Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

[MagicFox]

We have got to thread 60. So many thanks as always to regular contributors and to those providing updates. For the 60th time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Thank you @MMBaranova for the insight on Radev.

From the euphoria of the Magyar win in Hungary, it feels like a step backwards for Ukraine if Radev wins and forms the government in Bulgaria.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-19-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces conducted four platoon-sized or smaller mechanized and motorized assaults across the theater in the last 48 hours, but these assaults are unlikely to bolster the ongoing Russian spring-summer 2026 offensive.
2. The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) employed an unmanned surface vessel (USV)-launched interceptor drone to intercept a Russian Shahed long-range strike drone for the first time and are creating USF naval drone battalions.
3. A Russian defense industrial enterprise director criticized how the Russian government’s adopted economic policies have overcooled the Russian economy to the detriment of Russia’s import substitution efforts.
4. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka direction. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast.
5. Russian forces launched 236 drones against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces struck the Atlant Aero drone development and production plant in Taganrog, Rostov Oblast.

Live:Ukraine

⚡️ Head of Ukraine’s Patrol Police Department Yevhenii Zhukov has resigned following yesterday’s shooting in Kyiv, he said at a press conference.

Six people were killed and 14 injured in the attack. A video circulated on social media showing police officers retreating from the shooter and leaving a civilian under fire.

Today, law enforcement opened a criminal case regarding the officers’ actions. They face between two and five years in prison.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Ukraine is ready to resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline on Monday if Budapest unblocks a €90 billion EU loan.

“Hungary’s position has not changed: no oil, no money. Once oil deliveries are restored, we will no longer obstruct the approval of the loan,” he said.

⚡️Ukraine has proposed to Türkiye to organize a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin with the mediation of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Donald Trump.

This was stated by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in an interview with Ukrinform. According to him, Ukraine is ready for such a meeting, but the Russian side is avoiding it.

“Putin is currently hiding. The Ukrainian president is ready for this meeting. We want to end this war. We have concrete proposals. We are counting on Türkiye’s role, which can help accelerate the peace process,” Sybiha added.

⚡️ Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Russia may be restricting access to social media to prevent unrest ahead of a possible general mobilization for a new large-scale offensive in Ukraine or even an attack on a Baltic state.

When asked whether NATO’s Article 5 would be triggered in the event of an attack on the Baltic countries, Zelenskyy said:

“I believe not all countries would necessarily want to support them, but in my view, NATO countries would have no choice — otherwise, there would be no NATO. They would have to unite and respond to what Putin might do. Otherwise, the alliance would simply cease to exist.”

🔶 Terror attack in Kyiv, massive Russian strikes, and the opening and closure of the Strait of Hormuz — the key events of the week.

🔷 On April 18, a man opened fire in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district, killing six people and injuring 14 others. Law enforcement is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack.

🔷 After a video showed police officers retreating from the shooter and leaving civilians behind, Yevhenii Zhukov, head of the Patrol Police Department, resigned. The State Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into the officers’ actions.

🔷 On April 17, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but closed it again the following day due to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

🔷 The World Aquatics allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national symbols. Despite this, Poland said it will not admit them to the 2027 European Championships.

🔷 Another meeting in the Ramstein format took place, where partners allocated $4 billion to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and over $1.5 billion for UAVs.

🔷 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed defense agreements with the leaders of Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands.

🔷 On April 16, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine with 44 missiles and nearly 700 drones. At least 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured across multiple regions, including children.

🔥 Drones carried out a massive overnight attack on the port of Tuapse in Russia, sparking a fire at the oil refinery.

The Tuapse Oil Refinery is the only refinery on Russia’s Black Sea coast. It processes up to 12 million tons of oil per year and is owned by the state company Rosneft.

The same facility was also targeted on April 16, when a fire there burned for several days.

⚡️ Russia launched 142 drones at Ukraine overnight, with air defenses neutralizing 113 of them, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

A total of 28 UAVs struck targets across 18 locations, while debris fell in six other areas. Here is what is known about the consequences:

Kyiv region. Russian forces struck residential areas, causing a fire. One person was injured.

Kharkiv region. A residential area in Velykyi Burluk came under attack. A three-unit house caught fire, and three people were injured.

Dnipropetrovsk region. In the early morning, Russian forces attacked Kryvyi Rih. Infrastructure facilities and apartment buildings were damaged, and a fire broke out. A 39-year-old man was injured. In the Nikopol area, five more people were injured in separate strikes.

⚡️ Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine’s defense minister, was injured in a Russian attack.

He said a jet-powered Shahed drone crashed into the wall of his home, destroying the house. Beskrestnov himself was wounded.

United 24 Media:

🔷 Moscow could receive about $10 billion due to sanctions relief.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there are currently more than 110 tankers of the Russian shadow fleet at sea, carrying more than 12 million tons of Russian oil. It is these volumes that Russia may again sell without consequences thanks to the easing of sanctions.

“Every dollar for oil from Russia is money for war,” the president said.

🔶 The Liutyi drone, meaning "fierce" or "furious," has become Ukraine's primary instrument for striking deep into Russia's war infrastructure. This $200,000 drone can neutralize billion-dollar industrial targets deeper than ever before. It is responsible for an estimated 80% of successful strikes on Russian oil refineries, which finance the war.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Ukraine has expressed its readiness to resume oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline on Monday if Budapest unblocks the EU loan worth 90 billion euros.

“Hungary’s position has not changed: no oil — no money. As soon as oil supplies are restored, we will no longer hinder the approval of the loan.”

🔷 Türkiye is ready to host direct talks between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia.

Türkiye has publicly announced its readiness to once again host negotiations – this time at the highest level.

They are ready to create “conditions for constructive dialogue.” The Turkish leader likely stated this in his separate conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and dictator Putin when he invited them to Istanbul.

🇧🇬 The party of pro-Russian ex-president Rumen Radev is leading in the Bulgarian elections, according to exit polls.

The newly formed “Progressive Bulgaria” is gaining about 38–39% of the vote. Radev resigned in January 2026 to take part in the parliamentary elections and compete for the post of prime minister.

The politician is known for his restrained position on Russia: he formally condemns the aggression against Ukraine, but opposes military assistance to Kyiv and supports resuming dialogue with Moscow. He also criticizes the EU’s refusal to import Russian energy resources.

The early elections are taking place against the backdrop of a protracted political crisis and large-scale protests against corruption that swept the country in late 2025.

🔶 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine should jointly with European countries create an anti-ballistic air defense system within a year.

When asked whether he had discussed this idea with European countries, Zelenskyy noted that he had not yet discussed it with all of them.

“I have talked to the key countries with whom I wanted to talk about it,” he added.

The president said that the so-called Drone Deal, which Ukraine is offering to its partners, will include at least 10 different agreements on the export of Ukrainian weapons.

🪖 Russia may need a large-scale mobilization for new offensive actions against Ukraine or to open additional directions, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

“Why such a large mobilization? In order to repeat a large offensive against Ukraine. Option B — to reduce costs and effort and carry out a parallel smaller offensive where possible, using fewer forces. Why? Because some states, for example the Baltics, are not ready for a strong confrontation simply because they are small, not because they lack courage,” the president noted.

According to Zelenskyy, restrictions on access to social networks in the Russian Federation are linked to the authorities’ attempts to prevent protests over a possible general mobilization, particularly in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.

🔷 Estonia has banned Fico from flying through its territory to Moscow on May 9.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the country will not allow the use of its airspace for travel that strengthens ties with Russia amid its war against Ukraine.

Lithuania and Latvia previously imposed similar bans. Fico said he would seek an alternative route.

🔶 At night, Russia attacked Ukraine with 142 drones — air defense forces neutralized 113 UAVs, while 28 drones struck targets at 18 locations. The attack is ongoing.

As a result of the attack in the Brovary district of the Kyiv region, houses were damaged and one person was injured.

Mykolaiv was also under attack — houses, cars, and power lines were damaged, with no reported injuries.

In the Kharkiv region, in Velykyi Burluk, Russian drones hit a residential building — three people were injured.

🇫🇮👏 Finland is boycotting the Venice Biennale 2026 due to Russia’s return.

Finland’s political leadership has officially refused to attend the exhibition following the organizers’ decision to reopen the Russian pavilion.

The country’s Ministry of Culture stressed that Russia should not participate in international cultural events while it is waging war against Ukraine.

The European Commission has already threatened to freeze a €2 million grant. Despite protests from 22 countries and widespread criticism, the organizers of the biennale insist on the “inadmissibility of censorship of art.”

Russia plans to open its pavilion in May 2026 for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️ Ukraine war latest: Ukraine strikes Russian drone plant in Taganrog, military confirms

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian defense industry facility in the southern Russian city of Taganrog overnight on April 19, the General Staff confirmed.

At the same time, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have for the first time intercepted a Russian Shahed-type drone using an interceptor drone launched from an unmanned surface vessel, the military said on April 19.

While, peace talks with Ukraine are not Russia’s top priority, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on April 18 at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, as U.S.-mediated negotiations remain stalled.

⚡️Hungary's Orban claims Ukraine ready to resume oil flows via Druzhba pipeline.

"Through Brussels, we have received an indication from Ukraine that they are ready to restore oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline as early as Monday, provided that Hungary lifts its blockade of the €90 billion EU loan,"

⚡️'This is not rewarding Russia' — US official defends extension of sanctions waiver on Russian oil.

"This is not rewarding Russia. That's ridiculous," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told NBC's "Meet the Press" with Kristen Welker on April 19.

⚡️Pope Leo voices 'solidarity' with Ukraine amid escalating attacks on civilians.

"I am deeply saddened by the recent escalation of attacks against Ukraine, which continue to afflict civilians," Pope Leo XIV said on April 19.

"I express my solidarity with those who are suffering and assure all the Ukrainian people of my prayers. I renew my appeal for weapons to fall silent and for the path of dialogue to be pursued."

⚡️Bulgaria's ex-president leads Russia-friendly party to victory in snap parliamentary elections, exit polls show.

Progressive Bulgaria, the Kremlin-friendly coalition led by former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, is on track to win 37-38% of the vote, according to exit polls on April 19. [This is like Whack-a-mole]

⚡️Ukraine's long-range strikes inflicted $2.3 billion in Russian oil losses in March, Zelensky says.

Ukrainian estimates shows that long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure inflicted at least $2.3 billion in lost oil revenue for Russia in March alone, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 19.

⚡️Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai.

Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Tuapse Oil Refinery in southern Russia's Krasnodar Krai during an overnight attack on April 20, as Kyiv continues efforts to disrupt Moscow's war funding.

⚡️ Higher oil prices carry a sting in the tail for Russia — resurgent inflation

Inflation in Russia — which had begun to slow at the beginning of this year — is picking up again. Data from the country’s statistical agency Rosstat shows price growth accelerated to 5.95% in the first week of April, after a dip to 5.86% in March.

Just weeks earlier, the Central Bank of Russia lowered its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 15% in late March, citing a decline in inflation in February to 5.9%.

"Events in the Middle East pose additional inflationary risks for us, the scale of which will be assessed in April," central bank advisor Kirill Tremasov said, warning that higher energy and commodity prices could increase inflationary pressures globally.

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of April 20, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Kyiv Post:

⚡️ BREAKING: 10 hospitalized, at least 6 killed in Kyiv shooting

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 10 people were hospitalized and six were killed following the shooting in the Holosiivskyi district.

⚡️ European allies are raising alarms over the Trump administration’s push for a swift framework agreement with Iran, warning that a rushed and technically thin deal could deepen rather than resolve long-standing disputes.

⚡️ Russia threat “not going away,” Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said, adding that he would like to see Ukraine join the NATO alliance.

Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has the alliance’s longest land border with Russia at over 1,300 kilometres.

“I would prefer in the long run to see Ukraine in NATO. You know, I know for political reasons some people have problems with that. But let’s think about it really seriously.”

⚡️ Ukraine signs 10-year defence export deals with Gulf states.

Zelensky said Kyiv agreed long-term defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar, expanding ties on drone warfare and integrated air defence systems.

⚡️ Ukrainian drones strike Russia’s Black Sea port of Tuapse overnight, killing one and igniting major blaze at oil facility.

The attack, the second in less than a week, triggered huge flames and thick black smoke over the port and refinery complex. A previous fire at the site burned for days.

Airports in Krasnodar and Gelendzhik were forced to halt flights under the emergency “Kover” plan.

⚡️ Russia unleashes 142 drones in overnight blitz across Ukraine.

Regions including Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv and Poltava came under fire.

⚡️ Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha welcomes Baltic states’ move to block Fico’s flight to Moscow.

Sybiha thanked Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for denying airspace access to Slovak PM Robert Fico for his planned May 9 visit to Russia, urging other countries to follow suit.

⚡️ Self-proclaimed Belarusian president Lukashenko warns neighbours and Ukraine against “aggression”, saying Minsk is ready to respond.

He claimed any war launched from Belarusian territory against Poland or Lithuania is “not possible”. However, he stressed that Belarus would defend itself with all available means if attacked.

Radev's formation ended up winning 130 - 110 against the combined other parties making the cut. So there will be a single group government that won't need to go through the arguments that have tended to occur in recent years. Up to a point. His group is an alliance of parties with him sitting on top as the chair, or Caesar, who knows?

So far as Ukraine goes it is not great but unlikely to be as thorny an inside the tent irritant as Orban in the EU and NATO.

Points to note:

Bulgaria is the most Russian culturally and historically aligned EU country. Underpinning this is the role of Russia in the liberation era as the Ottoman empire ebbed which still echoes, the similarities in language, & the buying in to Sovietism in the Cold War era. Bulgaria was an Axis country in WW2 but as the Red Army arrived did a big switch and when it came to the first Victory Parade in Moscow and the captured Nazi banners were piled up the Soviet generals walked almost alone. No US or UK leader marched with Zhukov and co. but Bulgarian general and famous equestrian Vladimir Stoychov did.The one exception. During the Warsaw Pact years the USSR wanted loyal satellite states around it (and Belarus & Ukraine were separately represented in the UN - it was complicated) so there was a voting bloc. Bulgaria, however, was the only WP state that petitioned to JOIN the Soviet Union as the 16th Republic (and was rejected). Russian oil has continued to be important for Bulgaria in recent decades.

Radev has issues with the EU that overshadow any Ukraine funding. These include the Euro (perceived as a mixed blessing) and the candidacy of 'North Macedonia'. If you think Ukraine and Russia have a painfully entwined back-story, have a look at that of Bulgaria and the modern Skopje state when it comes to claiming cultural affinities / separateness / overlordship. It is again complicated. For Kyivan/Kievan 'Rus see Ohrid and IMRO.

A steady, reliable, military man who was the figurehead above politics who spoke directly to the disaffected people now has to lead if he can. I think we will find it hard and will need to engage in aspects of politics he neither truly comprehends nor wishes to dirty himself in. Perhaps he will delegate to the leading progressive coalition characters.

Corruption, vote-buying, cronyism: these are high on the agenda and will be more of a focus than Ukraine. Whether any headway can be made remains to be seen.

Thank you so much for that, @MMBaranova Your insight is invaluable.

Spelling: Stoychev.

He is still quite a thing in Bulgarian memory. See stamp, where his Olympic equestrianism is referenced. In the 1945 parade he marched with the leaders of the 3rd Ukrainian Front of the Red Army, which I suppose is not without irony now. He's to the right of the 2nd image doing things his way.

Seconded...

And also many thanks to all those carrying on posting the regular updates...it's very mich appreciated.

Thirded … thank you everyone

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-20-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Swedish intelligence assessments are consistent with ISW’s longstanding assessments about the significant challenges the Russian economy is facing and the Kremlin’s efforts to conceal these issues in order to falsely present Russia as able to sustain its war effort indefinitely.
2. Russian forces continue to struggle to defend Russian infrastructure against repeated Ukrainian strikes.
3. Russian forces attempted to use long-range one-way strike drones to assassinate Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MoD) advisor on defense technology and a drone and electronic warfare (EW) expert.
4. Ukraine continues to expand its cooperation with Gulf States.
5. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Borova direction and western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka and Dobropillya tactical areas.
6. Ukrainian forces continue their mid-range strike campaign against Russian military assets in Belgorod Oblast that aims to interdict Russian logistics. Russia launched 142 drones against Ukraine overnight.

Fourthed!

EU eyes approval for €90B Ukraine loan on Wednesday

Hungary has said it will lift its veto on the loan if oil flows resume through the Druzhba pipeline.

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-approval-90-billion-euro-ukraine-loan-wednesday/

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Update: Russia-friendly party wins Bulgaria snap parliamentary elections (kyivindependent.com/bulgarias-ex-president-leads-russia-friendly-party-to-landslide-victory-in-snap-parliamentary-elections/) with 44.6%.
The party's electoral win marks a victory for pro-Russian representation in the EU.

⚡️ Ukraine says all obstacles (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-expects-90-billion-loan/) to EU's 90 billion euro loan removed, expects green light within days.

IMF backs down on unpopular tax changes for Ukraine, PM says (kyivindependent.com/imf-backs-down-on-unpopular-tax-changes-for-ukraine-pm-says/)
The International Monetary Fund agreed that one of the strings attached to its $8.1 billion program to Kyiv is “non-constructive,” Ukraine’s Prime Minister said, after the fund held talks with Ukrainian officials in Washington D.C. last week.

What does Iran ceasefire mean for Ukraine and Russia, and will it last? (kyivindependent.com/what-does-iran-ceasefire-mean-for-ukraine-and-russia-and-will-it-last/)
The ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East is an obvious boon for Ukraine, but it remains extremely fragile, analysts say. "A ceasefire is a better outcome for Ukraine than the war. It will keep the crisis in the Middle East more manageable and predictable," Ryhor Nizhnikau, a Russia expert at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told the Kyiv Independent.
However, if the Iran war resumes and escalates, the consequences for Ukraine may be disastrous.

⚡️Ukraine pushing to produce home-grown ballistic defense system (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-pushing-to-produce-home-grown-ballistic-defense-system-within-a-year-zelensky-says/) 'within a year,' Zelensky says.
Kyiv's intention to pursue such a system is not new, but the announcement marks the first time officials have attached such an ambitious timeline to the effort.

⚡️New biography on author Mikhail Bulgakov labeled under 'drug propaganda' law (kyivindependent.com/amid-growing-censorship-laws-book-on-author-mikhail-bulgakov-labeled-drug-propaganda-in-russia/) in Russia.
Russia’s book market finds itself under mounting strain as the government steadily expands its censorship regime.

⚡️Ukrainian drones hit key Russian oil hub in Samara Oblast, SBU says.
Ukrainian drones caused a "massive fire" at the Samara oil distribution station in Russia's Samara Oblast overnight on April 21, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Ukraine to simplify use (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-implement-a-universal-ground-station-for-fiber-optic-drones-fedorov-says/) of fiber-optic drones on front line
Ukrainian troops will begin testing a new standard control station for fiber-optic drones, the country's defense ministry said on April 20, as part of an effort to replace the mix of different controllers operators must carry to the front.

⚡️Update: Ukraine strikes oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil-refinery-in-russias-krasnodar-krai-3/) in Russia's Krasnodar Krai for 2nd time in a week, sparking major fire, General Staff confirms.
In addition to the oil refinery, Ukraine struck the Hvardiiske oil depot in Russian-occupied Crimea, as well as two landing ships of Project 1171 and Project 775, the General Staff said.

⚡️Europol hackathon identifies (kyivindependent.com/europol-hackathon-identifies-45-more-ukrainian-children-forcibly-deported-to-russia/) 45 more Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia.
The two-day operation, held on April 16–17, brought together 40 experts from 18 countries, alongside the International Criminal Court and several non-governmental partners.

Ukraine second only to Moldova in reform speed, top EU official says (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-second-only-to-moldova-in-reform-speed-says-eu-membership-chief/)

⚡️ Russian preschools, schools, universities have spent over $213 million (kyivindependent.com/russian-preschools-schools-universities-have-spent-over-213-million-on-educational-drones-since-2022-media-reports/) on ‘educational’ drones since 2022, media reports.
The figure, calculated in an investigation by the Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe reported on April 20, comes as Russia continues to militarize its society, with a specific focus on children.

⚡️Russian drone attack on Sumy injures at least 6, damages (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attack-on-sumy-injures-at-least-6-damages-medical-facility/) medical facility.
Numerous explosions were heard across the city and damage was reported to residential buildings, cars, and a medical facility.

⚡️Russian drone attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attacks-on-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-kharkiv-oblast-kill-3-injure-18/) on Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv oblasts kill 3, injure 18.
Russian drone attacks on Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts on April 20 killed three and injured 18 others, authorities reported.

⚡️At least 6 killed, 59 injured in Russian strikes (kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-59-injured-in-russian-strikes-across-ukraine-over-past-day/) across Ukraine over past day
Russian forces launched 143 drones against Ukraine overnight, of which 116 were downed or jammed, the Air Force reported on April 21. Russia also launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, one of which was intercepted by Ukraine's air defense.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — APR 21, 2026
■ Engagements and casualties close to average; no confirmed territorial change
■ Highest 7-day artillery losses this year so far; drone losses above the 7-day average
■ 🇷🇺 overnight attacks below average, with 4 out of 5 drones intercepted; 1 of 2 Iskander-M missiles intercepted
■ 13 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 🇷🇺 drone launches, MLRS strikes, and air strikes above average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The United Arab Emirates has told Washington that if it runs out of dollars, it may be forced to use the Chinese yuan or other currencies for oil sales and other transactions, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Such a scenario could threaten the dominance of the US dollar, which is widely used in global oil trade, analysts say.
According to the report, the UAE has begun talks with the United States on potential financial support in case a war with Iran deepens the crisis in the Gulf region. One option under discussion is a currency swap line that would allow the UAE Central Bank to access dollars at low cost to support its currency or strengthen foreign exchange reserves in the event of a liquidity shortage.

Germany is preparing to shift its economy to a war footing and reorient Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MAN, and Volkswagen factories toward arms production, particularly for Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Germany’s automotive industry is experiencing its longest recession since World War II. Assembly lines are being retooled for military production. For example:
▪️Volkswagen plans to produce components for the Iron Dome air defense system;
▪️Auto parts manufacturer Schaeffler has begun producing drone engines, onboard systems for armored vehicles, and components for military aircraft;
▪️Several companies have added a third shift to produce weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. Patriot interceptors are also expected to be produced in Germany.
As a result, Germany overtook China last year to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, with a 5.7% share. Almost a quarter of German arms exports go to Ukraine. [Well well, given how much Russia fears and hates Germany's war history, it's managed the considerable feat of breaking through Germany's reluctance to re-arm quite well]

Real inflation in Russia is close to 15%, not the official 5.86%. The economy is heading toward financial trouble, according to Thomas Nilssen, head of Swedish intelligence, in an interview with the Financial Times.
He said the Russian Central Bank is underestimating inflation by at least 10% and the budget deficit by $30 billion.
Swedish analysts have identified several indicators pointing to a potential banking crisis.
At the same time, intelligence data suggests Russia is systematically falsifying economic statistics to convince Ukraine’s Western allies that its economy remains resilient despite military spending and sanctions.
Nilssen believes the Russian economy is facing systemic problems: the military-industrial complex is largely unprofitable (except for drone production), affected by corruption, and dependent on loans from state banks.
He said that under current conditions, the economy faces either a prolonged decline or a shock, both leading to a financial crisis.

❗️Hungary’s incoming prime minister, Péter Magyar, said he would be ready to discuss the seizure of funds from a Ukrainian savings bank after taking office.
“We don’t yet know what really happened and have also seen conflicting reports,” he said, noting that many details remain unclear.
He called for patience and caution, as well as the reopening of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Kostiantynivka is a ghost town, constantly under enemy fire. The Russian occupiers regularly strike the long-suffering city with artillery, MLRS, guided aerial bombs (KABs), and FABs, causing severe destruction and effectively reducing parts of it to ruins.

A ground-based robotic complex with a machine gun held back a Russian offensive for 45 days without reinforcement from stormtroopers, CNN reports.
The commander of the NC13 unit of the 3rd Separate Stormtrooper Brigade, Mykola “Makar” Zinkevych, said that last summer, for the first time, ground and aerial drones were used to storm an enemy position and take prisoners without infantry.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned this case on April 13 during a speech congratulating Ukrainian gunsmiths.

A large-scale fire broke out at the Tuapse oil refinery on Russia’s Black Sea coast following a reported Ukrainian drone attack overnight on April 19–20.
According to Astra on April 20, citing analysis of photos and videos from the scene, multiple fuel storage tanks caught fire in the refinery’s tank farm after what was described as a mass drone strike.
The outlet reported that the fire spread across a significant portion of the facility, with up to ten separate storage reservoirs affected in the port-side section of the site.

Ukraine won gold and bronze at the US Cup in synchronized diving.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

IMF said European national governments should not shield consumers and businesses (www.kyivpost.com/post/74327) from fuel price spikes due to the Middle East war, to speed the Green Deal and stop relying on imported fossil fuels.

UK yet to seize a single Russian “shadow fleet” (www.kyivpost.com/post/74335) tanker despite tough pledge to crack down.
PM Keir Starmer vowed to “go after” ships dodging sanctions, even allowing special forces to board them, but no action has been taken so far.

Ukraine, IMF discuss alternatives to VAT for FOPs as business pushes back. (www.kyivpost.com/post/74347)
A plan to extend VAT to Ukraine’s sole proprietors is on hold, with Kyiv and the IMF now seeking alternative revenue sources ahead of the 2027 budget.

Ukrainian hackers disrupted a closed-door meeting at Russia’s Industry Ministry, exposing reliance on Chinese drone components. (www.kyivpost.com/post/74379)
Leaked audio shows officials admitting that 90% of key components are foreign-made, revealing deep dependence on China.

Ukraine could deploy naval drones to the Middle East, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74360) Zelensky hints after global security talks.
The president said Kyiv joined a major summit on the Strait of Hormuz and has been invited to a follow-up meeting in London with military representatives from allied nations.

Former Ukraine patrol police chief Yevhenii Zhukov has been appointed adviser to the head of the National Police (www.kyivpost.com/post/74408) after stepping down over a deadly Kyiv shooting that left seven people dead and at least 14 wounded.

Former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba says a series of recent moves in Belarus point to preparations for possible escalation, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74366) even if an attack on Ukraine is not imminent.

France and Germany propose “symbolic” EU perks for Ukraine — without access to the bloc’s budget or voting rights until full membership, FT reports.
Paris and Berlin have rejected plans to speed up the accession process and grant Kyiv early membership benefits.

Luc Chénier, CEO of Kyiv Post, Joins the Advisory Board of British Ukrainian Economic Future (www.kyivpost.com/post/74342)
BUEF is a strategic platform dedicated to advancing economic cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, operating with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom.

British singer Dua Lipa has joined efforts to support Ukraine’s frontline medics, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74411) helping fund a pickup truck for the First Medical Battalion.
The vehicle was delivered via Driving Ukraine with backing from the singer and her Service95 platform, the unit confirmed to Kyiv Post.

Russia beauty influencer and cosmetics merchandiser Viktoriya Bonya called out Kremlin news managers angry (www.kyivpost.com/post/74349) with her recent criticism of Putin, saying she is defending Russian women against insults by male Moscow propagandists.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Hungary’s incoming prime minister Péter Magyar said he expects President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to restore the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline if it remains operational, stressing that Budapest will not make concessions on the issue.

🇪🇺 Germany and France oppose fast-tracking Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, instead proposing “symbolic” benefits during the pre-accession phase, the Financial Times reports, citing sources and documents reviewed by its journalists.
Germany is pushing for an “associated member” status. Under this model, Ukraine would take part in meetings of the EU Council and the European Council but would not have voting rights. It would also not automatically be included in the EU’s common budget.
France refers to a similar interim arrangement as “integrated state” status. Under this model, access to the Common Agricultural Policy and EU funding would be postponed until full membership. France also insists on holding a referendum before the accession of any new EU member.
However, the simplified form of membership would include the EU’s mutual defense clause, seen as one of the key benefits for Ukraine.

🇸🇰 Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to fly to Moscow on May 9 via Poland after being denied transit by the Baltic states.
According to him, the request is currently under review.

💥 Explosions were reported overnight in Novocherkassk, in Russia’s Rostov region.
Preliminary reports indicate that drones targeted railway infrastructure. A fire broke out in the city, and several trains were halted due to a power outage.
Loud explosions were also reported overnight in Saratov and Volgograd. Russian authorities claimed that nearly 100 drones were shot down.

In Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, a man threw a grenade at police officers, leaving five injured.
The incident occurred when officers responded to reports of erratic behavior by a man in the village of Mykolaivka, who was allegedly heavily intoxicated and claimed he had two grenades. During negotiations, he also said he had opened a gas line inside the building.

Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine’s defense minister, showed the aftermath of yesterday’s Russian strike on his home.
“This is how, in a single moment, I lost everything I had built over 20 years. No home, no cars, no belongings. I’m in a cast and, it seems, will be for a while,” Beskrestnov wrote on social media.
He added that five Russian jet-powered Shahed drones were launched at his house overnight.

🔴 BREAKING: EU provisionally approves €90bn Ukraine loan as 🇭🇺 Hungary drops opposition
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/22/ukraine-eu-90bn-loan-russia-war-hungary-zelenskyy-putin-magyar-orban-europe-latest-news-updates

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Update: EU envoys approve 90 billion euro loan (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-druzhba-eu-loan/) for Ukraine after Slovakia, Hungary said Druzhba transit resumed.
EU envoys on April 22 approved the 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) loan for Ukraine, the spokesperson for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council said.

⚡️EU ambassadors back (kyivindependent.com/eu-ambassadors-back-20th-package-of-russia-sanctions-after-hungary-slovakia-drop-veto/) 20th package of Russia sanctions after Hungary, Slovakia drop veto.
EU ambassadors agreed on the 20th package of sanctions imposed against Moscow in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on April 22, after Hungary and Slovakia lifted their veto over the measures.

⚡️ Hungary, Slovakia say Ukraine resumed Druzhba transit (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-druzhba-eu-loan/), deliveries expected by April 23.
The resumption of transit could clear the way for the EU's 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) loan to Kyiv, which Budapest blocked over the Druzhba dispute.

⚡️Russia, North Korea hold ceremony for 'truly significant' 5 kilometer bridge. (kyivindependent.com/russia-north-korea-connect-first-land-bridge-between-the-countries/)
Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin described the five-kilometer-long, two-lane bridge as "a truly significant event," adding that, once fully functional, it will have "strategic significance" for the economic and social spheres of both countries.

‘Cooling, not a reversal’ — Why Bulgaria’s new Russia-friendly leader is unlikely to become EU’s next Orban (kyivindependent.com/cooling-not-a-reversal-what-radevs-bulgaria-landslide-means-for-ukraine/)
The landslide victory of ex-President Rumen Radev’s party in Bulgaria’s April 19 parliamentary election is seen by many as a boost to Russia-friendly, Ukraine-skeptic voices within the European Union.
But in fact the picture is more complicated: some analysts argue that Radev will remain part of the “European consensus,” and Bulgaria will not become an equivalent of Orban’s Hungary.

⚡️ 'Positive decision' on 90 billion euro Ukraine loan (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-expects-90-billion-loan/) possible within 24 hours, EU chief diplomat says.
"A positive decision" on the loan could be expected "in the next 24 hours," Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, said.

⚡️Trump extends (kyivindependent.com/trump-extends-ceasefire-with-iran-blockade-of-iranian-ports-to-continue/) ceasefire with Iran, blockade of Iranian ports to continue.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 21 that he was extending Washington's ceasefire with Iran until Tehran "can come up with a unified proposal" to bring an end to the war.

⚡️ Fearing Ukrainian troops landing in Crimea, Russia intensifies coastal mining (kyivindependent.com/russia-mines-the-coast-in-occupied-crimea-to-prevent-ukrainian-troops-from-landing/).
"The beaches will now become minefields," Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️'We will not accept any ersatz membership' — Ukraine's FM rejects (kyivindependent.com/we-will-not-accept-any-ersatz-membership-fm-sybiha-rejects-anything-short-of-full-eu-membership-amid-reports-of-symbolic-benefits/) anything short of full EU membership amid reports of 'symbolic' benefits.

⚡️Facing criticism over other conflicts, EU's top diplomat calls out lack of global solidarity (kyivindependent.com/facing-criticism-over-other-conflicts-eus-top-diplomat-calls-out-lack-of-global-solidarity-with-ukraine/) with Ukraine.
"Where we (Europeans) have a problem, which is Ukraine, we are alone," Kaja Kallas said.

⚡️Exclusive: Ukraine still missing (kyivindependent.com/exclusive-ukraine-still-missing-billions-in-defense-funds-for-2026/) billions in defense funds for 2026
Kyiv faces a defense gap of 19.6 billion euros ($23.1 billion) in 2026, even after accounting for 86.7 billion euros ($102 billion) already committed to the country and an extra 28.3 billion euros ($33.9 billion) on its way as part of the EU's 90-billion-euro Ukraine Support Loan, according to a European Commission presentation seen by the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️ War in Iran has used up half (kyivindependent.com/war-in-iran-has-used-up-half-of-us-patriot-and-thaad-missile-stockpiles/) of US Patriot and THAAD missile stockpiles.
The U.S. has run through over half of its stockpiles of key air defense missiles during the nearly two-month war on Iran.

⚡️ Russia destroys mass graves (kyivindependent.com/russia-destroys-mass-graves-near-mariupol-satellite-images-suggest/) near Mariupol, satellite images suggest.
The site was used to bury residents who died during the Russian siege of the city in 2022, according to Ukraine’s Center for the Study of Occupation.

As Telegram falters, communication with occupied Ukraine is breaking down (kyivindependent.com/russias-digital-crackdown-in-occupied-ukraine-is-further-cutting-families-off-from-each-other/)
Since the early months of the full-scale invasion, Russia has sought to control digital infrastructure in occupied territories, rerouting internet traffic through Russian systems and limiting access to foreign platforms.
In recent months, these efforts have intensified. Residents in Ukrainian-controlled areas say they are struggling to reach loved ones across the front line, as disruptions to Telegram appear to coincide with broader efforts by Russian authorities to limit access.

⚡️Ahead of Venice Biennale, Ukraine pushing (https://kyivindependent.com/ahead-of-venice-biennale-ukraine-pushing-eu-to-impose-visa-bans-on-russian-pavilion-members/) EU to impose visa bans on Russian pavilion members.

⚡️EU defense chief fears high spending and low production (kyivindependent.com/eu-defense-chief-fears-high-spending-and-low-production-could-drive-inflation/) could drive inflation.
"We are more concerned that money is increasing more rapidly than (weapons) production. It creates some kind of inflationary pressure," EU's Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius explained.

⚡️Italy summons Russian ambassador after pro-Kremlin TV host insults Meloni (kyivindependent.com/italy-summons-russian-ambassador-after-pro-kremlin-tv-host-insults-meloni/).
Italy summoned Russia's ambassador on April 21 to protest "extremely serious and offensive" remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyov.

⚡️ Draft officers arrested for kidnapping a man, (kyivindependent.com/draft-officers-arrested-for-demanding-30-000-bribe-in-odesa-office-chief-was-suspended/) demanding $30,000 bribe in Odesa; office chief suspended.
According to the investigation, the suspects abducted a man in Odesa on April 21 and forcibly put him in a van and drove around the city, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

⚡️Ukraine proposed part of Donbas be renamed 'Donnyland (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-proposed-donnyland-name-for-donbas/),' NYT reports.

⚡️Ukraine's richest man (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-richest-man-buys-luxury-apartment-in-monaco-for-550-million/) buys luxury apartment in Monaco for $550 million.

⚡️ At least 4 killed (kyivindependent.com/at-least-4-killed-79-injured-in-russian-strikes-across-ukraine-over-past-day/), 79 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine over past day.
Russian forces launched 215 drones against Ukraine overnight, of which 189 were downed or jammed

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — APR 22, 2026 (1/2) ■ Highest engagements this month and casualties above average; no confirmed territorial change ■ Drone and land-based equipment losses well below the 7-day average

■ 🇷🇺 overnight attacks below average (all drones), with an improved interception rate ■ 8 🇺🇦 strikes reported; only 🇷🇺 air strikes above average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

💪 Ukraine’s position on the battlefield is now the strongest in the past year, the Foreign Ministry said.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that the Defense Forces have managed to reduce Russia’s advantage in manpower through the use of drones.
“The numerical advantage is no longer decisive on the battlefield. This is an achievement of the Ukrainian army and a factor that will shape the future,” the minister said.

He added that the stronger Ukraine’s position on the battlefield, the stronger its negotiating position.

Tuapse strike: After a drone attack, smoke from burning oil tanks stretched over 300 km and reached Stavropol.

🛢A third Russian refinery has shut down within a week after a drone attack, Reuters reports.
Rosneft’s Syzran refinery has reportedly suspended operations after equipment was damaged and a key unit responsible for most of the refining was taken offline. Repairs may take up to two weeks.
The Tuapse and Novokuibyshevsk refineries were previously shut down following strikes. Since the beginning of the year, at least six oil refineries in Russia have been forced to halt operations due to attacks.

The government of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has approved a historic decision to lift the ban on the export of lethal weapons. The moratorium had been in place since World War II, the Financial Times reports.
The decision comes amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, China, taking advantage of global attention focused on the war in the Middle East, continues preparations for a possible invasion of Taiwan.
Since 2014, exports had been strictly limited to five categories of non-lethal equipment, such as mine-clearing and rescue gear. Japan will now be able to supply missiles, ammunition, aircraft, and warships. Major companies like Mitsubishi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will also be able to enter the global market.
The approval process for agreements has been significantly simplified and accelerated: key decisions will be made by relevant ministers without the need for parliamentary approval.
At the same time, potential buyers must undergo strict screening and confirm they are not involved in active armed conflicts. Deliveries to warring countries will remain possible only in exceptional cases, if deemed critical for Japan’s national security.
The reform is expected to help Western partners address weapons shortages amid global conflicts, while giving Japan’s defense industry access to international contracts needed to sustain large-scale, high-tech production.

🇺🇦🇪🇺A high-level meeting of the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children will be held in Brussels on May 11, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
The meeting will focus on countering Russia’s illegal transfer of children.

Ukraine has returned 2,100 children since the launch of Bring Kids Back UA, President Zelenskyy said.

Europe’s largest airline, Lufthansa, will cut 20,000 flights due to rising fuel prices, the Financial Times reports.
The German carrier is cancelling short-haul flights from May to October and dropping unprofitable routes from Munich and Frankfurt. It will operate around 120 fewer flights per day.
The company cites a sharp rise in jet fuel prices, which have reportedly doubled amid the conflict with Iran and a broader supply crisis.

🕯 An enemy UAV struck the sorting yard at the Zaporizhzhia-Live station. At the moment of impact, a train with an electric locomotive was on the tracks. The assistant driver was killed, and the driver was hospitalized, Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba said.

🇮🇹 The Italian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome after Russian propagandist Solovyov insulted Prime Minister Meloni during a live broadcast, calling her a “fascist bitch.”

UrkArmoTech (developers of the UAT-D “Gyurza,” UAT-D “Gyurza 2,” and UAT-TISA) has unveiled a new product — the tracked armored personnel carrier “Scythian.”
The vehicle is a deep modernization of the M113. Its chassis components, engine, and transmission are based on the original American platform.
Notably, the prototype features an aluminum hull, as in the original M113. The manufacturer said armor steel hulls are being considered for serial production.
The frontal armor meets STANAG 4569 Level 4, while the sides and rear meet Level 3.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Germany and Czechia summon Russian ambassadors (www.kyivpost.com/post/74445) over alleged threats to companies on their soil.
Both governments said Moscow issued warnings against companies linked to Ukraine’s defense industry, prompting diplomatic protests.

Europe aims to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financing (www.kyivpost.com/post/74443) needs for 2026–27, but warns that international partners have yet to confirm funding for 2027.

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Kharkiv-born teenager, who became the first player in history to win the European championship without a grandmaster title.
Zelensky awarded him the “Future of Ukraine” honor and praised his achievements, noting his journey in chess since the age of five and his growing list of national and international victories.

Putin’s forces launched a massive overnight drone attack across Ukraine, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74465) firing more than 200 UAVs and slamming rail lines and port infrastructure.
Air defences shot down 189 drones, but the barrage still killed civilians and caused widespread destruction.

Two Ukrainians killed and at least 16 injured after a bus accident near the Turkish border.
The vehicle, carrying 37 passengers and two drivers, reportedly stopped after running out of fuel. When passengers got out and gathered behind it, the bus suddenly rolled backwards, ploughing into the group before ending up in a ditch.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺 Ukraine is willing to delay access to some European Union benefits in order to speed up its path to membership, Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka said in an interview with Bloomberg.
In particular, Ukraine is ready to postpone for several years its eligibility for subsidies under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy in an effort to ease concerns among member states.
Kachka also said Ukraine is prepared to quickly meet EU requirements and aims to sign an accession treaty as early as 2027, depending on progress. EU member states would then need several more years to ratify Ukraine’s membership.
A day earlier, the Financial Times, citing sources, reported that Germany and France oppose fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU membership. Instead, they proposed granting Ukraine “symbolic” benefits during the pre-accession phase, excluding agricultural subsidies and voting rights.

Russia launched 215 drones against Ukraine overnight, with air defenses neutralizing 189 of them.
Another 24 UAVs struck 13 locations, while debris fell in six areas. Key consequences of the attack:
Dnipro. The city came under attack in the morning. Residential buildings and vehicles were damaged, with no casualties reported.
Zaporizhzhia. Russian forces struck a rail yard at the Zaporizhzhia-Live station. At the time of the strike, a train with an electric locomotive was on the tracks. An assistant driver was killed, and the driver was hospitalized.
Odesa. The city was targeted by two waves of drones. Piers, warehouses, railway infrastructure, and port operator facilities were damaged. No casualties were reported.
Sumy region. Russian forces launched a mass attack on a village in the Yampil community, hitting residential buildings. One person was killed.

A janitor who shielded a child from a gunman during the April 18 attack in Kyiv has died from his injuries.
Doctors fought for his life for more than a day, but were unable to save him due to the severity of his wounds.
Neighbors say Oleksandr Hryhorovych, known locally as “Uncle Sasha,” cared for stray animals. He is survived by his cat, which neighbors have promised to look after.

Summary of Highlights:

The Druzhba oilpipe restarted after repairs, and consequently the EU has green-lighted the 90billion loan to Ukraine. Which is in dire need of money.

The 20th package of sanctions has been passed, also not coincidentally with the Druzhba oilpipe starting to flow again.

Ukraine's position on the battlefield is strengthening.

Japan can now export weapons (I suspect this is going to be significant!)

Russia and N Korea is now linked by a 5km bridge.

The US has used half its stocks of Patriot and THAAD missiles

Communication is being lost with the occupied territories :/

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-21-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov continues to make greatly exaggerated claims of Russian advances amidst Russian forces’ poor performance in their ongoing Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.
2. Even the most generous interpretations of other Russian sources do not support Gerasimov’s claims.
3. Gerasimov is likely attempting to obscure Russia’s disappointing lack of progress thus far in its Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.
4. The Kremlin continues its efforts to militarize Russian society and appoint loyal veterans to positions of authority ahead of Russia’s State Duma elections in September 2026.
5. Ukrainian long-range drone strikes continue to have significant impacts on Russian oil production.
6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kupyansk direction and the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.
7. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure and military assets. Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 143 drones against Ukraine overnight.