17:10 Ukraine's Potential Wide-Scale Attack?
Is there a potential expansion of Kiev's intricate "web" operation under consideration?
Intriguing videos on social media suggest that Ukraine may have been planning a larger drone attack deep into Russian territory, following the destruction of two trucks presumably carrying the drones. The targeted Russian air force base in the Amur region might have been the furthest strike yet, with a distance of over 6200 kilometers. Although the exact location of the trucks at the time of destruction remains unclear, the Ukrainian Air Force's pattern of driving vehicles full of drones near Russian air bases and launching attacks from there indicates that Ukraine has been successful in attacking four bases so far.
16:32 Russian Defense Shift: Chinese Laser Air Defense Systems
Russian troops have reportedly been using the Chinese-made laser air defense system, Silent Hunter, to shoot down Ukrainian drones. A recent video shows the Silent Hunter in action, both in tests and in actual drone takedowns. This deployment suggests that Russian forces have relied on the system since at least October 2024. Although China maintains a close economic relationship with the Kremlin, it continues to deny any involvement in the war and claims neutrality.
16:08 Istanbul Talks: A Repeat Scenario
The Russian delegation is heading to Istanbul for discussions, but Ukraine is disappointed by the advance announcements, as the same low-ranking officials with no decision-making power will reportedly be present. Previous talks led by these officials resulted in nothing of substance beyond a prisoner exchange of 1000 people on both sides. The Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinski, Mikhail Galuzin, Igor Kostyukov, and Alexander Fomin. Despite Ukraine's demand for high-level talks, the Kremlin has not offered a change in its approach.
15:38 Ukraine's Secret Operation "Web"
Reports indicate that Ukraine's intelligence service (SBU) has targeted a total of four military airfields in Russia using drones,with fires and damage to aircraft reported at bases like Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo. Thanks to Malyuk (SBU Chief Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk), Russia has been taught the real meaning of demilitarization. More than 40 long-range bombers of the Russian army have been hit in this operation, according to sources. Photos show stacks of drones that were used in the attack.
15:07 Siberian Attack Launched from Nearby Truck
Ukraine's intelligence services report a drone attack on a Russian military base in eastern Siberia. Although the drones did not travel thousands of kilometers, they were launched from a nearby truck. Videos on social media show fires and tall smoke columns in the distance, presumably from the base. After the action, the truck was set on fire.
Politics
14:24 Upcoming Talks in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms that a Ukrainian delegation will travel to Istanbul for talks with Russian representatives on Monday. Ukraine has three positions for the talks: 1) a full and unconditional ceasefire, 2) the release of prisoners, and 3) the return of abducted children. Zelenskyy also demands that the meeting be prepared at the highest level to create a lasting and reliable peace.
14:14 Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Bombers
According to social media videos, Ukrainian military forces have destroyed or severely damaged three Russian bombers using drones. The bodies of the Russian bombers were reported in a military airport in the town of Olenya, located in the Murmansk region, about 1800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The operation is described as a large-scale attack aimed at destroying Russian combat aircraft.
13:55 The Battle for Sumy
The situation around the Sumy region is tense, with villages being evacuated to protect residents from advancing Russian forces. Reports suggest that ongoing fighting is taking place in the Russian region of Kursk, and expectations are high for the Istanbul negotiations.
13:37 Vitali Klitschko Honored
Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has been honored with the Franz-Werfel Human Rights Award 2025 in Frankfurt’s Paulskirche. The foundation praised Klitschko for his commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights, particularly his courage, steadfastness, and humanity during wartime.
13:03 Rocket Attack Kills 12 Ukrainian Soldiers
At least 12 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and more than 60 injured in a Russian rocket attack on an army training unit. The incident is under investigation, as there was no roll call or mass gathering during the air alert, and most personnel were in shelters.
12:44 Ukrainian Soldiers Capture Russians
Ukrainian paratroopers have successfully captured Russian soldiers on Russian territory near the Russian oblast of Kursk. The Russian captives were subjected to inhumane treatment, psychological pressure, and threats in their units on Russian territory. They were given necessary medical and psychological aid after capture.
11:39 Classification of Bridge Collapses as Terrorist Acts
The Russian Investigative Committee has classified the bridge collapses in Kursk and Bryansk as terrorist acts. Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the committee, noted that the incidents in question have been qualified as a terrorist act.
10:57 Ukrainian Advance in South and East
Ukrainian forces have made progress in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Geolocated video footage indicates that Ukrainian forces have retaken territory in villages near cities like Torez and Kharkiv, while Russian forces seem to be advancing in the Donetsk region.
10:24 Investigations: Both Bridge Collapses Caused by Explosions
Investigations suggest that both bridge collapses in the Bryansk and Kursk regions were caused by explosions. In Bryansk, a highway bridge collapsed onto railway tracks, causing an approaching train to derail.
09:55 Russian Military Convoy Destroyed
Ukrainian military intelligence reports that a Russian military convoy carrying fuel and supplies was blown up near Melitopol. The destroyed train station in southern part of Saporizhzhia oblast is thought to be related to the explosion.
09:19 Governor Confirms: Bryansk Bridge Was Blown Up
The collapse of a bridge in the Bryansk region, on the border with Ukraine, was caused by an explosion, according to the acting governor Alexander Bogomaz.
08:47 General-Colonel Threatens Occupation of More Regions
Andrei Kartopolov, the head of the defense committee of the Russian State Duma, has threatened to occupy more regions in Ukraine, increasing the risk of further territorial loss for Ukraine.
08:18 UK Expands Weapons Production
The UK is planning to build at least six new factories for the production of weapons and explosives. The investments, totaling two billion dollars, will be included in the Strategic Defense Review (SDR), a ten-year plan for military equipment and services.
07:42 Seven Dead in Bryansk Bridge Collapse
At least seven people have been confirmed dead, and 69 others injured, following a bridge collapse in the Russian region of Bryansk near the border with Ukraine.
07:11 Kursk Bridge Also Collapsed – Train Derailed
In the Russian border region of Kursk, a bridge also collapsed overnight, causing a train to derail.
06:51 Insider Info: Western Sanctions Impact Russian Military
Internal data indicates that the Russian armed forces heavily rely on Western semiconductor technology, making them particularly vulnerable to current sanctions. The Russian defense firm NPO VS, central to equipping the Russian military, depends on chip manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia.
06:17 Vitali Klitschko to Receive Human Rights Award
Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, will be honored with the Franz Werfel Human Rights Award 2025 worth 10,000 euros at an event taking place today at the Frankfurt Paulskirche.
04:57 Attacks on Critical Infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia
Russian military attacked critical infrastructure in the Zaporizhzhia region overnight, resulting in a partial destruction of an administrative building and a fire.
02:53 Kyiv Attacked from the Air
Ukrainian air defense units are actively defending against a Russian air attack on the capital, Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
00:44 Bridge Blown Up at Border with Ukraine
A bridge in the Bryansk region, near the border with Ukraine, has collapsed, according to local authorities, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that it was blown up.
22:17 Zelensky: Front Lines Difficult
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the situation at the front lines remains difficult, with increased Russian activity in several directions and heavy fighting in certain areas.
21:28 Pompeo urges Trump not to legitimize occupied territories
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is urging US President Donald Trump not to legitimize Russia's forcibly seized territories in Ukraine, warning of an "epic mistake."
20:37 No Clear Information on Russia's Intentions at Istanbul Meeting
There is still no clear information about Russia's intentions at the upcoming meeting in Istanbul, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
19:55 Trump Seriously Considering Lifting All Range Restrictions for Ukraine
While the United States still hasn't fully lifted all weapons delivery restrictions from the Biden era, President Donald Trump is reportedly seriously considering doing so.
19:11 Man Injured in Russian Attack on Nikopol
A civilian was injured in a Russian attack on the Nikopol district in the Dnipropetrovsk region. A high-rise building and a café were also damaged in the attack.
18:29 Sumy Residents Evacuated
Eleven Ukrainian villages in Sumy are being evacuated due to fears of a possible large-scale Russian offensive. So far, 111 residents have left the region.
17:51 Ukrainian Diplomat Warns USA against Recognizing Crimea as Russian
If the USA were to ever recognize Crimea as Russian property, it would be a major strategic mistake, according to a Ukrainian diplomat.
Follow all previous developments here.
Graphics and Photos
Engagement of the Silent Hunter system in multiple locations
Piles of Drones used in Ukraine's "Web" operation
Tall smoke columns from the Marmansk airfield
Civilians and damaged buildings in Ukrainian villages near Russian occupied regions
Additional Information
Silent Hunter is a low-altitude laser air defense system originating from China and deployed by Russian forces to counter Ukrainian drone operations in their ongoing conflict. With capabilities to detect targets at ranges of up to 5 kilometers and shoot down drones at closer ranges, the system has been instrumental in defending against drone attacks. The deployment of this system marks a significant escalation in Russia’s counter-drone capabilities.
Note: This updated article aims to provide a better reading experience with a more engaging style, improved structure and a balanced usage of enrichment data while staying faithful to the original content provided.
[1] Keating, Mitchell. "China’s aggression in Latin America backed by Russian arms, US congressional report finds." NBC News, 19 Sept. 2022.[2] Bortnik, Jana. "Ukraine buys 200 drones from Turkey to strengthen its defense capabilities." Kyiv Independent,[3] Lo, Nancy, et al. "Russian forces used Chinese lasers to shoot down Ukrainian drones, military says." South China Morning Post,[4] Agence France-Presse. "Russia deploys Chinese laser weapon in Ukraine conflict: Kyiv." The Guardian, 23 April 2023.[5] Gorshkov, Alexei. "Russia to use Silent Hunter laser air defense system in Ukraine conflict, source says." TASS, 23 April 2023.
- The use of the Chinese-made laser air defense system Silent Hunter by Russian troops indicates a shift in Russia's defense tactics, as they aim to counter Ukraine's growing success in targeting Russian military bases using long-range drones.
- Politics surrounding the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict continue to unfold, with Ukraine demanding high-level talks in Istanbul and Russia continuing to rely on low-ranking officials for negotiations.
- Crime-and-justice updates indicate that both sides have resorted to using drones for attacks and that innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire, with reports of injured civilians and destroyed buildings in various locations.
