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Situation Report

2025-05-08 17:35:00Z
Previous Report (2025-05-08 17:04:55Z)

Operational Intelligence Briefing - Major Updates and Analysis (May 8, 2025, 17:34 UTC)

Updated Situation

The operational environment remains intensely kinetic, defying any notion of a "ceasefire." Ground combat is particularly fierce on the Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Novopavlivka axes. Reports of Ukrainian attacks and contested fighting persist in the Kursk border region, specifically near Tetkino and Novy Put'.

Russian aerial activity continues unabated across numerous Ukrainian oblasts, primarily involving "Shahed" drones and ballistic missiles. Recent reports confirmed rapid-moving targets in Sumy and Poltava Oblasts, with a missile tracked towards Kremenchuk.

Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian industrial and military facilities are confirmed in Saransk, Tula Oblast, and reportedly military airfields in Moscow and Kaluga Oblasts, causing temporary disruptions to Russian air traffic.

A tragic humanitarian update includes a reported civilian fatality in Primorskoye, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, due to an FPV drone attack. Civilian casualties are also reported in Kyiv and Russian border regions.

Diplomatic and information operations continue to evolve. Ukraine has received €1 billion from the EU, derived from frozen Russian central bank asset profits. Donald Trump's suggestion of seeking China's assistance in settling the conflict and his claim of "good progress" towards a peace agreement are significant political developments. Discussions about potential peace negotiations continue, with the Polish Foreign Minister suggesting Turkey and China as potential mediators. Ukraine has also ratified an economic partnership agreement with the US concerning minerals.

Internal Russian issues include security incidents and ongoing information campaigns, particularly ahead of Victory Day. Russian military bloggers remain active in reporting, fundraising, and disseminating propaganda. The election of a new Pope at the Vatican is a notable global event. Continued US Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance activity over the Black Sea indicates ongoing surveillance.

New significant updates and analysis from the latest messages (past few minutes):

  • Russian Soldier Fatality in Zaporizhzhia: Rybar and Центр «ВОИН» report the death of Vladislav Nikolaevich Rakhmanov, an instructor from the "VOIN" center, in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to Ukrainian shelling. He reportedly died while rendering first aid to wounded comrades. This highlights the continued human cost of the conflict for Russian forces, particularly in contested areas like Zaporizhzhia. The emphasis on his role as an instructor and his attempt to aid the wounded serves a clear propaganda purpose. (Рыбарь, Центр «ВОИН»)
  • Russian Claims of Advance Near Makeevka: Сливочный каприз claims Russian forces have advanced 600 meters west of Makeevka (likely in the Luhansk direction) and occupied new positions. The post includes geotagged photos and videos showing positional fighting under Ukrainian shelling. This indicates continued Russian ground efforts to gain territory despite their declared ceasefire and highlights ongoing combat in that specific area. (Сливочный каприз)
  • Greek Company Demonstrates Autonomous Coastal Defense Systems: Два майора reports on the demonstration of the "Interceptigon" system by Greek company Delian Alliance Industries at the DEFEA 2025 exhibition. The system includes autonomous unmanned surface vessels (Interceptigon N) that hide on the seabed and fixed-wing drones (Interceptigon A) that can launch from disguised ground launchers, designed for coordinated coastal defense against various threats, including landing craft, speedboats, and drones, with a focus on low observability and mass production of inexpensive disposable systems. This development is highly relevant to maritime security and defense, particularly in coastal areas susceptible to naval drone attacks, and indicates the evolving nature of coastal defense technologies. (Два майора)
  • Ukrainian GUR Special Forces Rescue Captured Comrades: Оперативний ЗСУ shares a video claiming that GUR special forces from the "Artan X" unit successfully rescued three captured reconnaissance soldiers from Russian forces (247th Guards Airborne Regiment). The Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly poisoned by an unknown chemical substance during a combat engagement and captured. Ukrainian FPV drones were used to eliminate the Russian captors attempting to move the Ukrainian soldiers to Russian territory. Two Ukrainian soldiers were guided out by a reconnaissance drone with instructions, and the third escaped on his own. The rescued soldiers reportedly returned with captured weapons and intelligence but are being treated for chemical burns. This is a significant success for Ukrainian special operations, highlighting the use of FPV drones in complex rescue missions and raising concerns about the alleged use of chemical substances by Russian forces. (Оперативний ЗСУ)
  • EU Allocates Additional €1 Billion for Ukrainian Arms Procurement: РБК-Україна and АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА report that the EU will allocate an additional €1 billion for the procurement of Ukrainian weapons, funded by the profits from frozen Russian assets. This decision was announced ahead of a visit by EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas and other foreign ministers to Lviv to show solidarity with Ukraine. This provides crucial financial support for Ukraine's defense industry and signifies continued EU commitment to providing military aid, likely for the production of drones and naval drones according to a Russian source. (РБК-Україна, АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА)
  • Iran Publishes Videos of US and Coalition Actions in the Persian Gulf: STERNENKO shares a video claiming that Iran has published footage showing the actions of US and coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. While not directly related to the Ukraine conflict, this highlights ongoing tensions and surveillance activity in other strategic regions and serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical landscape. (STERNENKO)
  • Robert Francis Prevost Elected New Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV: Numerous sources (РБК-Україна, ТАСС, ASTRA, Новости Москвы, Оперативний ЗСУ, STERNENKO, Alex Parker Returns, ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS) report the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope, the first American pontiff. He has taken the name Leo XIV. This is a significant global religious and diplomatic event, although its direct impact on the military situation in Ukraine is unclear at this time. (РБК-Україна, ТАСС, ASTRA, Новости Москвы, Оперативний ЗСУ, STERNENKO, Alex Parker Returns, ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS)
  • Russian Duma Deputy Reacts to Incident Involving Ingush Individuals: Военкор Котенок shares a post from State Duma Deputy Adam Delimkhanov reacting to an incident in Vladimir Oblast involving Ingush individuals, condemning it as nationalism and lawlessness and vowing to seek justice. The accompanying text from another channel ("Мигранты — всё как есть") provides a contrasting, more critical perspective, suggesting hypocrisy in Delimkhanov's reaction compared to incidents involving Chechens or Ingush individuals themselves. This highlights internal social and political tensions within Russia, potentially exacerbated by the conflict and the integration of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds into the military. (Военкор Котенок, Мигранты — всё как есть)
  • Russian Claim of Destroying Ukrainian Armored Vehicles and Infantry Near Kupyansk: Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны shares a video claiming that Russian forces ("West" group of forces) destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles and infantry near Kupyansk (Kharkiv Oblast) before the declared ceasefire. The video reportedly used the "Groza Leska" FPV control system on fiber optics. This is a Russian claim of success on the Kupyansk direction, highlighting the continued fighting in the area and the use of advanced FPV drone technology for targeting. (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны)
  • Civilian Fatality in Kherson Oblast Due to Shelling: Дневник Десантника🇷🇺 reports a civilian fatality in Dnepryany (Kherson Oblast) due to Ukrainian shelling of Nova Kakhovka and other settlements in the oblast. A woman reportedly died from shrapnel near her home. This highlights the continued civilian casualties resulting from shelling in the Kherson region. (Дневник Десантника🇷🇺)
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Comments on US Economic Partnership Agreement: 🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦 shares a statement from President Zelenskyy expressing gratitude for the ratification of the economic partnership agreement with the US concerning minerals and its potential for long-term investment and cooperation. He emphasizes that this opens a new page in relations with the US. This is a positive development for Ukraine's economic future and its strategic partnership with the United States. (🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦)
  • Patriarch Kirill and Others Lay Wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier: Старше Эдды shares photos and text about Patriarch Kirill and others laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow on May 8th, commemorating fallen soldiers. This is part of the official Russian Victory Day commemorations and leverages historical narratives to connect the past with the present military efforts. (Старше Эдды)
  • Russian Military Blogger Shares Video of Assault on Ukrainian Stronghold: Colonelcassad shares a video published by Andrey Gimbatov showing the assault on a "very strong" Ukrainian fortified position. This highlights the continued intense ground combat and the challenges faced by Russian forces in overcoming deeply entrenched Ukrainian defenses. (Colonelcassad)
  • Russian Military Blogger Reports on Potential Ukrainian Landing Near Antonovsky Bridge: Военкор Котенок reports on potential Ukrainian landing activity on the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnieper River near the Antonovsky Bridge. He notes that Ukrainian forces previously held a bridgehead there and that while a full offensive is unlikely due to Russian fire, they may be using the declared ceasefire to rotate personnel. He also mentions Ukrainian use of aviation with guided aerial bombs (KABs) in this area and ongoing activity by drones and artillery. This suggests renewed Ukrainian efforts to maintain a presence or conduct limited operations across the Dnieper, taking advantage of tactical opportunities. (Военкор Котенок)
  • New Pope Leo XIV Begins Address with Message of Peace: ТАСС reports that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV began his address to the faithful with words about peace. This aligns with the Vatican's diplomatic efforts and its stated position on the conflict. (ТАСС)
  • Azerbaijani President Aliyev Reportedly Cancels Visit to Moscow for Victory Day: Рыбарь reports that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has reportedly canceled his visit to Moscow for the Victory Day parade, citing preparation for internal events as the formal reason but suggesting a desire to prioritize national interests and potentially signal a distance from Russia. This development, if confirmed, is diplomatically significant and could impact Russia-Azerbaijan relations. (Рыбарь)
  • Russian Poll on Overcoming Western Influence: Kotsnews shares a poll indicating that 58% of respondents believe Russia has overcome subservience to the West, viewing it as the most important achievement in the past 25 years. While the poll's methodology and representativeness are unclear, it reflects a narrative of asserting independence from the West that is prevalent in Russian state media and could be used to justify ongoing actions. (Kotsnews)
  • Russian and Kazakh Defense Ministers Discuss Bilateral Cooperation: MoD Russia shares a video of Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov meeting with his Kazakh counterpart, discussing bilateral cooperation and commemorating shared history in defeating fascism. This indicates ongoing military diplomatic engagement between Russia and Kazakhstan, with a focus on historical narratives and potential future cooperation. (MoD Russia)
  • Russian Governor Shares Story of WWII Veteran: Игорь Артамонов, a Russian Governor, shares a story about a 15-year-old girl who worked in a вагонный депо during WWII, repairing wagons. This is another example of the prevalent Russian narrative around Victory Day, focusing on the contributions of ordinary citizens to the war effort. (Игорь Артамонов)
  • WarGonzo Promotes Russian Knife Manufacturer: WarGonzo shares a post promoting the Russian knife manufacturer "SARO" and their collaboration on "Drakar" and "Krivich" knives, highlighting their quality and use by the military. This is a form of military blogger engagement with Russian industry and a way to promote products associated with the military effort. (WarGonzo)

Areas of Significant Activity (Updated)

  • Kursk Oblast (Russia) (Tetkino, Novy Put'): Contested fighting continues with claimed renewed Ukrainian attacks involving armor and mobile groups on quadricycles. Russian forces claim to be repelling assaults and claim to have captured Ukrainian assault troops, including females, near Tetkino. Russian military bloggers claim to have shot down Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drones with FPV drones in the area.
  • Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast: Subjected to a significant Russian ballistic missile and multi-phased drone attack yesterday, resulting in civilian fatalities and injuries. Air raid all clear has been issued. Center of Kyiv to be blocked tomorrow due to foreign delegations.
  • Saransk (Mordovia, Russia): Targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks, reportedly striking industrial facilities ("Saranskkabel" and JSC "Optical Fiber Systems").
  • Tula Oblast (Russia): Reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attack on the "Splav" plant.
  • Moscow Oblast (Russia) (Kubinka, Moscow airports): Reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attack on the Kubinka military airfield. Temporary restrictions and disruptions at Moscow airports due to attacks.
  • Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Primorskoye): Civilian fatality in Primorskoye due to an FPV drone attack on a vehicle. Russian soldier fatality reported due to Ukrainian shelling. Ukrainian authorities are actively commemorating fallen soldiers in the oblast.
  • Donetsk Oblast (Pokrovsk, Lyman, Novopavlivka, Troitskoye, Southern Donetsk direction, Dzerzhinsk/Toretsk): Intense ground combat continues across these key axes. Russian Ministry of Defense claims the liberation of Troitskoye. Russian sources claim significant advances on the Southern Donetsk direction. Ukrainian 65th Mechanized Brigade claims destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 in the area. Russian military blogger shares video of assault on a Ukrainian stronghold.
  • Kharkiv Oblast (Lyptsi, Kupyansk): Ukrainian forces have liberated a forest area near Lyptsi, inflicting over 1500 enemy casualties. Significant demining efforts are underway in the oblast. Russian forces claim to be destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles and infantry near Kupyansk using FPV drones.
  • Bryansk Oblast (Russia) (Demyanki): Civilian injuries after a Ukrainian drone attack on a vehicle in Demyanki. Russian Governor claims repelling a massive Ukrainian strike with over 140 aerial targets, including a cruise missile.
  • Poltava Oblast: Missile tracked towards Kremenchuk, triggering air raid alerts.
  • Sumy Oblast: Rapid-moving targets detected, course southwest.
  • Black Sea: US Navy P-8A Poseidon conducting reconnaissance.
  • Kherson Oblast (Nova Kakhovka, Dnepryany): Reported civilian fatality in Dnepryany due to Ukrainian shelling of Nova Kakhovka and other settlements. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge.
  • Luhansk Oblast (Makeevka): Russian forces claim an advance of 600 meters west of Makeevka and occupied new positions.
  • India-Pakistan Border (Jammu and Kashmir): Pakistan reportedly attacked military bases in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Persian Gulf: Iran publishes videos of US and coalition actions.

Aerial and Naval Activity (Updated):

  • Drone Activity: Widespread and ongoing Russian drone activity across numerous Ukrainian oblasts. Ukrainian drone attacks confirmed targeting industrial facilities in Saransk and reportedly in Tula Oblast and military airfields in Moscow Oblast and Kaluga Oblast, causing temporary flight restrictions. Ukrainian SOF reportedly used FPV drones to rescue captured comrades and eliminate Russian soldiers. Ukrainian FPV drone operators of the 3rd Assault Brigade claimed destruction of Russian equipment in Kharkiv Oblast. Russian military bloggers claim Ukrainian mobile groups on quadricycles near Tetkino are being destroyed by Russian drone operators. Russian military bloggers are requesting donations for drones and drone detectors for forces on the Kursk front. АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА shares video claiming Russian FPV drone strikes on Ukrainian shelters and UAV control points. Президентська бригада ЗСУ shares video of Ukrainian FPV drone operators targeting Russian positions on the Svatove direction. Civilian fatality in Primorskoye, Zaporizhzhia due to an FPV drone attack. Ukrainian 65th Mechanized Brigade claims destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 and quadricycles using FPV drones. Colonelcassad claims Russian FPV drone shot down a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone. Russian military bloggers are training operators of heavy hexacopter drones, including a captured Ukrainian "Vampire". Russian forces claim to be destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles and infantry near Kupyansk using FPV drones. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge involves drone activity. Greek company demonstrates autonomous coastal defense systems, including unmanned surface vessels and fixed-wing drones.
  • Ballistic Missile Activity: Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv yesterday.
  • Cruise Missile Activity: Russian Governor of Bryansk claims one cruise missile was among the over 140 aerial targets destroyed yesterday.
  • Aviation Activity: Russian operational-tactical aviation is striking Ukrainian formations near Tetkino. Воин DV shares footage claiming to show Russian aviation using guided aerial bombs in Kharkiv Oblast. Fighterbomber shares video of an I-16 pilot, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge involves claimed Ukrainian use of aviation with guided aerial bombs (KABs).
  • Artillery and MLRS Activity: Intense artillery shelling on multiple fronts. Russian forces claim to be using artillery to counter Ukrainian attacks near Tetkino. Ukrainian fundraising for a drone unit includes support for equipment related to artillery shell casings. Басурин о главном reports Russian claims of Ukrainian shelling of Glushkovo and a temple near Tetkino from specific villages. Civilian fatality in Dnepryany, Kherson Oblast, due to Ukrainian shelling. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge involves artillery.
  • Naval Activity: Russian military bloggers are discussing counter-naval drone tactics and expressing concerns about the Black Sea Fleet. US Navy P-8A Poseidon conducting reconnaissance over the Black Sea. Greek company demonstrates autonomous coastal defense systems, including unmanned surface vessels designed to hide on the seabed.
  • Missile Activity: Rapid-moving targets detected in Sumy Oblast. Missile tracked towards Kremenchuk in Poltava Oblast.

Diplomatic and Political Developments (Updated):

  • Ukraine-US Relations: Ukraine has ratified the economic partnership agreement with the US concerning minerals. Donald Trump states he will speak with Zelenskyy "soon". Ukrainian President Zelenskyy commented on the strategic importance of the US economic partnership agreement.
  • EU Support for Ukraine: Ukraine has received €1 billion from the EU from the profits of frozen Russian central bank assets. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed continued EU support and steps for Ukraine's EU entry with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU will allocate an additional €1 billion for Ukrainian arms procurement, funded by frozen Russian assets.
  • Ukraine Conflict Resolution: Donald Trump suggests he might ask China's leadership to help with the settlement of the conflict and claims "good progress" towards a peace agreement. A Russian source (Cheniere) admits the possibility of Russian gas returning to Europe as part of a "big deal." Reports of potential US-Russia talks on restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe. Polish Foreign Minister suggests Turkey and China could replace the US as mediators. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed diplomatic efforts for a just and lasting peace with German Federal Chancellor Merz, reiterating the need for a genuine and at least 30-day ceasefire. Russian official Ushakov states Russia and the US are moving towards a meeting of the two presidents.
  • Vatican: Election of a new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost (Leo XIV), the first American pontiff. New Pope Leo XIV began his address with a message of peace.
  • Russia-Germany Relations: German Foreign Ministry posts a message in Russian on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, emphasizing liberation and gratitude to Allied countries. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed continued German support and future partnership prospects with German Federal Chancellor Merz.
  • Russia's Historical Narrative: Russian Foreign Ministry establishes the position of Ambassador for the preservation of memorial heritage. Russian State Duma highlights efforts in protecting historical memory. Russian military bloggers are discussing Moldova's approach to historical memory and creating short films about WWII. Russian military blogger Kotsnews highlights a WWII monument and criticizes Trump's comments on Victory Day. Patriarch Kirill and others lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Russian Governor shares story of WWII veteran.
  • Moldova: Russian military bloggers highlight Moldova's Ministry of Internal Affairs threatening fines for wearing the St. George ribbon.
  • Czech Republic: Reported vandalism of a Soviet monument in Teplice.
  • Russia-China Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizes strong mutual support with Russia on core interests. Donald Trump suggests he might ask China for help with the Ukraine conflict. Polish Foreign Minister suggests China as a potential mediator.
  • India-Pakistan Relations: India and Pakistan reportedly engaged in a large aerial battle. Pakistan reportedly attacked military bases in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Slovakia: Slovak Prime Minister Fico is traveling to Moscow via a southern route.
  • Palestine: Palestinian President has arrived in Moscow for Victory Day.
  • Kazakhstan: Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with his Kazakh counterpart to discuss bilateral cooperation.
  • Azerbaijan-Russia Relations: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reportedly canceled his visit to Moscow for Victory Day.
  • Internal Russian Politics - Inter-ethnic Relations: Russian Duma Deputy reacts to an incident involving Ingush individuals, highlighting internal social and political tensions.
  • Iran-US Relations: Iran publishes videos of US and coalition actions in the Persian Gulf.

Internal Russian Issues (Updated):

  • Impact of Ukrainian Attacks: Ukrainian drone attacks on industrial facilities and military airfields, and civilian casualties in border regions. Disruptions to civilian air travel.
  • Pressure on Dissent: Police checking a journalist's family in Saratov based on a complaint about "imposing Western values."
  • Information Operations: Russian military bloggers are actively sharing content to support the war effort, including showcasing attacks and claiming Ukrainian losses, and fundraising. State efforts to control historical narratives. Creation of short films about WWII. Russian military bloggers are requesting donations for essential equipment (drones, thermal imagers) for forces on the Kursk front. Russian military blogger Kotsnews highlights a WWII monument and criticizes Trump's comments. Patriarch Kirill and others lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Russian Governor shares story of WWII veteran. WarGonzo promotes Russian knife manufacturer associated with the military. Russian military blogger shares video of assault on a Ukrainian stronghold. Russian poll on overcoming Western influence.
  • Military Fundraising: Russian military bloggers are requesting donations for essential equipment (drones, thermal imagers) for forces on the Kursk front.
  • Military Recognition: Servicemen of the 25th Combined Arms Army (Zapad Group of Forces) presented with state awards near the line of contact. Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov awarded "Golden Star" medals to commanders of the "Vostok" grouping.
  • Socio-Political Events: Incident during a "Memory Parade" in Ulyanovsk Oblast where 12 children felt unwell. Internal social and political tensions highlighted by a Duma Deputy's reaction to an incident involving Ingush individuals.
  • Defense Ministry Leadership: Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with his Kazakh counterpart.
  • Perception of US Relations: Russian official Ushakov comments on US-Russia relations and a potential presidential meeting.
  • Military Fatalities: Russian soldier fatality reported in Zaporizhzhia due to Ukrainian shelling.

Support and Rehabilitation (Updated)

  • Financial Support for Ukraine: Ukraine has received €1 billion from the EU from frozen Russian assets. The EU will allocate an additional €1 billion for Ukrainian arms procurement, funded by frozen Russian assets. Ukrainian fundraising efforts for military units continue.
  • Military Recognition: Ukrainian awards of "Hero of Ukraine" to key SBU leadership and unit commanders. Ukrainian military personnel training in tactical medicine. Ukrainian commemoration of fallen soldiers.
  • Humanitarian Situation: Civilian casualties in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Russian border regions. Damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Demining efforts in Kharkiv Oblast. Civilian fatality in Primorskoye, Zaporizhzhia due to an FPV drone attack. Civilian fatality in Dnepryany, Kherson Oblast, due to Ukrainian shelling. Rescued Ukrainian soldiers are receiving treatment for chemical burns.
  • Prisoner Exchange and Support: Ukrainian SOF reportedly rescued captured comrades. Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War meeting with families of captured marines. Russian airborne forces claim to have captured Ukrainian assault troops near Tetkino, including females.
  • Military Personnel Welfare: Russian military blogger reports on Russian snipers wounded by a mine on the Kherson direction, with one fatality.

Force Composition and Tactics (Updated)

  • Russia: Continuing large-scale drone and missile attacks, including ballistic missiles on Kyiv and other high-speed targets reported in Sumy and Poltava Oblasts. Maintaining intense ground pressure on multiple axes, particularly Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Novopavlivka, with claimed tactical advances and liberation of settlements (Troitskoye) and significant advances on the Southern Donetsk direction. Conducting offensive actions in Kursk Oblast with claimed success in repelling Ukrainian attempts, including armored assaults and capture of POWs (conflicting reports on territorial control), and using FAB aviation bombs and operational-tactical aviation. Employing aviation, guided aerial bombs (KABs, FAB-500s), MLRS, and artillery extensively. Claiming destruction of Ukrainian equipment with drones (FPV and Lancet), including an American M-113 APC and a Ukrainian BMR-2 demining vehicle. Leveraging military bloggers for reporting, fundraising (requesting donations for drones, thermal imagers), and information operations, including showcasing awards ceremonies and creating films about historical events. Adapting counter-UAV tactics by advising disabling mobile internet in regions. Actively showcasing claimed successes, including destruction of Western equipment with FPV drones. Utilizing army aviation for strikes. Employing unconventional tactics such as using divers for infiltration (detected and destroyed by Ukraine) and potentially donkeys with EW systems according to Ukrainian sources highlighting Russian propaganda. Introducing a new qualification badge for assault troops. Threatening "Oreshnik" missile strike on Kyiv if Ukraine stages provocations on May 9th. Experiencing internal security incidents and taking action against an Uzbek diaspora organization. Presenting state awards to military personnel near the line of contact. Conducting intense fighting in the Kursk border region, claiming to repel Ukrainian attacks, destroy equipment (demining vehicle, armored vehicles), and liquidate Ukrainian forces in Tetkino, and claiming capture of Ukrainian assault troops, including females. Russian military bloggers claim to have shot down Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drones with FPV drones. Russian military bloggers are training operators of heavy hexacopter drones, including a captured Ukrainian "Vampire". Russian forces claim an advance of 600 meters west of Makeevka. Russian forces claim to be destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles and infantry near Kupyansk using FPV drones. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky Bridge is being countered with mortar, UAV, and artillery fire, and claimed use of aviation with KABs.
  • Ukraine: Conducting renewed ground offensive actions in Kursk Oblast, reportedly involving armor and armored vehicles and mobile groups on quadricycles, and attempting to take Tetkino at any cost according to Russian sources (conflicting reports on territorial control), resulting in claimed destruction of a demining vehicle and armored vehicles by Russia. Utilizing drones for deep strikes into Russian territory targeting industrial and military facilities, including military airfields (Kubinka and Shaikovka), and for tactical engagements (FPV drones), claiming destruction of Russian equipment (BMP-3, SPG, cannons, trucks) and targeting Russian shelters and UAV control points. Successfully conducting a special operation using GUR forces and FPV drones to rescue captured comrades and eliminate Russian soldiers. Repelling numerous Russian ground assaults on key axes, including facing 117 total engagements yesterday. Maintaining defenses against Russian aerial and missile attacks, with successful interceptions reported, including a ballistic missile over Kyiv, and detecting rapid-moving targets in Sumy and Poltava Oblasts. Reporting on estimated daily Russian losses. Potentially deploying elite drone units to contested areas according to Russian claims. Continuing fundraising efforts for FPV drones and other equipment (thermal ponchos), with successful large-scale fundraising reported. Actively commemorating fallen soldiers and military units. Demonstrating tactical medical preparedness. Highlighting Russian casualties inflicted by Ukrainian units. Reporting on Russian activity and casualties in specific oblasts (Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Bryansk). Improving medical rehabilitation facilities for military personnel. Conducting targeted strikes on individuals associated with Russian-installed administrations, as reported by Russia in Tarasivka, Kherson Oblast. Liberated a forest area near Lyptsi, Kharkiv Oblast, inflicting over 1500 enemy casualties and destroying equipment. Conducting special operations in the enemy rear, including capturing 6 Russian soldiers. Potential Ukrainian landing activity near the Antonovsky bridge, with ongoing intense fighting, artillery preparation, and drone strikes on the Kinburn Spit and activity near the Tenderivska Spit, according to Russian sources. Training territorial defense forces with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. Pursuing legal accountability for war crimes and collaborating with international partners. Engaging with the Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War regarding captured personnel. Training military personnel in tactical medicine (MARCH protocol). Experiencing civilian casualties from Russian drone attacks, including an FPV drone attack in Zaporizhzhia, and from shelling in Kherson Oblast. Claiming destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 and quadricycles using FPV drones.
  • Rapid Support Forces (Sudan): Reportedly using kamikaze drones against Port Sudan.
  • M23 Movement (DRC): Reportedly continuing attacks despite agreements.
  • Greece: Demonstrating advanced autonomous coastal defense systems.
  • Iran: Publishing videos of US and coalition actions in the Persian Gulf.

Disclaimer: This report is based on the provided information and aims to provide a high-level analysis of the operational situation. It is crucial to acknowledge that the information landscape is dynamic and contested, and independent verification of all claims is not always possible in real-time. The analysis is focused on military intelligence and does not include comprehensive political or economic assessments unless directly relevant to military operations. All recommendations and actions based on this information must be filtered through human oversight and comply with international laws and ethical standards.

Previous Report (2025-05-08 17:04:55Z)