Russia's war on Ukraine. 25.04.24
Operational situation
In the operational zone of the Ukrainian Operational-Strategic Group of Forces (OSG) "Khortytsia", on the Kupyansk direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 1 enemy attack near Berestove. On the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 19 times in the areas of Serebriansk Forest, Nevske, Terny, and Torske. On the Bakhmut direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 25 Russian attacks in the areas of Bilohorivka, Verkhnyokamianske, Vyimka, Novy, Ivanivske, and Klishchiivka.
In the "Tavriya" OSG operational zone on the Avdiivka direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 27 enemy attacks in the areas of Ocheretyne, Solovyove, Novokalynove, Berdychi, and Netaylove. On the Novopavlivka direction, they continued to hold back the enemy in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, Urozhaine where the adversary attempted to breach Ukrainian troops' defenses 21 time. On the Orikhiv direction, the enemy attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 1 time in the area of Staromayorske.
In the operational zone of the "Odesa" OSG on the Kherson direction, the enemy remains determined to dislodge the units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River and launched 4 unsuccessful attacks.
General conclusion:
The command of the enemy's “Yug (South)” Operational Grouping is intensifying efforts in the Chasiv Yar area, aiming to achieve notable gains in the immediate future.
The command of the enemy's “Yug (South)” Operational Grouping is working to encircle Chasiv Yar but has yet to accomplish this objective. As a result, they are leaning towards launching a powerful frontal assault to swiftly breach the "Khortytsia" OSG defenses in this sector.
The command of the enemy's “Yug (South)” Operational Grouping fully acknowledges the risks associated with advancing further towards Chasiv Yar and Stupochky without displacing the Ukrainian Defense Forces from the area south of Ivanivske and Klishchiivka. Such a move could trigger a flanking counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
In the coming days, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are to concentrate on holding the "Kanal" neighborhood, positions along the underground section of the Siversky Donets – Donbas canal, along the T0504 road, and positions in the Ivanivske area.
On the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy has achieved significant gains in recent days, expanding their breakthrough in the Ocheretyne area. Their forward units took control of Novobakhmutivka, advanced towards Solovyove, and secured further movement of their troops in the Ocheretyne area, where the enemy has captured the southern and central parts of the village.
The plans of "Tavriya" OSG to halt the enemy's “Tsentr (Center)” Operational Grouping by holding the Ocheretyne – Umanske line have not been fully realized.
The enemy's command has deployed two motorized rifle brigades and one motorized rifle regiment directly into the breakthrough in the Ocheretyne area, creating an almost threefold advantage in forces and assets on this axis.
On the most threatened, Pokrovsk direction, the enemy's “Tsentr” Operational Grouping is intensifying efforts to develop a tactical breakthrough of Ukrainian defenses in the Ocheretyne area into an operational-tactical one.
The resupply of the advanced units of the enemy's 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, which has broken through in Ocheretyne, is effectively blocked by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, who maintain complete fire control over this route.
The sole significant restraining factor for the enemy remains the Ukrainian Defense Forces holding the Berdychi – Semenivka line and the Keramik area, posing a flanking counterattack threat to the enemy in the breakthrough sector.
The objective of the enemy's actions in the Umanske – Pervomaiske sector is to reach the Yasnobrodivka – Netaylove line, aiming to displace the Ukrainian Defense Forces units from the area west of Orlivka and from the Berdychi – Semenivka line.
On the Kurakhove direction, the command of the enemy's “Yug” Operational Grouping aims to break through to Kurakhove (approximately 10 km) and establish the northern flank of their future operation against the entire Vuhledar- Kurakhove bulge of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
On the Kurakhove direction, despite enjoying a threefold advantage in forces and assets in certain areas, the enemy has been attempting to storm a single village for months without achieving their combat objectives.
The enemy notes an increase in the intensity of missile and artillery strikes inflicted by the Ukrainian Defense Forces along the entire front line.
The intensity of assault operations in the Verbove area has significantly decreased, but the Orikhiv direction remains active.
Change in the line of contact (LoC):
There were 104 combat engagements on various fronts.
On the Kupyansk direction, Positional battles continued near Berestove, close to Hrekivka, and Novovodyane.
The command of the enemy's “Zapad (West)” Operational Grouping is preparing to resume active offensive actions on this direction. In the Tabaiivka – Krokmalne area, the forward units of the 15th Motorized Rifle Regiment from the 2nd Motorized Rifle Division of the 1st Tank Army have become more active. They carried out a series of attacks towards Berestove to expand their advance to the south but failed to achieve their objectives. On the sections of the 347th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 26th Tank Regiment of the 47th Tank Division from the 1st Tank Army assault groups are advancing to the frontline. The enemy is preparing to renew assault actions towards Kyslivka to flank and encircle the "Khortytsia" OSG units defending in the Kotlyarivka and Kyslivka areas. In the assault sector of the 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 11th Army Corps of the Baltic Fleet, assault units are also moving to the frontline. Enemy artillery is deploying to firing positions, has acquired planned targets, and is preparing to strike the Ukrainian Defense Forces' positions in the areas of Kyslivka, Kotlyarivka, and Stepova Novoselivka. The 744th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment of the 47th Tank Division will also be involved in the artillery preparation for the attack.
On the Lyman direction, positional battles continued near Nevske, Terny, Torske, Yampolivka, and in the area of Serebriansk Forest.
The command of the 20th and 25th Army of the "Zapad" Operational Grouping continues attempts to push the Ukrainian Defense Forces west of the Chornyi Zherebets River, expanding the width of their active offensive operations. The 252nd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 3rd Motorized Rifle Division of the 20th Army unsuccessfully attacks the Ukrainian Defense Forces positions in the Makiivka area, clearly trying to break through both northeast of the village and southward from Ploshchanka. The 144th Motorized Rifle Division of the 20th Army is almost fully engaged in combat. Its 283rd and 488th Motorized Rifle Regiments actively participate in attacks towards Novosadove and Terny, respectively. Expect the engagement in this direction of the 59th Tank Regiment of this division and units of the 4th and 47th Tank Divisions. In turn, the units of the 25th Army have also become more active. The 67th Motorized Rifle Division is attempting to advance in the Dibrova area and towards Torske. Specifically, units of the 37th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 164th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 25th Army have made several unsuccessful attempts to attack the Ukrainian Defense Forces' front positions in these directions.
On the Bakhmut direction, In the Ivanivske area, advanced units of the enemy's 102nd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division have attacked the Ukrainian Defense Forces positions several times south of the village and on its western outskirts but have not achieved success. Units of the enemy's 217th Airborne Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division have made several unsuccessful attempts to establish themselves along the eastern outskirts of Chasiv Yar, attacking the "Kanal" neighborhood from the east along the T0506 road and directly from the southeast direction. The enemy has engaged the 11th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade in combat, which is operating in the attack sectors of the 217th Airborne Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division towards the "Kanal" neighborhood and the 102nd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 150 Motorized Rifle Division in the Ivanivske area. The 331st Airborne Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division is concentrated for an attack through the forest towards the "Novyi" neighborhood, with an attack expected within the next 1-2 days.
South of Bakhmut, attempts are being made to push the Ukrainian Defense Forces' units from the Klishchiivka and Andriivka areas. The enemy's 1307th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 6th Motorized Rifle Division of the 3rd Army Corps tried to attack the front positions in the former area, and units of the 88th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, supported by units of the Battalion Tactical Group of the 7th Military Base of the 49th Army, in the latter. Both have so far failed to accomplish their tasks.
The "Yug" Operational Grouping with the forces of the 6th, 7th, and 123rd Separate Motorized Rifle Brigades of the 2nd Army Corps is attempting to displace the Ukrainian Defense Forces from the Siversk salient, attacking on the converging directions, namely with the 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade near Bilohorivka (upper), with the 6th Separate Motorized Brigade on the Verkhnyokamianske direction, and with the 123rd Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade towards Spine, but cannot achieve results. The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled enemy attacks near Verkhnyokamianske, Spine, and Vyimka. The aggressor cannot capture Ivanivske.
The enemy is preparing to engage the 106th Airborne Division on the Siversky direction towards Vyimka and Rozdolivka. Currently, the division is consolidating its positions near Vesele, southeast of Vyimka, and south of Rozdolivka while restoring combat readiness. To displace the Ukrainian Defense Forces from the Klishchiivka area, the enemy is preparing to intensify attacks in the near future with the 1307th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 6th Motorized Rifle Division of the 3rd Army Corps, 88th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 2nd Army Corps, and the 83rd Separate Airborne Regiment across the lakes east of the village.
On the Avdiivka direction, on April 19-20, enemy reconnaissance discovered gaps in Ukrainian minefields covering approaches to Novokalynove. One was southwest of the location, along the railway line, and the other southeast. Taking advantage of the troop rotation conducted by "Tavriya" OSG (the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade was replaced by units of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade), the enemy launched simultaneous attacks on both flanks, managing to achieve tactical surprise. The enemy's tactical group attacking from the western direction, from Stepove, broke through to the railway station and scattered the rear units of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade, engaging the assault echelon which continued to widen the breakthrough in the southern direction, including towards Berdychi. The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, introduced into battle from a new concentration area, halted the enemy's advance from Ocheretyne in the western direction and held the Solovyove-Berdychi line. From the eastern side, they managed to make some progress onto hills east of Novokalynove and transitioned to a defensive posture there.
In repelling counterattacks from the Ukrainian Defense Forces units, the enemy captured Novobakhmutivka and introduced the 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade on the right advancing in the Ocheretyne area, and the 132nd Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade. There is another one, the 35th brigade, advancing in the general direction towards Novokalynove and Keramik. This significantly consolidated the combat formations of the 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade. In the Ocheretyne direction towards Solovyove, the 433rd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 27th Motorized Rifle Division was introduced into battle and captured Novobakhmutivka but cannot advance further. The enemy's 74th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 41st Army is attempting to overwhelm the "Tavriya" OSG defenses between Berdychi and Novobakhmutivka but has so far failed to displace the Ukrainian Defense Forces units in the Berdychi area and secure the southern flank of the advancing tactical group of the 2nd Army. The 132nd Separate Rifle Brigade of the 1st Army Corps of the 8th Army also has extremely slow progression towards Novokalynove and Keramik, slowing down the advance of the 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade. The 428th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 239th Tank Regiment of the 90th Tank Division are attacking the front positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces both along the southern bank of Umanske pond from east to west and east of Umanske but cannot accomplish their tasks. The 114th Separate Motorized Brigade of the 1st Army Corps cannot dislodge the Ukrainian Defense Forces units from positions near Semenivka and reach the Novopokrovske-Umanske line, despite employing classical Soviet offensive tactics.
The aggressor has an advantage in the air and artillery, delivering almost continuous strikes on the "Tavriya" OSG positions in the areas of Novokalynove, Arkhangelske, Sokol, Solovyove, and Berdychi.
The enemy command is making efforts to expand the breakthrough area in the Solovyove direction and between Novobakhmutivka and Berdychi, from where they cannot displace the units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian troops have advanced within the western part of Novomykhailivka, east and southeast of Heorhiivka, and continued to attack in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, and Vodyane.
The 9th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 1st Army Corps, supported by artillery, advanced towards Netaylove. On adjacent sectors, the 5th and 110th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigades of the 1st Army Corps have not yet been able to capitalize on their initial success in the southern part of Krasnohorivka and advance in the area of Nevelske. The fighting in Krasnohorivka is extremely intense; the enemy has brought their artillery very close to the city.
Advancing directly towards Kurakhove, the forward units of the 150th and 20th Motorized Rifle Divisions of the 8th Army, particularly the 103rd, 255th, and 242nd Motorized Rifle Regiments, continued their attacks towards Heorhiivka, in the area of Pobieda, and on the stretch between Pobieda and Novomykhailivka, but only made progress south of Heorhiivka.
In Novomykhailivka, the 155th Separate Marines Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, supported by the 10th Tank Regiment of the 1st Army Corps, fully captured the western part of the village, thus taking complete control over it.
On the Berdyansk direction, fighting continued in the areas of Staromayorske and Urozhaine. Occupiers are increasing the intensity of drone usage near Pavlivka in preparation for assault actions on the Vuhledar direction.
On the Orikhiv direction, Russian forces have made slight advances in the center of Robotyne. Positional battles continued northwest of Verbove.
On the Kherson direction, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have made slight advances in the northern part of Krynky and continue to hold their positions in the village.
In the Black Sea-Azov naval operational area, the enemy naval group on combat duty consists of:
Mediterranean Sea: 7 ships, including 2 “Kalibr” sea launched cruise missile carriers. The total salvo is 12 cruise missiles.
Changes in the enemy disposition:
Russia has begun withdrawing its "peacekeeping" contingent from Karabakh, Azerbaijan. The first echelons of this contingent have started arriving at the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces. The concentration period for the contingent is until May 15th of the current year. The first echelon with 49 BTR-82A has arrived, and the equipment is immediately being prepared for transfer to the 15th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the "Tsentr" Operational grouping, which is currently operating on the Pokrovsk direction. The arrival of the second echelon with 50 BTR-82A (16 units) is expected, which will be handed over to the 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade attacking Ocheretyne, and the 90th Tank Division (34th units) conducting combat operations in the area of Umanske and Yasnobrodivka.
On the Kurakhove direction, the Russian military command has concentrated the 20th and 150th Motorized Rifle Divisions, 5th, 9th, 110th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigades of the 1st Army Corps of the 8th Combined Arms Army, the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 68th Army Corps, the 155th Separate Marines Brigade, and several tactical groups from the composition of the 18th Machine Gun – Artillery Division and the 144th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade.
Escalation indicators:
The enemy resumed offensive actions on the Kupyansk direction, is increasing efforts near Ocheretyne and aggressively assaulting the eastern outskirts of Chasiv Yar.
Possible operation situation developments:
The command of "Sever (North)" Operational Grouping may respond asymmetrically to the actions of pro-Ukrainian Russian formations with raiding operations in the Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts or simulate an "advance on Kharkiv" as part of the enemy's offensive campaign on the theater of operations.
Expect a series of enemy attacks on the Kupyansk direction throughout the week.
The forces of the 20th and 25th Army are unable to complete the forming operation on the Lyman direction and will not be able to occupy a favorable starting position for the offensive on Lyman and the Slovyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration before the beginning of summer.
The command of the enemy's “Yug (South)” Operational Grouping, 2nd Army Corps, and 106th Airborne Division will make efforts to eliminate the Siversk salient and set conditions for the encirclement of the Slovyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration from the southeast.
In the next 2 days, an enemy breakthrough is expected through the wooded area located south of the "Novyi" neighborhood, across the "Siversky Donets - Donbas" canal, where the canal runs underground for a stretch of up to 1 km, towards Chasiv Yar either targeting the "Novyi" or "Zhovtnevy" neighborhoods. The breakthrough will be carried out by the 331st Airborne Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division and the main forces of the 11th Separate Assault Brigade. To exploit the success and consolidate the achieved positions in combat, the 85th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 2nd Army Corps may be introduced.
The isolation or complete capture of Kostyantynivka will significantly impair the Defense Forces' ability to maintain the frontline in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast, as it will disrupt the main logistical route along Highway N-20.
Ocheretyne is located at the intersection of Ukrainian defense lines, one of which Russian forces attacked after capturing Avdiivka in mid-February 2024, while another, prepared in advance, is positioned deeper in the operational depth as a subsequent defensive line further to the west. The enemy will have to pass through Ocheretyne and stabilize the northern flank of the Avdiivka direction before they can continue their tactical breakthrough against Ukrainian defenses in this area.
The "Center" Operational Grouping command is focused on executing the following operational plan: to establish conditions for the blockade and encirclement of the Kurakhove area or to create advantageous circumstances for launching an offensive operation to encircle "Tavriya" OSG’s defense in Toretsk area from the south.
The enemy's "Vostok" Operational Grouping is gearing up for active operations on the southern flank of the Kurakhove-Vuhledar bulge of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in coordination with the left flank of the "Yug" Operational Grouping, which is currently attempting to break through towards Kurakhove through Hryhorivka and Paraskoviivka-Kostyantynivka along the Vovcha and Sukhi Yaly Rivers.
Russian operational losses from 24.02.22 to 25.04.24
Personnel - almost 462,980 (+1040);
Tanks 7,255 (+13);
Armored combat vehicles – 13,942 (+14);
Artillery systems – 11,836 (+38);
Multiple rocket launchers (MLRS) – 1,049 (+1);
Anti-aircraft warfare systems - 772 (+1);
Vehicles and fuel tanks – 15,949 (+57);
Aircraft - 348 (0);
Helicopters – 325 (0);
UAV operational and tactical level – 9,449 (+10);
Intercepted cruise missiles – 2,118 (+1);
Boats/ships – 27 (0).
Humanitarian+general:
According to information provided by the Situation Center of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russian forces shelled 11 regions of Ukraine over the past day. A total of 105 towns and villages and 216 infrastructure objects were attacked with various types of weapons. The number of casualties is being updated/clarified.
At least 4 civilians were killed, and 6 others were injured in Donetsk Oblast as a result of Russian attacks on April 25th.
Russian forces damaged a critical infrastructure facility in the city of Smila in Cherkasy Oblast during the morning attack on April 25th. Presumably an "Iskander-K" cruise missile was used. Six people were injured, civilian infrastructure was hit, and logistics and rail connections were damaged.
On the afternoon of April 25th, Russian forces targeted Sumy's infrastructure with a guided aerial bomb. All necessary services are working at the site of the strike, and the aftermath of the attack is being assessed.
In the afternoon April 25th, Russian forces shelled the railway station in Balakliya, Kharkiv Oblast, resulting in 10 people injured. Prior to that, Russian forces attacked the village of Novoosynove in Kupiansk district, injuring two women.
Three railway workers were killed and four others sustained shrapnel wounds and concussions due to a Russian strike in Donetsk Oblast while they were performing their duties, according to Ukrzaliznytsia's press service.
For the fourth consecutive day, the "Ukrenerho" dispatch center has had to request emergency assistance from energy systems of European countries for most of the day. However, the overall volume is slightly less than yesterday due to increased production from solar power stations. Consumption restrictions are in place in the Kharkiv Oblast throughout the day. As of the morning, about 205,000 residential consumers are without power. Industrial consumption is also restricted around the clock in the Kryvyi Rih area.