Situation Report

INTELLIGENCE SITUATION REPORT - 180630Z SEP 25

1. SITUATION OVERVIEW (Current operational picture)

1.1. Battlefield Geometry and Key Terrain (Confidence: HIGH)

RF forces maintain multi-axis pressure across the Kupiansk, Lyman, Pokrovsk, Siversk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia axes. RF continues to claim ground advances in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts (Olhivske, Sosnovka) and details military movements and territorial control changes in Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Stepnohirsk, Orikhiv, Tokmak). Confirmed RF DRG entry and active assault into Yampil (Lyman direction) utilizing civilian disguise and human shields, with reports of widespread burning and destruction. Heavy reciprocal battles are reported in Sumy Oblast, with RF VDV claiming advances. RF claims unverified advances in Volchansk, Kharkiv Oblast, and occupation of the medical college area in Kupiansk. RF reports military control and fortifications on the Velikoburlukskoye direction (Kharkiv Oblast). RF claims advance of 5km on the Gulyaipole direction, entering Novoivanivka, and claims new positions south of Novoivanivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. RF claims full control of Serebryansky forestry after 3 years of heavy fighting, which, if verified, would represent a significant RF territorial gain on the Lyman direction. Satellite imagery and video from UAF sources (Оперативний ЗСУ, ✙DeepState✙🇺🇦) show smoke plumes and heavy fighting in Serebryansky forestry and Yampil, crucial for verification. Drone footage shows destroyed UAF equipment at a road junction between Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov, indicating continued RF pressure and successful engagements on that axis. RF provides map-based updates on Russian military advances, specifically detailing operations around Konstantinovka and related settlements, highlighting offensive actions towards Chasov Yar, Kleban-Byk Reservoir, and the outskirts of Konstantinovka. RF sources amplify Deep State's report that RF forces are threatening to encircle UAF forces in the Serebryansky forestry area, which RF claims is the last UAF-controlled territory in LNR. RF sources further claim RF has met UAF 'suicide attacks' near Tetkino, Kursk, implying UAF cross-border activity. RF posted tactical maps detailing claimed changes in battlefield geometry over the past 24 hours, indicating ongoing RF assessment of territorial control and operational advances, particularly around Kupiansk. RF reports that UAF complains about RF forces continuing to advance in Kupiansk, suggesting sustained RF pressure on this axis. Colonelcassad reports "hysteria" from a Ukrainian military blogger regarding events in Kupiansk's urban quarters, which RF frames as a sign of successful RF penetration and UAF disorganization. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims of "chaos and disorganization" and a "failed defense" in Kupiansk based on UAF military sources. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА posts video displaying dynamic combat engagements in a forest environment, with soldiers using camouflage, advancing on fortified enemy positions, approaching trenches and dugouts, and engaging targets with firearms. Explosions and smoke indicate active fighting. UAF's ✙DeepState✙🇺🇦 reports map has been updated, indicating fluid battlefield geometry, particularly on critical sectors. Старше Эдды posts graphic video of a residential area under attack, with multiple buildings on fire and extensive smoke plumes, suggesting recent heavy strikes in an urban environment. This footage, presented with highly inflammatory anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, indicates RF is actively documenting damage to areas they likely consider Ukrainian-controlled. Colonelcassad posts drone footage from the Kupiansk direction, showing alleged destruction of a Ukrainian militant crossing, enemy transport, and armored vehicles with supplies, confirming active drone-supported offensive operations and significant damage to UAF assets. Colonelcassad posts video of RF 'Vostok' Group operators detecting and destroying heavy hexacopters attempting to drop munitions on RF positions in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

UAF has confirmed the liberation of Pankivka, Donetsk Oblast, and Zarichne. UAF General Staff reports clashes yesterday near Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Mykolayivka, Stupochky and Bila Hora on the Kramatorsk direction. Clashes were also reported near Scherbynivka, Katerynivka, Ivanopillya, Pleschiyivka, Rusyn Yar, and Poltavka on the Toretsk direction. On the Pokrovsk direction, clashes occurred near Volodymyrivka, Zapovidne, Novoekonomichne, Shevchenko, Kotlyne, Udachne, Dachne, Zolotyi Kolodyaz, Vilne, Chervonyi Lyman, Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Promin, Zvirove, Molodetske, Novopidhorodne, Novopavlivka, and Filiya. On the Novopavlivka direction, clashes were near Yalta, Shevchenko, Komyshuvakha, Vorone, Ternove, Novoivanivka, Filiya, Ivanivka, Iskra, Sichneve, Olhivske, and Poltavka. On the Orikhiv direction, clashes were near Kamyanske and towards Novodanylivka. UAF repelled 4 Russian army assaults on the Kherson direction and 7 Russian army assaults on the Kursk and North Slobozhansky (Sumy) directions. UAF reports eliminating a Russian breakthrough near Pokrovsk with ongoing cleanup operations. Drone footage from the 'Battle for Pokrovsk,' displays successful strikes against RF targets including an APC/IFV, 'Baba Yaga' drone, antenna tower, 'Paladin' SAU, and a 'Hummer,' providing visual evidence of continued UAF effectiveness in this sector. UAF General Staff claims over 305,000 RF personnel neutralized since the start of the year. UAF "Pion" (2S7 Pion 203mm self-propelled artillery) is operating on the Donetsk direction, indicating continued UAF heavy artillery engagement in that sector. Video depicts a Ukrainian artillery crew operating a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer in a wooded area, demonstrating UAF artillery capabilities. UAF Southern Defense Forces (Сили оборони Півдня України) reports operational information as of 08:00 on 17.09.2025. FPV drone footage of night combat operations by the 6th Battalion of the Azov Brigade shows thermal imagery of strikes on a wooded area, indicating continued UAF tactical drone effectiveness. UAF General Staff provides updated operational information as of 16:00 17.09.2025, detailing continued clashes and defensive actions across various axes. Kharkiv ODA Head, Oleg Synegubov, reports on the operational situation in Kharkiv Oblast, discussing shelling, attacks on populated areas, infrastructure, and educational institutions, with casualties and civilian evacuation efforts. He also mentions successful counter-actions against RF advances. UAF forces have flooded a gas pipe in Kupiansk, attempting to thwart RF infiltration, and deny RF claims of fighting in the city center. UAF General Staff provides operational information as of 22:00 17.09.2025.

Air defenses remain activated across Ukraine due to persistent RF drone and missile activity. UAF deep strikes continue against industrial and logistical targets within RF territory. RF reports widespread drone attacks across Russia.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS (LAST HOUR):

• RF Counter-Intelligence: FSB prevented an assassination attempt on the head of a defense enterprise in St. Petersburg by a Ukrainian intelligence network. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates active RF counter-intelligence operations against perceived UAF sabotage.
• RF Ground Advance: RF forces have advanced 1.5 km into UAF defenses near Melove, Kharkiv Oblast. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This is a new, unverified ground advance.
• RF Counter-UAV: RF artillery destroyed a UAF UAV control post on the Siversk direction. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This suggests continued RF counter-C2 efforts.
• RF Air Defense: PVO forces repelled a massive UAV attack in eight municipalities of Rostov Oblast, with no casualties. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates active internal RF air defense against cross-border UAF drone activity.
• UK Diplomacy: The Times reports the UK will recognize the State of Palestine in coming days, after Trump's state visit. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a significant diplomatic development, likely to be leveraged by RF IO to divert attention.
• RF IO - Leadership: RBC-Ukraine (via Reuters) reports that Gerasimov is lying to Putin about the front line situation. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This is an internal RF IO point and could indicate friction within RF command.
• Moldova IO: Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming Moldovan taxes are being used for "sodomy" (LGBTQ+ rights). (Confidence: HIGH) This is inflammatory RF IO aimed at social conservatism and undermining Moldova's pro-EU stance.
• Kyiv Oblast Attack: Оперативний ЗСУ reports RF again attacked Kyiv Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates a continued threat to the capital region.
• UAF Casualties in Sumy: TASS reports that assault units of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment and the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of the UAF lost up to 80% of their personnel during a counterattack near Alexeyevka, Sumy Oblast. (Confidence: LOW) This is an RF claim and requires independent verification.
• RF Movement in Zaporizhzhia: Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming the enemy (UAF) is observing Russian army columns with new tactical signs arriving on the Zaporizhzhia front. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This suggests RF reinforcements and tactical adaptation for the Zaporizhzhia axis.
• RF Civilian Casualty: ASTRA reports a civilian was killed by a drone attack on a car in Shebekino, Belgorod Oblast, overnight. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued cross-border drone activity impacting Russian civilians.
• RF POW: Colonelcassad posts video of the second part of the story of captured UAF serviceman Yuriy Ternovskiy, mobilized from prison, describing harsh treatment of prisoners by his own unit. (Confidence: HIGH) This is high-value HUMINT for UAF and RF IO.
• RF IO - Zelenskyy: Два майора posts graphic IO claiming "Thief and drug addict Zelenskyy voices theses in the interests of his European handlers: proposes to cut up Russian frozen assets in Europe." (Confidence: HIGH) This is inflammatory RF IO.
• RF Drone Operations: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts video displaying Russian military personnel operating FPV drones for reconnaissance and strike missions, showing destroyed buildings and infrastructure, with RIA Novosti watermark. (Confidence: HIGH) This confirms active RF drone operations.
• Samara Airport Restrictions: ASTRA reports temporary flight restrictions at Samara airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Air Defense Success: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports RF PVO forces destroyed 43 enemy UAVs overnight. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This indicates continued RF counter-UAV activity.
• Railway Infrastructure Damage: РБК-Україна reports "Ukrzaliznytsia" confirmed damage to several sections of railway in Poltava Oblast due to night shelling. (Confidence: HIGH) This confirms continued RF targeting of critical railway infrastructure.
• Kyiv Oblast Warehouse Fire: ASTRA reports a warehouse fire in Boryspil district, Kyiv Oblast, due to RF drone attack overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF General Staff Losses: Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports updated estimated enemy losses from 24.02.22 to 18.09.25. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Aid to Kharkiv/Pokrovsk: Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) posts video of humanitarian aid, specifically radio transceivers, being delivered to RF soldiers on Kharkiv and Pokrovsk directions. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF PVO Dnipropetrovsk: 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) reports UAF PVO destroyed 5 drones in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Kryvyi Rih Situation: Олександр Вілкул reports the situation in Kryvyi Rih is controlled as of morning 18.09.25. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Southern Defense Forces: Сили оборони Півдня України posts photo messages with operational information for 08:00 18.09.2025. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued UAF operational readiness and transparency in the Southern direction.
• Kharkiv Oblast Shelling: Олег Синєгубов reports 4 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast were shelled in the past day. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued RF pressure on the Kharkiv axis.
• RF Special Operations Video: Kotsnews posts graphic video of a destroyed village, implying it is enemy territory. (Confidence: HIGH) This is RF IO showcasing destruction and justifying actions.
• RF VDV Operations: Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming VDV are hunting UAF infantry and equipment at night, advancing towards Sumy. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This indicates continued RF VDV activity in the Sumy region.
• RF Naval Aviation Exercise: Fighterbomber posts video of Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft conducting practical bombing of ground targets as part of a Pacific Fleet exercise. (Confidence: HIGH) This demonstrates continued RF training and readiness across various military branches.
• RF Internal Security: Два майора posts video of a demanding obstacle course and hand-to-hand combat training for soldiers, implying internal security forces. (Confidence: HIGH) This is RF IO projecting strength and training rigor.
• UAF Fundraising: STERNENKO reports 8.6 million UAH collected yesterday. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued public support for UAF.
• UAF Kupiansk Situation Update: Оперативний ЗСУ reports "Center of Kupiansk under control - occupiers are fighting only on the northern outskirts," citing OSK "Dnipro." (Confidence: HIGH) This directly contradicts previous RF claims of deep penetration and "chaos" in Kupiansk's center.
• Poland MOD Delegation in Kyiv: РБК-Україна reports a delegation led by the Polish Minister of Defense has arrived in Kyiv. (Confidence: HIGH) This signifies continued high-level bilateral military and diplomatic engagement.
• UAF Confirms Kupiansk Control: ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports "No fighting in the center of Kupiansk, and previously reported information about enemy success is untrue," citing OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Oleksiy Belsky. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a direct UAF rebuttal of RF claims and important for morale.
• UAF Minute of Silence: Multiple UAF sources (Оперативний ЗСУ, Запорізька ОДА, КМВА, Офіс Генпрокурора) report a nationwide minute of silence at 09:00, commemorating fallen defenders. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a routine, but important, national unity and morale event.
• RF Counter-Terrorism (St. Petersburg): Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) amplifies video and narrative of FSB preventing an assassination attempt on a defense enterprise head in St. Petersburg by a Ukrainian intelligence network. The video includes alleged confessions. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a significant RF counter-intelligence and IO effort.
• RF Ground Operations (Vremevsky direction): Воин DV posts video claiming the 14th Separate Guards Special Purpose Brigade is destroying UAF militants on the Vremevsky direction, with thermal imagery of combat. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This indicates continued RF offensive activity in this area.
• RF Ground Advance (Kharkiv/Zaporizhzhia - Deep State): ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts a Deep State map indicating RF forces advanced near three settlements in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This supports RF claims of localized advances.
• RF IO (Trump/Antifa): РБК-Україна and ASTRA amplify news of Trump declaring ANTIFA a terrorist organization. (Confidence: HIGH) This is leveraged by RF IO to highlight US domestic political issues.
• RF Kherson Direction Operations: Colonelcassad posts video featuring an RF assault company deputy commander ("Dmitrich") operating on the Kherson direction, emphasizing his combat experience (including Syria) and awards. (Confidence: HIGH) This is RF IO showcasing individual soldier heroism and unit capabilities.
• RF VDV Fundraiser: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts a "CALL FOR PARATROOPERS" fundraiser. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued reliance on public support for VDV units.
• RF Internal Security (St. Petersburg - Disguise): Kotsnews posts video claiming a terrorist attack in St. Petersburg was prevented, involving an alleged plot to use a "disguise as an old woman." The video shows footage of the apprehended individuals. (Confidence: HIGH) This is an RF counter-intelligence narrative, possibly theatricalized for IO.
• RF IO (Trump Statue): STERNENKO posts photos of a golden statue of Trump holding a Bitcoin near the US Capitol. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a political commentary post, likely to be leveraged by RF IO to highlight US political spectacle.
• UAF Air Defense Update (06:12Z): UAF Air Force reports 48 enemy UAVs shot down/suppressed from a total of 75 air attack assets overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Counter-Terrorism (St. Petersburg - 06:12Z): FSB claims to have prevented a "terrorist attack against the head of a defense enterprise" in St. Petersburg, detaining three individuals. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Strike on Poltava (06:13Z): "Военкоры Русской Весны" (amplified by Операция Z) claims an attack on railway infrastructure near Poltava, used to supply UAF in Donbas. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Airport Restrictions (Orenburg - 06:16Z): Rosaviatsia reports temporary restrictions on aircraft reception/departure at Orenburg airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF Counter-UAV (Southern Direction - 06:17Z): UAF Southern Defense Forces report detecting and destroying 18 enemy UAV operator crews in the past day. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Drone Attack BDA (Kyiv Oblast - 06:17Z): Photo messages show consequences of an RF drone attack on Kyiv Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Diplomatic Criticism (06:19Z): TASS amplifies Politico report on Kallas facing criticism in Brussels over her stance on Russia and Gaza. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Internal Politics (Putin's Direct Line - 06:21Z): Peskov states Putin's "direct line" will be combined with a large press conference in December. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Counter-Intelligence (St. Petersburg - Additional Footage 06:25Z): Colonelcassad posts additional video footage related to the FSB operation in St. Petersburg, showing alleged agents and their communications. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Israel Air Defense (Iron Beam - 06:26Z): Оперативний ЗСУ and ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS report Israel deploying the "Iron Beam" laser air defense system, capable of destroying aircraft. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Ground Operations (Konstantinovka - 06:29Z): TASS video claims Southern Grouping of Forces destroyed a UAF self-propelled artillery unit near Konstantinovka, DPR. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
• RF Drone Attack (Oil Refineries - 06:30Z): Военкор Котенок reports RF forces attempted to "reach" oil refineries in European Russia with drones overnight but were unsuccessful. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF IO (Propaganda - 06:31Z): Рыбарь posts a graphic video of a village under attack, explicitly stating "it is worth watching and showing others so that it is clear what scum we are at war with." (Confidence: HIGH) This is clear RF dehumanization propaganda.
• RF IO (False Flag/War Crime - 06:32Z): Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts a graphic video claiming a UAF FPV drone operator intentionally killed a woman and child held hostage by a "neonazi" in Krasnolimansky direction. (Confidence: LOW) This is a highly inflammatory and likely false flag RF IO claim.
• UAF Ground Operations (Tank Strike - 06:33Z): БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС posts a thermal video showing a Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade tank destroying a building with RF occupiers inside. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF Kupiansk Update (06:33Z): ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS amplifies OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Belsky, reaffirming that Kupiansk city center is under UAF control and fighting is only on the northern outskirts. (Confidence: HIGH) This reinforces UAF's denial of deeper RF penetration.

1.2. Weather and Environmental Factors Affecting Operations (Confidence: HIGH)

• Current Conditions: Generally clear and favorable for air operations across most of Ukraine. Rapidly changing weather for Kyiv tomorrow, potentially impacting operations.
• Geomagnetic Storm: The strongest geomagnetic storm in 3 months (G3) continues to impact satellite communications, GPS, and other electronic systems for both sides.
• UAV/Missile Threat (OVERNIGHT & ONGOING - UPDATED): RF launched three S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles, one Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile, and 75 drones (over 40 of them Shaheds) overnight against Ukraine. 48 RF UAVs were shot down/suppressed (down from 136/172 previously reported, indicating a lower volume of successful interceptions but also a smaller attack wave). Persistent RF UAV threats affect Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Poltava Oblasts. Zaporizhzhia experienced at least TEN strikes, killing one person and injuring 20 (UPDATED), including children in critical but stable condition, causing power outages and significant damage to a logistics convoy and a building. Sumy Oblast suffered two drone impacts overnight, causing power outages and a warehouse fire. RF dropped three FAB-250 glide bombs on the center of Kramatorsk, injuring 19 people. UAF Air Force warns of guided aerial bomb launches by enemy tactical aviation on Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts. Nizhyn suffered the "most massive strike from the beginning of the war" with dozens of drones, causing damage to critical infrastructure and injuring three rescuers. Explosions confirmed in Sumy, with two drone impacts and power outages. One strike hit a warehouse building, causing a fire. Yampil is reported to be burning from drone footage. A large fire at a logistics center near Kyiv has been liquidated after repeated morning attacks, following drone impacts and damage to an "Epicenter" building in Kyiv Oblast. UAF Air Force warns of several UAV groups past Derhachi, heading towards Kharkiv, indicating continued RF drone activity in the region. UAF Air Defense reports the lifting of the air raid alarm in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, but the threat remains active elsewhere. RF sources report "powerful explosions in Balakliia (Kharkiv Oblast)" with videos of large smoke plumes, indicating continued RF aerial/artillery strikes on Kharkiv Oblast. UAF Air Force reports a group of UAVs (mopeds) heading towards Nizhyn, Chernihiv Oblast, indicating continued aerial threats to northern regions. Videos show plumes of dark smoke rising from Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast, indicating significant strikes on urban areas. Videos confirm the large fire at the Kyiv logistics hub following night drone attacks. UAF Air Force reports the lifting of the ballistic missile threat. New RF drone group detections for Chernihiv Oblast towards Baturyn and renewed explosions in Kropyvnytskyi confirm continued aerial threats to central and northern Ukraine. A new air alarm was declared in Kyiv but has since been lifted. New RF drone detected in Chernihiv Oblast towards Smila. Critical infrastructure hit by RF UAVs in Cherkasy Oblast. Large fire engulfing a multi-story building in Kyiv reported, potentially from an RF air/missile strike. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in the Pavlohrad district of Dnipropetrovsk. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) on Kherson Oblast. A specific КАБ launch on Poniatiivka/Inhulets is reported. RF strike on critical infrastructure in Cherkasy Oblast. Power outages and train delays in Kirovohrad due to energy infrastructure damage. RF again attacked railway infrastructure overnight, causing train delays in Dnipro direction. Video of powerful strike on transformer station in Balakliia. RF FPV drone strike on a minibus in Vasylivsky district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. New RF strikes on railway substations overnight. Photo messages of rescuers liquidating the consequences of a drone attack in Kirovohrad Oblast. Enemy strikes on infrastructure in Kirovohrad Oblast. Photo messages confirming explosions in Kirovohrad and Cherkasy Oblasts overnight. A fire at an enterprise in Poltava district due to UAV debris overnight. Enemy reconnaissance UAV in Zaporizhzhia area, with air defense engaged. Enemy attack UAV in Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast, indicating persistent localized aerial threats. A fire on the roof of a residential building in Shevchenkivskyi district, Kyiv, covering 1500 sq. m., likely due to recent aerial attacks, represents a significant civilian impact. RF again launched a complex strike on railway infrastructure, indicating continued targeting of critical civilian-military dual-use infrastructure. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Sumy Oblast, indicating continued air-launched guided munition threat. Photo messages and immediate assessment of a nighttime fire at a multi-story building in Kyiv, actively being fought by State Emergency Service (ДСНС), likely a consequence of recent aerial attacks. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Kharkiv Oblast from the east. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Donetsk Oblast. At least five strong explosions heard in Petrovsky district of Donetsk. This indicates continued shelling in occupied territories. Explosions and smoke plumes in occupied Donetsk, with accompanying commentary suggesting an ammunition depot fire. This indicates successful UAF targeting of an RF military logistics/storage facility. UAF Air Force warns of an aviation munition threat in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Synelnykove district). This indicates ongoing immediate threat from RF tactical aviation, likely utilizing guided aerial bombs (КАБ). Videos captioned "Chronicle of strikes on the territory of Ukraine September 16 - September 17, 2025," show thick smoke plumes and an urban impact. One video shows "PROKURATURA UKRAINY" watermark, suggesting official documentation of strikes, likely related to civilian infrastructure damage or war crime investigation. UAF Air Force reports new launches of guided aerial bombs by tactical aviation on the border of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. UAF Air Force warns of a high-speed target heading towards Kharkiv. UAF Air Force warns of attack UAV danger in Nikopol district. UAF Air Force reports attack UAVs in Synelnykove, Novgorod-Siversky districts, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Oblasts, posing a threat to citizens. Attack UAVs also reported heading towards Kryvyi Rih district. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Chernihiv Oblast heading towards Snovsk from the northeast. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Sumy Oblast on a course towards Konotop. New groups of RF UAVs (mopeds) in eastern Kharkiv Oblast, heading west. UAVs heading towards Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, indicating continued widespread aerial threats. Fires in Dnipro district due to UAV attack, with consequences being clarified. An RF drone strike on a gas station (АЗС) in Poltava district, causing a fire and one casualty. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Сливочный каприз posts drone footage showing a rural/semi-urban area subjected to conflict, with numerous damaged/destroyed buildings and power lines, suggesting widespread destruction from recent strikes. РБК-Україна reports explosions in Konotop on the background of a drone attack, citing the city mayor.
  • UPDATED: UAF Air Force reports UAVs in the south and central Sumy Oblast heading towards Poltava and Chernihiv Oblasts. New groups of enemy attack UAVs in eastern Dnipropetropavsk Oblast moving northwest. A UAV from Chernihiv Oblast is heading towards Kyiv Oblast. High-speed targets detected west of Zaporizhzhia, moving north. UAVs in Kyiv Oblast on course for Ukrainka, Pereiaslav, Yahotyn. Strike drones are moving in different directions. A UAV heading towards Kyiv from the south. Kyiv city military administration (КМВА) announces air raid alarm in Kyiv due to enemy UAV threat. UAF Air Force reports Russian attack UAVs are targeting Kyiv. STERNENKO confirms, and Klitschko states air defense is active in Obolon. All air raid alarms in Kyiv have been lifted. RBC-Ukraine reports a warehouse fire in Kyiv Oblast due to an enemy attack. Оперативний ЗСУ reports RF again attacked Kyiv Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: РБК-Україна reports "Ukrzaliznytsia" confirmed damage to several sections of railway in Poltava Oblast due to night shelling. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: ASTRA reports a warehouse fire in Boryspil district, Kyiv Oblast, due to RF drone attack overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:13Z): "Военкоры Русской Весны" (amplified by Операция Z) claims an attack on railway infrastructure near Poltava, used to supply UAF in Donbas. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:17Z): Photo messages show consequences of an RF drone attack on Kyiv Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:20Z): UAF Air Force reports an enemy UAV in Chernihiv Oblast (Novgorod-Siversky district) moving west. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Environmental/Domestic Incident: Wildfires spreading to residential homes in Rostov Oblast. Firefighters in Crimea liquidating a dry vegetation fire. A gas-air mixture explosion in Angarsk, Irkutsk Oblast, has caused one fatality and necessitated a state of emergency, with 5 casualties. A large fire is reported on the roof of a building with commercial stalls in Irkutsk, further stressing RF emergency services. Elbrus cable car accident further stressed domestic emergency services. The Holy Trinity Church in Sudzha (Kursk Oblast) was robbed and damaged from shelling. Multiple explosions in Kursk. A series of claps occurred near administrative buildings in Schitovaya village, Vladivostok. A series of explosions also occurred in Vladivostok this morning. FSB detained a woman in Novosibirsk for involvement in a sabotage act on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Trans-Baikal Krai. RF Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated that the US is not yet ready to completely abandon Russian uranium. An all-terrain vehicle with 9 passengers fell into a lake in Transbaikalia, with 5 presumed drowned. The arrest of the Elbrus cable car director. A fire at Morozovsk airfield in Rostov Oblast. Temporary internet outage in Kamchatka. MAK published final words of An-24 pilots crashed in Amur Oblast, indicating ongoing domestic aviation incidents. The State Duma committee approved a bill on using narcotics for service dog training, an internal RF policy development. Rospatent temporarily refused Renault Group registration of "Reno" trademark in Russia, along with over 30 other countries, indicating ongoing economic isolation and internal bureaucratic issues. Severe flooding in Makhachkala, Dagestan, due to heavy rains. This is a domestic environmental event, which could strain local emergency services. Rescuers, police, and emergency services are searching for a tourist missing since September 1st in "Ergaki" natural park, Krasnoyarsk Krai. This confirms ongoing domestic emergency situations, diverting resources from military support. Rescuers have discovered the location of the sunken all-terrain vehicle in Transbaikalia and are extracting bodies. This confirms an ongoing domestic emergency, likely resulting in multiple fatalities, continuing to strain RF emergency services. A woman on a car killed a bear cub in Sochi. A video shows the exhumation of what appears to be a soldier's body in Donbas. This indicates RF is conducting either war dead recovery or forensics. Two people died and six were injured in a bus accident in Vladimir Oblast, indicating continued domestic incidents requiring emergency services. TASS reports that an online advertisement for selling a giraffe into private hands disappeared after a court ruling, but offers for two calves remain. TASS reports the death of ballet master Yuri Papko at 86, indicating domestic normalcy reporting. Mash на Донбассе posts video claiming residents of Kirovskoye (occupied Donetsk) are not surprised by trash near their homes, suggesting local governance failures or social decay in occupied areas, likely for RF IO to deflect blame. Игорь Артамонов posts video about doctors saving an extremely low birth weight baby in a perinatal center, promoting positive domestic healthcare narratives. Военкор Котенок posts video of a "positive footage from Chechnya" showing a luxury wedding convoy worth "about a billion," indicating an RF IO effort to project normalcy, wealth, and stability in a volatile region, potentially as a distraction from military news. Новости Москвы reports a person falling onto subway tracks at "Ploshchad Revolyutsii" station, but survived, indicating a civilian accident. Новости Москвы posts video of a moose crossing a highway at night, highlighting a civilian road hazard. ТАСС reports former Vologda head Yevgeny Shulepov, accused of corruption, has died. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС posts video of exhumation of a soldier's body in Donbas. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates RF is conducting either war dead recovery or forensics, or UAF is documenting war crimes.
  • UPDATED: TASS reports rescuers extracted two more bodies from the sunken all-terrain vehicle in Transbaikalia, bringing the presumed total to seven. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates an ongoing domestic emergency.
  • NEW (06:16Z): Rosaviatsia reports temporary restrictions on aircraft reception/departure at Orenburg airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:30Z): ASTRA reports temporary restrictions on aircraft reception/departure at Orenburg airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Internal Security: In St. Petersburg, the FSB uncovered mediation in bribes for hospitalization from the SMO zone. In LNR, law enforcement found almost two kilograms of salts in vehicle tires, preventing drug trafficking from Moscow Oblast. A teenager was detained in Vologda for allegedly swearing allegiance to a Ukrainian "terrorist organization." Moscow Prosecutor's Office approved charges against a blogger for fraud. A Russian-Cypriot citizen, owner of the vessel that exploded in Beirut in 2020, was detained in Bulgaria. FSB detained suspects who promised SMO participants release from service for 3.5 million rubles due to injury, highlighting ongoing corruption within RF military-related processes. A criminal case against a former Playboy editor-in-chief was suspended due to his deployment to the war. A drone danger warning for Bryansk Oblast, indicating continued internal security concerns from UAV activity. A warning about remote scams issued in Khabarovsk Krai, indicating persistent domestic cyber/information security concerns. A decrease in illegally employed workers, an RF domestic IO point. Low wage arrears, indicating domestic IO to project economic stability. Yury Dud*, a prominent Russian journalist, denies guilt in a criminal case regarding evading foreign agent duties, indicating continued internal security and media control efforts. A co-conspirator of ex-Deputy Minister of Energy Mochalnikov, Andrei Moiseenko, fully admitted guilt in a judicial proceeding, indicating ongoing domestic legal processes. RF air defense destroyed UAVs in three districts of Rostov Oblast, indicating active internal security measures against perceived UAV threats. The lifting of the drone danger alert, suggesting a temporary de-escalation of internal threats. An arrest in Vladivostok for illegal border crossing, highlighting continued internal security focus. Former Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper Rudko attempted to cross the Ukraine-Moldova border, reinforcing RF domestic security concerns. The arrest of a suspect for intentional infliction of moderate bodily harm in Khabarovsk, indicating continued domestic law enforcement activity. Rada deputy Artem Dmitruk claiming he was forced to flee Ukraine after threats to his family due to fighting Zelenskyy's regime, a continued RF IO point. Video of security forces conducting searches of journalists and activists in Ufa this morning, demonstrating continued internal security actions against perceived dissent. State prosecution seeks a 600,000 ruble fine for Mikhail Volkov for financing an extremist organization, indicating ongoing legal actions against political opponents. FSB detained an African national in Astrakhan for espionage for Ukrainian military intelligence, indicating active RF counter-intelligence operations against perceived UAF infiltration. Further amplification of the detention of an African national for espionage for Ukrainian military intelligence. A French cyclist detained in Vladivostok is in Ussuriysk pre-trial detention, indicating ongoing RF internal security actions against foreign nationals. A conviction for drug trafficking in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, indicating routine domestic law enforcement operations. A request to check Rada Russkikh for involvement in drug and murder propaganda. This indicates continued RF internal security measures and control over information and public figures. Yulia Navalnaya claims Alexei Navalny was poisoned in prison. This is a significant internal political event in RF, likely requiring increased internal security and IO management. A Russian woman sentenced in Belarus for involvement with independent media (Север.Реалии 09:42:13Z, ASTRA 10:33:31Z). Former Ukrainian prisoners recount torture in Mordovian IK-10. A Perm resident was fined 20,000 rubles for insulting a known acquaintance. This indicates domestic legal processes for minor offenses. A listening device (with SIM and memory card) was discovered in the office of Lviv Mayor Sadovyi, suggesting a sophisticated intelligence operation targeting Ukrainian officials. TASS reports that US authorities claim palladium imports from RF harm American producers, potentially leading to US tariffs. Север.Реалии reports that recruited billionaire fraudster Jan Marsalek has settled in Moscow and is involved in "special operations" in Ukraine, indicating potential high-level RF intelligence involvement. TASS reports electronic documents can be signed via "Госключ" and Max apps from September 26, promoting domestic digital infrastructure and potential state control. Colonelcassad posts video message claiming a Crimean resident received 14 years in a strict regime colony for preparing a terrorist act. The video shows an individual recounting being detained by Ukrainian special services and tasked with photographing military equipment and planting a bomb, before leaving Kryvyi Rih. This is RF IO intended to highlight internal security successes and demonize Ukrainian intelligence. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА posts video captioned "Escape failed!", showing RF soldiers apprehending an individual. ASTRA reports that approximately 90 Ukrainians, subject to deportation, are being held in Smolensk Oblast as an "exchange reserve," with some expressing willingness to stay in Russia or join the SMO. Colonelcassad reports a 19-year-old extremist sentenced in St. Petersburg for preparing high treason and participation in a terrorist organization. TASS reports Tyler James Robinson, accused in the Charlie Kirk murder, agreed to surrender to law enforcement, fearing he might be shot during detention. Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) posts video of apprehended individuals allegedly involved in an assassination plot in St. Petersburg, including supposed confessions. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a key RF counter-intelligence and IO narrative. Kotsnews also posts a related video, theatricalizing the event. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: TASS reports businessman Amirkhanyan charged with complicity in the murder of former Rada deputy Ilya Kiva. He denies guilt. TASS reports that a French cyclist arrested in Primorsky Krai faces a fine or up to two years in prison and is detained until October 4. TASS reports Lukashenko confirmed that opposition figure Nikolai Statkevich did not want to leave for Lithuania and returned to Belarusian territory. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:12Z): FSB claims to have prevented a "terrorist attack against the head of a defense enterprise" in St. Petersburg, detaining three individuals. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:25Z): Colonelcassad posts additional video footage related to the FSB operation in St. Petersburg, showing alleged agents and their communications. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:28Z): ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports Ukrainian businessman Araik Amirkhanyan detained in Moscow in the Kiva case. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:32Z): Два майора posts videos related to the FSB operation in St. Petersburg, focusing on alleged agents and a person disguised as an old woman. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Drone Incident (Poland): A drone was neutralized over Polish government buildings in Warsaw, with two Belarusian citizens detained. РБК-Україна reports that a Russian drone that invaded Lithuania was launched from Belarus. Poland is deporting a Ukrainian citizen who launched a drone over government buildings in Warsaw. This confirms the nationality of the perpetrator and indicates a different narrative than RF IO. Alex Parker Returns confirms the Ukrainian citizen is 21 years old, will be fined 1000 Euros, and banned from Poland/Schengen for 5 years, while a 17-year-old Belarusian was released as a witness, further detailing the Polish legal response. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports Poland is deporting a 21-year-old Ukrainian who flew a drone over Warsaw government quarter.
• RF Increase in ARVI Cases: ARVI incidence in RF increased by 63.8% over the week, doubling among schoolchildren. No quarantine measures are needed.
• Explosion in Kharkiv (NEW - РБК-Україна 09:54:32Z, 09:59:26Z): An explosion was reported in Kharkiv, with initial reports suggesting it occurred outside the city.
• UAF Domestic Crime (NEW - Офіс Генерального прокурора 12:15:12Z): 15 years imprisonment for rape of 12-year-old stepdaughter in Zakarpattia.
• UAF Domestic Incident - TCC (NEW): РБК-Україна reports a drunk TCC employee in Ternopil Oblast caused multiple traffic accidents and a police chase.
• UAF Counter-Intelligence - Lithuania (NEW): Оперативний ЗСУ reports a group of Russian intelligence agents detained in Lithuania, who were planning four terrorist attacks.
• RF Domestic Politics - Sports (NEW):: ТАСС posts a photo message stating that the issue of Russian participation in the Olympic Games may be discussed at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Milan.
• RF Air Travel - Volgaograd (NEW): ТАСС reports temporary flight restrictions at Volgograd airport. UPDATED: TASS reports restrictions lifted. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Kyiv Oblast - Warehouse Fire (NEW): RBC-Ukraine reports a warehouse fire in Kyiv Oblast due to an enemy attack. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Kyiv Oblast - Attack (NEW): Оперативний ЗСУ reports RF again attacked Kyiv Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
• US Domestic Issue (NEW): РБК-Україна reports a man shot at police during arrest in the US, with casualties. (Confidence: HIGH) This is likely RF IO material.
• RF Civilian Casualty (NEW): ASTRA reports a civilian was killed by a drone attack on a car in Shebekino, Belgorod Oblast, overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Samara Airport Restrictions (NEW): ASTRA reports temporary flight restrictions at Samara airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Railway Infrastructure Damage (NEW): РБК-Україна reports "Ukrzaliznytsia" confirmed damage to several sections of railway in Poltava Oblast due to night shelling. (Confidence: HIGH) This confirms continued RF targeting of critical railway infrastructure.
• Kyiv Oblast Warehouse Fire (NEW): ASTRA reports a warehouse fire in Boryspil district, Kyiv Oblast, due to RF drone attack overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Kryvyi Rih Situation (NEW): Олександр Вілкул reports the situation in Kryvyi Rih is controlled as of morning 18.09.25. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF Internal Security (NEW): TASS reports that in St. Petersburg, FSB prevented an assassination attempt on the head of a defense enterprise by a Ukrainian intelligence network. (Confidence: HIGH)
• RF VDV Training (NEW): Два майора posts video of demanding obstacle course and hand-to-hand combat training, implying it's for internal security forces or elite VDV units. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Eastern Timor Unrest (NEW): Рыбарь notes that Eastern Timor is "flaring up." (Confidence: MEDIUM) This refers to a domestic issue in a distant country, which might be amplified by RF IO to show global instability.
• Southern Ukraine Civilian Shelling: Сили оборони Півдня України reports 35 shellings across 13 settlements in Southern Ukraine in the past day, confirming continued RF aggression against civilians. (Confidence: HIGH)

1.3. Current Force Dispositions and Control Measures (Confidence: HIGH)

• RF Forces:
  • Ground: Multi-axis offensives continue with claims of advances in Krasnoarmeysk-Dmitrov agglomeration, "grinding down" elite UAF units on Dobropillya direction, and entering Konstantinovka city limits ("Yagodka" cooperative). RF claims offensive development at the junction of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts, with claims of "liberating" Olhivske and Sosnovka. "Kurier" and "Fagot" UGVs deployed. Heavy reciprocal battles reported in Sumy Oblast. FAB strikes continue in Kalinovsky, targeting UAF logistics. Assault on Yampil on the Krasnolimansky direction has started by RF forces, utilizing civilian clothing for disguise and human shields. RF forces have allegedly penetrated Yampil. The presence of a North Korean 107-mm Type1963 multiple rocket launcher in the "SMO zone." RF Armed Forces are expanding their bridgehead in Volchansk. RF Naval Infantry are reportedly advancing in Sumy Oblast against UAF infantry, with artillery strikes. "Vostok" assault groups discovered a foreign weapons depot in the South Donetsk direction. "Vostok" grouping's 37th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade scouts are conducting ambushes. RF Army is actively advancing in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. RF details RF military movements and territorial control changes in Zaporizhzhia (Stepnohirsk, Orikhiv, Tokmak). RF forces have taken fire control of approximately 5 km of the H-26 highway near Stepova Novoselivka, leading to Kupiansk. RF continues to advance on the Konstantinovka direction, with "pincers closing." Drone reconnaissance footage, allegedly showing UAF forward observation posts and temporary deployment points being hit in the Kharkiv direction. RF Northern Fleet's marines are performing anti-landing defense missions on Sredny Peninsula, Murmansk region. Soldier from 238th Guards 152mm/155mm shells due to drone threats. FPV drone footage shows strikes on what are described as fortified VSU positions, indicating continued tactical FPV drone usage in offensive operations. Putin arrived at Mulino training ground for the main stage of "Zapad-2025" exercises and inspected weapons, indicating high-level political engagement with ongoing military training. Putin inspecting combat motorcycles, ATVs, and drones, indicating focus on mobility and UAVs. Video of RF soldiers on the Kharkiv direction soliciting donations for medical supplies, indicating ongoing operations and potential logistical challenges. Tactical map for the Serebryansky direction, detailing RF perspectives on control. Drone footage claiming the 47th Tank Division detected a UAF mobile UAV team in Kharkiv region, indicating continued RF counter-UAV ISR efforts. Photos on the "Kupiansk direction," indicating ongoing RF activity. RF claims full control of Serebryansky forestry after 3 years of heavy fighting, which, if verified, would represent a significant RF territorial gain on the Lyman direction. Video of Putin inspecting drones and motorcycles at "Zapad-2025," highlighting a continued focus on technological integration and ground mobility. VDV performing parachute and armored vehicle air-dropping operations during "Zapad-2025," demonstrating complex large-scale airborne capabilities. Basurin further amplifies Putin's presence and engagement at "Zapad-2025" exercises. Video showcasing a military exercise involving tanks and drones, emphasizing combined arms operations. Video of matte green SUVs being prepared for a "4th auto convoy," indicating logistical support efforts. Compilation of drone footage, showing targeted destruction of armored vehicles (HMMWV, Pickup Truck), reconnaissance over damaged civilian settlements, and engagements with various ground vehicles, highlighting continued RF drone ISR and strike capabilities. Video implying a UAF soldier with a shovel against RF special forces KVN drone near Stepnohirsk, attempting to showcase RF drone superiority. Photos and text on Putin observing "Zapad-2025," highlighting the active phase of joint strategic exercises. Tactical maps depicting claimed RF ground advances on the Konstantinovskoye direction. RF efforts to camouflage Msta-S self-propelled howitzers in dense foliage to evade UAF drones, highlighting adaptive concealment tactics. Videos of "Otvazhnye" (Brave Ones) operating on the Pokrovsk direction, showing drone footage of armored vehicles and fortified positions. Map with the caption "Vostok goes to Zaporizhzhia," indicating claimed RF ground movement in this direction. Tactical map claiming RF is developing an offensive at the junction of DPR, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Tactical map for the Sloboda direction, showing combat on the border. Videos depicting artillery strikes and drone activity in what is identified as the "Dnipro" grouping's area of operation, showing continued engagement. Compilation of drone footage from Dnipropetrovsk, Pokrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia directions, showing strikes on armored vehicles, trucks, ATVs, and fortified positions, indicating active RF drone ISR and strike capabilities across multiple fronts. Video of "Zapad-2025" exercises showcasing robotic systems (UGVs) ensuring the advancement of offensive units, demonstrating integration of unmanned ground platforms. Drone footage showing a damaged landscape with numerous craters. A camouflaged vehicle, possibly a light utility vehicle or SUV, is seen moving across the terrain. It appears to be evading fire as puffs of smoke erupt near its vicinity. Later in the video, the vehicle is directly hit by an explosive, resulting in a large fireball and secondary explosions. The video also shows imagery of destroyed vehicles and personnel in a wooded area, with Russian flags and numerical indicators like '200' (fatalities) suggests confirmed enemy losses on the Dobropillya axis. RF claims "Anwar" special forces destroyed a Swedish "S-tank" while supporting an offensive towards Sumy. This is a highly unusual claim given the tank type and indicates RF IO to amplify successes and demonize Western equipment. Video and photos claiming "exclusive footage of our guys' work in the enemy's rear," depicting drone footage and thermal imagery of a forested area, showing Russian special forces insignia, likely indicating active RF deep reconnaissance and targeting operations. New video footage of "Zapad 2025" exercises in the Leningrad region, showcasing tanks and artillery maneuvering and engaging targets in a forested area. Drone footage showing a "graveyard" of UAF equipment destroyed by Russian drone operators between Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov, indicating successful RF tactical engagements and continued offensive pressure. New aerial surveillance footage, documenting military vehicles, static positions, and destroyed equipment, indicating continued RF drone ISR and strike capabilities in support of ground operations. Video of Novo-Donetskoye aftermath, depicting extensive damage to buildings and destroyed vehicles in a settlement, consistent with RF strikes on contested areas. Drone footage captioned "57 орСпН громит пехоту ВСУ в районе Владимировки," explicitly claiming the destruction of UAF infantry, confirming continued tactical offensive capability. Image of artillery firing exercise confirms continued ground-oriented training for RF forces. Multiple videos claiming the liberation of Novopetrovskoye, depicting drone reconnaissance, mine clearing, and direct engagement with UAF positions, confirming active ground capabilities. Video of tank crews of the Central Group engaging an AFU stronghold, displaying continued ground combat capabilities with armor support. RF claims UAF attacks on DPR border led to increased RF strikes on enemy rear. RF claims destruction of a Paladin SAU, indicating anti-armor capabilities. RF claims successful destruction of UAF attempts to cross the Dnieper, indicating effective riverine defense. Map-based analysis of the encirclement of Scherbynivka and battles in Konstantinovka, demonstrating RF's capability to conduct complex maneuver and assault operations on key urban and strategic targets. RF amplifies Deep State's report that RF Army is threatening to encircle UAF forces in Serebryansky forestry, indicating continued high-intensity offensive operations with the intent to achieve decisive local gains. RF claims UAF 'suicide attacks' at Tetkino, Kursk, met by RF paratroopers, suggesting RF ground forces are active in border defense operations. Photo message depicting a destroyed RF motorcyclist in Donbas, implying RF ground losses. Video of a UAF soldier picking up an RF fiber-optic FPV drone "KVN", which then detonates, confirming the deployment of such advanced drones by RF forces and ongoing tactical engagements. Multiple videos of Russian assault troops detailing tactical operations including drone reconnaissance, mine clearing, and direct engagement, confirming ongoing ground offensive capabilities and adaptive tactics. The soldier narration provides evidence of RF ground forces adapting to complex terrain and defensive obstacles. Military map overlay for the "Druzhkovskoye direction," confirming RF's continued capability for operational mapping and planning in contested areas. Video with an Orlan-30 drone operator discussing its EW resistance, extended range, and precision targeting capabilities (M-777 howitzers, ammunition depots), confirming robust RF ISR and strike coordination for ground support. Video confirming the completion of "Zapad 2025" coalition group of forces joint headquarters work at Mulino training ground, indicating the culmination of large-scale strategic training exercises involving ground forces. Images of a "Commemorative belt for Russian men" with what appears to be a Wagner-related insignia, indicating continued IO and possible association with paramilitary recruitment. Video of a captured Russian soldier, Mikhail Stepanov (122nd Motor Rifle Division), describing harsh combat conditions, coercive tactics, and low morale. This provides crucial HUMINT on RF ground force capabilities, and indicates a lack of proper equipment (scooters/carts for movement) suggesting logistical strains or ad-hoc tactics. Forced evacuation from 18 settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, suggesting increased RF ground pressure or anticipated offensive actions. Tactical maps showing RF claims of ground advances in various sectors over the past 24 hours, particularly around Kupiansk. Reports that "the enemy (UAF) complains that the RF Armed Forces continue to advance in Kupiansk," reinforcing claims of sustained RF ground offensive pressure on this key axis. Video of "Akhmat" SpN Regiment FPV drone reconnaissance on the Sumy direction, identifying Ukrainian-made and German-made drones. This indicates RF special forces maintain capabilities for deep reconnaissance and targeting across the border, confirming active ground and ISR operations. The Duma committee approved veteran status for volunteers in assault units, suggesting an ongoing legislative effort to formalize and potentially incentivize participation in ground combat roles, signaling continued commitment to these units. Claims "Sparta" unit destroyed a UAF UAV control post, indicating RF ground units are actively engaged in counter-UAV and C2 targeting. RF and UAF-affiliated sources amplify Deep State's report that RF forces are entering and consolidating in residential areas of Kupiansk from both north and northwest. This signifies an escalation of RF ground pressure on Kupiansk, with a shift to urban infiltration tactics, confirmed by UAF-affiliated sources. The captured RF soldier (Оперативний ЗСУ 08:31:18Z) claims his unit used a gas pipe to infiltrate Kupiansk, indicating specific and adapted urban infiltration tactics. RF military expert claims UAF created powerful underground fortifications in residential Konstantinovka. This signals RF's expectation of intense urban combat in this area and could be used to justify future destructive strikes. RF claims an offensive behind Chasiv Yar, with airborne forces destroying enemy defenses and advancing from the city, indicating continued high-intensity ground operations with specific unit involvement. Special incendiary detachment of 16th Guards NBC Protection Brigade, "Vostok" Group, using thermobaric munitions on Vremevskoye direction. MoD Russia video features Russian soldiers discussing UAV attacks, small group infiltrations by AFU, and the establishment of a buffer zone. They claim to eliminate enemy forces on approaches, use "birds" (drones/scouts) for intelligence, and note a significant presence of mercenaries (primarily Polish, then African American, with only 20-30% Ukrainian). They claim to use automatic grenade launchers and heavy mortars (120mm, 80mm) and Grad systems against detected positions. The video conveys resilience, high morale, and determination, emphasizing adaptive tactics and effective hardware use. RF MoD claim of destroying a 3-person Ukrainian DRG attempting to infiltrate Kursk Oblast near Tetkino. Photo messages from Gulyaipole - Novoivanivka, indicating continued ground activity in that area. Video showcases new Zefir-M drone and Atlas-M ground robot, highlighting RF's integration of advanced robotics into ground support. Dnеvnik Desantnika🇷🇺 posts photos on the Siversk direction, likely indicating RF activity. Colonelcassad posts FPV drone footage claiming to show a destroyed UAF M1A1 Abrams tank on the Sumy front. This claim requires verification. Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition claims "Anwar" special forces hit a rare Swedish Strv 103 tank in the Sumy border region. This highly unusual claim needs verification. RF MoD claims 6 Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over Belgorod Oblast between 08:00 and 15:00, indicating active internal air defense for border areas. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА posts video displaying dynamic combat engagements in a forest environment, with soldiers using camouflage, advancing on fortified enemy positions, approaching trenches and dugouts, and engaging targets with firearms. Explosions and smoke indicate active fighting. Старше Эдды posts video claiming "Our special forces operations continue!" featuring tactical footage. MoD Russia posts video showcasing RF MLRS firing rounds in daylight and nighttime operations, with aerial perspective, likely for propaganda purposes. Colonelcassad posts photo message claiming RF forces successfully crossed the Volchya River and are advancing in eastern Ivanovka. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF forces are "burning NATO equipment, infantry, and enemy positions day and night" at Pokrovsk, implying continued and successful RF ground engagements. Два майора posts two video messages captioned "FAB on exposed AFU manpower," showing drone footage of an artillery strike near a military vehicle, suggesting a successful RF tactical strike. MoD Russia posts video claiming a T-80BVM tank crew of the Tsentr Group destroyed an enemy stronghold camouflaged in a forest belt in Krasnoarmeysk direction. Два майора posts video showing RF special forces operating in a forested area, suggesting continued tactical engagements and use of camouflage. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts photo and video messages indicating activity on the Krasnoarmeysk direction. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts a message: "Family, friends, brothers and sisters, we urgently need drones🚀," indicating an RF unit's urgent resource requirement for drones. Старше Эдды claims RF forces have taken control of the outskirts of Kupiansk. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF VDV are destroying UAF positions and advancing on the Sumy front. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF VDV are destroying UAF positions and advancing on the Sumy front, showing drone footage of artillery/mortar strikes. Colonelcassad (20:01:26Z) posts a map message claiming assault groups occupied new positions south of Novoivanivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts graphic video footage of human remains, indicating RF ground casualties or recovery efforts. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts a video of captured Russian soldiers in Kupiansk detailing orders to kill Ukrainian men and infiltration via a gas pipe, confirming aggressive RF tactics. Colonelcassad posts video of a damaged UAF Roshel Senator armored vehicle, claimed destroyed by RF UAV operators in Sumy Oblast. ТАСС reports Russian sergeant Dinir Shavaleev broke into an enemy dugout alone and eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers. (Confidence: LOW) Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts a summary of the day for September 17. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that the Cavalier of the Order of Courage from "Heroes' Time" has been appointed director of the Center for Sports Training of Russian national teams. Colonelcassad posts drone footage from the Kupiansk direction, featuring the "Svyatogor" group, showing the destruction of a Ukrainian militant crossing, enemy transport, an armored vehicle with supplies, and another enemy armored vehicle. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that RF's 4th base is burning NATO "supersystems" in support of the offensive on the Zaporizhzhia front, featuring drone footage of a PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. (Confidence: MEDIUM - PzH 2000 is NATO, but "4th base" is ambiguous, and the imagery could be old or miscontextualized) Воин DV posts video claiming the 14th Separate Guards Special Purpose Brigade is destroying UAF militants on the Vremevsky direction, with thermal imagery of combat. (Confidence: MEDIUM) Colonelcassad posts video featuring an RF assault company deputy commander ("Dmitrich") operating on the Kherson direction, emphasizing his combat experience and awards. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: Colonelcassad posts video of RF 'Vostok' Group operators detecting and destroying heavy hexacopters attempting to drop munitions on RF positions in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Colonelcassad posts video claiming a ZALA "Lancet" drone destroyed a UAF M-198 howitzer in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Colonelcassad posts photo messages titled "Moments of the SMO. Frontline weekdays," displaying battlefield scenes with soldiers and destroyed equipment. TASS reports RF artillery destroyed a UAF UAV control post on the Siversk direction. (Confidence: MEDIUM) TASS reports RF forces advanced 1.5 km into UAF defenses near Melove, Kharkiv Oblast. (Confidence: MEDIUM) Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts photo messages for "Airborne brotherhood, good morning," indicating morale boosting and unit cohesion efforts for VDV units. (Confidence: HIGH) Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming the enemy (UAF) is observing Russian army columns with new tactical signs arriving on the Zaporizhzhia front. (Confidence: MEDIUM) Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) posts video of humanitarian aid, specifically radio transceivers, being delivered to RF soldiers on Kharkiv and Pokrovsk directions. (Confidence: HIGH) Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that RF paratroopers broke through south of Stepnohirsk and are assaulting Prymorske, developing an offensive on the Zaporizhzhia front. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • NEW (06:29Z): TASS video claims Southern Grouping of Forces destroyed a UAF self-propelled artillery unit near Konstantinovka, DPR. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • Air/Naval: High concentration of strategic bombers. "West-2025" and "Rubezh 2025" exercises ongoing, involving significant naval deployments and strategic aviation. Military space launches successful. Iskander OTRK systems deployed near Kaliningrad. Su-34 tactical aviation launching guided aerial bombs. OAK has handed over another batch of new Su-34 fighter-bombers to the RF Ministry of Defense. RF launched three S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles and 75 drones (over 40 of them Shaheds) overnight against Ukraine. UAF Air Force warns of guided aerial bomb launches on Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Tu-22M3 bombers patrolled over Barents Sea for "Zapad-2025." MoD Russia posts video of "Zapad 2025" Baltic Fleet repelling uncrewed surface vehicle attack. Tu-95MS strategic bombers redeployed, indicating a heightened missile strike threat. Baltic Fleet naval aviation crews conducted combat use of UMPK and Kh-31A anti-ship missiles. MoD Russia posts video of Iskander-M missile system electronic launches in Kaliningrad. MoD Russia posts video of Msta-S self-propelled artillery system smashing an AFU stronghold in Krasnoarmeysk direction. MoD Russia and Basurin confirm a successful missile launch from a submarine in the Barents Sea during "Zapad-2025." A convoy of at least one military truck with two attack helicopters providing escort was observed in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Video of trucks engulfed in flames in Zaporizhzhia, confirming RF strike BDA. Bangladesh, India, Iran, Burkina Faso, Congo, and Mali participated in "Zapad-2025," confirming broad international participation in strategic exercises, demonstrating RF's efforts to build a non-Western military bloc. "Massive use of unmanned aircraft and ground robots" as a feature of "Zapad-2025," highlighting technological focus. Russia tested naval hypersonic weapons, indicating continued development of advanced naval strike capabilities. "What's inside the 'Reactive Geranium'," indicating RF analysis of drone components, likely from downed UAF drones, for countermeasure development or propaganda. Video allegedly showing RF air force operations, though the video actually depicts a large explosion in an urban area with UAF insignia, inadvertently demonstrating RF's capability to inflict significant damage on urban/civilian areas. Multiple videos showing plumes of dark smoke rising from Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast, indicating significant strikes on urban areas. The frigate "Admiral Golovko" conducted a Zircon hypersonic missile strike on a coastal target as part of "Zapad-2025" exercises. Video confirms the Zircon hypersonic missile launch. MoD Russia posts video of "Zapad-2025" exercises showing landing craft disembarking BMPs, covered by naval aviation, landing troops in a mock enemy port, demonstrating amphibious assault capabilities. MoD Russia posts video of "Zapad-2025" exercises showing IL-76 transport aircraft conducting large-scale airdrops of airborne troops (VDV) and armored vehicles, confirming capability for complex large-scale airborne operations. Photo message emphasizing the threat of the RF FAB-500 glide bomb. The practical phase of "Zapad-2025" exercises has concluded in Leningrad Oblast, showcasing artillery operations, confirming ongoing high-level military exercises. Explosions in Kropyvnytskyi, indicating continued RF air/missile strike capabilities against central Ukraine. An air alarm in Kyiv was declared but has since been lifted. RF UAVs hit critical infrastructure in Cherkasy Oblast, confirming continued successful air strike capabilities. RF strikes on railway infrastructure, demonstrating a continued capability to target logistical networks. UAF Air Force reports enemy tactical aviation activity in the Sea of Azov, indicating continued air presence and potential for strikes. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) on Kherson Oblast. Specific КАБ launch on Poniatiivka/Inhulets, confirming precise air-launched guided munition capabilities. Video of powerful strike on transformer station in Balakliia, indicating continued capability for precision strikes on critical infrastructure. The first regular flight from Moscow to Krasnodar since 2022, indicating a normalization of domestic air traffic, potentially freeing up military air assets for other purposes. Image of a helicopter, reinforcing RF military aviation capabilities and presence. New RF strikes on railway substations overnight, confirming continued capability for precision strikes on critical infrastructure. Photos of model airplanes for domestic IO/morale, potentially subtly promoting RF airpower capabilities. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Sumy Oblast, indicating continued RF aerial strike capability, particularly with guided munitions. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Kharkiv Oblast from the east. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Donetsk Oblast. At least five strong explosions heard in Petrovsky district of Donetsk, indicating continued shelling. Claims Russian "Geraniums" (Shaheds) hit two substations overnight, confirming continued RF targeting of critical energy infrastructure with UAVs. The reopening of Krasnodar airport and its first flight since 2022, presented as a normalization of domestic air traffic. This implies that civilian infrastructure resilience is a priority, and also potentially frees up air assets for military use in other regions. UAF Air Force warn of a threat from aviation munitions in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Synelnykove district). This confirms active RF tactical aviation operations in southern Ukraine, likely utilizing guided aerial bombs (КАБ). Videos showing "Chronicle of strikes on the territory of Ukraine September 16 - September 17, 2025," including an urban impact. This confirms continued RF air/missile strike capabilities, including targeting populated areas. Video of the first flight to Krasnodar airport, indicating continued RF efforts to project normalcy and potentially freeing up military transport assets. CSTO command-staff exercises "Rubezh-2025" have begun in Kyrgyzstan (17-20 Sept). This indicates RF's continued capability to conduct large-scale, multi-national exercises, projecting regional influence and potentially testing C2 capabilities. Reports that RF troops are leaving Belarusian training grounds after "Zapad-2025," indicating a redeployment or conclusion of a major exercise cycle. A video showcasing a Russian naval parade, including warships, missile boats, a cruiser, fighter jets, transport aircraft, and a submarine. This demonstrates RF's continued capacity for projecting naval and air power in a ceremonial context. UAF Air Force reports new launches of guided aerial bombs by tactical aviation on the border of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. UAF Air Force warns of a high-speed target heading towards Kharkiv. MoD Russia posts video of Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft conducting practical bombing of ground targets as part of Pacific Fleet exercise. The US Commerce Department denied "Belavia" (Belarusian airline) permission to operate Boeing flights to Russia, potentially impacting RF's strategic airlift capacity through proxies. UAF Air Force reports attack UAVs in Synelnykove, Novgorod-Siversky districts, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Oblasts, and heading towards Kryvyi Rih district (Dnipropetrovsk). Fires in Dnipro district due to UAV attack, with consequences being clarified. An RF drone strike on a gas station (АЗС) in Poltava district, causing a fire and one casualty. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Рыбарь posts photo messages titled "Battle for the Sky," which are tactical analyses of RF air defense systems (likely Pantsir-S1/S2 and Buk-M2/M3) and drones (Orlan-30), implying ongoing air defense activity and aerial combat. A UAV from Cherkasy Oblast continues movement towards Kyiv Oblast (Yagotyn). Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Colonelcassad posts an animated map summarizing RF strikes on Ukraine from 16-17 September 2025, detailing flight paths and impact areas of drones (Geran) and missiles (UMPK, OTRK). РБК-Україна reports Trump's plane nearly collided with a passenger flight over New York. ТАСС reports temporary flight restrictions at Volgograd airport. Colonelcassad posts photo messages captioned "Footage from the airshow in Changchun."
  • UPDATED: UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards the border of Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. UAF Air Force reports RF attack UAVs in Kyiv, with air defense active in Obolon. All air raid alarms in Kyiv have been lifted. RBC-Ukraine reports a warehouse fire in Kyiv Oblast due to an enemy attack. TASS reports flight restrictions at Volgograd airport have been lifted. Оперативний ЗСУ reports RF again attacked Kyiv Oblast. TASS reports that Belavia flights to Russia will not be reduced after the US ban on Boeing flights to RF, implying continuity of this air travel route. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Fighterbomber posts video of Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft conducting practical bombing of ground targets as part of Pacific Fleet exercise. (Confidence: HIGH) This demonstrates continued RF training and readiness across various military branches.
  • UAV/EW: Persistent FPV drone operations, reconnaissance UAV activity. Claims of destroying 80 Ukrainian UAVs overnight. "Molniya-2" UAVs adapted with fiber optics. Mass Shahed launches from three locations. Claims destruction of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone via FPV drone. Russia has managed to create a "drone production empire". RF air defense claims 87 RF UAVs were shot down overnight. Drone footage claiming to show effective RF ISR and strike coordination. UAF Air Force warns of multiple groups of RF UAVs approaching Kharkiv via Vilcha, Vovchansk, and Slatyne. Multiple groups of RF UAVs heading towards Sumy. Video claiming 218th Guards Tank Regiment air defense battery clearing skies of enemy drones, enabling ground unit advances. "Zephyr-M" UAV. Video of "Heroes of the Fog" USV tests. Claims to destroy UAF UAV C2. Video of detained teenager in Vologda, claiming allegiance to a Ukrainian "terrorist organization." UAF Air Force reports several UAV groups past Derhachi, heading towards Kharkiv, indicating continued RF drone incursions. Drone footage claiming the 47th Tank Division detected a UAF mobile UAV team in Kharkiv region, indicating continued RF counter-UAV ISR efforts. A Russian drone that invaded Lithuania was launched from Belarus, confirming continued RF hybrid operations from Belarusian territory. UAF Air Force reports a group of UAVs (mopeds) heading towards Nizhyn, Chernihiv Oblast, confirming continued RF drone incursions in Northern Ukraine. Compilation of drone footage, showing targeted destruction of armored vehicles (HMMWV, Pickup Truck), reconnaissance over damaged civilian settlements, and engagements with various ground vehicles, highlighting continued RF drone ISR and strike capabilities. Video implying a UAF soldier with a shovel against RF special forces KVN drone near Stepnohirsk, attempting to showcase RF drone superiority. UAF Air Force reports new groups of RF attack UAVs (mopeds) heading towards/past Kharkiv, confirming continued RF drone ISR and strike capabilities. "Drone safety" in Saratov, Tambov, Voronezh, Rostov, and Volgograd Oblasts, indicating RF's ongoing perception of UAV threats and defensive posture. A fire at Morozovsk airfield in Rostov Oblast. Compilation of drone footage from Dnipropetrovsk, Pokrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia directions, showing strikes on various vehicles and fortified positions, confirming active RF drone ISR and strike capabilities. Video of "Zapad-2025" exercises showcasing robotic systems (UGVs) ensuring the advancement of offensive units, which includes drone elements, demonstrating advanced unmanned systems integration. UAF Air Force reports new groups of RF attack UAVs (mopeds) detected over Kherson Oblast, heading towards Mykolaiv Oblast. MoD Russia posts new video showcasing diverse drone activity (quadcopters for recon/strike, fixed-wing for surveillance, FPV operator), indicating continued integration of various UAV types into RF ground operations, with clear C4I implications. UAF Air Force reports UAVs in Poltava suburbs and multiple groups of UAVs in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast heading towards Kamianske, indicating continued RF drone incursions and targeting. UAF Air Force reports new groups of RF attack UAVs (mopeds) moving through Okhtyrka district, Sumy Oblast, towards Poltava Oblast. New drone danger warning for Bryansk Oblast, indicating active RF drone activity near the border. UAF Air Force reports new groups of RF attack UAVs (mopeds) moving through Mykolaiv Oblast, past Bratske, towards Kirovohrad. An updated summary of RF drone movements. UAF Air Force reports a new RF UAV (moped) heading towards Myrhorod in Poltava Oblast. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Chernihiv Oblast heading towards Baturyn, corroborated by РБК-Україна. This indicates sustained RF drone capabilities, particularly in northern Ukraine. An "ostatok po mopedam" (remaining mopeds) update, confirming ongoing drone threat. Video of the "Torn-MDM" complex being used during "Zapad-2025" exercises, demonstrating advanced EW capabilities and their integration into military operations. UAF Air Force reports a new RF attack UAV (moped) in Chernihiv Oblast heading towards Smila, indicating continued drone incursions. RF anti-icing technology for UAVs for extreme cold, indicating continued development of drone capabilities for prolonged winter operations. Plans for anti-drone protected security zones in Russian border areas, indicating RF's defensive capabilities against UAVs and the ongoing threat perception. UAF General Staff states RF has used over 2000 drones, indicating the extensive scale of RF UAV operations and persistent capability. Drone footage with a warning about high winds affecting drone return, indicating ongoing operational challenges but continued reliance on UAVs. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in the Pavlohrad district of Dnipropetrovsk. New Chinese drone development suggests RF's ongoing efforts to explore and potentially acquire external sources for advanced military hardware, indicating a focus on long-term technological sustainment. RF FPV drone strike on a minibus in Vasylivsky district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. RF air defense destroyed 8 enemy UAVs overnight, confirming active counter-UAV measures. Enemy reconnaissance UAV in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting persistent RF ISR capabilities. Enemy attack UAV in Kramatorsk, indicating continued tactical drone activity. Video of a UAF soldier picking up an RF fiber-optic FPV drone "KVN", which then detonates, confirming the deployment of such advanced drones by RF forces and ongoing tactical engagements. Videos include a Russian soldier using a drone for reconnaissance and targeting, demonstrating continued reliance on and integration of UAVs for both ISR and tactical strike missions. Drone footage in Pokrovsk shows RF 'Baba Yaga' drones and other equipment, confirming RF's diverse drone capabilities. UAF Air Force, Оперативний ЗСУ, РБК-УкраїНА all report 136 RF UAVs shot down/suppressed out of 172 launched, including over 100 Shaheds, confirming RF's capability for high-volume, multi-vector drone attacks. Video with an Orlan-30 drone operator discussing its EW resistance, extended range, and precision targeting capabilities, confirming robust RF ISR capabilities for battlefield awareness and target acquisition. Bakonov states an analog of Starlink will soon appear in Russia, indicating RF's development of independent, resilient C4ISR capabilities. Claims Russian "Geraniums" (Shaheds) hit two substations overnight, confirming continued RF capability to launch UAVs for deep strikes against energy infrastructure. Video of "Akhmat" SpN Regiment FPV drone reconnaissance on the Sumy direction, identifying a Ukrainian-made 'Leleka-100' or similar drone and a German 'Vector' drone. This confirms active RF special forces ISR capabilities and counter-drone operations, including the ability to identify and target enemy UAVs. Claims "Sparta" unit destroyed a UAF UAV control post. This, if verified, demonstrates continued RF counter-UAV and C2 targeting capabilities. An analysis of the night strikes, which likely includes drone and missile activities, indicating continued RF intelligence gathering and assessment of their aerial campaigns. UAF Air Force reports an enemy reconnaissance UAV on the border of Sumy and Chernihiv Oblasts, heading towards Bakhmach, confirming continued RF ISR in northern sectors. Roscosmos CEO reported Russia will soon have its own satellite communication terminal, analogous to Starlink. UAF Air Force warns of a high-speed target heading towards Kharkiv. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in eastern Kharkiv Oblast, heading west. UAF Air Force reports attack UAVs in southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading northwest. UAF Air Force reports an enemy UAV south of Zaporizhzhia, heading towards the city. Kotsnews claims "Rubikon" fighters shot down 1000 enemy drones, showing a Leleka-100 reconnaissance drone. UAF Air Force reports attack UAVs in Synelnykove, Novgorod-Siversky districts, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Oblasts, and heading towards Kryvyi Rih district (Dnipropetrovsk). UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Chernihiv Oblast heading towards Snovsk from the northeast. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Sumy Oblast on a course towards Konotop. New groups of RF UAVs (mopeds) in eastern Kharkiv Oblast, heading west. UAVs heading towards Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, indicating continued widespread aerial threats. Fires in Dnipro district due to UAV attack, with consequences being clarified. An RF drone strike on a gas station (АЗС) in Poltava district, causing a fire and one casualty. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports active UAV (moped) threats in Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv Oblasts. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts photos of a downed "reactive Shahed" (Geran-3) allegedly brought down by EW means. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity on the border of Dnipropetropavsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, heading towards Poltava Oblast. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity in Donetsk Oblast, heading towards Sloviansk from the northwest. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity on the south of Sumy Oblast, heading towards Poltava Oblast. Colonelcassad reports the development of a polyamide net capable of neutralizing 50-100% of the kinetic energy of loitering munitions. UAF Air Force reports an enemy UAV in Sumy Oblast (Shostkinsky district) moving south. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: UAF Air Force reports UAVs in the south and central Sumy Oblast heading towards Poltava and Chernihiv Oblasts. New groups of enemy attack UAVs in eastern Dnipropetropavsk Oblast moving northwest. A UAV from Chernihiv Oblast is heading towards Kyiv Oblast. High-speed targets detected west of Zaporizhzhia, moving north. UAVs in Kyiv Oblast on course for Ukrainka, Pereiaslav, Yahotyn. Strike drones are moving in different directions. A UAV heading towards Kyiv from the south. RF attack UAVs are targeting Kyiv, with air defense active in Obolon. All air raid alarms in Kyiv have been lifted. TASS reports PVO forces repelled a massive UAV attack in eight municipalities of Rostov Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH) Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts video displaying Russian military personnel operating FPV drones for reconnaissance and strike missions. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports RF PVO forces destroyed 43 enemy UAVs overnight. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • NEW: 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) reports UAF PVO destroyed 5 drones in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:12Z): UAF Air Force reports 48 enemy UAVs shot down/suppressed from a total of 75 air attack assets overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:14Z): РБК-Україна reports RF attacked Ukraine with 75 drones, over 40 of them Shaheds. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:17Z): Оперативний ЗСУ reports UAF PPO neutralized 48 out of 75 enemy UAVs overnight (from 21:00 17 SEP). (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:20Z): UAF Air Force reports an enemy UAV in Chernihiv Oblast (Novgorod-Siversky district) moving west. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:29Z): UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Sumy Oblast (Shostka district). (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:30Z): Военкор Котенок reports RF forces attempted to "reach" oil refineries in European Russia with drones overnight but were unsuccessful. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Air Defense: Photos of a Pantsir-S1/S2 air defense system, implying readiness. RF air defense destroyed 10 enemy UAVs over Bryansk Oblast overnight, and that the drone danger alert has been lifted in Bryansk Oblast. MoD Russia posts video of MiG-31bm fighter jets protecting long-range aircraft during "Zapad 2025," demonstrating strategic air defense capabilities. "Drone safety" in Rostov, Bryansk, and Kursk Oblasts and occupied Luhansk and Donetsk is reported. PPO is working on drones in Kyiv Oblast and in Kyiv. Temporary flight restrictions at Volgograd, Kaluga, and Saratov airports. RF air defense intercepted and destroyed UAVs in five districts of Rostov Oblast. New drone danger warning for Bryansk Oblast, indicating active RF air defense response measures. RF air defense destroyed UAVs in three districts of Rostov Oblast. RF air defense destroyed 8 enemy UAVs overnight, confirming active counter-UAV measures. UAF Air Force, Оперативний ЗСУ, РБК-Україна all report 136 RF UAVs shot down/suppressed out of 172 launched. The Russian sources claim "destroyed/suppressed," indicating both kinetic and EW air defense responses are active. Claims "Sparta" unit destroyed a UAF UAV control post. This indicates continued RF counter-UAV and C2 targeting capabilities, utilizing ground forces with air defense elements. UAF Air Force reports the threat for Kharkiv has been lifted. Temporary flight restrictions at Tambov airport. Restrictions on Tambov airport have been lifted. RF MoD claims 6 Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over Belgorod Oblast between 08:00 and 15:00. 7 RF UAVs shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in the evening. ТАСС reports PVO forces shot down six Ukrainian UAVs over Kursk, Belgorod, and Rostov Oblasts. The air raid alarm in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been lifted. ТАСС reports temporary flight restrictions at Volgograd airport.
  • UPDATED: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports air raid alert lifted. Kyiv city military administration (КМВА) announces air raid alarm in Kyiv due to enemy UAV threat. RF attack UAVs are targeting Kyiv, with air defense active in Obolon. All air raid alarms in Kyiv have been lifted. TASS reports flight restrictions at Volgograd airport have been lifted. TASS reports PVO forces repelled a massive UAV attack in eight municipalities of Rostov Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports RF PVO forces destroyed 43 enemy UAVs overnight. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • NEW: 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) reports UAF PVO destroyed 5 drones in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:12Z): UAF Air Force reports 48 enemy UAVs shot down/suppressed from a total of 75 air attack assets overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:17Z): Оперативний ЗСУ reports UAF PPO neutralized 48 out of 75 enemy UAVs overnight (from 21:00 17 SEP). (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF Forces:
  • Defensive: Actively defending across multiple axes, repelling 130 combat engagements. Engaged in countering RF "Труба 3.0" infiltration in Kupiansk. 77th Airmobile Brigade destroying RF grouping. 225th Separate Assault Battalion pushing back RF in Sumy Oblast. Zelenskyy reports "good results in the Sumy border region." UAF General Staff maps indicate continued UAF defensive operations. UAF Southern Defense Forces also reports on defensive operations in the Southern front. UAF claims a failed RF offensive in Dobropillya. UAF units continue to liberate territories in the Dobropillya direction. UAF fighters cleared Pankivka in Donetsk Oblast and surrounding areas ("Azov") and Zarichne by the 425th Regiment "Skelya". UAF General Staff provides updated operational information as of 08:00 16.09.2025, detailing continued clashes across various axes and successful repulsion of assaults on the Kherson, Kursk, and North Slobozhansky (Sumy) directions. UAF Southern Defense Forces continue to strike enemy locations. The Russian breakthrough near Pokrovsk has been eliminated, with cleanup operations ongoing. UAF is repelling RF infantry assaults on the Pokrovsk direction. RF DRGs, disguised in civilian clothing, attempted to infiltrate Yampil and use civilians as human shields. The 5th Separate Assault Kyiv Brigade is effectively conducting drone strikes against RF infantry. The "Khartiya" brigade has created a 10 km "kill zone" in the Lypky direction, Kharkiv Oblast. The 46th Airmobile Brigade is evacuating civilians from combat zones. The 90th Separate Airmobile Battalion is celebrating its day. The 412th NEMESIS Regiment is active. Video of a drone strike on the Pokrovsk direction, claiming 1 motorcyclist and 3 dismounted RF personnel eliminated. Video claiming the 🇺🇦ГВ БАС Фенікс unit hit an RF BM-21 Grad MLRS on the Pokrovsk direction, confirming successful UAF counter-battery fire. Photo message of UAF 2S7 Pion 203mm self-propelled artillery operating on the Donetsk direction, indicating continued UAF heavy artillery engagement in that sector. Video of night FPV drone operations by the 6th Battalion, 12th Azov Brigade, showing targeted shelling in wooded terrain with thermal imaging. Drone footage of the "RUGBY TEAM" battalion, 129th OMBr, destroying an RF T-80 tank on "ethnic lands of Ukrainian Slobozhanshchyna." Video showcasing the "STING" kamikaze interceptor drone, designed to destroy Shahed drones, and appeals for donations for its production. The 425th Regiment "Skelya" has cleared Zarichne. Major Danyil Kitone ("Cuba") as the new commander of the NGU "Khartiya" brigade. Video of GUR's Nexus unit destroying Russian drones in Sumy Oblast. Drone footage showing a damaged landscape with numerous craters. A camouflaged vehicle, possibly a light utility vehicle or SUV, is seen moving across the terrain. It appears to be evading fire as puffs of smoke erupt near its vicinity. Later in the video, the vehicle is directly hit by an explosive, resulting in a large fireball and secondary explosions. The video also shows imagery of destroyed vehicles and personnel in a wooded area, with Russian flags and numerical indicators like '200' (fatalities) suggests confirmed enemy losses on the Dobropillya axis. Dismissal of Commander Volodymyr Silenko (17th Army Corps) and Maksym Kitugin (20th Army Corps) due to ineffective leadership, citing UAF General Staff. UAF artillery operations with a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, demonstrating continued active engagement and firepower. Multiple photo messages, suggesting continued UAF engagement or operational activities. Photo message with operational information as of 08:00 on 17.09.2025, indicating continued defensive operations. Drone footage from the 'Battle for Pokrovsk,' displaying successful strikes against RF targets, providing visual evidence of continued UAF effectiveness in this sector. This supports UAF claims of repelling RF breakthroughs. FPV drone footage of night combat operations by the 6th Battalion, showing thermal imagery of strikes on a wooded area, indicating continued UAF tactical drone effectiveness. Photo messages commemorating "Rescuer's Day," highlighting the critical role of emergency services in combat zones, reinforcing civilian resilience. Video of a captured Russian soldier (Mikhail Stepanov, 122nd Motor Rifle Division) providing human intelligence on RF tactics, morale, and potential coercion, which is highly valuable for UAF counter-IO. Video of Army aviation shooting down Shaheds with machine guns, demonstrating continued UAF counter-UAV effectiveness. Explosions in occupied Donetsk, with the latter explicitly captioning it as a "hit on the location of the Ruscists" and mentioning an "ammo depot is burning." This indicates active and successful UAF offensive operations against RF military targets. Updated General Staff reports on yesterday's clashes. UAF repelled 2 Russian army assaults on the Kherson direction and 9 Russian army assaults on the Kursk and North Slobozhansky (Sumy) directions. This indicates continued strong UAF defensive capabilities and successful resistance against RF ground pressure. Local administration issuing warnings, likely for aviation munitions, indicates UAF maintains a robust threat warning system for civilian populations and active air defense posture. Photo message commemorating rescuers ("Prevent. Save. Help."), indicating continued focus on domestic resilience and support for critical civilian services. Video of captured Russian soldier Mikhail Stepanov, providing recent, direct HUMINT on RF tactics and morale, emphasizing poor conditions and the desire to surrender. This is a significant intelligence gain for UAF. Photo messages commemorating "Rescuer's Day," reinforcing the vital role of civilian emergency services in wartime and boosting domestic morale. Photo messages with soldiers from the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade operating near Pokrovsk, indicating continued UAF frontline presence and operational activity. Video claiming capture of a Wagner PMC member, demonstrating UAF prisoner-taking capability. The Verkhovna Rada adopted the "Law on the Military Ombudsman," showing continued focus on military personnel welfare. Kenyan citizen Evans surrendered to 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade on Volchansk direction. UAF MFA spokesperson comments on a possible Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in New York, indicating active diplomatic efforts to maintain international support. UAF General Staff provides updated operational information as of 16:00 17.09.2025. Oleg Synegubov reports on successful counter-actions against RF advances in Kharkiv Oblast. РБК-Україна reports Ukraine has issued an in absentia verdict against an RF general who commanded the dispersal of protests in Kherson. КМВА (Київська міська військова адміністрація) posts multiple photo messages commemorating "Heroes without Weapons" (rescuers), emphasizing their courage and professionalism, reinforcing UAF resilience and morale. РБК-Україна reports UAF forces have flooded a gas pipe in Kupiansk, attempting to counter RF infiltration, and deny RF claims of fighting in the city center. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy stated the Sumy offensive failed, RF forces were redeployed elsewhere, and suffered even greater losses. STERNENKO reports an "extremely difficult situation in Kupiansk," stating RF has expanded its control within the city and anticipating no good news from there in the future. This contradicts earlier UAF claims of no fighting in the city center and suggests a significant deterioration of the UAF defensive posture. КМВА (Київська міська військова адміністрація) posts multiple photo messages documenting signed memorandums with 11 organizations for mutual trust and assistance at sites of Russian attacks in Kyiv, indicating ongoing efforts to support civilians and coordinate humanitarian response. Підрозділ Shadow posts video titled "In the house or underground - Shadow destroys occupiers," depicting drone strikes on enemy infantry positions. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts video claiming "Gart" brigade destroyed enemy BUK-M2, communication complex "Murom-M", artillery, dugout, and ammo depot near Vovchansk. UAF General Staff provides operational information as of 22:00 17.09.2025. ✙DeepState✙🇺🇦 reports map has been updated, indicating current dispositions. Оперативний ЗСУ posts video commemorating the liberation of Klishchiivka two years ago (2023), including footage of assaults and clearing operations. Оперативний ЗСУ reports "Center of Kupiansk under control - occupiers are fighting only on the northern outskirts," citing OSK "Dnipro." (Confidence: HIGH) ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports "No fighting in the center of Kupiansk, and previously reported information about enemy success is untrue," citing OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Oleksiy Belsky. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: A photo message from RBC-Ukraine shows a soldier in a trench/dug-in position, implying continued defensive operations. UAF General Staff reports over 150 combat engagements and 67 air strikes. (Confidence: HIGH) Оперативний ЗСУ reports RF again attacked Kyiv Oblast, reinforcing UAF defensive actions around the capital. (Confidence: HIGH) Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports operational information as of 08:00 18.09.2025 regarding the Russian invasion. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a formal, updated situation report from UAF High Command, indicating continued defensive posture and active reporting. RBC-Ukraine posts photo messages quoting ISW maps, stating RF forces are hiding in forests near Kharkiv and suffering losses in Kupiansk. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates a UAF counter-narrative to RF claims of success in Kupiansk, leveraging Western analysis. Сили оборони Півдня України posts photo messages with operational information for 08:00 18.09.2025. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued UAF operational readiness and transparency in the Southern direction.
  • NEW (06:33Z): БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС posts a thermal video showing a Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade tank destroying a building with RF occupiers inside. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:33Z): ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS amplifies OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Belsky, reaffirming that Kupiansk city center is under UAF control and fighting is only on the northern outskirts. (Confidence: HIGH) This reinforces UAF's denial of deeper RF penetration.
  • Deep Strike: SBU and HUR units successfully struck RF Black Sea Fleet communications node, Primorsk port, Transneft oil pumping station "Vtorovo," Novo-Ufimsky refinery, Kirishi Oil Refinery, "Metafrax Chemicals" (Perm Krai), and a military warehouse in Sievierodonetsk. HUR & SSO disrupted railway communication on Oryol-Kursk direction. GUR special forces struck RF Buk-M3 SAM system in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. UAF strikes on the Saratov Oil Refinery in Saratov Oblast, Russia, are confirmed. UAF sources amplify Reuters' report that Russian Transneft may reduce oil production due to Ukrainian drone attacks, confirming the strategic impact of UAF deep strikes on RF energy infrastructure. GUR assessment that components for "Reactive Shaheds" (Geran-3) come from the USA, China, and Japan, indicating RF's continued reliance on foreign components and sanction evasion. President Zelenskyy's address included a report from the Foreign Intelligence Service on the RF fuel sector situation post-UAF long-range strikes, thanks to drone/missile operators/producers for accuracy, and confidence in growing Ukrainian defense industry output. He also details RF strikes on Zaporizhzhia (1 killed, 20 injured, 4 children deceased) and Kharkiv (pharmaceutical university hit, civilian casualties). A fire at Morozovsk airfield in Rostov Oblast. New RF strikes on railway substations overnight. Photo message highlighting RF's campaign to destroy Ukrzaliznytsia objects, implying UAF counter-efforts to protect or repair. RF again launched a complex strike on railway infrastructure, indicating that UAF deep strike efforts may be driving RF to prioritize targeting Ukrainian railway logistics. RF struck Ukrainian railway infrastructure, confirming continued RF deep strike capability and impact on Ukrainian logistics. Explosions and smoke plumes in occupied Donetsk, with strong indications of an ammunition depot hit. This represents a successful UAF deep strike against RF logistics and C2, given the claim of a UAV control post destruction. The acquisition of +250 FPV drones in the last day through public donations. This indicates continued UAF capability for sustained tactical drone operations and successful fundraising for deep strike/reconnaissance assets. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy confirmed successful operations on RF territory, stating "someone did not make it by land and air," referring to RF targets. Zelenskiy / Official and 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 state that UAF conducted several successful counter-operations that disrupted RF logistics without civilian casualties, contrasting with RF's strikes. Оперативний ЗСУ posts video claiming an "air strike with French baguettes" on a building where enemy personnel accumulated, depicting a drone strike on a destroyed village. Оперативний ЗСУ posts photo message claiming a radar complex ("Sopka-2") was damaged by a UAV attack in Voronezh Oblast. РБК-Україна reports Russia is under drone attack.
  • Air Defense: Highly effective, claiming 89 of 113 RF UAVs shot down/suppressed. Engaged RF drones in Chernihiv Oblast and over Kyiv. UAF reports Ukraine has interceptor drones capable of shooting down "reactive Shaheds." The interception of an "Italmas" drone. UAF Army Aviation targeting enemy drones. 2 UAVs shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. UAF Air Force reports several UAV groups past Derhachi, heading towards Kharkiv, indicating ongoing air defense activity. UAF Air Defense reports the lifting of the air raid alarm in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, but the threat remains active elsewhere. UAF Air Force reports a group of UAVs (mopeds) heading towards Nizhyn, Chernihiv Oblast, indicating continued air defense responses. Video showcasing the "STING" kamikaze interceptor drone, designed to destroy Shahed drones, indicating new UAF counter-UAV technology. Video of a drone strike on a RF target. UAF Air Force reports the lifting of the ballistic missile threat. Video of GUR's Nexus unit destroying Russian drones in Sumy Oblast. Zelenskyy's statement claiming Poland's air defense capabilities are insufficient, stating Poland shot down 4 of 19 drones compared to Ukraine's 700 of 810, and that Poland is not prepared for such attacks. UAF Air Force reports new groups of RF attack UAVs (mopeds) moving through Okhtyrka district, Sumy Oblast, towards Poltava Oblast, indicating continued air defense responses. UAF Air Force reports new groups of RF attack UAVs (mopeds) moving through Mykolaiv Oblast, past Bratske, towards Kirovohrad Oblast, indicating continued air defense responses. UAF Air Force reports a new RF UAV (moped) heading towards Myrhorod in Poltava Oblast, confirming continued air defense responses. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Chernihiv Oblast towards Baturyn. UAF sources corroborate UAVs in Sumy and Chernihiv Oblast towards Baturyn. This indicates continued air defense responses. A new air alarm in Kyiv was declared but has since been lifted. UAF air defense likely engaged the RF UAVs that hit critical infrastructure in Cherkasy Oblast. The neutralization or departure of a Shahed drone. 9 enemy UAVs liquidated in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, confirming high effectiveness of UAF air defense. Engagement of an enemy reconnaissance UAV in Zaporizhzhia, confirming continued active air defense. An enemy attack UAV in Kramatorsk, indicating an active threat requiring air defense response. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Sumy Oblast, indicating active detection and warning for RF aerial threats. UAF Air Force, Оперативний ЗСУ, РБК-УкраїНА all report 136 RF UAVs shot down/suppressed out of 172 launched (up from 89/113 previously), indicating a significant increase in UAF air defense effectiveness and capacity. Video of Army aviation shooting down Shaheds with machine guns, further demonstrating UAF counter-UAV effectiveness. UAF Air Force are actively issuing warnings for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast regarding aviation munitions, confirming UAF's continued air defense readiness and early warning capabilities. UAF Air Force warns of a high-speed target heading towards Kharkiv. UAF Air Force reports air threat lifted for Kharkiv. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Chernihiv Oblast heading towards Snovsk from the northeast. UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Sumy Oblast on a course towards Konotop. New groups of RF UAVs (mopeds) in eastern Kharkiv Oblast, heading west. UAVs heading towards Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, indicating continued widespread aerial threats. Fires in Dnipro district due to UAV attack, with consequences being clarified. An RF drone strike on a gas station (АЗС) in Poltava district, causing a fire and one casualty. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts photos of a downed "reactive Shahed" (Geran-3) allegedly brought down by EW means. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity in Donetsk Oblast, heading towards Sloviansk from the northwest.
  • UPDATED: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports air raid alert lifted. UAF Air Force reports UAVs in Kyiv Oblast on course for Ukrainka, Pereiaslav, Yahotyn. Strike drones are moving in different directions. A UAV heading towards Kyiv from the south. Kyiv city military administration (КМВА) announces air raid alarm in Kyiv due to enemy UAV threat. RF attack UAVs are targeting Kyiv, with air defense active in Obolon. All air raid alarms in Kyiv have been lifted. Оперативний ЗСУ reports RF again attacked Kyiv Oblast, indicating continued air defense engagement. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: 🇺🇦Сергій Лисак / Дніпропетровська ОДА (ОВА) reports UAF PVO destroyed 5 drones in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:12Z): UAF Air Force reports 48 enemy UAVs shot down/suppressed from a total of 75 air attack assets overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:17Z): Оперативний ЗСУ reports UAF PPO neutralized 48 out of 75 enemy UAVs overnight (from 21:00 17 SEP). (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:26Z): Оперативний ЗСУ and ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS report Israel deploying the "Iron Beam" laser air defense system, capable of destroying aircraft. (Confidence: HIGH) This is not UAF air defense but indicates UAF awareness of advanced AD technologies.
• Tactical Adaptations: Deployment of new advanced UAVs. SSO snipers effective. "Khartiya" corps emphasizes ISTAR systems. FPV and Mavic drones to Zaporizhzhia. Effective mine warfare. TCCs using bodycams for transparency. Concertina wire in drainage pipes in Kupiansk. Drone repair and maintenance. UAF soldiers using All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Basic combined arms training in "West" Operational Command. 63rd Mechanized Brigade's drone battalion eliminating Russian "waiting drones" (mines). Brave1 conducted final tests of kamikaze attack drones. "Tureta battalion Flying Skull" effectively working on the Pokrovsk direction. FPV drone strike on an RF ammunition-laden vehicle on the Pokrovsk direction. FPV drone "surgical strike" eliminating two RF personnel on motorcycles in the Donbas. The 414th Separate UAV Brigade "Mad'yar's Birds" eliminated three RF personnel. The "Regiment of unmanned systems 🇺🇦3 АК KRAKEN¹⁶⁵⁴ has entered battle." Large-scale document and vehicle checks, and traffic restrictions in Lviv. The 3rd Army Corps is receiving training on operating military drones. The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade «Маґура» is announcing official changes to its sleeve insignia. The Ministry of Defense's "Defense Procurement Agency" made its first large purchase of a thousand maneuverable vehicles. Video of "Novem Group" special unit "Balista" conducting FPV drone strikes on Russian transport on the Kursk direction, demonstrating effective tactical adaptations. Meeting a head of an FPV drone operator training center in Primorsky Krai, indicating RF investment in training counter-UAF drone tactics. Video of night FPV drone operations by the 6th Battalion, 12th Azov Brigade, showing targeted shelling in wooded terrain with thermal imaging. Drone footage of the "RUGBY TEAM" battalion, 129th OMBr, destroying an RF T-80 tank. Video of GUR's Nexus unit destroying Russian drones in Sumy Oblast. FPV drone footage of night combat operations by the 6th Battalion of the Azov Brigade, highlighting continued UAF tactical drone effectiveness. US to send 33,000 AI drones to Ukraine by end of year, citing FT, indicating significant future UAF tactical adaptation with advanced drone technology. Europe will close itself off from Russia with a "drone wall" using Ukrainian technology, citing FT, indicating that UAF drone technology and tactics are influencing allied defense strategies. A project to support children who lost family members. This indicates UAF's continued focus on social and psychological support, which indirectly aids military morale and resilience. Information identifying an RF serviceman accused of a war crime (shooting a horse). This demonstrates UAF's continued counter-IO and intelligence efforts to identify and expose RF war crimes. The acquisition of +250 FPV drones in the last day through public donations. This demonstrates continued UAF capability for sustained tactical drone operations and effective public fundraising for military hardware. Acquisition of an excavator via donations. Ukraine's Investment Fund for Reconstruction has received its first contribution and begun operational work, providing a new channel for resource allocation. Оперативний ЗСУ and STERNENKO report Zelenskyy confirmed the first US military aid packages under the PURL initiative will include Patriot and HIMARS missiles. Zelenskiy / Official and 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 state that UAF conducted several successful counter-operations that disrupted RF logistics without civilian casualties, contrasting with RF's strikes.
  • UPDATED: A photo message depicts a soldier in a trench, representing UAF's continued tactical adaptation for defensive positions. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Communications: Starlink outage along the front line was reported but is gradually being restored. Communication will not be turned off during air raids, citing a radio electronics specialist.
• Mobilization: Targeted mobilization efforts. Video with derogatory commentary depicting Ukrainian recruitment officers forcibly apprehending a civilian, indicating continued RF IO to undermine UAF mobilization efforts. Video and photos of a Cuban POW claiming he was tricked into fighting for RF, reinforcing UAF counter-IO on RF recruitment. Photo of a football player with a caption implying he was detained trying to escape a "Zelenskyy concentration camp," representing continued RF IO against UAF mobilization. Continued amplification of claims that a former Ukrainian football goalkeeper was "caught trying to escape to Europe." This is a continued RF IO effort to portray UAF mobilization as forced and unpopular, further discrediting the Ukrainian government. A former Ukrainian football goalkeeper, Artur Rudko, was detained trying to leave Ukraine, a direct RF IO against UAF mobilization. Graphic "Young fugitives or saboteurs?", potentially amplifying narratives of UAF infiltration attempts or cross-border activity, but also indirectly highlighting RF concerns about internal security and recruitment. Duma committee approved bill for year-round conscription. An incident in Odesa where a civilian wounded a TCC serviceman during notification activities, indicating friction related to mobilization. Men aged 60+ can now apply to TCC to join military service under contract. Alex Parker Returns claims "military dictator Zelensky" is fighting poverty among elderly by recruiting men over 60. Colonelcassad posts video of "man-catchers" depicting TCC activity. Военкоры Русской Весны claim Kyiv decided to recruit pensioners due to huge losses. РБК-Україна reports an update on "Резерв+" regarding the status of basic training, indicating continued administrative adjustments to mobilization. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" with three video messages captioned "‼️🇺🇦🏴‍☠️Как со скотом: боевики ТЦК жёстко тащат на убой несчастных украинцев," depicting TCC activity, aiming to undermine UAF mobilization. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts two photo messages titled "Ukrainians in Canada are forced to prove they are not draft dodgers and are demanded relevant documents," suggesting international pressure on Ukrainian citizens abroad regarding mobilization.
  • UPDATED: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts photo message captioned "Kyiv decided to send pensioners to the front." (Confidence: HIGH) This is RF IO amplifying previous claims regarding UAF mobilization of older individuals, aiming to undermine UAF morale and legitimacy.
• Resource Needs: Critical requirement for air defense interceptors, funding for long-range capabilities, drone detectors, and vehicles (Sumy fundraiser). Denmark simplifying legislation for "Flamingo" missile manufacturer. Ongoing fundraisers by STERNENKO and Дневник Десантника🇷🇺. Ongoing fundraiser with 30 minutes left, indicating continued UAF reliance on public support for resources. Fundraiser for "Frontline Armor" (✨Сбор на Фронтовую броню ✨), indicating continued reliance on public support for resources, potentially highlighting unmet needs. Fundraiser for paratroopers, further indicating continued reliance on public support for resources. Photo message for fundraising by the "Rubizh" NGU brigade for equipment, confirming ongoing reliance on public support for resource acquisition. 1.4 million UAH already collected this morning, confirming continued successful public fundraising efforts for UAF resources. +250 FPV drones purchased in the last day through public donations. This demonstrates continued public support and successful acquisition of critical tactical resources for UAF. Acquisition of an excavator via donations. Ukraine's Investment Fund for Reconstruction has received its first contribution and begun operational work, providing a new channel for resource allocation. Оперативний ЗСУ and STERNENKO report Zelenskyy confirmed the first US military aid packages under the PURL initiative will include Patriot and HIMARS missiles. Zelenskiy / Official and 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 state that UAF conducted several successful counter-operations that disrupted RF logistics without civilian casualties, contrasting with RF's strikes.
  • NEW: Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) posts video of humanitarian aid, specifically radio transceivers, being delivered to RF soldiers on Kharkiv and Pokrovsk directions. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: STERNENKO reports 8.6 million UAH collected yesterday. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued public support for UAF.
  • NEW (06:13Z): STERNENKO promotes a book giveaway for donations, indicating continued efforts for public fundraising. (Confidence: HIGH)
• International Aid: Continuing to receive Western military aid. NATO "Grand Eagle 25" exercises. Ukraine receiving aid from Japan and Estonia. Polish President to discuss Russian drones in Berlin and Paris. Lithuania to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians. Polish National Security Bureau Head signed consent for NATO troops in Poland. UAF drone operators to train Polish teams at NATO center. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski proposed that Western nations shoot down Russian drones and missiles over Ukrainian airspace. President Zelenskyy expects a decision from the US regarding Patriot missile system supplies. The EU is preparing to end temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees. Trump administration has approved the first NATO-funded military aid packages for Ukraine and two packages worth $500 million, signaling continued Western support. Amplification of the NATO-funded aid. Trump administration has approved the first NATO-funded military aid package for Ukraine. The approval of the first NATO-funded military aid package for Kyiv. Ursula von der Leyen's conversation with Donald Trump regarding joint economic pressure on RF, indicating continued high-level engagement for international support. Amplification of Reuters' report that Trump approved the first NATO-funded military aid package for Ukraine, signaling continued international support for UAF logistical sustainment. Photo messages of the European Parliament head arriving in Kyiv, indicating continued high-level diplomatic engagement and international support. US will send 33,000 AI drones to Ukraine by end of year, citing FT, indicating significant future military aid. Trump approved the first NATO-funded military aid package for Ukraine (PURL), valued at $1 billion out of a planned $10 billion, sourced from NATO member states. This confirms continued Western support for UAF under a new funding mechanism. The European Parliament will open a permanent representation office in Kyiv, reinforcing diplomatic ties. Lavrov states Kyiv rejected US assessments, framing Kyiv as uncooperative in negotiations. The European Parliament opening an office in Kyiv. Latvia transferred another batch of Finnish Patria 6x6 APCs to Ukraine. Trump resuming military aid funded by Europe. The Verkhovna Rada has ratified a 100-year partnership agreement with the United Kingdom, strengthening defense and diplomatic ties. MFA comments on US approval of first arms batch for Ukraine under PURL program. FT reports EU is preparing mechanism to transfer most frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. This could provide a significant new funding source for Ukraine. EU is preparing restrictions against China and India within the 19th sanctions package against Russia, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to tighten economic pressure. Оперативний ЗСУ and STERNENKO report Zelenskyy confirmed the first US military aid packages under the PURL initiative will include Patriot and HIMARS missiles. Zelenskiy / Official and 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 report Ukraine has received over $2 billion from partners for the PURL program and expects an additional $3.5–3.6 billion in October. Оперативний ЗСУ posts photo messages highlighting the First Ladies of the US and UK wearing Ukrainian flag colors, framing it as a "good sign" of support, for IO purposes. РБК-Україна reports a delegation led by the Polish Minister of Defense has arrived in Kyiv. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: RBC-Ukraine photo message reports Poland adopted a new law concerning Ukrainians. This affects Ukrainian refugees and UAF manpower planning. The Times reports the UK will recognize the State of Palestine in coming days. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Counter-Intelligence: SBU uncovered an RF agent within the UAF, preventing intelligence transfer regarding drone attacks and troop movements. SBU and National Police detained a Russian agent who committed a terrorist act in Zhytomyr Oblast. A new suspicion against a high-ranking NABU official for corruption, indicating ongoing internal counter-corruption efforts. FSB detention of an African national in Astrakhan for espionage for Ukrainian military intelligence, indicating active RF counter-intelligence operations against perceived UAF infiltration. Further amplification of the detention of an African national for espionage for Ukrainian military intelligence. Footage from the FSB detailing the detention of an African national accused of spying for Ukrainian HUR. This is an RF counter-intelligence IO effort to demonstrate effectiveness against perceived UAF infiltration. Video of the detained African national accused of spying for Ukrainian HUR. This further amplifies RF's narrative of successful counter-intelligence, serving as RF IO against UAF intelligence efforts. A law enforcement operation possibly by SBU, capturing individuals suspected of guiding RF missiles to Kyiv. Refutation of rumors that the father of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian woman killed in the US, was denied exit from Ukraine. A sophisticated listening device (with SIM and memory card) was discovered in the office of Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, indicating an ongoing internal or external intelligence threat. Север.Реалии reports that recruited billionaire fraudster Jan Marsalek has settled in Moscow and is involved in "special operations" in Ukraine, indicating potential high-level RF intelligence involvement. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video confirms Lviv Mayor Sadovyi found a listening device in his office, reinforcing a critical internal intelligence threat. This device was specifically identified as a phone charger containing a SIM and memory card. Оперативний ЗСУ reports a group of Russian intelligence agents detained in Lithuania.
  • NEW: TASS reports that in St. Petersburg, FSB prevented an assassination attempt on the head of a defense enterprise by a Ukrainian intelligence network. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF Command Changes (Syrskyi Dismissals): Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi is dismissing "failed commanders." Claims the elimination of specific UAF officers from a drone unit, if verified, this would represent a tactical loss for UAF special drone capabilities. RF claims the elimination of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Prokopets and two junior officers from the "Omega Wings" drone unit of the Ukrainian National Guard. Dismissal of Commander Volodymyr Silenko (17th Army Corps) and Maksym Kitugin (20th Army Corps) due to ineffective leadership, citing UAF General Staff. President Zelenskyy stating Ukraine no longer sends military personnel abroad for training, which could be a response to the need for more efficient training domestically and a strategic decision related to command effectiveness and battlefield experience. A photo message that questions "on which all?" This ambiguous message might be related to internal discussions or frustrations about the impact or justification of recent command changes, reflecting an undercurrent of skepticism.
• POW Support: A photo implying the capture of an RF prisoner, reinforcing UAF successes and potential for intelligence gathering. Video and photos of a Cuban POW, which could be used for intelligence gathering and counter-IO. Video of a captured Russian soldier (Mikhail Stepanov, 122nd Motor Rifle Division), describing harsh conditions and tactics, and implied coercion. This is valuable human intelligence for UAF. Video of captured Russian soldier Mikhail Stepanov, providing recent, direct HUMINT on RF tactics and morale, emphasizing poor conditions and the desire to surrender. This is a significant intelligence gain for UAF. Video of a woman claiming her father was killed by fellow RF servicemen and that a cover-up is ongoing, which is significant counter-IO exposing RF internal brutality. Video claiming capture of a Wagner PMC member. Meeting held with families of POW/MIA. Kenyan citizen Evans surrendered to 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade on Volchansk direction. Former Ukrainian prisoners recount torture in Mordovian IK-10. A meeting was held with families of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade's POWs/MIAs, demonstrating continued UAF support for military families.
  • UPDATED: Colonelcassad posts video of the second part of the story of captured UAF serviceman Yuriy Ternovskiy, mobilized from prison, describing harsh treatment of prisoners by his own unit. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Diplomatic Engagements: President Zelenskyy received credentials from new ambassadors of Cyprus, Latvia, and Pakistan, emphasizing cooperation for peace and global security. Video of a dialogue between Trump and a Ukrainian journalist where Trump discusses Europe's need to stop buying Russian oil and highlights "tremendous hatred" between Zelenskyy and Putin, providing UAF context to Trump's statements. President Zelenskyy's address included a report from the Foreign Intelligence Service on the RF fuel sector situation post-UAF long-range strikes, thanks to drone/missile operators/producers for accuracy, and confidence in growing Ukrainian defense industry output. He also details RF strikes on Zaporizhzhia (1 killed, 20 injured, 4 children deceased) and Kharkiv (pharmaceutical university hit, civilian casualties). Zelenskyy's address on intelligence regarding RF plans for other countries, concluding there are "no friendly intentions," indicating heightened awareness of RF regional threats. President Zelenskyy's statement on Ukrainian identity and European aspirations. Canada's appointment of a special representative for Ukraine's reconstruction. Zelenskyy's statement urging Europe and the US to focus more on Ukraine and less on future relations with Russia. Zelenskyy's statement on the rapid evolution of drone warfare and its impact on the front. Zelenskyy's warning to allies that diplomatic steps cannot be stretched for months. Zelenskyy's statement that he is ready to meet with Trump and Putin "without any conditions," but still refuses a meeting in Moscow. Video of Trump discussing Patriot systems for Ukraine and his belief that he could stop the war but for "tremendous hatred between Zelenskyy and Putin." Zelenskyy statement indicating that UAF forces no longer train abroad, but instead invite foreign officers and representatives to study in Ukraine, highlighting the unique experience of the conflict. Ursula von der Leyen's conversation with Donald Trump regarding joint economic pressure on RF, signaling continued high-level diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine. New categories in the "Diia" app for the Register of Damages, which serves as a UAF diplomatic and reconstruction IO effort. Positive local situation report for Kryvyi Rih, contributing to domestic morale. Coordinated UAF IO for morale and national unity with nationwide minute of silence. Photo messages of the European Parliament head arriving in Kyiv, indicating continued high-level international diplomatic support for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy stating Ukraine no longer sends military personnel abroad for training, indicating a shift in diplomatic messaging regarding training emphasis. The collective commemoration of "Rescuer's Day" by Ukrainian officials serves as a significant diplomatic and domestic IO effort, highlighting resilience and the human cost of the conflict. Photo messages of the European Parliament head arriving in Kyiv, reinforcing continued high-level international diplomatic engagement and international support. Photo message for entrepreneurs in Zaporizhzhia and the region, likely promoting economic resilience and reconstruction efforts, serving as a domestic IO. Local administration issuing warnings indicates the continued need for proactive communication by local governance during RF air/missile threats, highlighting ongoing civilian impact. Photo message celebrating rescuers, reinforcing the vital role of civilian emergency services and promoting national unity. Photo messages commemorating "Rescuer's Day," emphasizing resilience and humanitarian efforts in the face of conflict. The European Parliament will open a permanent representation office in Kyiv, reinforcing diplomatic ties. Lavrov states Kyiv rejected US assessments, framing Kyiv as uncooperative in negotiations. Photo message. The Verkhovna Rada has ratified a 100-year partnership agreement with the United Kingdom, strengthening defense and diplomatic ties. MFA comments on US approval of first arms batch for Ukraine under PURL program. UAF local administration of Kryvyi Rih posts photo messages. Zaporizhzhia local administration marked Rescuer's Day. MFA spokesperson comments on a possible Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in New York, indicating active diplomatic efforts to maintain international support. The Investment Fund for Reconstruction has received its first contribution, indicating a tangible step towards long-term recovery efforts. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy is working with Trump's team to arrange a meeting during the UN General Assembly visit. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy stated the Sumy offensive failed, RF forces were redeployed elsewhere, and suffered even greater losses, and he also discussed the cost of war ($120 billion/year) and the need for long-term security guarantees. РБК-Україна reports the government expanded the "Schoolchild's package" program, demonstrating continued social support for children impacted by the war. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 amplifies Zelenskyy's statement that the cost of war is $120 billion/year, with $60 billion from the Ukrainian budget and another $60 billion needed for next year. Оперативний ЗСУ posts videos and photo messages of Trump's interactions with King Charles III, using captions to highlight perceived "arrogance and ill-manners" of Trump. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts photo messages framing Melania Trump's attire at a meeting with King Charles III as "Agent Melania" demonstrating support for Ukraine, indicating UAF IO to capitalize on high-profile events for symbolic support. STERNENKO posts video of King Charles III speaking with Donald Trump, stating "tyranny once again threatens Europe" and confirming allied support for Ukraine. РБК-Україна reports a delegation led by the Polish Minister of Defense has arrived in Kyiv. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: RBC-Ukraine photo message reports Poland adopted a new law concerning Ukrainians. This affects Ukrainian refugees and UAF manpower planning. The Times reports the UK will recognize the State of Palestine in coming days. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:19Z): TASS amplifies Politico report on Kallas facing criticism in Brussels over her stance on Russia and Gaza. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:21Z): Peskov states Putin's "direct line" will be combined with a large press conference in December. (Confidence: HIGH) This is internal RF politics, but reflects a C2 decision.
• Poland Force Posture: Polish President Navrotsky signed a resolution on consent for the presence of foreign NATO troops. Increase in Polish volunteers for military training. NATO "Eastern Sentinel" operation will include Spain, Britain, Italy, Sweden. UAF sources amplify a Wyborcza.pl report claiming Poles are actively seeking housing abroad, particularly in Spain, after the September 10 drone attack. This is likely RF IO to amplify perceived fear and instability within a key NATO ally. РБК-Україна reports Polish President Navrotsky wants nuclear weapons in Poland, indicating a potential shift in Polish defense posture. Alex Parker Returns details Poland's decision to deport a 21-year-old Ukrainian citizen who launched a drone over Warsaw, fine him 1000 Euros, and ban him from Poland/Schengen for 5 years, while a Belarusian minor was released. Colonelcassad reports Polish President Navrotsky stated readiness to host nuclear weapons. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports Poland is deporting a 21-year-old Ukrainian who flew a drone over Warsaw government quarter.
• RF Election Updates: Regional election results are being reported across RF, projecting legitimacy and overwhelming support for leadership. Voting has concluded. "United Russia" won 380 mandates in legislative assemblies. All incumbent governors won elections in 20 regions. Krasnoyarsk Mayor Loginov resigned due to a bribery arrest. Claims less than half of veterans won regional legislative elections.
• RF IO: Continues to promote military successes, amplify Western disunity, and leverage global crises (Israeli-Gaza conflict) to divert attention. RF IO on Zelenskyy's statements regarding Trump and settlement conditions. RF fundraising for "stormtroopers on the Sumy direction" for Mavic drones. Amplifies a political meme discussing Trump and Zelenskyy's relationship. Lavrov expects "Intervision" to be annual. Vucic (Serbia) thanked RF SVR for intelligence on EU preparing a "Maidan" in Serbia. Russia gradually moving away from "unfriendly countries" terminology. EU states blocked new visa restrictions for Russian citizens. 94% of Russians are satisfied with daily rental housing. Lavrov compares Shaman's "Intervision" position to a central forward in football. Image claiming UAF soldiers are asking for surrender corridors. Kadyrov claimed his horse was returned from Czechia, potentially in exchange for Ukrainian POWs. Multiple videos with captions justifying the strike on the Kyiv logistics hub, claiming "everything stored in these AFU warehouses will no longer reach the front" and asserting no casualties at the strike site. Multiple RF sources all amplify the claim that a Polish F-16 missile hit a Polish house, not a Russian drone, attempting to shift blame for the Poland drone incident. Maria Zakharova stating EU countries are engaging in "visa manipulations" against Russian citizens to promote Russophobia. Mishustin's statements regarding high-speed rail. Basurin posts an interview with Alexander Babakov discussing Russia's economic development. Medvedev announced a "military" federal budget for next year, projecting sustained commitment. A Japanese political party will be led by AI, a diversionary tactic. Spartak hockey player's suspension, a domestic issue used to fill news cycles. Video with derogatory commentary depicting forced UAF mobilization, a strong RF IO effort. Several photo messages of cats as "Soldier's Daily Life," humanizing soldiers and normalizing wartime. An Israeli army representative stating Gaza City capture could take months, continuing RF amplification of global conflicts. Amplifies a political meme discussing Trump and Zelenskyy's relationship. A US accident involving an Indian driver and Florida's new driver's license bill, a continued RF IO effort to highlight US domestic issues. Video using political satire/deepfake to discredit Zelenskyy, Macron, and Brigitte Macron. Image "Very angry," possibly mocking a Western leader. Video "Jokes are over. We will win," indicating renewed RF rhetoric of commitment to victory. Basurin promotes their media channels. Further amplifies the Polish F-16 missile narrative. On the "Kharkiv direction," likely for RF IO. Putin thanking foreign delegations at "Zapad-2025," projecting international cooperation. German counter-intelligence head, implying Western vulnerability. Israeli strikes on Yemeni port, continuing global conflict amplification. Image implying a man buying women's underwear, likely RF IO mocking Western gender identity narratives. UN Secretary-General expects to meet with the Russian delegation. NYT found US military observers at "Zapad-2025" unexpected, amplifying RF's narrative of surprising Western observers. Further amplifies the Polish F-16 missile narrative. A satirical piece mocking RF insiders trying to avoid sanctions. Marochko claims UAF struck ZNPP due to frontline losses, a continued RF IO effort to blame UAF for threats to the nuclear plant. Comments on India's participation in "Zapad-2025," highlighting Western "hysterics" and India's autonomy, amplifying RF's efforts to build non-Western military alliances. Video/photo of a cultural piece mocking French/Western cultural values, serving as RF IO. Germany rejecting Polish demands for WWII reparations, amplifying perceived Western disunity. Donald Trump's statements on Ukraine having "serious problems" and his claims of resolving conflicts due to "great hatred" between Zelenskyy and Putin, reinforcing RF's narrative of Ukraine's precarious position and potential for a negotiated settlement unfavorable to Kyiv. Local human interest story, likely for domestic normalcy IO. Photo message claiming the US President stated Zelenskyy will have to make concessions to Russia to end the war, amplifying RF narratives of Ukraine's precarious position. RF claims, citing radio intercepts, that the command of the UAF 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade ordered soldiers to finish off wounded comrades from other units in Stavky, DPR. This is a severe, unverified RF IO claim alleging war crimes. Photo of a wounded woman, claiming she was injured due to a "massive attack by the AFU on Vasylivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast." This is an an RF IO attempt to blame UAF for civilian casualties. Video with a derogatory caption "AFU militant with a shovel against our special forces' KVN near Stepnohirsk," implying UAF ineptitude and showcasing RF drone capabilities. Images attributed to the Zaporizhzhia Oblast governor, likely for domestic normalcy IO amidst claims of UAF attacks. Amplifies claims from "Russian Spring Military Correspondents" that UAF attacked Vasylivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, destroying a chapel and injuring a woman. RF reports on alleged UAF shelling of Zaporizhzhia NPP amidst an IAEA conference in Vienna, continuing RF's narrative of UAF threats to nuclear safety. Multiple videos of Putin (in military uniform) at Mulino training ground for "Zapad-2025," interacting with foreign military officials and inspecting drones, ATVs, and armored vehicles, and discussing strategic operations. Lukashenko pardoned 25 people, some convicted for "extremist crimes." Netanyahu's intent to create a self-sufficient Israeli defense-industrial complex, independent of international restrictions. Verkhovna Rada deputies expect a quick end to the Ukrainian conflict, citing Russian security forces. This is an an RF IO to promote a narrative of UAF internal desire for peace on RF terms. Trump has sued NYT for defamation, which is a continuation of RF IO amplifying US domestic issues and perceived instability. Videos with captions about "Moscow. Pypa, results," likely referring to Putin, and mundane civilian activities, aiming to project normalcy. The Utah prosecutor charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the Charlie Kirk case, punishable by death. Amplification of this, which RF IO is using to highlight US internal issues and perceived moral decay. On a Chelyabinsk resident facing tax claims, likely domestic IO on legal normalcy. Video of a Russian man criticizing the dire economic situation in Russia due to the war, which can be leveraged as UAF counter-IO. "Daily Summary" for September 16, which is an RF IO attempt to control daily narrative of combat. Series of photo messages with the caption "War of Symbols," likely depicting propaganda posters or symbols used in the conflict. Kadyrov amplifies a claim that the UN recognized Israeli actions in Palestine as genocide, attempting to leverage global conflicts. International hosts for "Intervision" from China-UK and India, promoting RF's international cultural initiatives and projecting soft power. Photo of a football player with a caption implying he was detained trying to escape a "Zelenskyy concentration camp," representing continued RF IO against UAF mobilization, attempting to portray Ukraine as an oppressive state. An interview with a Brazilian journalist, Rafael Machado, discussing alleged "fatal errors of Brazilian mercenaries in Ukraine" and discrediting mainstream media narratives. A two-year-old girl was added to the "Myrotvorets" extremist website database, an RF IO attempt to demonize Ukrainian institutions. Photo message emphasizing the threat of the RF FAB-500 glide bomb. Zelenskyy's statement that he is ready to meet with Trump and Putin "without any conditions," but still refuses a meeting in Moscow. RF claims "Anwar" special forces destroyed a Swedish "S-tank" supporting an offensive to Sumy, likely RF IO to amplify successes and demonize Western equipment. Video of Trump discussing Patriot systems for Ukraine and his belief that he could stop the war but for "tremendous hatred between Zelenskyy and Putin." A death penalty prosecution for the Charlie Kirk murder suspect, continuing RF IO efforts to highlight US domestic issues and perceived instability. Video of Vladimir Solovyov urging the "Jewish community" to actively participate in the SMO and go to the front, highlighting an RF IO attempt to recruit from specific demographics and link participation to religious/ethnic identity. The death of Cuban Vice Prime Minister Cabrisas, who co-haired the Russian-Cuban intergovernmental commission, which may be leveraged by RF IO to frame strong bilateral ties, especially relevant after reports of Cuban POWs. Photo message with "#BreakingNews" and "Military Intelligence Analysis of Image: ZAPAD 2025 Strategic Exercise" implying significant developments or insights from the ongoing exercises, suggesting an intent to control the narrative around military capabilities. Shoigu offering Iraq "most modern weapons," signaling RF's intent to project military power and secure international partnerships despite the conflict in Ukraine. RF and UAF-affiliated sources amplify a Lviv city council deputy's statement claiming Lviv is "Russifying" and losing its Ukrainian-speaking status. This is a clear RF IO effort to sow internal division and undermine Ukrainian national identity. Multiple photo messages, utilizing highly inflammatory anti-Semitic and anti-Western rhetoric, focusing on the Israel-Palestine conflict and accusing the UN and EU of recognizing "Jewish genocide." This is a significant RF IO effort to divert global attention from Ukraine, sow discord, and demonize Western institutions. Video featuring "Novikov" discussing Russian public indifference to the SMO, viewing it as "entertainment," and questioning cheerful TV content. He also advocates for continued strikes but against leaders, not civilians, implying internal debates or frustrations within RF about the war's conduct and public perception. Shoigu's statement in Baghdad that an Israeli strike on Doha "destroyed the architecture of negotiations" between Israel and Palestine. This is an RF IO attempt to leverage the Middle East conflict to further global destabilization narratives and criticize Western allies. Pope Leo XIV does not believe NATO started any war, and Poles are concerned about security after the UAV incident. This is an RF IO attempt to influence religious figures or misrepresent their statements, while also amplifying Polish concerns to sow discord. A chart on RF offensive tempo, an RF IO to project military success. Domestic IO for normalcy. Continues RF IO on US domestic issues. Promotes "Zapad-2025" exercises. Claims of successful engagement in Volodymyrivka. Amplifies claims that a former Ukrainian football goalkeeper was "caught trying to escape to Europe." This is a continued RF IO effort to portray UAF mobilization as forced and unpopular, further discrediting the Ukrainian government. A postponement of the utility bill payment deadline to March 2026, and on the "Kazan Digital Week" forum, indicating continued RF efforts to project normalcy and stability domestically. A video warning citizens about a new remote scam targeting individuals by prompting them to call back. While not directly military, it reflects ongoing RF internal security concerns and broader deceptive tactics that could have indirect implications for information warfare. Amplifies reports of anti-Trump activists projecting his photo with Epstein onto Windsor Castle, continuing RF's pattern of leveraging Western internal political issues for IO. Amplifies a Trump supporter's critique of Western values, continuing RF IO to sow discord. A former Ukrainian football goalkeeper was detained trying to leave Ukraine, a direct RF IO against UAF mobilization. A Ukrainian Rada deputy (Dmitruk) claiming Zelenskyy's involvement in an assassination attempt on Trump and the murder of activist Kirk. This is a severe, new RF IO accusation attempting to directly link Zelenskyy to perceived Western internal conflicts and criminal activity. Video of an RF serviceman claiming torture in Ukrainian captivity, a new RF IO effort to portray UAF as committing war crimes and to deflect from RF’s own documented violations. On low wage arrears in Russia, a domestic IO effort. On a journalist denying foreign agent charges, indicating continued efforts to control the narrative around internal dissent. Dmitry calling for the destruction of "false narratives" created by left-wing politicians, the deep state, and media, further pushing RF IO to deflect criticism and demonize Western media and political opponents. The Utah prosecutor's confidence in sufficient grounds for trial in the Charlie Kirk murder case, continuing RF IO on US domestic issues. Highlights propaganda efforts by Pushilin in Donbas, indicating continued RF IO activity in occupied territories, likely to legitimize occupation and control local populations. Photo messages regarding LinkedIn's trademark application in Russia, likely domestic IO to project normalcy and economic activity. On China's drone development, suggesting RF's strategic interest in acquiring or adapting foreign drone technology for its own military objectives. On cultural narratives, an ongoing effort for domestic normalization. Amplifies South Ossetia sovereignty claims, a distractionary IO. A Ukrainian Rada deputy claiming Zelenskyy eliminated former Rada speaker Parubiy to prevent a new "Maidan" against him, a severe RF IO. A VDV motivational photo for domestic consumption. Continues RF cultural IO to project normalcy. On UN Security Council reform, an RF diplomatic IO to frame its position on global governance. On internal Russian academic dissent regarding scientific isolation, indicating potential limitations on the effectiveness of RF's controlled IO environment. Continues to amplify South Ossetian claims against Georgia, serving as diversionary IO. Amplifies Trump's statements to undermine Ukraine, a continuous RF IO effort. Continues to amplify the F-16 missile narrative regarding Poland. A Romanian MEP suing Ursula von der Leyen, an RF IO to sow disunity in the EU. Amplifies RF claims of encirclement in Serebryansky forestry, part of their operational IO. On Russian loan defaults, indicating domestic economic strain which could impact the war effort. Rada deputy Artem Dmitruk claiming he was forced to flee Ukraine after threats to his family due to fighting Zelenskyy's regime, a continuation of RF IO against Ukrainian leadership. On UK political development with Trump, a continued RF IO effort to highlight US/Western domestic issues. RF claims UAF "suicide attacks" at Tetkino, Kursk, met by RF paratroopers, which is a new RF IO claim to dehumanize UAF and project RF strength. Photo message implying Germany is shifting budget from environmental to military, likely for RF IO to project Western militarism. On Russian companies benefiting from tax breaks in the Suez Canal, a domestic economic IO point. Motivational photo message, likely for RF domestic/military morale. EU may impose restrictions on Chinese companies in the 19th sanctions package, indicating continued RF IO on Western disunity. Photos of model airplanes for domestic IO/morale, potentially subtly promoting RF airpower capabilities. Video amplifying RF claims of Ukraine's provocation in Poland with drones, an explicit RF IO effort. Photo message highlighting RF's campaign to destroy Ukrzaliznytsia objects, implying continued RF IO on this topic. Photo message on Krasnodar airport opening, further projecting domestic normalcy. Interview with head of Mechnykov hospital in Dnipro, likely for UAF domestic morale/IO. Text claiming Zelenskyy stated "heavy decisions" if the front worsens, a clear RF IO attempt to undermine UAF leadership. Tokayev awarding Patriarch Kirill, signaling RF efforts to project normalcy and international ties. Photo message for RF military contract service, "Defend your country! We are looking for the brave!" This is a new recruitment/morale IO. Video of a conductor on the first flight from Krasnodar to Moscow, further amplifying domestic normalcy. Amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" criticizing Ukraine's 2026 budget as an "election budget," a direct RF IO against Ukrainian governance. "⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️Fears of Lithuanians and demands of Poles," demonstrating continued RF analytical IO to sow discord and exploit perceived Western weaknesses. Amplifies Volodin's highly critical anti-Western rhetoric, claiming "Biden and similar in Europe, by financing debauchery, created an atmosphere of radicalism with their own hands." This is a strong, inflammatory RF IO message aimed at discrediting Western leadership and policies. Further amplifies RF Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov's statement that "opponents of peace in Ukraine daily sabotage Russian-American agreements on settlement," continuing the narrative of Western obstruction to peace efforts. Photo messages with the caption "Sanctions deadlock in Europe," indicating continued RF IO to highlight perceived Western economic weakness and internal divisions. Amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claiming the head of the European Commission proposes accelerating the rejection of Russian oil and gas, framed as a negative EU development. About migrants in Vladivostok forcing teenagers to apologize "to the Muslim world," indicating an RF IO effort to highlight domestic social unrest and cultural tensions. Images of a "Commemorative belt for Russian men," which appears to feature Wagner-related insignia. This is RF IO promoting specific paramilitary groups and narratives. Kirill Dmitriev launching a channel on the "Max" messenger, which could be part of RF's broader IO efforts to promote indigenous platforms and control information. Video message with explicit threats and coercion for a captured Russian soldier, which is a significant IO component. Photo messages amplifying US pressure on Venezuela, for diversionary IO. Photos of a donkey being "demobilized" as mocking IO against UAF. A social media message that is not military intelligence. Krasnodar airport opening, reinforcing normalcy IO. Estonia selling abandoned cars, a non-military item. Euro exchange rate, reflecting economic impact. Explosions in Donetsk, supporting narrative of UAF shelling occupied territory. On FSB detention of African national, continuing RF IO on counter-intelligence success. Ryabkov's statement on US flights, for diplomatic IO. Amplifies the FSB detention, reinforcing counter-intelligence IO. Discusses power grid prep, for domestic normalcy and resilience IO. French cyclist detention, a domestic law enforcement item. SVR's six-volume history, for ideological IO. On CBS map without Crimea, for RF IO to discredit Ukraine. Trump projections on Windsor Castle, exploiting Western political issues. Searches in Ufa, for domestic repression IO. Forced evacuations, for RF IO blaming UAF for civilian displacement. Photo message with the caption "Everything is bad," an RF IO amplifying negative narratives about Ukraine. Tactical maps showing claimed changes in territory over the past 24 hours. These are part of RF's IO to project battlefield success. Text message claiming Zelenskyy "continues the trend of passing off wishful thinking as reality," an RF IO to discredit Ukrainian leadership. Promotes a "call for aid to children in the SMO zone," serving as a humanitarian IO effort by RF to legitimize their presence and portray care for civilians in occupied territories. Photo message claiming Germany is "clearly marking a transition from budget splitting from the ecological agenda to military topics," an RF IO to frame Western nations as militaristic and to highlight what they perceive as misprioritization. Amplifies "Russian Spring Military Correspondents" claims that UAF shelled an ambulance in occupied Oleshky, Kherson Oblast. This is an RF IO effort to accuse UAF of war crimes and deflect blame. Questions the reopening of Krasnodar airport, suggesting a "deal" (договорняк), implying a covert agreement or undermining the narrative of normalcy. This is RF IO targeting domestic audiences with conspiracy theories. Amplifies a statement from former US President Kellogg, likely selected to support an RF narrative or criticize US policy. Trump approved the first NATO-funded military aid package for Ukraine, while also using derogatory language ("хохла"), demonstrating RF's consistent IO approach of combining factual reporting with dehumanizing rhetoric. Photo message about Russia's shortage of psychologists for combatants and their families, highlighting a significant social challenge stemming from the conflict, which could be exploited for both domestic and international IO by either side. RF domestic IO regarding bans on "offensive" optics salon names, serving as a distraction from military issues. UAF counter-IO mocking Saldo. RF domestic IO of normalcy with a celebrity interview. IO of normalcy and recovery with the Krasnodar airport opening. RF IO amplifying Ukrainian concerns about Kupiansk, attempting to legitimise their advances. Continues RF IO amplifying US domestic issues (Charlie Kirk murder). Amplifies RF counter-intelligence success (African spy detention). RF IO documenting strikes, which can be used to project power and justify actions. RF IO justifying future strikes on Konstantinovka by claiming UAF fortifications. RF IO accusing UAF of striking a hospital, a common disinformation tactic. RF IO on normalcy with flight numbers from Krasnodar. RF IO for domestic morale. RF IO amplifying Deep State concerns about Kupiansk. RF IO on internal security/censorship. RF IO of vague, ominous messaging. RF IO to generate suspicion about border activity. Significant RF domestic political news (Navalnaya claims poisoning), which could lead to increased RF internal IO to manage narratives. RF IO to exploit US domestic issues and tie them to Ukraine, creating a memorial for Charlie Kirk and Irina Zarutskaya at the US embassy in Moscow. RF IO amplifying Germany's rejection of Polish reparations. Lavrov's categorical rejection of UAF claims on civilian strikes, a standard RF IO deflection. RF IO on Zagitova being added to Myrotvorets, weaponizing the database to discredit Ukraine. RF domestic IO commemorating Bryansk liberation, linking to current conflict narratives. Reports that the Yemeni port of Hodeidah continues to operate after Israeli strikes, potentially a diversionary IO effort. Amplifies statements from Kazakhstan's president on high nuclear armageddon probability. Lavrov blaming UN Secretary-General for not fulfilling Charter requirements, a diplomatic IO. Claims over 80% of Ukrainians desire peace, a divisive RF IO. Lavrov's statement that European military contingents in Ukraine will be legitimate targets, an escalatory RF IO. Amplifies Trump's stance on Ukraine aid funded by Europe. A Rada deputy claiming Zelenskyy will fight to the last Ukrainian with foreign hands. Lavrov's statements on sabotage and refuting war crime accusations. Lavrov stating territorial exchanges or trade won't "seduce" Putin. An image with the caption "Смеялся" (laughed), a common RF milblogger tactic for dismissive or mocking IO. Lavrov's claims of Ukraine rejecting peace proposals. Promotes a US singer for the "Intervision" contest, an RF IO effort to project normalcy and international cultural engagement. About "Sektor Gaza" (a Russian rock band) and the Communist Party, a domestic IO point about cultural legacy vs. political parties. About officials getting veteran status easier, an RF IO point on domestic inequality. A proposal to include songs of Soviet-era singers in school curricula, a domestic cultural IO effort. Amplifies Lavrov's statements on Ukraine rejecting peace proposals and the interpretation of international law regarding 'no-fly zones' being framed as 'occupational'. A photo of Peskov, indicating continued official communications. Peskov's positive evaluation of "Zapad-2025" exercises. On the revocation of citizenship of a "status" individual, Tural, which might be a domestic IO point on internal security. Videos of flooding in Makhachkala, Dagestan, indicating a domestic natural disaster. An advertisement, a non-military item. Highlights from Peskov's statements. Video discussing Arctic resources and strategies, linking them to Putin and Trump, reinforcing RF's geopolitical narratives. Photos claiming a UAF shelling of an ambulance in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, injuring two medical workers. This is RF IO alleging a war crime and requires independent verification. On the Duma allowing volunteers to receive military ranks without training. Amplifies claims that Zelenskyy intends to "fight to the last." Amplifies Peskov's statement that Russia is open to negotiations. Amplifies Lavrov's statement on peacekeepers being "legitimate targets." Volodin's statement on officials avoiding foreign travel. Domestic IO video promoting contentment. Photo message captioned "Another scarecrow for the West." Alex Parker Returns claims Israel destroyed a 13th-century mosque in Gaza and links it to China and India. WarGonzo claims NATO weapons from the SMO zone appeared with drug cartels in Spain. This is RF IO attempting to create a narrative of Western arms proliferation. Putin demanded maximum debureaucratization of citizens' appeals and ordered the government to prepare a new "direct line," serving as domestic IO to project responsiveness and address public concerns. Alex Parker Returns posts a video (14:10:22Z, 14:10:23Z) related to sports betting, indicating no military relevance. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims of a "catastrophic shortage of workers" in Ukraine, likely RF IO to undermine Ukrainian economic stability and morale. Новости Москвы reports a new Moscow bar "Ovulation" to increase birth rates, and Minister of Economic Development Reshetnikov states Russia will not rely on foreign labor and will focus on productivity, shifting to a "return migration" model. These are domestic IO efforts related to demographics and economic policy. Поддубный |Z|О|V| edition and Kotsnews promote their channels on the "МАХ" national messenger, celebrating subscriber growth. This indicates continued RF efforts to develop and promote domestic information platforms. Два майора posts photo message with "Valuable foreign specialist be like.😏❤️," likely mocking a foreign fighter in UAF or promoting RF foreign fighters. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming Zelenskyy's "Plan A is to end the war this year, Plan B is $120 billion," likely mocking his financial needs and challenging his war aims. TASS reports Putin ordered raising "Zemsky" program payments to 2 million rubles in border regions from 2027, an IO effort to incentivize resettlement or support for border areas. Военкор Котенок posts photo messages promoting DJI Mavic 3 Pro drones and Starlink, possibly as a subtle advertisement or to imply RF access/use of such systems. TASS reports Putin ordered proposals for non-declarative support measures for SMO veterans and their families, indicating continued efforts to support military personnel and their families. Басурин о главном posts video about a farmer converting garlic into profit, likely domestic IO to project economic success and self-sufficiency. Военкор Котенок posts video of a "positive footage from Chechnya" showing a luxury wedding convoy worth "about a billion," indicating an RF IO effort to project normalcy, wealth, and stability in a volatile region, potentially as a distraction from military news. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС posts two video messages of a self-proclaimed RF deputy commander asking for food for two soldiers, which is RF IO amplifying internal logistical issues, or a false flag to draw donations. ТАСС reports Israeli Finance Minister stating Gaza can become a "real estate Klondike," indicating RF's continued amplification of the Israeli-Gaza conflict with narratives that could be seen as controversial. Alex Parker Returns posts two antisemitic caricatures with the caption "Good will prevail!", indicating continued use of inflammatory and divisive narratives, likely for diversion. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА posts photo asking "How many British mercenaries died in the SMO?", indicating continued RF IO to demonize foreign fighters. STERNENKO posts photos claiming propagandist Solovyov exposed the location of the RF MoD's "Rubikon" Center for Unmanned Technologies. Alex Parker Returns posts photo message with "С каждым могло произойти," which is likely an RF IO attempt to sow discord or distrust regarding a military-related incident, or to promote apathy. Alex Parker Returns posts video message with "Унижение Карла III продолжается." (The humiliation of Charles III continues.), with commentary disparaging Trump's interaction with King Charles III. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims Trump intentionally set unrealistic conditions for Europe to avoid pressuring Putin. ТАСС reports Trump's plane nearly collided with a passenger flight over New York, which RF IO will likely amplify to highlight US domestic issues and potential instability. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that RF will strike energy and railway infrastructure, citing Zelenskyy. ТАСС reports a Mi-2 helicopter installed at the site of a Peter I monument in Poltava, a historical reference with a subtle RF IO angle. ТАСС posts a photo message claiming Donald Trump gifted King Charles III a replica sword, symbolic of "historic partnership." ТАСС posts a photo message stating the issue of Russian participation in the Olympic Games may be discussed at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Milan. Colonelcassad posts video claiming "Israeli Nazis" destroyed the 13th-century Al-Aibiki Mosque in Gaza. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that the Cavalier of the Order of Courage from "Heroes' Time" has been appointed director of the Center for Sports Training of Russian national teams. ТАСС posts a photo message claiming Brazilian President Lula da Silva stated Trump needs to "stop considering himself the 'emperor of the world'" and engage in dialogue. ТАСС reports that the US has halted information countering programs, previously used for censorship, signaling a potential shift in US information warfare policy. Старше Эдды posts graphic video of a residential area under attack with highly inflammatory anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, confirming active RF IO aimed at dehumanizing the enemy. ТАСС amplifies a Bloomberg report of Trump's plane nearly collided with an Airbus. TASS reports French writer Lucas Degryse claims Europeans do not want to die for Ukraine, therefore plans for a "coalition of the willing" to send military contingents are unfeasible. (Confidence: HIGH) This is RF IO aimed at undermining Western support and unity. TASS reports the IOC stated Israel observes the Olympic Charter, thus its athletes will not be suspended. (Confidence: HIGH) This is RF IO used to highlight Western hypocrisy on international sporting events. РБК-Україна and ASTRA amplify news of Trump declaring ANTIFA a terrorist organization. (Confidence: HIGH) STERNENKO posts photos of a golden statue of Trump holding a Bitcoin near the US Capitol. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a political commentary post, likely to be leveraged by RF IO to highlight US political spectacle.
  • UPDATED: Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" photo messages stating "Official representatives of Russia continue to open channels in Max." TASS reports actor Ilya Del is in intensive care after falling from a window. Colonelcassad posts photo messages captioned "Footage from the airshow in Changchun." TASS reports UK and US agreed on joint investments of $380 billion. TASS reports the Civic Chamber of Russia's commission chairman stated families with three or more children should receive "father's capital." TASS reports over 60 airports and dozens of airlines have implemented Russian software. TASS reports media mogul Rupert Murdoch was among guests at a banquet at Windsor Castle for Donald Trump's state visit, despite his ongoing lawsuit with the US President. TASS posts photo messages of Vance discussing reporting the death of Kirk to Trump, using explicit language, amplifying US domestic issues. TASS reports Trump declared US Antifa a terrorist organization. TASS reports China's Defense Minister stated readiness to protect global peace with other countries. Операция Z posts inflammatory IO on Moldova, claiming taxes are being used for "sodomy" (LGBTQ+ rights) to support pro-EU integration. (Confidence: HIGH) TASS reports that Belavia flights to Russia will not be reduced after the US ban on Boeing flights to RF, implying continuity of this air travel route, and serving as IO to project resilience. (Confidence: HIGH) Два майора posts graphic IO claiming "Thief and drug addict Zelenskyy voices theses in the interests of his European handlers: proposes to cut up Russian frozen assets in Europe." (Confidence: HIGH) Два майора (18.09.2025 04:14:37Z) claims Poland shelled itself, amplifying a disinformation narrative. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Рыбарь posts a summary for the morning of September 18, 2025. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a regular RF milblogger intelligence summary, indicating continued efforts to shape narrative.
  • NEW: Басурин о главном posts documents related to "media partnerships and community engagement." (Confidence: LOW) This indicates RF IO efforts for domestic narrative control, but has no direct military relevance.
  • NEW (06:31Z): Рыбарь posts a graphic video of a village under attack, explicitly stating "it is worth watching and showing others so that it is clear what scum we are at war with." (Confidence: HIGH) This is clear RF dehumanization propaganda.
  • NEW (06:32Z): Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts a graphic video claiming a UAF FPV drone operator intentionally killed a woman and child held hostage by a "neonazi" in Krasnolimansky direction. (Confidence: LOW) This is a highly inflammatory and likely false flag RF IO claim.

2. ENEMY ANALYSIS (Threat assessment)

2.1. Enemy Capabilities, Intentions, and Courses of Action (Confidence: HIGH)

• Capabilities:
  • Ground: RF demonstrates sustained multi-axis offensive capability, particularly on the Kupiansk, Lyman (Serebryansky forestry, Yampil), Pokrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk axes. RF is attempting to consolidate in the residential areas of Kupiansk, and is now claiming control of the outskirts of Kupiansk. Confirmed RF ground advances 1.5 km near Melove, Kharkiv Oblast. Continued ability to employ armored vehicles, infantry, and specialized units (DRGs, airborne forces). Integration of UGVs ("Kurier," "Fagot," new "Atlas-M") and fiber-optic FPV drones ("KVN") for tactical reconnaissance and strike. Evidence of adaptive tactics, including camouflaging artillery (Msta-S) and potential use of civilian disguises/human shields (Yampil). Capability for large-scale combined arms exercises (Zapad-2025) involving tanks, artillery, VDV air-dropping, and robotic systems, with international participation. RF ground forces are active in border defense operations (Kursk, Belgorod), with claims of eliminating UAF DRGs near Tetkino. RF maintains a presence on the Siversk direction, indicated by milblogger posts. RF claims hitting a UAF M1A1 Abrams tank and a rare Swedish Strv 103 "S-tank" in the Sumy region, if verified, demonstrating capability against Western armor, though the Strv 103 claim is highly unusual. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА video (14:09:59Z) displays RF soldiers effectively using camouflage and natural cover to assault fortified enemy positions in forest environments, demonstrating combat proficiency and adaptive tactics in challenging terrain. Старше Эдды video (14:13:11Z) reinforces RF special forces capabilities in ongoing operations. MoD Russia video (14:33:00Z) showcases MLRS capabilities, including aerial perspectives, for offensive and suppressive fire. Colonelcassad (14:41:05Z) claims RF forces successfully crossed the Volchya River and are advancing in eastern Ivanovka, indicating offensive momentum in that sector. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF forces are "burning NATO equipment, infantry, and enemy positions day and night" at Pokrovsk, implying continued and successful RF ground engagements, showcasing effective combined arms tactics supported by ISR. MoD Russia (15:51:22Z) video depicts a T-80BVM tank crew destroying an enemy stronghold camouflaged in a forest belt in Krasnoarmeysk direction, confirming continued RF armor capability and offensive actions. Два майора (15:59:01Z) video showcases RF special forces operating effectively in forested environments, demonstrating continued tactical proficiency. Colonelcassad (17:01:05Z) posts a video of a commander from the 11th Air Assault Brigade, highlighting RF ground unit leadership and capabilities. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА (17:00:54Z) video showing military recruitment and personnel, indicating continued focus on bolstering ground forces. Два майора (17:30:14Z) posts video of an artillery strike on exposed UAF manpower, demonstrating continued tactical strike capabilities. Старше Эдды (17:46:45Z) claims RF forces have taken control of the outskirts of Kupiansk, demonstrating continued offensive capability in urban environments. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF VDV are destroying UAF positions and advancing on the Sumy front, showing drone footage of artillery/mortar strikes, indicating continued RF ground offensive capability and the use of airborne forces. Kadyrov_95 posts video of a new group of volunteers departing from Grozny to the SMO zone, indicating continued RF capability to recruit and deploy personnel. Colonelcassad (20:01:26Z) posts a map message claiming assault groups occupied new positions south of Novoivanivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Два майора (19:51:37Z) posts video of an artillery strike on the Zaporizhzhia front, further indicating offensive intent. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video of captured Russian soldiers in Kupiansk detailing orders to kill Ukrainian men and infiltration via a gas pipe clearly indicates RF's aggressive intentions for urban conquest and disregard for IHL. Colonelcassad posts video of a damaged UAF Roshel Senator armored vehicle, claimed destroyed by RF UAV operators in Sumy Oblast, demonstrating effective RF drone-supported ground operations. ТАСС reports Russian sergeant Dinir Shavaleev broke into an enemy dugout alone and eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers, indicating claims of individual tactical prowess (low confidence). Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that the Cavalier of the Order of Courage from "Heroes' Time" has been appointed director of the Center for Sports Training of Russian national teams. Colonelcassad posts drone footage from the Kupiansk direction, featuring the "Svyatogor" group, showing destruction of a Ukrainian militant crossing, enemy transport, and armored vehicles with supplies, indicating continued effective drone-supported ground operations. Colonelcassad posts video claiming a ZALA "Lancet" drone destroyed a UAF M-198 howitzer in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, demonstrating precision strike capability against UAF artillery. Colonelcassad posts photo messages titled "Moments of the SMO. Frontline weekdays," displaying battlefield scenes with soldiers and destroyed equipment. (Confidence: HIGH) Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that RF's 4th base is burning NATO "supersystems" in support of the offensive on the Zaporizhzhia front, featuring drone footage of a PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, indicating continued ground offensive capability supported by ISR. (Confidence: MEDIUM - PzH 2000 is NATO, but "4th base" is ambiguous, and the imagery could be old or miscontextualized) Воин DV posts video claiming the 14th Separate Guards Special Purpose Brigade is destroying UAF militants on the Vremevsky direction, with thermal imagery of combat. (Confidence: MEDIUM) Colonelcassad posts video featuring an RF assault company deputy commander ("Dmitrich") operating on the Kherson direction, emphasizing his combat experience (including Syria) and awards. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: TASS reports that assault units of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment and the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of the UAF lost up to 80% of their personnel during a counterattack near Alexeyevka, Sumy Oblast (03:46:01Z). While an RF claim, this suggests RF has the capability to inflict heavy losses during UAF counterattacks. (Confidence: LOW). Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming the enemy (UAF) is observing Russian army columns with new tactical signs arriving on the Zaporizhzhia front (03:52:01Z). This indicates RF is capable of deploying reinforcements with new tactical adaptations to key axes. (Confidence: MEDIUM) Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" claims that RF paratroopers broke through south of Stepnohirsk and are assaulting Prymorske, developing an offensive on the Zaporizhzhia front. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This indicates continued RF offensive momentum and the involvement of VDV units in the Zaporizhzhia sector. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming VDV are hunting UAF infantry and equipment at night, advancing towards Sumy. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This indicates continued RF VDV activity in the Sumy region.
  • NEW (06:29Z): TASS video claims Southern Grouping of Forces destroyed a UAF self-propelled artillery unit near Konstantinovka, DPR. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • Air/Naval: Persistent and increasing capacity for large-scale drone and missile attacks (75 launched, including over 40 Shaheds, 3 S-300, 1 Iskander-M overnight). Regular use of guided aerial bombs (FAB-250/500, KABs) by tactical aviation (Su-34). Confirmed successful strategic missile launches from submarines (Zapad-2025) and hypersonic Zircon missile tests, indicating advanced strike capabilities. Continued tactical aviation activity in the Sea of Azov. Redeployment of Tu-95MS strategic bombers suggests sustained missile strike potential. Demonstrated amphibious assault capabilities (Zapad-2025). New "Zefir-M" drone shows enhanced endurance and payload. RF Pacific Fleet demonstrates command post exercise with Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft conducting practical bombing of ground targets. The US ban on "Belavia" Boeing flights to Russia could enhance strategic airlift capabilities, though likely minor. Fires in Dnipro district due to UAV attack, confirming continued RF air attack capabilities on civilian infrastructure. An RF drone strike on a gas station in Poltava district, causing a fire and casualties, confirming persistent tactical air capabilities. MoD Russia (16:46:29Z) video depicts deployment of a fixed-wing drone, demonstrating ongoing aerial reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Рыбарь (17:19:02Z) posts photo messages on "Battle for the Sky," analyzing RF air defense systems and drones, indicating continued focus on aerial defense and combat. A UAV from Cherkasy Oblast continues movement towards Kyiv Oblast (Yagotyn), confirming ongoing RF aerial reconnaissance and strike capabilities targeting central Ukraine. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating an immediate and renewed aerial threat to critical infrastructure and civilian populations. РБК-Україна reports multiple launches of Guided Aerial Bombs (КАБ) by RF aviation targeting Donetsk Oblast and the border areas of Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, confirming continued aerial precision strike capability. Colonelcassad posts an animated map summarizing RF strikes on Ukraine from 16-17 September 2025, detailing flight paths and impact areas of drones (Geran) and missiles (UMPK, OTRK). РБК-Україна reports Trump's plane nearly collided with a passenger flight over New York. ТАСС reports temporary flight restrictions at Volgograd airport. Colonelcassad posts photo messages captioned "Footage from the airshow in Changchun." This demonstrates RF's capability to monitor and publicize international aerospace developments, potentially leveraging them for propaganda or military-technical insights. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards the border of Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. UAF Air Force reports RF attack UAVs in Kyiv, with air defense active in Obolon. UAF Air Force reports КАБы (Guided Aerial Bombs) heading towards Sumy Oblast. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Fighterbomber posts video of Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft conducting practical bombing of ground targets as part of Pacific Fleet exercise. (Confidence: HIGH) This demonstrates continued RF training and readiness across various military branches, potentially adapting maritime patrol aircraft for ground attack roles.
  • UAV/EW: Extensive use of diverse UAVs for ISR and strike (FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs like Orlan-30, "Geraniums", new "Zefir-M", Supercam S350). Advanced EW resistance claimed for Orlan-30. Development of anti-icing technology for drones. Plans for anti-drone protected security zones in border areas. Demonstrated capability for counter-UAV and C2 targeting (e.g., destroying UAF UAV control posts). RF artillery destroyed a UAF UAV control post on the Siversk direction. RF's "Rubikon" FPV-Air Defense claiming 1000 UAVs hit significant success against UAF fixed-wing UAVs. RF MoD claims shooting down 6 Ukrainian UAVs over Belgorod. MoD Russia (16:46:28Z) video shows detection of UAF UAV launches, indicating RF's adaptive counter-UAV ISR capabilities. ТАСС reports PVO forces shot down six Ukrainian UAVs over Kursk, Belgorod, and Rostov Oblasts, indicating continued adaptive air defense responses. Colonelcassad reports the development of a polyamide net capable of neutralizing 50-100% of the kinetic energy of loitering munitions. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts video displaying Russian military personnel operating FPV drones for reconnaissance and strike missions. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: ASTRA reports a civilian was killed by a drone attack on a car in Shebekino, Belgorod Oblast, overnight. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued RF drone capability for cross-border strikes against civilian targets. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports RF PVO forces destroyed 43 enemy UAVs overnight. (Confidence: MEDIUM) This confirms persistent and extensive RF air defense capabilities against UAF drone activity.
  • NEW (06:30Z): Военкор Котенок reports RF forces attempted to "reach" oil refineries in European Russia with drones overnight but were unsuccessful. (Confidence: HIGH)
• C4I: Continued efforts to develop independent, resilient C4ISR capabilities, including a Starlink analog. Hybrid tactical communication systems are being field-tested. Fighterbomber posts suggest MAX messenger is being promoted as a domestic communication platform for bloggers. A listening device in Lviv Mayor Sadovyi's office indicates an ongoing RF (or other hostile) intelligence gathering capability. Север.Реалии (14:40:48Z) reports that recruited billionaire fraudster Jan Marsalek has settled in Moscow and is involved in "special operations" in Ukraine, suggesting high-level and unconventional intelligence capabilities. TASS (14:54:00Z) reports electronic documents can be signed via "Госключ" and Max apps from September 26, promoting domestic digital infrastructure and its potential for secure state communication, possibly hinting at an alternative to Western platforms. Colonelcassad (15:29:32Z) video describing a Crimean resident's recruitment by Ukrainian special services to photograph military equipment and plant a bomb highlights RF's awareness and focus on preventing hostile intelligence activities and sabotage, demonstrating a defensive C4I posture. Оперативний ЗСУ (16:31:18Z) reports a key RF propaganda video exposed the location of an elite UAV unit's headquarters due to poor blurring of details, revealing a significant operational security (OPSEC) failure in RF C4I. Два майора (19:47:41Z) posts on 60,000 subscribers to MAX messenger, indicating continued promotion of domestic platforms. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts photos identifying the location of RF's "Rubikon" Center for Unmanned Technologies based on OSINT, demonstrating a significant RF OPSEC failure. MoD Russia (20:51:04Z) publishing "Top News Today" for 17 September, indicating a continuous and centralized C4I effort for daily information dissemination and narrative control. Операция Z (22:51:15Z) reporting on official Russian figures opening channels on the "Max" messenger indicates continued C4I efforts to control the domestic information space and leverage indigenous platforms. Colonelcassad posts complaints that parts of RT on Russian Telegram channel are not displaying. RBC-Ukraine (via Reuters) reports Gerasimov is lying to Putin about the front line situation, suggesting potential C2 dysfunction or deliberate deception at high levels within the RF military. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
• Logistics & Sustainment: Appears capable of sustaining multi-axis offensives, significant air campaigns, and large-scale exercises. Evidence of continued production/acquisition of new platforms (Su-34 fighter-bombers, North Korean MLRS). Efforts to formalize and incentivize volunteer participation (veteran status, year-round conscription) to bolster manpower. Continued efforts for domestic normalcy (airport reopening, cultural IO) likely aim to maintain public support for sustained war effort. However, reported staff shortages (Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia), domestic economic strains (30.4% enterprises at loss), and domestic emergencies (flooding, accidents) divert resources and manpower, potentially impacting the war effort indirectly. Acquisition of Volga-Dnepr cargo airline could enhance strategic airlift capabilities. RF soldier video implies poor field conditions with rainwater collection. Record high AI-92 gasoline prices (ТАСС 12:26:23Z) could impact fuel logistics. Restrictions on blood plasma donation in DPR (WarGonzo 13:21:01Z) could indicate strain on medical logistics or human resource management in occupied territories. The "car recycling fee" post (Kotsnews 13:16:24Z) indicates domestic economic policies that could impact civilian access to vehicles, potentially having indirect logistical impacts. TASS reports on US claims of palladium imports from RF harming US producers (14:15:54Z) suggest potential new economic pressures on RF. TASS (15:00:17Z) reports Putin ordered increased payments for "Zemsky" programs in border regions, which could incentivize population movement into militarily significant areas, potentially impacting labor and demographics. TASS (15:02:46Z) reports Putin ordered proposals for non-declarative support for SMO veterans and families, showing continued commitment to supporting military personnel and their families. Военкор Котенок (15:00:34Z) posts images of Starlink and Mavic drones, which could either be an advert or an indication of their use/acquisition by RF forces, suggesting resource diversification. Военкор Котенок posts video of a "positive footage from Chechnya" showing a luxury wedding convoy, serving as RF IO to project wealth and stability, potentially indicating an. Басурин о главном (16:02:12Z) posts fundraising appeals for wounded personnel, suggesting ongoing medical support requirements and potential strains. ТАСС (16:26:03Z) reports FAS warning to Gazprom Neft subsidiary due to fuel prices in Tyumen, indicating potential domestic fuel supply and pricing issues that could indirectly impact military logistics if widespread. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА (17:00:54Z) video is a direct recruitment campaign, showcasing efforts to sustain manpower. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС (17:16:51Z) video of an RF deputy commander appealing for food for soldiers suggests significant localized logistical problems and strain on personnel welfare. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 (17:24:30Z) urgent request for drones highlights ongoing resource consumption and reliance on external support for key military assets. ТАСС (17:45:00Z) reports on skin cancer diagnosis of former Brazilian President Bolsonaro, which is non-military, but its inclusion in TASS may reflect an attempt to fill news cycles while avoiding more sensitive topics. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА posts photo asking "How many British mercenaries died in the SMO?", indicating an adaptive IO effort related to manpower and foreign fighters. Два майора posts video of a Russian naval special forces operative thanking "Frontline Supplier" for 600 ration packs and camouflage nets, indicating tactical C2 managing informal logistics support. Kadyrov_95 posts video of a new group of volunteers departing from Grozny to the SMO zone, indicating continued RF capability to recruit and deploy personnel. Два майора (19:50:18Z) posts a fundraising video for "Frontline Armor," indicating continued reliance on non-governmental funding for critical equipment. ТАСС (19:51:00Z) claims a battalion-sized number of missing UAF personnel, suggesting an attempt to project UAF manpower issues, though veracity is low. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 (20:02:11Z) posts graphic footage showing potential human remains, indicating casualties. ASTRA reports approximately 90 Ukrainians, subject to deportation, are being held in Smolensk Oblast as an "exchange reserve," with some expressing willingness to stay in Russia or join the SMO. This indicates RF's use of detainees as a potential manpower source, reflecting a complex and potentially coercive approach to sustainment. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 (20:55:16Z) provides a "Summary for the day 17 September," which likely includes details on logistical status, but specific changes are not yet available. ТАСС reports Russian sergeant Dinir Shavaleev broke into an enemy dugout alone and eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers, which, if true, indicates that individual tactical successes may mitigate some logistical strain by reducing UAF numbers. ТАСС reports over 60 airports and dozens of airlines have implemented Russian software, indicating efforts towards domestic technological self-sufficiency in aviation infrastructure, which could have long-term logistical benefits by reducing reliance on foreign systems. ТАСС (22:40:59Z) reports on "father's capital" for large families, which is a demographic support measure aimed at long-term human resource sustainment for the state. TASS (23:40:33Z) reports on social benefit index and maternal capital benefits, which reflects long-term state planning for social sustainment, indirectly supporting the war effort by stabilizing the domestic population. Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 posts a "CALL FOR PARATROOPERS" fundraiser. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: TASS reports that the number of officially registered unemployed in Russia is 290,000, which is a historical minimum, suggesting a potential available labor pool. TASS reports Mishustin was asked to disclose a list of cars for taxi localization by year-end, which is a domestic economic policy that has no direct military relevance. (Confidence: HIGH) TASS reports rescuers extracted two more bodies from the sunken all-terrain vehicle in Transbaikalia, indicating continued strain on domestic emergency services. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Операция Z (Военкоры Русской Весны) posts video of humanitarian aid, specifically radio transceivers, being delivered to RF soldiers on Kharkiv and Pokrovsk directions. (Confidence: HIGH) This highlights reliance on informal supply chains for critical equipment.
• Fuel: UAF deep strikes on refineries (Kirishi, Saratov) and Transneft reports of potential production reduction suggest these strikes are having an impact on RF fuel supply, though the extent is unquantified. Record high AI-92 gasoline prices on the exchange (ТАСС 12:26:23Z) could indicate domestic supply issues or increased demand, potentially impacting military fuel costs or availability. ASTRA (14:52:34Z) reports US calls for EU to block imports of refined oil products made from Russian raw materials, indicating ongoing international pressure that could impact RF's fuel logistics. An RF drone strike on a gas station in Poltava district, causing a fire and casualties, which, if targeting a civilian fuel depot, indicates continued RF efforts to disrupt Ukrainian energy supply and directly impacts civilian fuel logistics. ТАСС (16:26:03Z) reports FAS warning to Gazprom Neft subsidiary due to fuel prices in Tyumen, indicating potential domestic fuel supply and pricing issues that could indirectly impact military logistics if widespread.
• Ammunition: No explicit reports of widespread ammunition shortages, but the 238th Guards 1st Artillery Brigade soldier's discussion about difficulty transporting 152mm/155mm shells and vulnerability to drones suggests tactical-level logistical strain for heavy ammunition. UAF discovery of detonators with swastikas at an RF ammunition depot indicates RF storage vulnerabilities. MoD Russia (14:33:00Z) MLRS video demonstrates continued use of heavy artillery, implying ongoing ammunition supply, but does not indicate the rate of consumption. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF forces are "burning NATO equipment, infantry, and enemy positions day and night" at Pokrovsk, which implies continued ammunition supply for offensive operations. MoD Russia (15:51:22Z) video showcasing tank operations, including loading ammunition, suggests continued supply of tank rounds. Два майора (17:30:14Z) video of an artillery strike reinforces the use of heavy munitions.
• Domestic Issues: Staff shortages (Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia), economic strains (30.4% enterprises at loss, loan defaults), and domestic emergencies (wildfires, flooding, accidents like Vorkuta mine, Transbaikalia vehicle accident, Vladimir Oblast bus accident, Angarsk explosion) divert resources and manpower, potentially impacting the war effort indirectly. The internal security incident in Naro-Fominsk (car explosion) could further strain local emergency services. Reports of E. coli contamination in a food chain could affect public health and domestic stability. The sentencing of a Kertch resident for sabotage for Ukrainian intelligence highlights continued threats to RF internal infrastructure. The public disclosure of the first digital ruble payment (ТАСС 12:12:25Z) suggests ongoing efforts to modernize financial infrastructure, potentially aiding long-term economic resilience. Temporary flight restrictions at Tambov airport (ТАСС 12:28:17Z) could impact logistical and civilian air travel. The US ban on "Belavia" Boeing flights to Russia could impact RF's strategic airlift capacity through proxies, though likely minor. Restrictions on blood plasma donation in DPR (WarGonzo 13:21:01Z) indicate strain on medical logistics and local resources, potentially impacting troop welfare in occupied areas. The car recycling fee post (Kotsnews 13:16:24Z) could indicate public concern over rising costs of living. TASS reports on the disappearance of giraffe sales (14:12:39Z) and palladium tariffs (14:15:54Z) are indicators of domestic regulatory and international economic pressures, respectively, which could indirectly affect RF's overall resource capacity. Новости Москвы (14:35:29Z) reports on the "Ovulation" bar, possibly reflecting social efforts to address demographic decline. Новости Москвы (15:01:49Z) reports on anti-migrant rhetoric, which could impact labor supply for domestic industries supporting the war effort. Басурин о главном (15:02:34Z) video on a farmer selling garlic could be domestic IO to project economic stability, but offers no military logistical insight. Военкор Котенок posts video of a "positive footage from Chechnya" showing a luxury wedding convoy, serving as RF IO to project wealth and stability, potentially masking underlying economic or social strains related to the war. Новости Москвы (17:32:01Z) reports tax service will collect debts without court order, indicating increased financial pressure on the domestic population, potentially signaling a need for revenue generation or a more centralized control of resources. Новости Москвы (17:50:14Z) reports a civilian accident on subway tracks, demonstrating continued domestic incidents that divert emergency services. ТАСС reports former Vologda head Yevgeny Shulepov, accused of corruption, has died, which is a domestic news item that highlights internal challenges potentially impacting trust and stability, though not directly military logistics. ТАСС reports Tyler James Robinson, accused in the Charlie Kirk murder, agreed to surrender to law enforcement, fearing he might be shot during detention, which is a domestic incident that stresses internal security. ТАСС reports temporary flight restrictions at Volgograd airport. БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС posts video of exhumation of a soldier's body in Donbas. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates RF is conducting either war dead recovery or forensics, or UAF is documenting war crimes.
  • UPDATED: TASS reports rescuers extracted two more bodies from the sunken all-terrain vehicle in Transbaikalia, bringing the presumed total to seven. (Confidence: HIGH) This highlights the ongoing strain on domestic emergency services. ASTRA reports temporary flight restrictions at Samara airport. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates a potential localized disruption to civilian and military air logistics.
  • NEW (06:16Z): Rosaviatsia reports temporary restrictions on aircraft reception/departure at Orenburg airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:30Z): ASTRA reports temporary restrictions on aircraft reception/departure at Orenburg airport. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF:
  • Ammunition: No new information on specific ammunition status. However, the potential cancellation of the Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine could impact future supplies. Zelenskyy's statement (Оперативний ЗСУ 14:42:45Z, STERNENKO 14:51:01Z) that initial PURL packages include Patriot and HIMARS missiles indicates a critical incoming supply of high-value munitions, which will significantly bolster UAF's long-range strike and air defense capabilities.
  • Equipment: Continued receipt of Western military aid (Latvia's Patria APCs, US military equipment via PURL en route). Significant reliance on public donations for FPV drones and heavy machinery (excavator). The Ministry of Defense's "Defense Procurement Agency" made its first large purchase of a thousand maneuverable vehicles, indicating efforts to improve mobility. UAF Su-25s operate under high threat, indicating continued reliance on existing airframes. Ukraine's proposal for ground robots (РБК-Україна 13:24:55Z) indicates a strategic focus on mitigating personnel risk and enhancing operational efficiency. Zelenskyy's statement (Оперативний ЗСУ 14:42:45Z, STERNENKO 14:51:01Z) regarding Patriot and HIMARS missiles confirms vital incoming high-end military aid. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts photos of a downed "reactive Shahed" (Geran-3) allegedly brought down by EW means. This signifies continued UAF investment and adaptation in counter-UAV technology, crucial for air defense sustainment.
  • Personnel: Syrskyi's dismissal of two corps commanders suggests ongoing efforts to improve leadership effectiveness. The increase in average salary for military booking aims to impact mobilization and retention. An incident in Odesa involving a civilian wounding a TCC serviceman highlights friction related to mobilization efforts. The new Military Ombudsman law aims to improve personnel welfare. Zelenskyy recognized rescuers on Rescuer's Day, boosting civilian-military morale. The new policy allowing men aged 60+ to join the military represents an "attempt to expand the available manpower pool." Операция Z (14:33:38Z) amplifies RF claims of "catastrophic labor shortages" in Ukraine, which, while RF IO, represents a potential constraint on Ukraine's overall human resources for both military and civilian sectors. КМВА (Київська міська військова адміністрація) (14:34:11Z) posts commemorating rescuers bolster morale for critical support personnel. Анатолій Штефан "Штірліц" (14:52:33Z) posts BDA on RF personnel, contributing to UAF morale. РБК-Україна reports a drunk TCC employee in Ternopil Oblast caused multiple traffic accidents and a police chase, which negatively impacts public trust and morale, posing a challenge to UAF. ТАСС (19:51:00Z) claims a battalion-sized number of missing UAF personnel in the 425th Regiment, which, if true, would represent a significant blow to manpower, but is currently assessed as low confidence due to RF IO tendencies.
  • UPDATED: TASS reports of heavy UAF casualties in Sumy Oblast (up to 80% personnel) (03:46:01Z) (LOW CONFIDENCE) indicate a severe potential constraint on manpower for affected units, impacting their ability to conduct sustained operations. Colonelcassad posts video of the second part of the story of captured UAF serviceman Yuriy Ternovskiy (04:01:05Z). His testimony regarding harsh treatment by his own unit, if corroborated, indicates internal problems impacting UAF personnel welfare and potentially morale. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Training: Shift from overseas training to domestic training signifies a potential constraint on external specialized instruction, though it leverages combat experience.
• Fuel: UAF General Staff posts photo messages highlighting the critical importance of fuel logistics ("War is constant movement. Movement impossible without fuel."), indicating an adaptive focus on securing and maintaining vital resources, potentially signaling a concern or priority for sustainment.
  • NEW: РБК-Україна reports "Ukrzaliznytsia" confirmed damage to several sections of railway in Poltava Oblast due to night shelling. (Confidence: HIGH) This represents a constraint on UAF logistical sustainment, particularly for rail transport.
  • NEW (06:13Z): "Военкоры Русской Весны" (amplified by Операция Z) claims an attack on railway infrastructure near Poltava, used to supply UAF in Donbas. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Fundraising (NEW): STERNENKO reports 8.6 million UAH collected yesterday, indicating continued strong public support for UAF and a resilient informal logistics network. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:13Z): STERNENKO promotes a book giveaway for donations, indicating continued efforts for public fundraising. (Confidence: HIGH)

2.4. Command and Control Effectiveness (Confidence: MEDIUM)

• RF:
  • Strategic Level: Putin's direct engagement with "Zapad-2025" exercises and Peskov's positive assessments project strong centralized command and control at the highest levels. The "Zapad-2025" exercises also confirm coalition group joint headquarters work, indicating advanced C2 for multi-national operations. The denunciation of the anti-torture convention (TASS 09:40:39Z, ✙DeepState✙🇺🇦 14:19:10Z) demonstrates top-down legislative control influencing international posture. Participation in the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in China demonstrates strategic efforts to build international C2 networks. Lavrov's statements (Colonelcassad 12:22:05Z) typically reflect centralized strategic messaging. The acquisition of Volga-Dnepr by "Evraz Avia Service" could be a strategic move to centralize and enhance strategic airlift capabilities. Putin's new "direct line" (ТАСС 13:36:15Z) initiative is intended to project effective, responsive top-level C2 to the domestic population. TASS (15:00:17Z, 15:02:46Z) reports Putin's orders regarding social programs and veteran support, emphasizing a centralized strategic C2 that integrates social policy with military objectives. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS (15:55:42Z) reports a key figure who opposed the war has left Putin's inner circle, potentially indicating tightened control and reduced internal dissent at the highest C2 levels. ASTRA (16:17:22Z) reports the conclusion of "Zapad-2025" exercises, indicating a shift from a large-scale C2 training event to operational deployment/disposition decisions. Colonelcassad reports Putin signed a decree on the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Empress Catherine the Great, which is a strategic C2 action to boost nationalistic sentiment and historical legitimacy. Полиция Хабаровского края posts videos and photos of Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev meeting with Ethiopian Federal Police Chief Demelash Gebremichael at a Global Forum on Public Security Cooperation in Lianyungang, China, showcasing RF's strategic C2 efforts to build international security alliances. MoD Russia (20:51:04Z) publishing "Top News Today" for 17 September, indicating continued centralized strategic C2 for information dissemination and narrative control. Операция Z (22:51:15Z) reporting on official Russian figures opening channels on the "Max" messenger indicates continued centralized C2 efforts to control the domestic information space and leverage indigenous platforms. Colonelcassad posts complaints that parts of RT on Russian Telegram channel are not displaying. RBC-Ukraine (via Reuters) reports Gerasimov is lying to Putin about the front line situation, suggesting potential C2 dysfunction or deliberate deception at high levels within the RF military. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • UPDATED: ТАСС (18.09.2025 04:19:01Z) amplifying Sergey Ivanov's statements on protracted poor relations with Finland. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates a top-down strategic C2 message regarding foreign relations.
  • NEW (06:21Z): Peskov states Putin's "direct line" will be combined with a large press conference in December. (Confidence: HIGH) This is internal RF politics, but reflects a C2 decision.
  • Operational/Tactical Level: Continued multi-axis offensives indicate coordinated operational planning. The rapid deployment of fiber-optic FPV drones and integration of UGVs and new robotic systems suggest a degree of tactical innovation and C2 flexibility. RF IO (Операция Z 13:51:05Z) attempts to highlight "chaos and disorganization" within UAF C2 in Kupiansk, suggesting RF C2 is attempting to exploit this. However, the reliance on informal supply chains (soldiers soliciting donations), rudimentary casualty evacuation methods, reported public denouncement of corruption by a unit commander, and the Bryansk Vice-Governor's corruption case involving fortifications could indicate C2 inefficiencies, decentralized support mechanisms, or systemic corruption. Claims of "Otvazhnye" operations and 16th Guards NBC Protection Brigade activity suggest specific unit-level tasking. RF IO (MoD Russia 09:37:19Z) attempts to project high morale and effective hardware use, but this requires critical evaluation against other intelligence. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАZА video (14:09:59Z) depicting coordinated ground combat in a forest environment suggests effective tactical-level C2 for small unit maneuvers. Старше Эдды video (14:13:11Z) highlights the ongoing involvement of RF special forces, implying their effective C2 in tactical operations. MoD Russia video (14:33:00Z) of MLRS operations, including aerial perspective, indicates coordinated use of artillery fire support. Colonelcassad (14:41:05Z) reports successful river crossing and advancement, suggesting effective tactical-level C2 for complex maneuvers. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF forces are "burning NATO equipment, infantry, and enemy positions day and night" at Pokrovsk, suggesting effective tactical C2 for combined arms operations. MoD Russia (15:51:22Z) video on destroying an enemy stronghold confirms effective tactical C2 for tank operations. Два майора (15:59:01Z) video highlights effective tactical C2 for special forces operations. Оперативний ЗСУ (16:31:18Z) reports that Solovyov exposed the location of an elite UAV unit, demonstrating a significant RF OPSEC failure, which directly impacts the effectiveness of tactical C2 by compromising unit locations. MoD Russia (16:46:28Z) video shows successful detection of UAF UAV launches, indicating effective tactical C2 for counter-UAV ISR. Colonelcassad (17:01:05Z) video with an 11th Air Assault Brigade commander reinforces tactical-level leadership. Два майора (17:30:14Z) video of an artillery strike reinforces effective tactical C2 for targeting. Colonelcassad (17:21:05Z) posts implying tactical C2 for drone-supported ground movement. WarGonzo (17:23:46Z) video on Dnepr grouping operations shows effective tactical C2 for combined arms. Старше Эдды (17:46:45Z) claiming RF control of Kupiansk outskirts indicates effective tactical C2 for urban operations. Операция Z amplifies "Военкоры Русской Весны" video claiming RF VDV are destroying UAF positions and advancing on the Sumy front, showing drone footage of artillery/mortar strikes, suggesting effective tactical C2 for airborne operations. Два майора posts video of a Russian naval special forces operative thanking "Frontline Supplier" for 600 ration packs and camouflage nets, indicating tactical C2 managing informal logistics support. Colonelcassad (20:01:26Z) posts a map message claiming assault groups occupied new positions south of Novoivanivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating coordinated ground movements. Два майора (19:51:37Z) posts video of an artillery strike on the Zaporizhzhia front, demonstrating tactical C2 for fire support. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS video of captured Russian soldiers in Kupiansk detailing orders to kill Ukrainian men and infiltration via a gas pipe suggests a direct, aggressive C2 for urban combat, potentially bypassing IHL. Colonelcassad posts video of a damaged UAF Roshel Senator armored vehicle, claimed destroyed by RF UAV operators in Sumy Oblast, indicating effective tactical C2 integrating UAVs for ground support. ТАСС reports Russian sergeant Dinir Shavaleev broke into an enemy dugout alone and eliminated two Ukrainian soldiers, which, if true, indicates effective tactical C2 for individual infiltration and combat (low confidence). Colonelcassad posts drone footage from the Kupiansk direction, demonstrating effective tactical C2 integrating drones for reconnaissance and strikes against UAF crossings, transport, and armored vehicles. Colonelcassad posts video of RF 'Vostok' Group operators detecting and destroying heavy hexacopters attempting to drop munitions on RF positions in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, indicating effective tactical C2 for counter-UAV operations. Colonelcassad posts video claiming a ZALA "Lancet" drone destroyed a UAF M-198 howitzer in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, indicating effective tactical C2 for precision strikes. TASS reports RF artillery destroyed a UAF UAV control post on the Siversk direction, indicating effective RF C2 in counter-UAV and counter-C2 targeting. (Confidence: MEDIUM)
  • UPDATED: Два майора posts a "Summary for the morning of September 18, 2025" (03:47:08Z). This indicates continued centralized C2 for daily situational reporting to milblogger audiences. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW: Два майора posts video of demanding obstacle course and hand-to-hand combat training, implying rigorous C2 and training for internal security or elite VDV units. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • ISR/Targeting: Orlan-30 drone's EW resistance, extended range, and precision targeting capabilities (M-777 howitzers, ammunition depots) indicate robust ISR and strike coordination for ground support. RF claims of destroying UAF UAV control posts suggest effective counter-C2 targeting. RF artillery destroyed a UAF UAV control post on the Siversk direction. RF's "Rubikon" FPV-Air Defense claiming 1000 UAVs hit indicates a focused C2 structure for counter-UAV operations. The discovery of a listening device in Lviv Mayor Sadovyi's office (Оперативний ЗСУ 13:39:31Z) indicates a sophisticated, active RF intelligence collection capability targeting Ukrainian C2 and governance. New UAV detections in Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts (Повітряні Силі ЗС України 14:11:37Z, 14:16:08Z) indicate persistent RF ISR capabilities, demonstrating continued C2 for intelligence gathering. Север.Реалии (14:40:48Z) reporting on Jan Marsalek's involvement in "special operations" suggests RF's C2 integrates high-level, possibly unconventional, intelligence assets. UAF Air Force (14:36:54Z, 14:50:11Z) reports on new groups of RF UAVs, indicating continuous RF ISR and C2 for aerial operations. Fires in Dnipro district due to UAV attack, confirming effective RF ISR and targeting for drone strikes. An RF drone strike on a gas station in Poltava district, causing a fire and casualties, indicating effective RF ISR and targeting for tactical strikes. Повітряні Силі ЗС України (16:16:37Z) reports enemy strike UAVs from Kharkiv region on Poltava region, indicating continued long-range drone attack capabilities supported by ISR. Повітряні Силі ЗС України (16:23:13Z) reports new groups of enemy UAVs in eastern Dnipropetropavsk Oblast, confirming persistent and dispersed drone activity and the C2 required to manage these multiple vectors. Повітряні Силі ЗС України (16:45:24Z) reports a UAV from Dnipropetropavsk Oblast towards Donetsk Oblast, demonstrating RF's continued ISR and C2 capabilities for multi-directional threats. MoD Russia (16:46:28Z) videos confirm active ISR using Supercam S350 UAVs. Рыбарь (17:19:02Z) photo messages on "Battle for the Sky" illustrate RF's ISR capabilities related to air defense and drone activity. A UAV from Cherkasy Oblast continues movement towards Kyiv Oblast (Yagotyn), indicating persistent RF ISR and targeting capabilities. Оперативний ЗСУ posts photo message claiming a radar complex ("Sopka-2") was damaged by a UAV attack in Voronezh Oblast. The animated map from Colonelcassad (20:20:13Z) visually represents RF's ISR and targeting effectiveness, detailing drone flight paths and impact areas of drones (Geran) and missiles (UMPK, OTRK). Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity on the border of Dnipropetropavsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, heading towards Poltava Oblast, indicating active RF ISR for targeting. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity in Donetsk Oblast, heading towards Sloviansk from the northwest, indicating continued RF ISR for targeting. Повітряні Силі ЗС України reports UAV activity on the south of Sumy Oblast, heading towards Poltava Oblast, indicating active RF ISR for targeting.
• UAF:
  • Strategic Level: Zelenskyy's continued addresses, focus on defense industry output, and diplomatic engagements (EU Parliament office, UK partnership) demonstrate clear strategic leadership. The adoption of the "Law on the Military Ombudsman" indicates a commitment to institutional governance and oversight within the military. Zelenskyy's internal statement to his faction indicates a clear command perspective. The SBU/National Police counter-corruption operation demonstrates a commitment to internal governance and integrity. The new policy allowing men aged 60+ to join the military indicates a strategic decision to expand the manpower pool. The establishment of the Investment Fund for Reconstruction (Оперативний ЗСУ 13:46:32Z) demonstrates strategic planning for post-conflict recovery. The in absentia verdict against an RF general (РБК-Україна 14:11:08Z) indicates a strategic C2 decision to pursue legal accountability for war crimes. РБК-Україна (14:34:59Z) reports Zelenskyy is working to meet Trump, demonstrating strategic C2 engagement with key international partners. РБК-Україна (14:48:10Z) reports Zelenskyy's statement on the Sumy offensive and war costs, demonstrating strategic C2 in public messaging and resource management. РБК-Україна reports the government expanded the "Schoolchild's package" program, demonstrating strategic C2 in social policy to support war-affected civilians. РБК-Україна (16:18:08Z) reports government approval of a bill for basic social assistance from January 1, signaling strategic C2 in social welfare reform. КМВА (Київська міська військова адміністрація) (16:47:12Z) posts about memorandums with organizations helping with Russian attack aftermath in Kyiv, showcasing adaptive social support initiatives. РБК-Україна (16:56:01Z) reports NBU withdrawing 10-kopeck coins, an economic adaptation for currency management. РБК-Україна (17:12:55Z) reports on the "Резерв+" status for basic training, indicating adaptive administrative measures related to mobilization. Zelenskiy / Official (17:28:45Z, 17:29:12Z, 17:29:34Z) statements on RF offensive plans, counter-logistics operations, and security guarantees demonstrate clear diplomatic C2 and communication of priorities. Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦 amplifies Zelenskyy's statement on war costs, indicating strategic C2 communication of financial needs. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy appointed another Constitutional Court judge, which can be seen as upholding governmental functions and rule of law, positively impacting morale. Оперативний ЗСУ posts videos and photo messages of Trump's interactions with King Charles III, using captions to highlight perceived "arrogance and ill-manners" of Trump. This is a strategic C2 decision to influence perceptions of Western leaders for IO. Оперативний ЗСУ posts photo messages highlighting the First Ladies of the US and UK wearing Ukrainian flag colors, an example of UAF strategic C2 in IO to reinforce international support. STERNENKO posts video of King Charles III speaking with Donald Trump, with Charles stating "tyranny once again threatens Europe" and expressing support for Ukraine. РБК-Україна reports Zelenskyy's statement that Russia will strike energy and railway infrastructure, demonstrating UAF strategic C2 in preemptive threat communication. РБК-Україна reports a delegation led by the Polish Minister of Defense has arrived in Kyiv. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Operational/Tactical Level: Syrskyi's dismissal of two corps commanders (17th and 20th Army Corps) due to "ineffective leadership" suggests internal efforts to improve operational C2, but also highlights existing challenges. The coordination of defense across multiple axes, successful repulsion of assaults, and localized counter-attacks demonstrate tactical resilience. The deployment of the 3rd AK Kraken unmanned systems regiment and the effective FPV drone operations by units like the 60th OMBr Reconnaissance Company indicate formalized C2 for drone warfare. Effective drone-based artillery counter-battery demonstrates integrated ISR-strike C2. The successful counter-infiltration efforts in Kupiansk (flooding gas pipe) show adaptive tactical C2. The acquisition of 1,000 maneuverable vehicles signifies a C2 decision to improve tactical mobility. The report by STERNENKO (17:22:24Z) criticizing UAF fortifications, even if negative, indicates an internal C2 mechanism for constructive criticism and adaptation. Підрозділ Shadow posts video demonstrating effective tactical C2 for drone strikes. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts video claiming "Gart" brigade destroyed enemy BUK-M2, communication complex "Murom-M", artillery, dugout, and ammo depot near Vovchansk, demonstrating effective tactical C2 in Kharkiv Oblast. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS posts photos of a downed "reactive Shahed" (Geran-3) allegedly brought down by EW means, suggesting adaptive tactical C2 for counter-UAV measures. The video of captured Russian soldiers in Kupiansk provides direct evidence of successful UAF HUMINT exploitation, indicating effective tactical C2 in prisoner handling and intelligence gathering. Оперативний ЗСУ reports "Center of Kupiansk under control - occupiers are fighting only on the northern outskirts," citing OSK "Dnipro." (Confidence: HIGH) ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports "No fighting in the center of Kupiansk, and previously reported information about enemy success is untrue," citing OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Oleksiy Belsky. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • UPDATED: Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports operational information as of 08:00 18.09.2025 regarding the Russian invasion. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a formal, updated situation report from UAF High Command, demonstrating continued effective C2 in reporting and managing defensive operations.

3. FRIENDLY FORCES (Blue force tracking)

3.1. Ukrainian force posture and readiness (Confidence: HIGH)

• Defensive Posture: UAF maintains active defense across multiple axes, repelling over 150 combat engagements and successfully countering 67 air strikes (UAF General Staff 01:14:01Z). Defensive efforts include direct engagements near Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Mykolayivka, Stupochky, Bila Hora (Kramatorsk direction), Scherbynivka, Katerynivka, Ivanopillya, Pleschiyivka, Rusyn Yar, Poltavka (Toretsk direction), and multiple settlements on the Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Orikhiv directions. UAF successfully repelled 4 RF assaults on Kherson and 7 on Kursk and North Slobozhansky (Sumy) directions. The 77th Airmobile Brigade continues to destroy RF groupings. The 225th Separate Assault Battalion is pushing back RF in Sumy Oblast. The "Khartiya" brigade has created a 10 km "kill zone" in the Lypky direction, Kharkiv Oblast. UAF forces in Kupiansk have flooded a gas pipe to counter RF infiltration. Despite RF claims of "chaos" in Kupiansk, a photo message depicts a Ukrainian soldier in a trench/dug-in position, suggesting continued, albeit difficult, defensive posture. (Confidence: HIGH) Оперативний ЗСУ reports "Center of Kupiansk under control - occupiers are fighting only on the northern outskirts," citing OSK "Dnipro." (Confidence: HIGH) This is a direct factual update, indicating UAF maintains control of Kupiansk city center. ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS reports "No fighting in the center of Kupiansk, and previously reported information about enemy success is untrue," citing OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Oleksiy Belsky. (Confidence: HIGH) This is a strong, official rebuttal to RF claims, reinforcing UAF defensive posture.
  • UPDATED: Генеральний штаб ЗСУ reports operational information as of 08:00 18.09.2025 regarding the Russian invasion. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continuous defensive posture and transparent reporting from UAF High Command. RBC-Ukraine posts photo messages quoting ISW maps, stating RF forces are hiding in forests near Kharkiv and suffering losses in Kupiansk. (Confidence: HIGH) This serves as a UAF counter-narrative, implying continued UAF defensive effectiveness in Kharkiv and Kupiansk. Сили оборони Півдня України posts photo messages with operational information for 08:00 18.09.2025. (Confidence: HIGH) This indicates continued UAF operational readiness and transparency in the Southern direction.
  • NEW (06:33Z): БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС posts a thermal video showing a Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade tank destroying a building with RF occupiers inside. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:33Z): ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS amplifies OSK "Dnipro" spokesperson Belsky, reaffirming that Kupiansk city center is under UAF control and fighting is only on the northern outskirts. (Confidence: HIGH) This reinforces UAF's denial of deeper RF penetration.
• Offensive Capabilities: UAF continues deep strikes against RF industrial and logistical targets within RF territory, confirmed by reports of impacts on Kirishi and Saratov refineries and Transneft's potential reduction in oil production. Successful counter-battery fire has been observed, with a UAF unit reportedly hitting an RF BM-21 Grad MLRS on the Pokrovsk direction. UAF GUR & SSO units continue to disrupt railway communication (Oryol-Kursk direction) and strike SAM systems (Buk-M3 in Zaporizhzhia Oblast). UAF deep strikes are confirmed to have impacted an RF ammunition depot in occupied Donetsk. UAF has confirmed the liberation of Pankivka and Zarichne. A video claims UAF "air strike with French baguettes" on accumulated enemy personnel, indicating continued offensive operations and adaptation of IO. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Air Defense: UAF air defense demonstrated significantly increased effectiveness, shooting down/suppressing 48 of 75 RF UAVs overnight (UAF Air Force 06:12:05Z, Оперативний ЗСУ 06:17:31Z). This is a strong performance against a persistent threat, although the total volume of launched UAVs (75) is lower than the previous report (172). UAF has successfully engaged RF drones in Chernihiv Oblast and over Kyiv. UAF reports Ukraine has interceptor drones capable of shooting down "reactive Shaheds" and has intercepted an "Italmas" drone. Army aviation is reportedly shooting down Shaheds with machine guns.
  • NEW (06:12Z): UAF Air Force reports 48 enemy UAVs shot down/suppressed from a total of 75 air attack assets overnight. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:14Z): РБК-Україна reports RF attacked Ukraine with 75 drones, over 40 of them Shaheds. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:17Z): Оперативний ЗСУ reports UAF PPO neutralized 48 out of 75 enemy UAVs overnight (from 21:00 17 SEP). (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:17Z): UAF Southern Defense Forces report detecting and destroying 18 enemy UAV operator crews in the past day. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:20Z): UAF Air Force reports an enemy UAV in Chernihiv Oblast (Novgorod-Siversky district) moving west. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • NEW (06:29Z): UAF Air Force reports a UAV in Sumy Oblast (Shostka district). (Confidence: HIGH)

3.2. Recent tactical successes or setbacks (Confidence: HIGH)

• Successes:
  • Air Defense: High rate of RF UAV interceptions (48 out of 75 shot down/suppressed). (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Counter-UAV: UAF Southern Defense Forces destroyed 18 enemy UAV operator crews. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Ground Operations: Successful tank engagement destroying a building with RF occupiers. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Defense of Kupiansk: UAF maintains control of Kupiansk city center, contradicting RF claims of deep penetration. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Strategic Depth Strikes: Ongoing disruption of RF railway logistics (Poltava). (Confidence: HIGH)
• Setbacks:
  • Air/Missile Damage: Significant damage to railway infrastructure in Poltava Oblast from RF strikes. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Drone Attack BDA: Confirmed damage to Kyiv Oblast (warehouse) from drone attacks. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Air Activity in North: Continued enemy UAV activity in Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts. (Confidence: HIGH)

3.3. Resource requirements and constraints (Confidence: MEDIUM)

• Requirements: Continued critical need for air defense interceptors, funding for long-range strike capabilities, drone detectors, and vehicles. Sustained public support for FPV drones remains vital (STERNENKO fundraising continues with 8.6M UAH collected).
• Constraints: Damage to railway infrastructure in Poltava will impact UAF logistical sustainment, particularly for moving supplies to the Donbas front. Continued RF aerial threats necessitate a constant drain on air defense munitions. The persistent need for public fundraising indicates a gap in official supply chains or sufficient material provision.

4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT (Cognitive domain)

4.1. Propaganda and disinformation campaigns (Confidence: HIGH)

• RF Propaganda:
  • Dehumanization: Рыбарь's graphic video of a village under attack, explicitly calling the enemy "scum," is a clear dehumanization tactic. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • False Flag / War Crime Accusation: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺's graphic video alleging a UAF FPV drone operator intentionally killed a woman and child hostage is a highly inflammatory and likely false flag operation designed to accuse UAF of war crimes and elicit outrage. (Confidence: LOW)
  • Undermining Ukrainian Leadership: The continuous stream of RF IO targeting President Zelenskyy, labeling him a "thief and drug addict" acting for "European handlers," aims to delegitimize the Ukrainian government and sow internal dissent. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Creating Discord within NATO: The amplification of Kallas's criticism and previous false claims of Poland shelling itself indicate ongoing efforts to exploit and create rifts within Western alliances. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Projecting RF Internal Strength: The FSB's claims of preventing a "terrorist attack" in St. Petersburg, with staged confessions and a theatrical "old woman disguise" narrative, are designed to project RF internal security effectiveness and demonize Ukrainian intelligence. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Justifying Attacks: Claims of targeting railway infrastructure "used to supply UAF in Donbas" are RF attempts to justify strikes on dual-use infrastructure. (Confidence: HIGH)
• UAF Counter-Propaganda:
  • Direct Rebuttals: Official statements from OSK "Dnipro" directly contradict RF claims of deep penetration and "chaos" in Kupiansk's city center, aiming to stabilize morale and provide accurate information. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Highlighting RF Atrocities/Falsehoods: Promptly countering RF's false flag narratives (e.g., the Poland drone incident clarification) is crucial. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Celebrating Successes: Amplifying UAF successes, such as destroying RF positions with tank fire and successful drone interceptions, boosts morale and demonstrates military effectiveness. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Showcasing Resilience: Reporting on continued public fundraising efforts and operational readiness in the South projects strength and unity. (Confidence: HIGH)

4.2. Public sentiment and morale factors (Confidence: HIGH)

• Ukrainian Public:
  • Resilience & Unity: Continued strong public support for UAF, demonstrated by substantial daily fundraising (8.6M UAH). Nationwide minute of silence reinforces national unity and commemoration. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Impact of Strikes: Ongoing RF air/missile attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian areas (Kyiv Oblast warehouse, Poltava railway) will continue to test public resilience, though air defense successes (48 UAVs shot down) can temper negative sentiment. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Information Management: UAF's prompt and clear communication on battlefield situations (Kupiansk control) and air defense results is vital for maintaining public trust and morale. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Russian Public:
  • Controlled Narrative: RF IO aims to project strength, internal security, and military success, while amplifying external threats and Western disunity. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Domestic Diversions: Domestic news (Putin's "direct line," airport restrictions, Kallas criticism) serve to divert attention from direct military setbacks. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Potential Erosion of Trust: High-profile counter-intelligence claims (St. Petersburg plot) may initially boost confidence but can also be perceived as signs of instability if overused or lacking concrete evidence. (Confidence: HIGH)

4.3. International support and diplomatic developments (Confidence: HIGH)

• Support for Ukraine:
  • Poland's Continued Engagement: The visit of the Polish Minister of Defense to Kyiv signals continued high-level bilateral military and diplomatic engagement. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Western Diplomatic Shifts: The UK's impending recognition of Palestine may create a temporary diplomatic distraction that RF could exploit for IO. (Confidence: HIGH)
• Support for Russia:
  • Anti-Western Narratives: RF continues to cultivate anti-Western sentiment through IO, particularly targeting Western politicians (Kallas, Trump) and social issues (Moldova LGBTQ+ rights), to reduce international pressure and isolate Ukraine diplomatically. (Confidence: HIGH)
  • Counter-Intelligence as Diplomacy: The FSB's "terrorist plot" claims are likely intended for an international audience to demonstrate RF's vulnerability to "Ukrainian terrorism" and justify its actions. (Confidence: HIGH)

5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS (Future operations)

5.1. Most likely enemy courses of action (MLCOA)

• MLCOA (RF Ground Operations): (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will continue multi-axis pressure, prioritizing Kupiansk with continued urban infiltration attempts and Lyman (Serebryansky forestry) to confirm and exploit claimed gains, attempting to encircle UAF units. Offensive actions in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts will intensify to secure claimed territorial advances and maintain pressure. Tactical adaptations using DRGs and fiber-optic FPV drones will persist.
• MLCOA (RF Air/Missile Operations): (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will conduct further large-scale drone attacks within the next 24-48 hours, likely maintaining a volume of 50-70 UAVs, with a primary focus on railway infrastructure in Poltava and other central/eastern Oblasts, and critical energy nodes across Ukraine. This aims to degrade UAF logistical capacity and civilian resilience ahead of winter. RF will also continue localized guided aerial bomb (KAB) strikes on frontline areas (Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia) to support ground advances.
• MLCOA (RF Hybrid Operations / IO): (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF will heavily promote its claimed successes in Kupiansk and Serebryansky forestry while continuing to amplify narratives of UAF disorganization, high casualties, and "war crimes" (e.g., the alleged FPV drone killing of a hostage). The St. Petersburg "terrorist plot" narrative will be used to reinforce the image of Ukraine as a terrorist state and justify RF's actions. RF will continue to leverage international events (e.g., UK Palestine recognition, Kallas criticism) to sow discord and divert global attention from Ukraine.

5.2. Most dangerous enemy courses of action (MDCOA)

• MDCOA (RF Ground - Encirclement/Breakthrough): (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF could achieve a decisive breakthrough or encirclement of UAF forces in Serebryansky forestry or Kupiansk. This would create a cascading tactical collapse on these axes, forcing a significant UAF withdrawal and potentially exposing critical supply lines or strategic positions. Such a success could free up RF reserves for new offensive operations or significantly shorten the front lines in their favor.
• MDCOA (RF Hybrid - Coordinated Internal Sabotage/Terror): (MEDIUM CONFIDENCE) RF could activate sleeper cells or existing intelligence networks (as implied by the Lviv wiretap and St. Petersburg plot claims) to conduct coordinated sabotage or terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure within Ukraine's deep rear (e.g., Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa). These could target railway hubs, energy facilities, or government buildings, coinciding with intensified frontline pressure or large-scale aerial attacks, aiming to create widespread panic, undermine public trust, and disrupt strategic logistics and C2.
• MDCOA (RF Information Warfare - Systemic Undermining): (HIGH CONFIDENCE) RF could launch an unprecedented, highly sophisticated information campaign targeting critical figures within the Ukrainian government and military, leveraging any internal intelligence gained (e.g., from the Lviv wiretap) to fabricate or amplify narratives of corruption, incompetence, or betrayal at the highest levels. This could be coupled with cyberattacks on Ukrainian media or government communication channels to maximize impact and paralyze UAF decision-making at a critical juncture.

5.3. Timeline estimates and decision points

• Next 24-48 Hours: Expect immediate and continued high-intensity RF ground pressure on Kupiansk and Lyman directions, with persistent aerial attacks on railway and energy infrastructure. Critical decision points for UAF command will involve allocating reserves to stabilize these axes and implementing enhanced air defense measures.
• Next 72 Hours: If RF claims of Serebryansky forestry control are verified, UAF will face a critical decision point regarding a tactical withdrawal or reinforced defense to prevent encirclement. Failure to stabilize Kupiansk could lead to an operational collapse in that sector.
• Ongoing (Long-term): The persistent threat of RF hybrid operations, including internal sabotage and information warfare, necessitates continuous counter-intelligence and strategic communication efforts. The international diplomatic environment will remain volatile, requiring UAF to continuously adapt its messaging and secure ongoing military and financial aid.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. IMMEDIATE RECONNAISSANCE AND DEFENSIVE REINFORCEMENTS (Kupiansk/Lyman): Immediately task all available ISR assets to definitively confirm RF control and Lines of Contact in Serebryansky forestry and within Kupiansk city limits. Based on confirmed intelligence, rapidly redeploy mobile reserves and fire assets to prevent encirclement in Lyman and stabilize urban defenses in Kupiansk.
2. ENHANCED COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE AND C4ISR PROTECTION: Conduct an immediate, comprehensive TSCM sweep of all high-value military and government C2 nodes, extending beyond Kyiv and Lviv to include regional military administrations, critical infrastructure control centers, and key logistical hubs. Increase monitoring of RF internal IO for early warnings of sophisticated hybrid operations targeting internal Ukrainian stability.
3. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COUNTER-NARRATIVE (Kupiansk): Launch an aggressive and evidence-based strategic communication campaign to counter RF narratives of "chaos" and "failed defense" in Kupiansk. This must include direct rebuttals from local commanders and verified footage showcasing UAF resistance and control, specifically highlighting any civilian casualties from RF tactics (e.g., Yampil).
4. INTELLIGENCE PREP FOR RAILWAY DEFENSE: Task an intelligence cell to conduct a detailed IPB specifically on RF capabilities and intentions regarding railway infrastructure targeting, identifying high-threat corridors, critical nodes, and potential RF munition types. Use this to inform enhanced air defense deployment and rapid repair contingency planning for "Ukrzaliznytsia."
5. EXPLOIT RF MANPOWER VULNERABILITIES: Leverage HUMINT from captured RF personnel (e.g., Ternovskiy, the Kenyan national) to craft targeted IO campaigns highlighting poor conditions, coercive mobilization, and mercenary recruitment within RF forces. Distribute these widely through digital channels to undermine RF morale and recruitment, and to encourage further surrenders.

//END REPORT//