Situation Report

Operational Update

Strategic & Air Warfare

Russia conducted a large-scale, combined air attack utilizing Kalibr cruise missiles, cruise missiles from six Tu-95ms strategic bombers, approximately 40 Shahed drones, ballistic missiles, aeroballistic missiles (MiG-31K presence noted), and KABs/KARs. Attacks targeted multiple regions including Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Russian sources claimed the attack was one of the most intense in 2025, targeting military facilities, transport infrastructure, and enterprises.

Confirmed consequences in Kyiv report 10 fatalities (ASTRA, Suspilne) and over 70 injured (GSh, ASTRA, Suspilne, KMVA, Prosecutor), including children. Rescue operations are ongoing in Sviatoshynskyi district following the destruction of a multi-story residential building, and across 5 districts in total (KMVA, Prosecutor). Significant damage occurred across multiple districts, impacting residential buildings (fires, partial destruction, potential trapped persons), non-residential buildings, garages, and cars (KMVA, Prosecutor). Damage to metro station windows, food establishments, and cars was also noted in Kyiv (Prosecutor). Drone debris was reported in Podilskyi and Desnyanskyi districts (Latest Report). Ukrainian officials are investigating the attack on Kyiv as a war crime (Prosecutor). Approximately 45 drones were reportedly involved over Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast alone (KMVA).

In Kyiv Oblast, the attack resulted in 2 women suffering acute stress reaction and damage to 3 five-story residential buildings, 4 shops, 8 cars, a bus stop, a warehouse, and forest/open areas (Latest Report).

Kharkiv sustained multiple impacts from combined drone (14) and missile (10) attacks totaling 24 strikes according to the Mayor. Damage is reported to private houses, multi-story residential buildings, a city clinic, a school, production enterprises, and a hotel complex (Mayor, Operatyvnyi ZSU, Latest Report). Two injuries were confirmed (Latest Report), with one person hospitalized (Mayor, Operatyvnyi ZSU). Russian sources claimed strikes on Kharkiv transport machine-building plant (Malyshev plant), which they allege is used as a repair base, and the airport (Kotsnews, Opera Z).

Attacks on railway infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv Oblasts damaged technical tracks, administrative, and technical buildings, injuring 2 railway workers (conductor in Zhytomyr, machinist in Kyiv) (ASTRA, Ukrzaliznytsia). Railway infrastructure in Zhytomyr was also claimed as a target by Russian sources (Kotsnews).

In Zhytomyr Oblast, several combined attacks damaged private garages, caused a large fire (2500 sq.m liquidated), and the blast wave broke windows in multi-story residential buildings (ASTRA, Zhytomyr OVA). Crucially, a repeat strike during response efforts injured one rescuer and damaged 4 units of State Emergency Service (DSNS) equipment (ASTRA, Zhytomyr OVA).

In Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces conducted 4 Smerch MLRS strikes on the private sector, killing 2 civilians (a 12-year-old girl and a woman) and injuring 2 others. Damage includes 15 house facades, a gas pipeline, and power lines. The Prosecutor's Office is investigating as a war crime (Latest Report).

In Poltava Oblast (Myrhorodskyi raion), debris from a downed missile damaged a household building and car, with no casualties (Latest Report). Russian sources claimed hits in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on an enterprise (Kotsnews, ASTRA). A Shahed attack in Zaporizhzhia city damaged an administrative building and nearby windows (Latest Report). Two multi-story buildings were also reported damaged in Zaporizhzhia (ASTRA).

In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, the attack resulted in 2 injured, damage to a gas distribution point (no supply disruption), roofs of two houses, windows/doors in five apartments, and a park summer area (Latest Report, ASTRA). A fire occurred and was liquidated (Latest Report).

In Sumy Oblast (Nedryhailivska community), a drone strike caused 2 injuries and damaged administrative and non-residential buildings (Latest Report). Russian sources claimed destroying three Ukrainian military deployment points in Sumy Oblast with a Forpost UAV (TASS).

In Cherkasy Oblast, 5 Russian drones were reportedly shot down with no casualties (Latest Report).

Ukraine confirmed successful strikes on a Russian UAV production plant in Tatarstan (Yelabuga), a Russian UAV launch point/warehouse in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast (claimed by RU sources), and the 51st GRAU arsenal in Vladimir Oblast (Kirzhach), where ongoing detonations are reported (Latest Report). Ukrainian border guards reportedly destroyed a Russian radar station in the Northern direction using FPV drones (Latest Report).

Russian sources claimed downing 87 Ukrainian drones overnight over nine regions of Russia and occupied Crimea (45 over Crimea, 10 Belgorod, 9 Kursk, 8 Voronezh, 4 Bryansk, 4 Lipetsk, 4 Nizhny Novgorod, and 2 Moscow region) (Dnevnik Desantnika). Note slight discrepancy in Kursk number compared to Latest Report (10).

Frontline Operations

High-intensity combat continues with a reported 168 combat clashes over the past 24 hours across all active axes (GSh).

The Pokrovsk Axis remains the area of highest intensity, with Ukrainian defenders stopping 56 Russian assault actions near numerous settlements including Kalynove, Zelene Pole, Novotoretske, Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Vidrodzhennya, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Nadiyivka, Kotlyarivka, and Andriivka (GSh, Operatyvnyi ZSU).

On the Toretsk Axis, Russian forces conducted 25 attacks (Latest Report). Russian sources claim continued advances southwest of Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk), reporting the capture of Sukha Balka and advances towards Romanovka and Pravdovka (WarGonzo, Rybar). DeepState reports enemy success southwest of Toretsk, occupying Panteleymonivka, Valentynivka, almost all of Sukha Balka, and assaulting Romanivka (Latest Report). Russian sources also claim nearly 1 km advance towards Hryhorivka (Donetsk) (Latest Report). RU sources claim coordinated action by elements of the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army near Ivanopillia, destroying UA artillery (RU claim) (Old Report 2).

The Lyman Axis saw 20 Russian attacks yesterday, with attempts to break through near Nove, Hrekivka, Nadiya, and Ridkodub (Latest Report). RU sources claim advanced >400 meters along the Siverskyi Donets River towards Hryhorivka (RU claim) (Old Report 2).

The Siversk Axis saw Ukrainian forces stop 12 Russian offensive actions near Bilohorivka and Verkhnokamyanske today (Latest Report).

On the Novopavlivsk Axis, Ukrainian units stopped 15 Russian offensive actions yesterday near Kostyantynopil, Rozlyv, Skudne, Rivnopil, and Novodarivka (Latest Report). Russian sources note force accumulation in this area for a potential large offensive (Latest Report).

On the Orikhiv Axis, occupiers attempted to advance three times in the areas of Stepove, Shcherbaky, and Lobkove. Russian sources report attacks hindered by significant Ukrainian long-range fire (Latest Report, WarGonzo).

The Kharkiv Direction saw 4 Russian attacks repelled near Vovchansk and Vovchanski Khutory today. The situation is assessed as complex but controlled (Latest Report, Kharkiv OVA).

On the Kupyansk Axis, one Russian attack was repelled today near Zahryzove (Latest Report). Russian sources claimed disrupting a Ukrainian rotation near Mala Shapivka, causing losses (12 personnel, 1 AFV) (Dnevnik Desantnika).

The Kramatorsk Axis recorded one combat clash near Klishchiivka yesterday (Latest Report).

The Huliaipole Axis recorded no ground clashes yesterday (Latest Report).

On the Prydniprovskyi Axis, the enemy had one unsuccessful attempt to advance yesterday (Latest Report). Intense fighting continues for Ukrainian bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro, particularly around Krynky (Latest Report).

Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian positions and concentrations, with RU sources claiming strikes on UA UAV production sites, temporary deployment areas, command points, communications (incl. Starlink), and equipment concentrations in various areas (Latest Report, Old Report 2). Russian sources claim inflicting significant losses on UA forces operating in Kursk Oblast (>160 personnel, numerous equipment types - RU claim) (Old Report 2).

Border Area Situation

Intense Russian activity continues in the Kursk/Sumy Border Zone, with Ukrainian forces repelling 26 Russian assaults today and stopping 23 yesterday (Latest Report). Russian forces conducted 20 airstrikes (41 KABs) and 423 shellings (19 MLRS) over the past day (Latest Report). Russian sources claim clearing operations nearing completion in the Hornal area and advancements up to 1.5 km towards the demarcation line, as well as claiming destruction of a large concentration of Ukrainian equipment near Korovintsy (Sumy Oblast) (Latest Report). RU sources claim assault units entered Hornal and heavy fighting is ongoing (Rybar). RU sources claim UA forces near Hornal are using drones as the basis of their defense, hindering RU advances (WarGonzo). RU sources claim approximately 300 Ukrainian UAV operator teams have been deployed to the Kursk Oblast border region (RU claim) (Old Report 2). A group of over 100 Ukrainian military personnel, reportedly trained in the UK, has been transferred from Poltava to Sumy Oblast (RU claim) (Old Report 2).

In the Belgorod Border Zone, Russian sources claim repelling several Ukrainian infiltration attempts and report ongoing fighting near Popovka and Demidovka (Latest Report, WarGonzo). RU analysis suggests the Ukrainian offensive here has stalled, with Ukrainian forces fortifying positions and minimizing vehicle use due to Russian drone activity and difficult terrain (Latest Report). RU sources claim UA forces again attempted to break through in Krasnoyaruzhsky district, but all assault groups were destroyed (Rybar). Russian sources report civilian casualties in Belgorod from Ukrainian attacks (Rybar).

Civilian Impact & Casualties

Russian attacks causing severe civilian casualties and damage are confirmed across multiple regions. In Kyiv: 10 killed and over 70 injured (42 hospitalized, including 6 children and a pregnant woman), with significant damage to residential and non-residential buildings across multiple districts (Sviatoshynskyi apartment building destroyed, damage in Sviatoshynskyi, Solomianskyi, Holosiivskyi, Obolonskyi, Shevchenkivskyi districts) (ASTRA, Suspilne, KMVA, Prosecutor, Latest Report). Rescue operations are ongoing with DSNS units, K9 units, and psychologists (Latest Report). In Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast: 2 killed (12-year-old girl, woman) and 2 injured from a Smerch MLRS strike on the private sector (Latest Report). In Kharkiv: Impacts caused damage to private houses, multi-story residential buildings, a clinic, school, production enterprises, and a hotel, with 2 injured reported (1 hospitalized) (Mayor, Operatyvnyi ZSU, Latest Report). In Kyiv Oblast: 2 women suffered stress reaction and damage occurred to residential buildings, shops, cars, a warehouse, and natural areas (Latest Report). In Zaporizhzhia city: a Shahed attack damaged an administrative building and nearby windows, with two multi-story buildings also reported damaged (Latest Report, ASTRA). In Poltava Oblast: debris from a downed missile caused damage, no casualties (Latest Report). In Khmelnytskyi Oblast: 2 injured and damage to infrastructure and residential buildings (gas distribution point, houses, apartments, park area) (Latest Report, ASTRA). In Sumy Oblast: a drone strike in Nedryhailivska community caused 2 injuries and damaged administrative and non-residential buildings (Latest Report). Attacks on railway infrastructure injured 2 railway workers (conductor in Zhytomyr, machinist in Kyiv) (ASTRA, Ukrzaliznytsia). A DSNS unit in Zhytomyr was reportedly struck twice by the enemy while liquidating consequences, injuring one rescuer and damaging 4 DSNS vehicles (ASTRA, Zhytomyr OVA). Russian sources claim cumulative civilian casualties in Kursk Oblast since August 2024 (191 killed, 372 injured - RU claim) (Latest Report).

Logistics & Capabilities

Ukrainian forces demonstrate effective Air Defense and Electronic Warfare capabilities, active drone operations for reconnaissance and strikes, and successful long-range strikes (Tatarstan UAV plant, Kirzhach arsenal) (Latest Report). Recruitment efforts are expanding (Latest Report). Joint European CV90 procurement is linked to Ukraine's needs (Latest Report). Japan agreed to provide GUR with satellite SAR imagery (Latest Report). Ukraine is finalizing an agreement with the US on mineral resources (Latest Report). Ukrainian forces are employing FPV drones and ATGM systems (Stugna shown by 79th Brigade), and new equipment like the "Bohdana" wheeled SPG is observed (Latest Report, New Message). DSNS is actively responding to impacts, demonstrating resilience in civil defense despite sustaining casualties and equipment damage (Latest Report, New Message).

Russian forces maintain sustained heavy use of UAVs (Shaheds/Gerans, Lancets, FPVs), KABs (228 dropped yesterday), missiles (Kalibr, Iskander, Tornado-S, strategic aviation cruise missiles, Smerch MLRS), and artillery strikes (6289 fired yesterday) (Latest Report). MiG-31K flights continue posing a Kinzhal threat (Latest Report). Active tactical aviation (Latest Report). Increased Black Sea Kalibr capacity noted (Latest Report). Russia claims successful AD activities over its territory and occupied areas (Latest Report). Russia claims targeting Ukrainian assets including command points, communications (incl. Starlink), and equipment concentrations (Latest Report). Russian sources highlight the use of EW, drones for coordinating assaults, adapted naval gun systems against drones, incendiary rounds, and motorcycles (Latest Report). Russian paratroopers are using FPV drones with a net tactic (Latest Report). Public fundraising appeals by Russian military units (VDV) for basic equipment like thermal optics (binoculars, monoculars) and Mavic 3 drones suggest potential logistical gaps or needs for supplementary advanced equipment (New Message). Russia is reportedly testing fully import-substituted Sukhoi Superjet 100 (Latest Report).

Ukrainian challenges include sustained mass Russian attacks causing severe civilian casualties and damage, straining emergency services and civil defense (Latest Report, New Message). The need for robust air defense against various threats remains critical (Latest Report). Mine contamination is significant (Latest Report). Damage to railway infrastructure impacts logistics (Latest Report, New Message). Reports of Russian targeting UA UAV CPs and Starlink terminals highlight a threat to command/control (Latest Report). Repeat strikes on emergency responders pose a direct threat to civilian support capacity (New Message).

Political & Diplomatic Landscape

Reports indicate pressure on Ukraine regarding potential peace negotiations and territorial concessions (Latest Report). The planned ministerial meeting in London did not occur at the ministerial level, with reports suggesting Ukrainian rejection of alleged US proposals involving concessions (Latest Report). Reports from sources like the Financial Times suggest European efforts to find a "landing zone" potentially involving Ukraine moving "towards ceding territory" due to concerns over the US stance (Latest Report). Donald Trump has made statements suggesting he believes Russia is ready for a deal and that he finds Zelenskyy "more difficult" to come to an agreement with than expected (Latest Report). A reported US peace proposal framework ("Trump Plan") allegedly included significant Ukrainian concessions (Crimea, Donbas, South, NATO neutrality, sanctions lifting) in exchange for vague guarantees and limited territorial return, with ZNPP under US management (Latest Report). A Russian military blogger provided political analysis framing the failed London talks as evidence of Ukraine's refusal to compromise and the US preparing to pressure Ukraine and NATO (New Message).

Peskov reiterated Russia's conditions for conflict end (withdrawal from claimed oblasts, neutral status, recognition of realities) (Latest Report). Sergey Shoigu stated that deployment of peacekeepers to "historical Russian territories" could lead to World War Three (Latest Report).

Ukraine's official position remains no surrender, rejecting a "frozen war" and territorial concessions before a full ceasefire, emphasizing territorial integrity (Latest Report). Ukraine has conveyed its consistent stance to US representatives (Latest Report). President Zelenskyy arrived in South Africa for diplomatic engagement (Latest Report). Ukraine formally presented evidence to the Chinese Ambassador regarding alleged Chinese citizen and company involvement in supporting Russia's war effort, urging China to cease support (Latest Report, Old Report 2). A pro-Russian Finnish blogger reported attending an ecology forum in Simferopol, Crimea, and speaking on environmental issues related to the war in Donbas, highlighting pro-Russian information activities (New Message).

The death of Russian military correspondent Nikita Goldin from injuries sustained in a HIMARS strike on March 24 has been confirmed (Latest Report, New Message).

Counter-Intelligence & Security

In Russia/Occupied Territories, a journalist was placed on a wanted list for 'fakes', and legislation criminalizing discrediting RU Armed Forces was signed (Latest Report). Rosgvardia General Varentsov was arrested for fraud (Latest Report). Russia imposed sanctions against UK parliamentarians (Latest Report). FSB in Crimea accused a local woman of involvement in a 2024 bombing targeting a Russian officer in Sevastopol (Latest Report).

In Ukraine, temporary restrictions were implemented at the Shehyni border crossing (Poland) due to repairs (Latest Report). Railway infrastructure was attacked (Latest Report, New Message). Ukrainian counter-intelligence detained an alleged Russian informant in Mykolaiv accused of transmitting troop locations (Old Report 2).

Internationally, Poland has stricter counter-intelligence laws (Latest Report). Latvia introduced mandatory notification for Russian/Belarusian citizens (Latest Report). Moldova uncovered an alleged pro-Russian vote-buying scheme linked to a sanctioned Russian bank (Latest Report).

Previous Report (2025-04-24 05:46:42Z)