Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to establish a new command specifically for long-range attacks deep within Russian territory. This move aims to intensify pressure on Russia following recent Ukrainian strikes that have impacted Russian oil production.
Ukraine's Defense Forces are conducting active operations in the Oleksandrivka direction, aiming to seize tactical initiative and force Russian troops onto the defensive in specific sectors of the front.
Ukraine conducted drone strikes on oil facilities in the St. Petersburg region, coinciding with a major economic forum, while also launching a separate attack on Zaporizhzhia that injured a minor and his father.
Romania has convened its defense council and announced the expulsion of a Russian consul after a Russian drone crashed on its territory. Russia's foreign ministry has threatened a swift reaction to the expulsion and the closure of its consulate in Constanța.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Russian assault units have reportedly refused to carry out missions involving crossing the Dnipro River channels and landing on the opposite bank, despite resuming active operations near the Antonivskyi Bridge.
Kyiv declared a day of mourning following a series of large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks that killed multiple people and caused widespread damage. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting many projectiles while also launching counter-strikes.
Russian troops are regrouping in the Huliaipole sector after losing offensive capabilities, leading to a decrease in combat activity and a delay in capturing settlements.
Ukraine has accused Israel of importing grain allegedly stolen by Russia and warned of potential sanctions. The European Union has also reportedly contacted Israel regarding a Russian ship suspected of carrying the illicit cargo.
Several units of Russian Airborne Forces are being redeployed from the Kursk region to the Dnipro River area to reinforce forces in the Kherson region and intensify assault operations in the Dnipro River island zone.
Russian forces have gradually increased the intensity of combat operations, particularly in the Huliaipole sector, with about 80 assaults recorded over the week following the so-called "Easter truce."
Ukrainian troops have successfully halted the advance of Russian units in the Oleksandrivka sector, pushing back assault groups and actively conducting counterattacks while establishing logistics routes.
Russian forces are attempting to rotate personnel at observation posts on Velykyi Vilkhovyi, Bilohrudyi, and Nestryha islands in southern Ukraine and move their vessels, but Ukrainian Defense Forces are regularly destroying their boats.
In the Orikhiv sector, Russian troops are fighting fiercely every day, trying to push Ukrainian units out of Stepnohirsk, while the Defense Forces are conducting counterattacks to prevent the enemy…
Russian troops are conducting rotations, replenishing units, and preparing for limited assault operations in several areas of the southern front, though a large-scale spring offensive is not currently expected.
The situation in Ukraine's southern front remains complicated, with a distinctive feature being an expanded 'kill zone' reaching 20 kilometers from the line of contact, according to a Ukrainian spokesperson.
Certain units of the Russian army have reportedly received cash bonuses for February for successful FPV drone strikes against Ukrainian servicemen in the Huliaipole sector.
Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, and causing significant damage to residential buildings across several districts.
Russian forces have deployed their highly capable 'Varyag' Brigade, equipped with advanced drones, along with special operations units in the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. This deployment aims to prevent Ukrainian advances.
Russian forces in southern Ukraine are reportedly changing their logistics and ammunition supply chains, planning to transport supplies in civilian cars and personnel in small groups along secondary roads.
Russia's Dnepr Group of Forces has reportedly ordered the use of civilian vehicles to transport fuel along the R-280 highway connecting Rostov-on-Don with occupied Crimea, aiming to avoid Ukrainian strikes.
The conflict in Ukraine continues with intensified drone attacks by both sides, including Ukrainian strikes on Moscow and Russian drones hitting Chernihiv and a Chinese cargo ship. Ukraine also reports seizing battlefield initiative and conducting clearing operations.
Russian troops on the southern front in Ukraine have significantly intensified their artillery activity and increased ammunition use to support assault operations, according to Voloshyn.
In the Orikhiv direction, false reports submitted by Russian command claiming the capture of settlements have led to disorganization in the actions of artillery and assault units.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism and sought clarification from the US regarding Russian President Putin's proposal for a ceasefire on May 9, Victory Day. Kyiv questioned whether the offer was a genuine peace gesture or merely an attempt to secure a disruption-free parade in Moscow.
Law enforcement in Ukraine has exposed an international Russian spy network allegedly planning contract killings and sabotage, including in EU countries. Several individuals, including Moldovan citizens, have been detained in connection with the plot.
Russian forces are increasing the intensity of attacks on the southern axis of Ukraine, but Ukraine's Defense Forces are holding their positions and, in some areas, regaining control.
A Russian agent, apprehended in May 2025 in the Kyiv region for attempting to derail a freight train, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with property confiscation.
Ukraine's Defense Forces report that Russian forces are deploying marine units and equipment to reinforce their grouping in the Huliaipole sector, where Ukrainian troops are holding their positions.
Russian forces are redeploying two marine units to the southern sector, which, once reorganized and reinforced, could be deployed in offensive operations as early as April.
Russian troops have escalated their assault operations in the Huliaipole direction, attempting to advance deeper into Ukrainian defenses near Myrne and Huliaipole.
In February, Russian forces carried out 908 attacks on Ukrainian defense positions in the southern operational zone, significantly increasing the intensity of strikes with various weapons.
Russian troops are conducting assault operations along the border between the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, but Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding their positions and launching counterattacks.
Russian troops operating on the Prydniprovske front are attempting to gain internet access by confiscating or purchasing SIM cards from Ukrainian mobile operators due to the absence of Starlink satell
Russian troops are regrouping assault units and preparing to resume active combat operations in the area of the village of Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Russian forces are reportedly planning to reinforce their groupings on the territory of the former Kakhovka Reservoir and intensify reconnaissance and preparations for strikes on settlements on the right bank of the Zaporizhzhia region.
A Ukrainian spokesperson reports that Russian forces are planning to deploy nearly two dozen vessels from the Dnipro River Flotilla to counter Ukrainian reconnaissance groups in occupied Crimea and the Kherson region, indicating Russian apprehension about potential paratrooper landings.
Ukraine conducted widespread drone and missile attacks deep into Russian territory, targeting a Russian arms factory and causing fuel shortages in Russian-held Crimea, while Russia claimed to intercept numerous drones.
Ukrainian officials report that the enemy is spreading false claims of having 'taken control' of the village of Huliaipilske in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, as part of an information and psychological operation.
France and Ukraine have agreed to cooperate on developing anti-ballistic defense capabilities, with President Macron and President Zelensky discussing extended military support. This agreement marks a significant step in bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russian ballistic weapons.
Russia is deploying an additional 320 soldiers from rear areas to the assault units of its 5th Army, which suffered significant losses in battles in the Huliaipole sector of Ukraine.
Russian troops have increased combat activity in southern directions, particularly in the Prydniprovske and Oleksandrivka sectors, with a significant rise in assaults and clashes reported in April.
Ukraine's parliament has voted to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days amidst the ongoing conflict. This decision continues the legal framework for the country's defense efforts.
Russian forces are reportedly reinforcing their front line near Velyka Novosilka in the Zaporizhzhia region, redeploying units to intensify assault operations after suffering losses near Ternuvate.
The European Union moved to unlock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after Hungary's Viktor Orbán lifted his veto, marking a significant development in EU financial aid to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for unannounced 'important meetings,' kicking off a surprise tour of Gulf States with a defense pitch and offering Ukraine's drone expertise with renewed urgency as the US increasingly focuses on Iran.
The situation in southern Ukraine remains tense as Russian troops continue assaults and shelling while building up their forces, preparing for escalation. Despite this, Ukrainian Defense Forces are achieving tactical successes in certain areas.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to counterattack in the Huliaipole sector and along the administrative border of the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, regaining control of settlements and eliminating enemy forces.
Russian forces in southern Ukraine have reportedly changed their assault tactics, increasingly using motorcycles, ATVs, and buggies to quickly traverse 'kill zones' and reach attack positions, according to Voloshyn.
Claims by Russia regarding the capture of Tsvitkove in the Zaporizhzhia region are false, according to Ukrainian Defense Forces, who state the village remains under their control.
Russian troops are attempting to capture the village of Zaliznychne near Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region, but it remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
In the southern sector, the assault units of the Russian Vostok Group are on average 86% staffed, but some units that took part in the assaults have significantly fewer personnel.
Defense Forces are in complete control of the village of Ternuvate in the Zaporizhzhia region, despite Russian troops' claims that they have established control over the settlement.