video discusses how public actions of families of prisoners and missing persons influence the exchange process, highlighting the humanitarian aspect and public pressure. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Morale Messaging: Генеральний штаб ЗСУ shares photos captioned "Unbreakable warriors of Mykolaiv brigade," aiming to boost morale and highlight the resilience of UAF personnel. 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) video, despite content on baking, carries a morale-boosting caption. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

4.2. Public sentiment and morale factors

• Ukraine: Public sentiment is under extreme and unprecedented pressure due to the widespread and continuous air raid alerts, strategic missile launches from Tu-95MS, ballistic missile use, the Kinzhal hypersonic threat, and the sheer volume of Shahed UAVs on Kyiv. Confirmed strikes and fires in Kyiv, especially with a confirmed fatality and injuries (now 9), residential building damage, kindergarten fire, and metro station damage, will further increase anxiety and fear, significantly impacting morale in the capital. The missile threat to central Ukrainian industrial and logistical hubs, now extending significantly westward into regions previously considered safer (Lviv, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, particularly with the Kinzhal and confirmed cluster munition use), will cause new widespread fear and undermine a sense of security across the entire country. The impact of Kinzhal on Ivano-Frankivsk will be psychologically significant given its speed and previous difficulty of interception. New casualties in Zaporizhzhia (2 fatalities, 1 wounded), Dnipropetrovsk (2 fatalities), Sloviansk (4 fatalities), Chernivtsi (4 fatalities), and Kherson (7 injured) will add to the national toll. The video from "Шеф Hayabusa" titled "Morning in Kyiv after the night attack" showing smoke plumes will emphasize the ongoing threat. Zelenskyy's video of ongoing damage and rescue efforts across multiple regions will reinforce the widespread impact on civilian life and morale. KMVA's reporting of 9 injured and PS ZSU reporting over fifteen direct hits in Kyiv will heighten public anxiety. The full restoration of Lukyanivska metro station will offer a small boost to public confidence in rapid restoration. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ's morale-boosting photos of "unbreakable warriors" are likely in response to maintaining public sentiment during sustained attacks. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat, likely increasing public anxiety in these regions. STERNENKO confirms Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles, which will contribute to widespread public fear. РБК-Україна video of French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, highlighting civilian damage, reinforces the scale of impact on public sentiment. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports a tractor driver was blown up by a mine in a field in Balakliia community, which will increase public fear regarding civilian safety in de-occupied or contested areas. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports at least 54 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, including Kharkiv city, were affected by enemy strikes over the past week, confirming widespread disruption and anxiety. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, indicating a setback for civilian infrastructure. ASTRA reports the number of injured in Kyiv has increased to nine, intensifying public concern. ASTRA photos and videos show significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, reinforcing public anxiety. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports looting of equipment from a damaged store, which could negatively impact public morale due to perceived internal disorder. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 video highlights the perceived decline in Donetsk, which may resonate with those experiencing similar conditions or fuel discontent. DeepState video discussing the importance of drones for Ukraine's defense, even involving civilians in training, aims to boost morale through self-reliance and innovation. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими reports a meeting with families of servicemen held in Torez colony, indicating ongoing humanitarian concerns that impact public morale. 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) video, while showing baking, is captioned "She was not believed, but she showed how strong in spirit she is," suggesting an underlying narrative of resilience and boosting morale. Операція Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claiming Ukraine has run out of cemetery space, if picked up by Ukrainian social media, would severely impact morale. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, with video showing multiple explosions and fires in an urban area at night, which will significantly exacerbate public fear and anxiety in the capital. РБК-Україна video shows patrol police rescuing people after the Kyiv shelling, reinforcing the severity of the attack's impact on public life and sentiment. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion for weapons procurement, a critical financial shortfall that may impact public morale regarding the long-term sustainability of the war effort. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Russia: Public sentiment is being managed by narratives of RF military success (e.g., AD intercepts over Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod, sarcastic claims of Kyiv impacts, claims of AD exhaustion, claimed ground victories, successful Kinzhal strike) and portraying Russia as resilient. Milblogger commentary indicates an attempt to foster a sense of superiority and control over the conflict, reinforcing domestic support. Internal incidents (power outages, accidents, and now train delays in Rostov due to UAF UAVs, and Moscow flooding) are unlikely to significantly impact public sentiment related to the conflict but may slightly divert attention and foster a "war at home" sentiment. Reports of two civilians injured in Belgorod from UAF UAVs could reinforce the "victimhood" narrative. "ASTRA" reports on "deported Ukrainians" protesting at a border checkpoint could indicate a minor domestic friction point but likely limited impact. Sever.Realii reports airports still "overcrowded" due to mass flight cancellations, indicating a persistent source of public frustration. Moscow metro disruption also impacts civilian life and could contribute to negative sentiment. The detention of a Moldovan national for espionage will likely increase vigilance and support for counter-intelligence measures. TASS confirmation of Vnukovo airport resuming operations and over 50 trains delayed at Kamianolomni station will be key in shaping public perception of both resilience and vulnerability. TASS video of Moscow flooding and metro pedestrian tunnel closure also brings attention to internal challenges. RF milbloggers' exploitation of International Math Olympiad results (Alex Parker Returns) and TCC/Romani interaction (Alex Parker Returns) aims to influence public opinion through cultural and social narratives. Новости Москвы urging Moscow residents not to go outside due to rain indicates public life disruption and potential frustration with environmental factors. Sever.Realii reports on the inclusion of "fake news" and "discreditation" cases in the list of terrorists and extremists, which could increase public fear and self-censorship, impacting freedom of expression. Alex Parker Returns's photo with the caption "We are a generation of men raised by women" might be an attempt at internal societal commentary or morale boosting, but its direct impact on public sentiment related to the war is unclear. ASTRA reports a Russian war participant killed his wife in Tyumen Oblast and wants to return to the front, which could negatively impact public perception of returning soldiers, though it's an isolated incident. Transport movement blocked in Moscow due to bad weather, indicating continued public inconvenience. TASS photos confirm flooding on Durova Street in Moscow, reinforcing civilian disruption. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Стрелков Игорь Иванович's channel posts about Igor Strelkov's arrest, portraying him as a "true patriot" and implying "enemies of Russia" are undermining the country, reflecting internal dissent and grievances among a segment of the public. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) ТАСС reports Crimean Bridge queue reached 2000 vehicles, which will cause significant frustration for civilian travelers. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Mash na Donbasse video on "fishing inspectors and poachers" can be used internally to demonstrate law enforcement efforts, potentially improving public confidence in governance. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС video showing an RF soldier expressing xenophobic and aggressive sentiments towards civilians might negatively impact public perception of military personnel if it gains widespread attention, or be ignored as isolated. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reports a contract soldier killed his wife on their wedding night in Tyumen Oblast, which could generate public concern about returning military personnel and their integration into society. ТАСС reports Igor Hrushevsky, former Ukrainian official, was found dead in a pool in Spain, which could feed into public narratives about the risks faced by those involved in the conflict, regardless of their allegiance. ТАСС reports on the FIDE decision regarding Russian chess, which might be presented as a positive development for Russian public morale, showing international acceptance. ТАСС reports on proposals for remote work during bad weather, aiming to project government care and mitigate public inconvenience. ТАСС reports on migrant language requirements, which could resonate with some segments of the public concerned about social issues. Новости Москвы video shows flooding inside an elite residential complex in Moscow, confirming urban disruption from weather and potentially impacting public confidence in infrastructure. ТАСС reports temporary restrictions on air space perimeter at Sheremetyevo airport, causing public inconvenience. ТАСС reports Sheremetyevo resumed operations without restrictions, which would be a positive for public sentiment. ТАСС reports at least 20 people injured in Bangladesh Air Force plane crash, a non-military event, but if linked to broader instability, could impact public sentiment. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court, which could reassure the public about security efforts. Север.Реалии reports a war participant who killed a girl is being expelled from a university in St. Petersburg, which could impact public trust and perceptions of returning soldiers. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov, which could lead to increased public scrutiny of corruption. Kotsnews photo message at an airport aims to project normalcy and stability, thus influencing public sentiment positively regarding internal conditions. ТАСС reports Putin commented on the birth rate, indicating a focus on social stability. Новости Москвы reports American scientists created a universal mRNA vaccine for cancer, a non-military piece of information that can be used to project a focus on scientific advancement. ТАСС reports 15 "Tavriya" trains are delayed in communication with Crimea, directly impacting public sentiment due to travel disruption. Новости Москвы reports trains in Moscow are delayed due to weather, further impacting public convenience. ТАСС reports a proposal in the State Duma to introduce compensation for cars flooded due to heavy rains, acknowledging and responding to public frustration with infrastructure issues. ASTRA reports Russia plans to introduce fines for cryptocurrency payments starting in 2026, which may impact public sentiment among cryptocurrency users. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, which could evoke mixed public sentiment, potentially alarming some and affirming others, reflecting internal political divides. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

4.3. International support and diplomatic developments

• Ukraine: The widespread and intense nature of the current RF aerial attacks, especially the use of Tu-95MS and ballistic/hypersonic missiles, the significant expansion into Western Ukraine, and the confirmed fatalities/injuries, will likely increase international pressure for accelerated military aid, particularly advanced AD systems capable of countering cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and specifically hypersonic missiles, and defending critical infrastructure, especially in the Western regions critical for aid delivery. TASS reports UK planning a 50-day campaign to arm Ukraine, which is a positive development for UAF resource requirements. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is traveling to Kyiv, indicating continued high-level diplomatic support. President Zelenskyy's appointment of 16 new ambassadors and setting of diplomatic priorities indicates continued proactive international engagement and aims to bolster diplomatic support. Оперативний ЗСУ and РБК-Україна confirm the UK is launching a "50-day campaign to arm Ukraine," bolstering confidence in sustained international military aid. Генеральний штаб ЗСУ highlights NATO's 2026-2030 Common Funding Resource Plan in support of Ukraine, signaling long-term institutional commitment from the alliance. РБК-Україна photos show French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, confirming high-level international attention to the attacks and likely fostering calls for more support. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative "Gift for Putin" for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, demonstrating tangible international support. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Zelenskyy has dismissed and appointed new ambassadors, demonstrating continued diplomatic engagement and reform. Zelenskiy / Official video and text on increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements reinforce Ukraine's commitment to self-sufficiency and strategic partnerships. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an audit of defense agreements with partners, reinforcing transparency and accountability for international support. Оперативний ЗСУ video of Colombian fighters arriving, highlighting foreign volunteer support. DeepState video discusses international support for Ukraine's drone program, emphasizing its effectiveness. РБК-Україна video on 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade Artillery requesting REB means can be used to highlight specific international aid requirements. РБК-Україна reports Trump announced a new plan for large-scale NATO weapons supplies to Ukraine, and Britain supports it, indicating potential significant future international military aid. РБК-Україна reports Germany will help with 5 Patriot systems for Ukraine, a major diplomatic success for AD. STERNENKO reports Ramstein meeting is underway with ministers from 52 countries, underscoring strong international military support. РБК-Україна reports UK has supplied almost 50,000 drones to Ukraine since March, highlighting the scale of international material support. 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 reports on a meeting of almost 100 Ukrainian diplomatic mission representatives in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting proactive "non-cabinet diplomacy" and international engagement. Оперативний ЗСУ reports Germany will provide 5 Patriot systems and ammunition to Ukraine, a critical development in international support. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, highlighting an urgent call for international financial aid. TASS reports Britain has transferred $200 million of a planned $940 million in air defense assets and artillery shells to Ukraine this year, indicating ongoing but insufficient international material support against current needs. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, reinforcing the message of critical international support requirements. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
• Russia: China's announced "decisive measures" in response to EU sanctions on Russia indicate continued diplomatic and economic support for RF from Beijing, potentially undermining Western efforts to isolate Russia. The upcoming EU/European Council visit to China on 24 JUL may be framed by RF as a sign of continued engagement despite Western sanctions. Independent Turkce reporting on potential Istanbul negotiations 23-24 July implies continued diplomatic avenues, potentially favorable to RF by showing willingness to negotiate. Senator Lindsey Graham's comments on Trump's potential tariffs on countries buying Russian oil suggest potential future economic pressure on RF. Воин DV reports on Trump-Xi meeting possibilities, suggesting potential diplomatic shifts. Colonelcassad highlights Senator Graham's comments on Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, indicating an awareness of potential future economic pressure from the US. TASS reports Iranian official delivering message to Putin, indicating continued diplomatic engagement with "friendly" states. TASS reports an expected round of negotiations between RF and Ukraine in Istanbul at the end of the current week, indicating a potential diplomatic avenue and a point of interest for international observers. Воин DV also reports the expected Istanbul negotiations, lending additional credibility to the claim. TASS reports a trilateral meeting (China, RF, Iran) on the Iranian nuclear program on July 22, showcasing Russia's continued diplomatic relevance and cooperation with non-Western powers. Hungary discussed with Serbia construction of an oil pipeline for Russian oil supplies, involving Russian representatives, confirming continued economic cooperation with non-Western partners. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Alex Parker Returns posts photo with caption about "American bulldozer of politics" and Trump's presidency, which, given the context, could be interpreted as a subtle message about Western political instability to international audiences. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) ТАСС reports FIDE (International Chess Federation) allowed the Russian women's team to participate in the World Team Chess Championship under the FIDE flag, representing a diplomatic success in sports. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Russia will await official verdicts if Azerbaijan decides to sue Russia, indicating a diplomatic dispute with a close partner, potentially undermining RF's regional influence. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Moscow and Baku are in a difficult period but hopes it will pass, acknowledging a diplomatic challenge. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Russia respects Azerbaijanis and persecutes only those who violate the law, attempting to mend diplomatic ties. ТАСС reports Peskov stated a meeting between Putin and Trump in Beijing in September is possible if Trump attends, signaling potential high-level diplomatic engagements. Alex Parker Returns shares photos and text on a new railway construction agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokered by Russia, which could be framed by RF as a diplomatic success. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) ASTRA reports EU sanctions against an Iranian oil magnate for trade with Russia, indicating continued Western pressure on RF allies. ТАСС reports foreigners can visit Karabakh from July 23, potentially showcasing Russia's role in regional stability. РБК-Україна reports Kremlin is "for" holding a third round of negotiations with Ukraine, indicating a potential diplomatic opening. РБК-Україна reports Putin-Trump meeting in Beijing is possible, if Trump attends, emphasizing potential high-level diplomatic shifts. Colonelcassad reports Russia and Iran began joint military exercises in the Caspian Sea, indicating continued military-diplomatic cooperation. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (Future operations)

• Most Likely Enemy Courses of Action (MLCOA)

  • Sustained Massed Aerial Attack with Adaptive Tactics, Focus on Central/Northern/Western Infrastructure (IMMEDIATE - 0-12 hours, NOW INCLUDING KINZHAL ON KYIV): RF will continue and likely execute additional waves of its large-scale strategic missile (cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic) and UAV strikes. These attacks will continue to employ adaptive "chaotic movement" tactics and will prioritize deep targeting of central (Poltava, Kremenсhuk, Kropyvnytskyi, Cherkasy, Sumy), northern (Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv), eastern (Kharkiv), and now significantly western (Lviv, Lutsk, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk) Ukraine. Primary targets will remain critical infrastructure (energy, transport hubs, industrial sites, particularly those supporting Western aid logistics), major population centers (with increased civilian casualties), and military airfields/industrial sites. The immediate objective is to severely disrupt or interdict internal Ukrainian logistics and saturate UAF AD. KAB launches will continue on frontline areas (Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv), as evidenced by claims in Yanvarskyi and Ivanivka. The new UAV threat for Cherkasy Oblast aligns with this. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat. High-speed target on Kropyvnytskyi and threat of ballistic weapon use from the south. Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles. UAV in Poltava Oblast heading towards Kyiv Oblast and a threat of enemy strike UAVs in Chernihiv Oblast, indicating continued multi-vector UAV strikes. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warns of threat of aviation weapon use in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, indicating continued air threat likely via guided bombs. Colonelcassad shares videos showing the aftermath of strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv, visually confirming the continued intent for deep strikes. Alex Parker Returns video shows damaged McDonald's restaurant and a bank in Kyiv after a strike, indicating that civilian and commercial targets will continue to be hit. Liveuamap Source reports Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Plavni, Prymorske, Orikhiv of Zaporizhzhia region, Odradokamyanka of Kherson region, indicating continued aviation activity on frontline areas. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА photo message and caption "Massive strike on Ukrainian territory" reinforces the MLCOA of sustained deep strikes. Рыбарь video shows smoke plumes and explosions over a city, and damage to a multi-story building, consistent with sustained aerial attacks. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, confirming the MLCOA of continued high-value targeting of the capital. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Intensified Information Offensive Leveraging "Success" and Demoralization (Concurrent): RF will continue to rapidly disseminate propaganda framing successful strikes, exaggerated UAF losses, and will increasingly seek to leverage selective or decontextualized commentary and fabricating claims to undermine UAF morale and justify their actions. They will particularly mock UAF AD capabilities in response to engagements, amplify UAF attacks on Moscow and their domestic impact (e.g., train delays) to garner domestic support, and likely spread disinformation about Western aid interdiction. They will also highlight claimed ground victories (e.g., "Popov Yar", Bila Hora) and UAF equipment destruction (e.g., Bradley), and use claimed POW statements to demoralize UAF. RF milbloggers will likely continue to exploit non-military topics (e.g., academic results, social issues) for propaganda purposes. They will heavily publicize internal counter-intelligence successes (St. Petersburg detention) to show effective homeland security. They will also attempt to undermine Ukrainian diplomatic efforts by portraying them as insincere. TASS reports RF MoD claims destruction of 3 Patriot SAM launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar, and high UAF personnel losses, reinforcing demoralization efforts. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Басурин о главном video claims Belaya Gora capture is significant for logistics to Kostiantynivka, to demonstrate continued RF ground tactical success. ТАСС reports FIDE allowing Russian women's chess team to compete under FIDE flag will be used to show international "normalcy." ТАСС reports on proposals for remote work during bad weather will be used to project government care. Alex Parker Returns shares a satirical video of Donald Trump depicting Barack Obama's arrest by the FBI, will be used to highlight US internal political dysfunction. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Alex Parker Returns shares photos and text on a new railway construction agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokered by Russia, will be used to project Russian diplomatic success. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Старше Эдды advertising truck bed caps and covers may be used as subtle internal propaganda for resilience/self-sufficiency. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) video showing the restoration of a memorial will be used to project care for historical memory. ТАСС reports Peskov's comments on Azerbaijan-Russia relations and a potential meeting between Putin and Trump will be used to project diplomatic influence. ТАСС reports on migrant language requirements will be used to project internal policy control. Два майора video of an alleged Ukrainian intelligence agent detention in St. Petersburg, linked to an 80-drone attack plan, reinforces the narrative of successful counter-intelligence and Ukrainian malevolence. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) photo message on NABU corruption directly attempts to portray disunity and institutional decay within Ukraine. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court, reinforcing the narrative of successful counter-terrorism efforts. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, will be used to support information operations. Kotsnews photo message at an airport aims to project normalcy and stability to counter disruptive narratives. Старше Эдды's statement about Ukrainian military tactics will be used for demoralization. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) claiming Ukraine has run out of cemetery space will be used to spread panic and demoralization. ASTRA video shows the installation of a monument to the former head of NKVD in Volgograd, indicating a continued effort to shape historical narratives and reinforce state control. Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими video on the influence of public actions on prisoner exchanges, highlights RF's intent to counter these efforts through propaganda. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Continued Attritional Ground Operations in Eastern Ukraine: RF forces will continue to press attritional assaults, particularly around Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk, seeking to gain incremental territorial advantage and inflict maximum UAF losses. "Воин DV" post supports this, indicating ongoing ground and air support for advances in the East. Zvиздец Мангусту's assessment suggests intensified efforts on the Pokrovsk direction. DeepState's report of RF advances in Donetsk Oblast supports continued attritional pressure. The claimed capture of Popov Yar reinforces this. RF claims of a new front opened in Kharkiv Oblast will lead to increased reconnaissance and probing attacks to draw UAF reserves. Басурин о главном video confirms continued Russian military operations in Donetsk region. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Colonelcassad shares map showing changes over past 24 hours, indicating continued positional changes on the front line. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH) Воин DV video claims destruction of a UAF 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer on the South-Donetsk direction, indicating continued focus on degrading UAF artillery assets. Два майора video shows a drone operator stating he is from the 3rd Motor Rifle Division, 20th Motor Rifle Division, operating in the Kostiantynivka direction, indicating continued ground pressure in that area. Оперативний ЗСУ video claims SSO eliminated a group of Russians attempting to set up a new position, suggesting continued Russian ground efforts and UAF counter-action. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, indicating continued probing or targeting of border areas. Воин DV video showing drone operators bombing "enemy holes" confirms continued tactical ground engagement. Liveuamap Source reports multiple clashes across various axes, reinforcing the MLCOA of continued attritional ground operations. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV indicates the continued development and integration of unmanned systems into ground operations. Операция Z (Voenkory Русской Весны) video shows continued drone reconnaissance and attacks in Pokrovsk, reinforcing the MLCOA of attritional ground operations. Воин DV video shows a drone strike on a robotic platform, confirming continued efforts to target UAF logistical support. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Increased Shaping Operations on Northern Axis: RF will continue and potentially intensify reconnaissance-in-force operations, artillery, and KAB/UAV strikes on the Sumy and Kharkiv axes to probe defenses and set conditions for a potential future offensive, including establishing a bridgehead in Kursk Oblast. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports on affected settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, indicating continued shaping operations and strikes. Liveuamap Source reports Ukrainian forces repelled 23 Russian army assaults at Kursk and North Slobozhansky(Sumy) direction, confirming persistent RF efforts to shape this axis. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Aggressive Counter-Intelligence and Security Operations within RF: RF will intensify efforts to identify and neutralize perceived Ukrainian intelligence assets and sympathizers within its borders, as evidenced by the Ryazan detention and continued publicization of such arrests (St. Petersburg detention). Военкор Котенок video and text confirms detention of an agent of Ukrainian special services in St. Petersburg, indicating continued aggressive counter-intelligence efforts. МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ | Новости | Срочники channel reports a contract soldier killed his wife in Tyumen Oblast, which, while not a direct intelligence operation, could be used to justify further internal controls or propaganda regarding the behavior of military personnel. ТАСС reports Igor Hrushevsky, former Ukrainian official, was found dead in Spain, could be framed by RF as a successful elimination of a target. Два майора video on the detention of a Ukrainian intelligence agent in St. Petersburg confirms continued aggressive counter-intelligence efforts targeting military facilities. ТАСС reports all defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been brought to military court, indicating continued focus on internal security threats. Операция Z reports an ex-official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine was found dead in the same complex where Kuzminov was killed, reinforcing the MLCOA of aggressive counter-intelligence. ТАСС reports the Investigative Committee is preparing to file new charges against former Deputy Minister of Defense Timur Ivanov, indicating continued internal security actions against high-profile figures. ТАСС reports entry to Russian seaports for foreign vessels will require FSB consent, increasing internal security control. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) video of a court hearing related to a criminal case with military connections in Ukraine indicates RF monitoring and potential exploitation of Ukrainian internal legal processes. ТАСС reports FSB detained a top manager of Snezhinsky Bank, Fedor Bogdanchikov, confirming continued aggressive internal security operations targeting financial institutions. ТАСС reports 437 million rubles will be collected from the former head of Kirovsky and Moskovsky districts of Kazan, Sergei Mironov and his relatives, indicating continued efforts to address corruption. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • Engage in Diplomatic Signaling: RF will likely engage in the reported Istanbul negotiations to signal willingness to talk, while simultaneously continuing military pressure, aiming to create leverage and potentially divide international support for Ukraine. ТАСС reports Peskov stated Russia wants the third round of negotiations with Ukraine and will inform about dates, confirming continued intent for diplomatic signaling. РБК-Україна reports Kremlin is "for" holding a third round of negotiations with Ukraine, confirming diplomatic intent. РБК-Україна reports Putin-Trump meeting in Beijing is possible, if Trump attends, signaling potential high-level diplomatic engagements to influence international dynamics. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

• Most Dangerous Enemy Courses of Action (MDCOA)

  • Coordinated Hypersonic/Cruise Missile Strike on Critical Energy/Industrial Nodes in Central/Western Ukraine Followed by Massed UAV Wave, Concurrent with Ground Offensive from Northern Axis: RF executes multiple, highly precise Kinzhal hypersonic or other advanced cruise missile strikes from available platforms, specifically targeting critical energy generation/distribution, large industrial complexes, or major military resupply depots in central and now western Ukraine (e.g., Kremenсhuk refinery, major power plants in Poltava/Kirovohrad/Vinnytsia, or key rail/road hubs in Western Ukraine). This would be immediately followed by a new, denser wave of UAVs and conventional cruise missiles to exploit any created gaps in UAF air defense and completely disrupt energy supply or industrial output, severely impacting the war economy and civilian resilience. This deep strike would be synchronized with a commitment of RF unlocated Northern operational reserves (potentially from the Belgorod/Kursk grouping or the claimed new Kharkiv front) in a multi-pronged ground offensive into Sumy and/or Kharkiv Oblasts, aiming to achieve a rapid breakthrough while UAF C2 and logistics are disrupted from the nationwide aerial assault. TASS reports RF MoD claims strikes, including Kinzhal missiles, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises. (CONFIDENCE: LOW) Военкор Котенок provides a press release from RF MoD claiming a grouped strike with high-precision long-range air, ground, and sea-based weapons, including aeroballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and strike UAVs, against Ukrainian military-industrial complex enterprises and military airfield infrastructure. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi and Kryvyi Rih amid ballistic missile threat. Threat of ballistic weapon use from the south. Kirovohrad Oblast attacked by ballistic missiles. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warns of threat of aviation weapon use in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, consistent with a pre-attack shaping for deeper strikes. Colonelcassad reports three Kinzhal hypersonic missile impacts on enemy targets in Kyiv on 21 July 2025, confirming the capability to execute this MDCOA on the capital, and suggesting a willingness to use high-impact systems in concert with other strikes. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

• Timeline Estimates and Decision Points

  • IMMEDIATE (0-3 hours):
    • MAXIMUM AIR DEFENSE ENGAGEMENT & ADAPTATION (NATIONWIDE INCLUSION & CENTRAL/NORTHERN/EASTERN/WESTERN INFRASTRUCTURE FOCUS, HYPERSONIC THREAT): All UAF air defense assets must be on maximum alert and fully engaged against any residual Shahed threats (e.g., Lviv Oblast, Southern Ukraine, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Poltava Oblast, Cherkasy Oblast, Kyiv Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast). Prioritize defense of C2 nodes, critical infrastructure (especially energy and industrial sites in Poltava, Kremenсhuk, Kropyvnytskyi, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv, including the kindergarten and residential complexes), and major population centers (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Kropyvnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih). Dynamic reallocation of assets based on updated threat vectors and the number of inbound Shaheds. Decision point triggered for all available AD assets given the confirmed Tu-95MS launches, ballistic missile, Kinzhal, and numerous inbound threats across the entire country. Immediate re-evaluation of AD asset deployment to prioritize protection of key industrial/energy nodes and C2 in Central, Northern, and now Western Ukraine, as well as critical population centers, accounting for missile diversions and the shift in the main missile axis to the West. Focus on protecting critical targets near Starokostiantyniv airfield, and now Kyiv due to confirmed Kinzhal impacts. Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports all ballistic missile threats have been lifted, but the threat of aviation weapons in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast remains, requiring continued AD vigilance. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Public Safety & Operational Security: Issue continuous and urgent public warnings, instructing civilians to seek and remain in shelters, particularly in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Kremenсhuk, Kropyvnytskyi, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Chernihiv. Ensure emergency services are pre-positioned for rapid response and casualty management. Reinforce public messaging against filming and sharing strike-related content. Monitor and respond to Kyiv metro disruptions and public transport changes. РБК-Україна reports relevant services have gone to the explosion site in Kropyvnytskyi district, indicating ongoing public safety response. ASTRA photos and videos show firefighters responding to damaged residential buildings in Kyiv, confirming active public safety response. РБК-Україна video shows patrol police rescuing people after the Kyiv shelling, reinforcing the importance of public safety and emergency response efforts. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
  • SHORT-TERM (3-24 hours):
    • BDA and Post-Strike Response (Expanded & Central/Northern/Eastern/Western Focus): Conduct rapid BDA on all affected areas, including new strike zones in Poltava, Kremenсhuk, Kropyvnytskyi (potential secondary targets), Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk (especially for Kinzhal impact), Lviv, Lutsk, Zaporizhzhia, and all affected districts in Kyiv, especially the warehouse fire in Solomianskyi district, residential complexes, kindergarten, and metro damage. Prioritize search and rescue, medical support, and immediate damage assessment for critical infrastructure, particularly those related to Western aid logistics (rail hubs, bridges, airfields). РБК-Україна photos show French Foreign Minister visiting Kyiv strike sites, underscoring the need for BDA and the international visibility of the damage. Олег Синєгубов, голова Харківської ОДА, reports on affected settlements in Kharkiv Oblast and a mine incident, indicating continuous need for BDA and hazard clearance. ASTRA photos and videos show significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, requiring further BDA and post-strike response. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports looting of equipment from a damaged store, indicating a need for post-strike security measures and BDA on economic impact. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Air Defense Munitions Assessment (CRITICAL & GEOGRAPHIC, HYPERSONIC FOCUS): Immediate and granular assessment of air defense munitions expenditure and initiation of urgent resupply requests based on current consumption rates and the effectiveness of RF's adaptive tactics, anticipating sustained high-volume attacks across the entire country, including Kinzhal re-engagement. Prioritize urgent requests for Western AD munitions, specifically addressing critical needs for exposed central, eastern, and now western regions and the protection of industrial/energy assets and key logistical hubs, with particular emphasis on hypersonic interceptors. Leverage UK's announced 50-day campaign for arming Ukraine. Оперативний ЗСУ shares video of Czech initiative "Gift for Putin" for 6 D-30 howitzers for UAF, indicating successful procurement of artillery, but highlighting the continuous requirement for material support. Zelenskiy / Official video and text on increasing domestic weapons production and auditing international agreements emphasize the critical nature of resource management. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy instructed Shmyhal and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to conduct an an audit of defense agreements with partners, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment of defense resources. DeepState video discussing drone production and cost-effectiveness implies a need for sustained and adaptive procurement. РБК-Україна video on 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade Artillery requesting REB means indicates a critical, immediate need for specialized equipment. STERNENKO crowdfunding for "Shahedorez" indicates specific equipment needs. РБК-Україна reports UK supplied 50,000 drones to Ukraine, highlighting the urgency of supply. РБК-Україна reports Germany will help with 5 Patriot systems, a critical AD requirement. РБК-Україна and Оперативний ЗСУ report that Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover the gap in weapons procurement for the current year, as stated by Minister of Defense Shmyhal at the Ramstein meeting, highlighting an urgent need for financial support to sustain military operations. TASS reports Britain has transferred $200 million of a planned $940 million in air defense assets and artillery shells to Ukraine this year, indicating ongoing but insufficient international material support against current needs. РБК-Україна reports Syrskyi appealed for more AD systems and missiles at Ramstein, underscoring the critical, immediate requirement. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Counter-Disinformation Response: Formulate and disseminate rapid counter-narratives to RF propaganda, particularly regarding claims of UAF AD ineffectiveness and false reports of military facility destruction. Highlight UAF AD successes where confirmed (344/623 intercepts, 224 targets shot down/suppressed, 203 UAVs lost localization/REB) and immediately counter claims of AD "exhaustion" or "absence." Prepare messaging to counter narratives of "Popov Yar" liberation and claimed UAF equipment destruction if it proves to be a false or misleading claim. Address the Kinzhal strike with clear, factual information to mitigate panic. Publicize the impact of UAF drone strikes on RF territory (e.g., Rostov railway delays, Moscow AD intercepts) to counter RF "victimhood" narratives. Directly counter RF narratives on UAF POW conditions with factual information where possible. Emphasize civilian nature of targets hit (kindergarten, residential, university). Actively counter RF's new form of propaganda exploiting non-military topics. Counter RF claims of destroyed Patriot systems and AN/MPQ-65 radar. Counter RF claims of US business impact at Artyom plant in Kyiv with factual BDA. Counter RF propaganda related to the alleged NABU corruption, emphasizing Ukrainian efforts to combat internal threats. Counter RF narratives based on high-profile deaths (e.g., Ihor Hrushevsky, Maxim Kuzminov) with factual information. Counter RF claims of Ukraine running out of cemetery space. Counter RF's manipulation of public sentiment regarding prisoner exchanges as highlighted by the Coordination Headquarters. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • ISR Refocus Western Avenues, Kinzhal Launchers, and Northern Axis RF Reserves: Re-task ISR assets to monitor potential RF reconnaissance or follow-on strike indicators originating from Belarusian airspace or westward axes, given the new deep western strikes. Prioritize tracking MiG-31K movements and basing to anticipate future Kinzhal launches. Monitor RF bomber deployments from Tu-95MS bases more closely. Immediately task all available ISR to Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts to identify, characterize, and track RF operational reserve forces and verify claims of a bridgehead near Guyevo. Increase ISR on Kharkiv Oblast to verify claimed new front. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 video shows a drone strike on a camouflaged position in Kursk Oblast, emphasizing the need for continued ISR on these border regions. Liveuamap Source provides daily updates on ground clashes, requiring continuous ISR to verify tactical movements. Colonelcassad's video showcasing a reconnaissance UGV suggests the need for ISR on new RF unmanned systems. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Verify "Popov Yar" and "Bila Hora" Claims and UAF Losses: Assign ISR assets or local sources to verify RF claims regarding "Popov Yar" and "Bila Hora" and claimed UAF equipment losses (Bradley, M113, Akatsiya) to understand any actual tactical gains in Eastern Ukraine. Verify DeepState reports of RF advances in Donetsk Oblast. Immediately task ISR to verify the claimed significance of Bila Hora to logistics and communications to Kostiantynivka. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Reinforce Coastal AD: Given the new Shahed groups in the Black Sea heading towards Pivdenne/Koblevo, reinforce AD coverage for critical port infrastructure and coastal areas in the Odesa and Mykolaiv Oblasts. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Reinforce Eastern and Northern AD: Given the new Shahed group from Luhansk heading to Kharkiv and sustained KAB/UAV strikes on Kharkiv, reinforce AD coverage for Kharkiv city and Oblast. Reinforce AD coverage for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast given new UAV threats. Reinforce AD coverage for Cherkasy Oblast given new UAV threats. Reinforce AD coverage for Chernihiv Oblast given new UAV threats. Maintain reinforced AD coverage for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast due to continued threat of aviation weapons. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Maintain Internal Security Vigilance: Continue SBU/OGP operations to counter Russian influence and hybrid threats within Ukrainian institutions (NABU confirmations). Leverage public announcements of successes to build confidence. Continue monitoring for further internal threats highlighted by the exposure of the Ukrainian People's Deputy working for Russia. Continue monitoring for and addressing internal security threats, as highlighted by the arrest of the Kyiv prosecutor. Continue internal governance and anti-corruption efforts, as indicated by the announcement about the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine." Continue to investigate and address any connections between high-profile deaths and the conflict, as indicated by the death of Ihor Hrushevsky. Continue SBU checks on state secrets adherence in SAP. Continue efforts to prosecute high-level Russian officials as indicated by the OGP announcement regarding "Rostec" General Director. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Reinforce Northern Defenses: Place UDF units along the Sumy and Kharkiv axes on maximum alert. Pre-position mobile anti-armor reserves and task artillery to cover likely avenues of approach in anticipation of the MDCOA. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Diplomatic Preparedness: Prepare for potential discussions regarding negotiations, as reported by Independent Turkce for 23-24 July in Istanbul, and confirmed as "coordinated" by TASS. Assess potential RF objectives and red lines for such talks. Prepare for a potential third round of negotiations with Russia, as stated by Peskov. Prepare for potential diplomatic engagements, including a possible Putin-Trump meeting in Beijing. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Leverage Diplomatic Visits: Prepare briefings for the French Foreign Minister's visit to Kyiv to emphasize urgent AD and humanitarian aid needs. Prepare for and leverage the new ambassadorial appointments to strengthen diplomatic efforts globally. Operationalize the new ambassadorial appointments to strengthen diplomatic efforts globally. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • POW Welfare Advocacy: Continue to advocate for the welfare of POWs and missing persons, as highlighted by the meeting with families of servicemen held in Torez colony. Leverage findings from Coordination Headquarters on public actions and their influence on prisoner exchange processes. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)
    • Restructuring and Appointments: Monitor the impact of Brig. Gen. Hennadiy Shapovalov's appointment as commander of UAF Ground Forces. (CONFIDENCE: HIGH)

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END OF REPORT