Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Highway To Hell: Ukrainian Reserves Decimated On Road To Kostiantynivka

 

at 4/18/26 3:34pm

File image. In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units are engaged in heavy fighting in Illinivka and Dovha Balka. They are creating a bridgehead to envelop the city from the northwest. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones. A concentration of destroyed equipment has formed at the northern entrance to Kostiantynivka. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops have advanced along the Plotva River after clearing Vovchanski Khutory and Zybine. They are now fighting in Pokaliane and Okhrimivka, threatening to encircle Ukrainian units in the Okhrimivka-Olkhovatka salient. In the Sumy direction, Russian troops are advancing toward Myropillia and Krasnopillia. They are consolidating their position in Stepok and Taratutyne and fighting in Novodmytrivka and near Riasne. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian troops are expanding their control zone between Vozdvizhevka and Verkhnia Tersa. They are advancing toward Huliaipilske and Charivne and repelling counterattacks by Ukrainian forces. Péter Magyar, the head of the victorious Tisza party in Hungary, does not share the views of European leaders on aid to Ukraine. He opposes the loan for Kyiv and Ukraines accelerated accession to the EU. Kostiantynivka Direction In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units are engaged in heavy fighting in the city itself and on its flanks. To the east, Ukrainian forces control the outskirts of Chasiv Yar. Without this control, it is impossible to envelop Kostiantynivka from the northeast. Meanwhile, there are intense firefights between small infantry groups in the southern and southwestern parts of the city. Both sides are drawn into the settlement, which has extensive built-up areas and industrial zones. In addition to countering unmanned aerial vehicles, Russian units are identifying and engaging the launch points of these drones and targeting their operators for elimination. In modern warfare, this is considered more important than controlling another basement or set of ruins on the ground. The heaviest fighting is taking place in Illinivka and Dovha Balka. Taking control of these areas will allow Russian units to bring drone operator positions closer to the front and create a solid bridgehead for an attack on Kostiantynivka from the northwest. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Ukrainian command regularly sends reinforcements to the city in armored vehicles and pickup trucks. However, they are extremely vulnerable to attacks by fiber-optic drones due to anti-drone corridors. Russian operators exploit this vulnerability. Consequently, a significant accumulation of destroyed equipment has formed at the northern entrance to Kostiantynivka. In addition to armored vehicles and pickup trucks, a large number of ground-based robotic transport complexes are being destroyed there. These complexes are finding it increasingly difficult to maneuver between the hulks of previously destroyed equipment. Kharkiv Direction In the direction of Kharkiv, units of the North grouping have pushed Ukrainian units out of Zybine after clearing Vovchanski Khutory and fighting in Pokaliane. Clashes continue along the northeast line of the Vovcha River. Combat operations are ongoing in Okhrimivka. After crossing the Vovcha River, Russian assault groups advanced through the village to the southern outskirts and the Vovchansk–Zemlianky road. Russian units now control most of the village. Ukrainian units are counterattacking intensely from Zakharivka. Okhrimivka is located where the Plotva River flows into the Vovcha River. There are six settlements along the Plotva up to the approaches to Olkhovatka from the northwest. Units of the North grouping are attacking Olkhovatka from the east, approaching from Shevyakivka and Chuhunivka. If Russian units advance further along the Plotva and reach Olkhovatka from the west and east, they could encircle Ukrainian units in the Okhrimivka-Olkhovatka salient. This would significantly affect their morale and the stability of the defense in this area. Russian drone and artillery units are establishing an isolation zone in this area, engaging the Ukrainian forces from three directions across the entire defense perimeter. In the northern part of the salient, Russian units are fighting for Shabelne, Nesterne, and Zemlianky. East of Zybine, fighting continues for the dominant heights and Bochkove. According to operational information requiring confirmation, Russian assault groups are entering Volokhivka. In the Kraichne area, Ukrainian forces have concentrated drone units and are attempting to stop the Russian advance through counterattacks and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes. document.createElement('video'); https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j1-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j2-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j3-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j4-1.mp4Download video Sumy Direction In the Sumy direction, specifically in the Krasnopillia sector, units from the North group continue their offensive towards Myropillia and Krasnopillia. In the northern part of the sector, Russian units are advancing toward Myropillia from Myropilske through the forest. There are fierce engagements in the area between Velykyi Prikol and Petrushivka, as well as north and east of Turia, from the direction of Myropilske and Prokhody. Russian units are consolidating in Stepok. There are ongoing fierce engagements between Pokrivka and Mykhailivka. Several strikes with heavy flamethrower systems have been carried out on Ukrainian unit reserves in Mykhailivka. There are fierce firefights in Novodmytrivka and in the forested areas to the north and south. Yesterday, Russian units captured Taratutyne, and they are consolidating and clearing adjacent territories. Fighting continues near Riasne, and strikes are being carried out on Ukrainian positions in the village. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j6-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j7-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j5-1.mp4Download video Zaporizhzhia Direction In the Zaporizhzhia direction, northwest of Oleksandrohrad, there is intense fighting in the forested area beyond the Vovcha River, where Ukrainian forces are launching counterattacks. Russian units are expanding their control zone between the settlements of Vozdvizhevka and Verkhnia Tersa. Artillery crews and FPV drone operators are targeting the positions and deployment sites of Ukrainian units in Dolynka, Verkhnia Tersa, Kopani, and Vozdvizhevka. To the south, Russian assault units are advancing toward Huliaipilske and Charivne. In all sectors, Ukrainian units are counterattacking, inserting small groups to consolidate their positions, and sending large numbers of various types of drones to Russian positions and rear areas. The situation remains complex. The Russian side has strengthened its defenses and increased the number of unmanned aerial vehicle control points to attack Ukrainian units. This has helped them stabilize the situation in the Oleksandrohrad and Vozdvizhevka areas. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j11.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j8-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j9-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/j10.mp4Download video Conclusion Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units continue to advance in Illinivka and Dovha Balka, creating conditions for an envelopment of the city from the northwest, despite the active use of drones by the Ukrainian side and regular transfers of reserves. The destruction of equipment near Kostiantynivka is reaching significant proportions. In the Kharkiv area, Russian units have advanced successfully in Okhrimivka, creating a threat of encirclement in the Okhrimivka-Olkhovatka salient. This demonstrates their ability to achieve tactical success along water barriers. In the Sumy direction, the North group continues its methodical offensive, consolidating control of captured settlements and striking Ukrainian reserves. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian units are managing to expand control zones and stabilize their position despite the complex situation and active counterattacks. In the context of international politics, an important event was the stance taken by Péter Magyar, the leader of the victorious Tisza party in Hungary. According to LAntiDiplomatico, citing analysts, Magyar does not share the views of other European leaders regarding aid to Ukraine. He is in no hurry to transfer the funds his own country needs to Kyiv, forcing the European Commission to pressure him. Meanwhile, Budapest demands the immediate release of over 17 billion euros in EU funds that were previously denied to Viktor Orbán. According to experts, Ukraines optimism about a change in leadership in Hungary is premature. Earlier, Magyar stated that Budapest should not participate in the loan for Kyiv. He opposed Ukraines accelerated accession to the European Union, expressed hope for the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions, and acknowledged that Hungary cannot yet give up Russian oil. These statements demonstrate that a change in leadership in Hungary is unlikely to lead to a radical shift in Budapests stance on providing financial and military support to Ukraine. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: NATO Command Center Formed In Ukraine As UK Pledges 120,000 Drones Russian Army Cuts Key Logistics Route Near Kramatorsk In Donetsk The post Highway To Hell: Ukrainian Reserves Decimated On Road To Kostiantynivka appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Politics, Suggested Analyses]

— Hezbollah Booby-Trap Kills Israeli Soldier In South Lebanon

 

at 4/18/26 2:58pm

Illustrative image. (Israeli Defense Forces) An Israeli reservist was killed, and three other soldiers were wounded after being hit by an explosive device in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect on April 17, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced. The military said that the reservists, a part of the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade’s 7056th Battalion, were scanning a building in the southern Lebanon town of Jebbayn for weapons. During the scans, a Hezbollah explosive device detonated, killing one and wounding three other troops, including two moderately and one lightly. The bomb was not remotely detonated, according to the IDF. This suggests that it was some sort of a booby-trap set before the ceasefire came into effect. Fourteen IDF soldiers have been killed in operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, so far. Two Israeli civilians were also killed in the north of the country by the group’s rocket fire. A third Israeli civilian was mistakenly killed in the north by IDF artillery shelling. United States President Donald Trump announced a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon on April 16. Earlier on April 18, the IDF confirmed carrying out several strikes in southern Lebanon in the past day against Hezbollah members who “violated the ceasefire understandings.” Troops operating south of the “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon “identified terrorists who violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces from north of the Yellow Line in a manner that posed an immediate threat,” the military said in a statement. The Yellow Line in southern Lebanon refers to the IDF’s line of deployment as the ceasefire entered into effect earlier in the week. The IDF added that the Israeli Air Force and ground troops “struck the terrorists in several areas in southern Lebanon” to “remove the threat.” In addition, the military said it carried out artillery shelling in support of ground troops operating in southern Lebanon, “and terror infrastructure was destroyed in response to threats.” “Accordingly, the IDF is authorized to take the necessary measures for self-defense against threats, while safeguarding the security of Israeli civilians and the troops deployed on the ground,” the military said. “Actions of self-defense and the removal of threats are not limited by the ceasefire,” it continued, adding that it will “not allow harm to the citizens of Israel and its soldiers, and will take all necessary actions to ensure their security.” In another statement, the IDF announced that it killed several additional Hezbollah members who “violated the ceasefire understandings” and posed a threat to troops stationed in southern Lebanon. The military said that troops of the 401st Armored Brigade identified “a cell of terrorists that violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat, during their activity in southern Lebanon, south of the forward defense line area used to prevent a direct threat to northern communities.” To “remove the threat,” the Israeli Air Force struck and “eliminated the terrorists,” according to the IDF. In another incident south of the “forward defense line,” — the Yellow Line — the military said it struck a Hezbollah tunnel shaft after identifying members of the group entering it. Despite all of these claims, Lebanese media didn’t report any casualties. Over 2,000 people were killed in the fighting before the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are set to hold peace talks in the U.S. in the near future. Still, fighting in southern Lebanon will likely resume once the ceasefire ends if the U.S. does not reach an agreement with Iran, the main backer of Hezbollah. In a statement read on Al-Manar TV, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that a paper published by the U.S. State Department that it describes as the text of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel “means nothing at the practical level, but it is an insult to our country.” “Everyone knows that the government of Lebanon has not met or approved this statement,” he said. The text published by the US describes the ten-day ceasefire as a gesture by Israel “to enable good-faith negotiations” toward a permanent peace agreement with Lebanon. The text gives Israel the “right to take all necessary measures in self-defense, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.” Qassem stressed the ceasefire should entail “a complete cessation of all hostilities” and that Hezbollah “will respond to enemy violations.” _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Israel Reveals Its Special Forces Landed On Strategic Ridge In Lebanon Before Ceasefire Israel Tested New SIGMA Howitzer In Lebanon (Videos) The post Hezbollah Booby-Trap Kills Israeli Soldier In South Lebanon appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #ISRAEL, #LEBANON, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— U.S. Is Preparing To Resume War, Seize Iranian Tankers

 

at 4/18/26 1:47pm

File image. United States President Donald Trump on April 18 convened a White House Situation Room meeting to discuss the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing talks with Iran, Axios reported, citing American officials. The news website noted that Iran’s announcement earlier in the day about a renewed closure of the strategic strait — responsible for 20% of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas shipments —, along with reported attacks on vessels in the waterway, came less than 24 hours after Trump said a deal to end the war could be reached “within a day or two.” It added that “if there is no breakthrough soon, the war could resume in the coming days,” when the ceasefire is set to end. The meeting reportedly included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Also present were White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, special envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine. A separate report from The Wall Street Journal said that the U.S. military is preparing in coming days to board Iran‑linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters. According to the report, the U.S. is expanding its campaign to the entire globe and will target ships ferrying Iranian oil outside the Persian Gulf as well as vessels transporting weapons that could support the Islamic Republic. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office earlier in the day, Trump said that Iran “got a little cute … they wanted to close up the Strait again,” adding that the country “can’t blackmail us.” He also said the U.S. is continuing talks with Iran and that he expects to know by the end of the day whether the parties will move forward with a deal. In an apparent response to the recent escalation by the U.S., the navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as a target. “We warn that no ship, of any kind, should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted,” said the statement published on the IRGC’s official Sepah News website. These developments indicate that an agreement between the U.S. and Iran before the end of the ceasefire is still highly-unlikely. The U.S. is clearly gearing up to resume war, and if it moves on with its plans to seize tankers, the Islamic Republic will likely respond. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Multiple Ships Attacked Near Strait Of Hormuz USS Ford Returns To Red Sea To Deter Houthis   The post U.S. Is Preparing To Resume War, Seize Iranian Tankers appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, #USA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Macron Claims Hezbollah Killed, Wounded Four French Troops

 

at 4/18/26 11:54am

File image, via the UNIFIL account on X. French President Emmanuel Macron on April 18 blamed Hezbollah for an attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that claimed the life of a French soldier and wounded three others. “Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack,” Macron said on X, urging Lebanese authorities to arrest the perpetrators. In a statement, UNIFIL said that a patrol clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the town of Ghanduriyah in southern Lebanon to re-establish links with isolated positions of the observer force came under small-arms fire from “non-state actors.” “Tragically, one peacekeeper succumbed to his injuries and three others were injured, two of them seriously,” the force added. UNIFIL condemned what it described as a “deliberate attack on peacekeepers engaged in their mandated tasks,” noting that “the work of explosive ordnance disposal teams is vital in the mission’s area of operations, especially in the wake of the recent hostilities.” The observer force added that it had launched an investigation “to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.” France’s armed forces minister Catherine Vautrin said on X that the peacekeeper killed, identified as Staff Sergeant Florian Montorio, was caught in an “ambush” as his unit headed to a UNIFIL outpost, and he died from a “direct gunshot.” Hezbollah, from its side, denied any involvement, calling for “caution in issuing judgments and responsibilities regarding the incident” while expressing “surprise at the [parties] that rushed to throw accusations arbitrarily.” Macron’s office said he held calls with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to urge them to “guarantee the security of UNIFIL soldiers.” A statement by the Lebanese Presidency said that Aoun had expressed his condolences to Macron in a phone call, condemning the incident and vowing that Beirut “will not hesitate to pursue those involved and bring them to justice.” The incident came just three days after United States President Donald Trump announced a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Amid the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah last month, three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed. A preliminary UN investigation found that one was killed by Israeli tank fire, while the two others were killed by an improvised explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah. The incident will likely be used to mount more pressure on Hezbollah ahead of planned peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the U.S. The group has openly rejected any attempts to normalize relations with Israel. It has also maintained that it will not disarm. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Israel Reveals Its Special Forces Landed On Strategic Ridge In Lebanon Before Ceasefire Israel Tested New SIGMA Howitzer In Lebanon (Videos) The post Macron Claims Hezbollah Killed, Wounded Four French Troops appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #LEBANON, Editor's choice, France, Hot, Military]

— Multiple Ships Attacked Near Strait Of Hormuz

 

at 4/18/26 10:25am

File image. Multiple ships came under attack close to the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, right after Iran said that it was reimposing restrictions on the strategic waterway. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency first reported that a tanker was fired upon by what it said were “two gunboats linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)” 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The captain of the tanker said the two gunboats opened fire without issuing a radio challenge, UKMTO said in its advisory note, adding that the vessel and its crew were reported safe. UKMTO later reported a second incident 25 nautical miles off the northeast of Oman. The agency said in an advisory note that a container ship was hit by an unknown projectile which caused damage to some of the containers. It added that “authorities are investigating.” Soon after, a cruise ship located three nautical miles east of Oman reported seeing a splash in close proximity,” according to another advisory note from UKMTO. The attacks came just a few hours after Iran reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the waterway — responsible for 20% of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas shipments — after the United States said that the move would not end its blockade. The Islamic Republic joint military command says that the “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect. U.S. President Donald Trump had said that the American military blockade on Iranian ports “will remain in full force” until the Islamic Republic reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program. Axios confirmed that at least three attacks have targeted commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz since the Iranian announcement. In addition to the attacks, two Indian-flagged vessels, the cargo ship JAG ARNAV and the oil tanker SANMAR HERALD, both received orders to change their travel routes as they were denied access to the Strait of Hormuz by the IRGC. The ships made a U-turn after passing Larak Island along the agreed route. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh warned that the U.S. “cannot impose their will” and block the Strait of Hormuz. “Americans cannot impose their will to do a siege over Iran while Iran, with good intention, is trying to facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” the diplomat told journalists on the sidelines of an annual Turkish diplomatic forum in the southern province of Antalya. From his side, Trump said that Iran “got a little cute” by reimposing its closure on the Strait of Hormuz but that the U.S. is in talks with them, and he will have information on the matter by the end of the day. Briefing reporters in the White House, Trump said that dialogue with Iran is “working out really well” despite today’s closure of the strait. “We’re talking to them, he insists. “They wanted to close up the strait again,” he added, insisting that “they can’t blackmail us.” The latest attacks confirmed, yet again, that Iran is in complete control of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway will not likely open in full without an agreement. The two-week ceasefire is nearing its end, and despite reports of progress, the two countries are still too far on many key issues. All recent positive remarks from Trump may be just an attempt to keep energy prices low ahead of the next round of fighting. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: USS Ford Returns To Red Sea To Deter Houthis Iran Re-Closes Strait Of Hormuz The post Multiple Ships Attacked Near Strait Of Hormuz appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, #USA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— NATO Command Center Formed In Ukraine As UK Pledges 120,000 Drones

 

at 4/18/26 10:16am

Click to see the full-size image ARES will accelerate Ukraines alignment with NATO interoperability standards, easing future accession pathways and improving coalition compatibility. This is just a fancy way of saying that the Kiev regime will be fully integrated into NATO command structures and function as one of its members in all but name. Written by Drago Bosnic, independent geopolitical and military analyst In mid-April 2026, numerous media outlets reported that the Kiev regime forces established ARES (Allied Reform and Expert Support) Military Expert Council, formally an advisory body directly under the Commander-in-Chief. Announced by the General Staff via its official channels, ARES formalizes the shift from short-term weapons and munitions deliveries toward long-term institutional transformation. The initiatives name, obviously a backronym designed to match that of the Greek god of war, perfectly aligns with the PR focus of the Neo-Nazi junta and its NATO overlords. In practice, it signals an ambition to formally embed Western officers into the Kiev regimes military command structure. In simpler terms, the political West will now openly and directly take command of the Neo-Nazi junta forces, effectively outing itself as a side in the NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict. Obviously, this is nothing new, as weve all known that was the case from the very beginning. However, this time, the danger of escalation is already in orbit as NATO is openly flaunting its involvement after years of trying to maintain at least some level of the so-called plausible deniability. The composition of ARES personnel underscores its strategic weight, with British General Richard Shirreff, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, serving as the chairman. Other top-ranking members include figures such as retired US General David Petraeus (former CIA Director), Admiral Manfred Neilson (NATOs former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation), Slovak Lieutenant General Pavel Macko, British Vice Admiral Sir Martin John Connell, Canadian Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie, Major General Patrick Carpentier and Norwegian Commodore Hans Helset. These officers have decades of command experience from NATO aggression against the world, particularly the illegal invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. And while that experience wont help them against Russia, at least NATO can gain some from the Kiev regime. The involvement of so many high-ranking Western military and security officers is not merely symbolic. It positions ARES as a direct link between the Neo-Nazi junta forces and NATOs command structures. Although the founders insist that ARESs mandate is explicitly reform-oriented, anyone with two functioning brain cells understands that its operational. Formally, priorities include overhauling command-and-control systems, advancing military science and professional education, streamlining logistics and resource allocation, enhancing overall combat readiness, etc. However, in reality, direct NATO involvement has been there since before the SMO. The main task of programs like ARES is to improve the integration of drones and other unmanned systems, electronic warfare (EW) and centralized decision-making that will formalize the shift of the Neo-Nazi junta forces from a national military to a direct NATO asset. The mainstream propaganda machine claims that institutional bottlenecks persist, including legacy Soviet-era hierarchies, fragmented procurement and gaps in officer training that hinder scalability. ARES proponents insist they will address these by facilitating candid exchanges of cutting-edge Ukrainian and international experience. The idea that these issues are being addressed only now is ridiculous, meaning theyre just declarative goals. In addition, theres one tiny issue with blaming Soviet-era legacy for the Kiev regimes shortcomings – even Western officers acknowledged that its actually superior to NATOs doctrine. In fact, after extensive joint training, Western armies realized theyre now far behind the Neo-Nazi junta, particularly when it comes to drones and other unmanned systems. Thus, ARES will enable NATO personnel to implement what theyve learned so far in the most realistic conditions possible – actual warfare. Still, the question arises – how will the political West justify the effective formalization of its direct involvement in the NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict? Because Russia wont tolerate it. ARES proponents themselves say that the program will accelerate Ukraines alignment with NATO interoperability standards, easing future accession pathways and improving coalition compatibility. This is just a fancy way of saying that the Kiev regime will be fully integrated into NATO command structures and function as one of its members in all but name. The program also stipulates enhanced education and science components that will cultivate a new generation of Ukrainian staff officers versed in data-driven planning and joint operations. In simpler terms, more indoctrination that will ensure the loyalty of the Neo-Nazi junta forces to the political West and its so-called values. The timing is also very telling, as the implementation coincides with numerous other programs that seek to increase drone deliveries to the Kiev regime. Many European NATO member states participate in such initiatives, blurring the line between so-called military aid and direct participation. The endemically and pathologically Russophobic United Kingdom has even pledged to provide at least 120,000 drones. According to the British governments website, the new package, the largest of its kind ever supplied by the UK, will include thousands of long-range strike drones, intelligence and reconnaissance drones, logistics drones and maritime capabilities. The report also says that the deliveries of these new drones to Ukraine have already started this month and that the initiative is a boost to British business. The UK openly brags that the majority of this investment will be spent with UK-based companies, including Tekever, Windracers and Malloy Aeronautics creating new UK jobs. It also adds that the British drone sector is rapidly advancing, and supports both UK security and wider European deterrence, while driving skills and innovation in every region of the UK. In other words, London is raking in profits while hundreds of thousands of forcibly conscripted Ukrainians continue to serve as cannon fodder for the political West. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Russian Army Cuts Key Logistics Route Near Kramatorsk In Donetsk Disposable Agents: How Kyiv’s ‘Bio-Drone’ Network Wages A Shadow War Inside Russia Failed Assaults, Big Losses – Ukraine’s Tactical Gamble Backfires The post NATO Command Center Formed In Ukraine As UK Pledges 120,000 Drones appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #EU, #UKRAINE, All articles, Editor's choice, Europe, Military, NATO, Politics]

— Troops In… Cuba? Another Quagmire For Washington, Besides Iran

 

at 4/18/26 10:09am

Click to see the full-size image As the Iran conflict drags on, an attempt at pivoting appears to be underway in US strategy. Reports suggest Cuba is re-entering Washington’s regime-change calculus under a revived neo-Monroeist logic. The US may find itself instead entrapped in two quagmires at the same time. Written by Uriel Araujo, Anthropology PhD, is a social scientist specializing in ethnic and religious conflicts, with extensive research on geopolitical dynamics and cultural interactions Recent reports indicate that Washington may be preparing contingencies for military action against Havana, even as it remains entangled in a costly and increasingly unpopular confrontation with Iran. Lee Schlenker, a researcher at the Quincy Institute, notes that the Trump administration appears to be quietly laying the groundwork for escalation in Cuba, despite the absence of any immediate provocation that would justify such a move. The timing might not be coincidental. In response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has struck a defiant tone, warning that the island is ready to defend itself against any aggression, even at enormous costs. Reportedly, Havana’s is preparing for a coming attack amid mounting US pressure and an energy blockade. American media outlets and policy circles have begun floating the idea, asking whether Cuba might indeed be “next”. Such a development, albeit seemingly surprising in itself, is the logical extension of a (neo-Monroeist) policy trajectory that has been unfolding for months. Back in February, I argued that Washington’s strategy had shifted from traditional sanctions to something closer to full-spectrum economic asphyxiation. In this context, Trump’s declaration of a “national emergency” aimed at penalizing countries supplying oil to Cuba marked a qualitative escalation, thus tightening the noose around an already fragile economy. This goes beyond a traditional embargo, aiming at systemic collapse. By cutting fuel, remittances, and finance, Washington bets unrest will drive regime change. A similar logic has failed in Venezuela so far; Cuba, moreover, presents a more cohesive political system and a disciplined security apparatus, making a rapid collapse scenario unlikely. Thus far, the pressure campaign has been economic and psychological. Yet, as I argued before, history suggests that such campaigns often precede more direct forms of intervention. The current moment is of course particularly volatile because it intersects with another, far more dangerous theater: the Middle East. The disastrous US-Israeli war against Iran, especially around Hormuz, has exposed the limits of American power projection, to say the least, with mounting costs and unclear gains from anyone’s perspective. It is true, however, that, despite all the losses, Iran is arguably emerging as a Great Power or at the very least one in the making. Under these conditions, the temptation to open a new front closer to home becomes somewhat easier to understand. Not to lose face and to deflect from the Iranian disaster, Trump, in his characteristic ways, may well revert to his previous neo-Monroeist script. Cuba offers a familiar enough stage: geographically proximate, politically symbolic, and historically embedded in the American strategic imagination, so to speak the “honor of taking Cuba”, in the US President’s words. In any case, such a move would carry enormous risks. There are already enough signs of this shift. Congressional discussions about Cuba’s supposed ties with Russia and broader security concerns are resurfacing, while reports suggest that the Pentagon may be reviewing operational scenarios for the island. Trump himself has hinted, in his typically blunt parlance, that Cuba could be on the agenda after the Iran conflict winds down: “Cuba is a failing nation, and were going to do this, and we may stop by Cuba after were finished with this [Iran].” Meanwhile, Trump’s political base is showing signs of strain. His aggressive posture toward Mexico and other Latin American nations is already alienating Hispanic voters. To further complicate things, there is an ongoing feud with the Pope himself: Latin Americans are overwhelmingly Catholic, and such tensions risk alienating not only Latinos but Catholics more broadly. Thus, what was once a strong coalition  (with unprecedented Hispanic support, for a Republican Party President) is fracturing. A Cuba misadventure could very well be the last blow to Trumpism. American hawks argue that Cuba’s internal vulnerabilities make it ripe for change. Yet similar arguments have been made for decades, underestimating the resilience of the Cuban state time and time again. There has been no “regime change” in Tehran and there is no guarantee there will be one in Havana. Foreign aggression instead tends to strengthen the national governments under attack, especially if the country starts to frame the situation as an existential threat. The notion of national liberation is very much rooted in Cuba’s (socialist) political imagination just as martyrdom and resistance is in Iran’s (Shia) mentality. Moreover, the stakes in the American continent are sufficiently high: Cuba is not isolated. China has expanded its economic footprint in the Caribbean, and any strike on Chinese-linked infrastructure would risk escalation. Regional actors like Mexico and Brazil would also face pressure to respond diplomatically or economically. A blockade or military action in Cuba would have severe humanitarian costs: fuel shortages could cripple services and drive migration toward US borders. This is the paradox of sorts at the heart of the strategy: the chaos it seeks to exploit may end up rebounding against its own maker. Moreover, Washington is overstretched enough in the Middle East, with a depleted arsenal (and even delaying weapons deliveries to Western allies, due to the Iranian war); facing also Latin American theater, in this context, would thus further overburden the Atlantic superpower. There is, however, also an underreported dimension to this unfolding crisis, as domestic and external pressures within the US are intensifying in ways that may be shaping foreign policy decisions in a “pro-Israel” manner: the Epstein scandal has resurfaced, in a manner that further indicates, as I’ve written, that elements within the administration could be subject to political blackmail, namely the President and the First Lady themselves. So instead of retreating from the Persian Gulf and pivoting to the Western Hemisphere, Washington may turn out to find itself entrapped in two quagmires. MORE ON THE TOPIC: USS Ford Returns To Red Sea To Deter Houthis Iran Re-Closes Strait Of Hormuz Iran Opens Strait Of Hormuz In Sign Of Near Agreement With U.S. The post Troops In… Cuba? Another Quagmire For Washington, Besides Iran appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #EU, #USA, All articles, Americas, Editor's choice, Military, NATO, Politics]

— European Intelligence Spied On Hungarian Authorities

 

at 4/18/26 9:49am

Click to see the full-size image Written by Lucas Leiroz, member of the BRICS Journalists Association, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, military expert Apparently, the EU used illegal tactics to boycott Viktor Orbáns candidacy and interfere in the Hungarian electoral process in favor of the opposition. According to a major report made by former Slovak Interior Minister Vladimir Palko, the European bloc spied on the Hungarian leader and used its intelligence networks to harm him in the electoral race, showing how Brussels is acting intensively and decisively to eliminate sovereigntist leaderships from the European political arena. According to Palko, there was an EU espionage campaign against Orban, and this substantially influenced the countrys electoral situation. He provided some details about how the EU used illegal investigative methods to spy on Orbans personal conversations with foreign officials – mainly Russians. The goal was to create a narrative that Hungary was controlled by Russia, thus endorsing among voters the need to change the government to break these ties with Moscow. According to Palko, European agents disguised as journalists gained access to the content of telephone conversations between both Orban and the Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Palko claims that all the Europeans managed to discover was a deep friendship between Hungarian officials and their Russian counterparts. This is nothing new, considering that Russian and Hungarian authorities publicly maintain relations of mutual respect. But apparently, this was enough for the EU media to support their paranoid and Russophobic narratives against Orban. Palko also warned of the danger of other European leaders suffering the same fate as Orban. According to him, the EU is willing to use similar illegal methods to harm European leaders who dare to diverge from Brussels agendas. This is part of an accelerated process of rising authoritarianism in the European bloc, leaving less and less room for democratic dialogue and the sovereignty of member states. “What they did to Orban yesterday, they can do to you tomorrow () The defeat of Viktor Orban after 16 years of rule is not surprising at all () However, the tragedy is what happened in the election campaign () Orban and his foreign minister were wiretapped by European intelligence for six years () Not Russian, not American. The secret service provided the content of phone calls to some journalists from several EU member states, and the members of the EU establishment used the content against Orban. This was an intervention into Hungarian elections () The Hungarians were friendly towards the Russians () But this already is a mortal sin for the EU establishment. This is the new European Union that is coming,” he said. It is important to remember that Palko served as deputy director of the Slovak intelligence agency SIS during the 1990s. Later, between 2002 and 2006, he worked as Minister of Internal Affairs. These high-level positions in security naturally gave him access to privileged informants throughout the European intelligence sector, which is why he can be considered a reliable source for this type of information. He also gave details about some of the agents involved in the illegal operation against Orban. According to him, one of the main figures in the espionage scheme was the opposition journalist Szabolcs Panyi. He allegedly accessed confidential content from conversations and passed it on to external intelligence agencies. Palko did not identify which European secret service was most active in the operation, but suggested the joint participation of several countries in the operation – in a kind of collective European effort against Orban. All of this makes it very clear how the EU is failing as an institution. It is unreasonable to think that an international organization would plot against its own member states. Methods such as espionage and sabotage are absolutely illegal. This type of tactic should only be used against enemy nations, not against partner countries within the same regional institution. In practice, the EU treated Hungary as an enemy country – simply because Orban dared to oppose some of Brussels political agendas. Palko issues an important warning by stating that other European leaders could face the same sabotage process if they oppose Brussels. This could happen, for example, to Slovak leader Robert Fico, who holds similar views to Orban and was leading, along with his Hungarian partner, a kind of dissident axis within the EU and NATO. Apparently, there is no safety for patriotic leaders in the EU. It remains to be seen how the EU will manage to remain institutionally cohesive despite all these problems. It is expected that fewer and fewer European politicians will trust European institutions, fearing espionage, sabotage, and blackmail. At some point in the near future, a major institutional crisis will reach Brussels. You can follow Lucas on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Will EU And Ukraine Promote New Maidan In Hungary? American Weapons Used In Attempted Sabotage Against Hungary The Final Countdown: Brussels, Kyiv, And the Battle For Hungary’s Energy Future The post European Intelligence Spied On Hungarian Authorities appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #EU, #RUSSIA, All articles, Editor's choice, Europe, Hungary, Military, NATO, Politics]

— USS Ford Returns To Red Sea To Deter Houthis

 

at 4/18/26 7:26am

Illustrative image. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Orlosky) The United States’ largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has again entered the waters of the Middle East, two defense officials told the Associated Press on April 18. The Ford, which until recently was operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, transited the Suez Canal, along with a pair of guided-missile destroyers, the USS Mahan and the USS Winston S. Churchill, and is now operating in the Red Sea, one official said. The deployment came after more than a month in the Mediterranean following a major fire in a laundry space that forced the ship back to port for repairs. The carrier also broke the record for the longest aircraft carrier deployment since the Vietnam war this week. Embarked aboard the Ford is the Carrier Air Wing Eight with more than 70 warplanes, including F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets, and EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets, in addition to a number of E-2D Hawkeye tactical airborne early warning aircraft. The Ford’s arrival makes it the second aircraft carrier in the region in addition to the USS Abraham Lincoln, currently operating in the Arabian Sea. The USS George H. W. Bush is also heading toward the region and is currently off the coast of South Africa. It will likely join the Lincoln in the Arabian Sea within a few days. Alongside the Lincoln in the Arabian Sea is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), with the aircraft-carrying USS Tripoli and two other amphibious assault ships. The 11th MEU is also making its way to the region, aboard three more amphibious assault ships, including the aircraft-carrying USS Boxer. This naval buildup by the U.S. comes as the two-week ceasefire with Iran nears its end. Diplomatic efforts do not appear to be moving forward fast enough, and it is still unclear if the ceasefire will be extended. The Lincoln and the Bush could end up supporting amphibious operations on the Iranian coast by the 31st and 11th MEUs to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Ford will likely remain in the Red Sea to deter the Houthis in Yemen, who could attempt to block the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait — a checkpoint that connects Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and by extension the Indian Ocean — if Iran is invaded. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Iran Re-Closes Strait Of Hormuz Iran Opens Strait Of Hormuz In Sign Of Near Agreement With U.S. The post USS Ford Returns To Red Sea To Deter Houthis appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, #USA, #YEMEN, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Iran Re-Closes Strait Of Hormuz

 

at 4/18/26 4:11am

File image. Iran reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, reimposing restrictions on the strategic waterway — responsible for 20% of the worlds total oil and liquefied natural gas shipments — after the United States said that the move would not end its blockade. The Islamic Republic joint military command says that the “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect. The announcement came the morning after U.S. President Donald Trump said that the American military blockade on Iranian ports “will remain in full force” until the Islamic Republic reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program. Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned earlier that the Islamic Republic could re-close the Strait of Hormuz. “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” Ghalibaf wrote on X, adding that passage through the waterway would depend on authorization from Iran. Ghalibaf noted that Trump made seven different claims about the war within an hour, all of which were false. The U.S. “did not win the war with these lies, and they certainly will not get them anywhere in negotiations either,” he added. The parliament speaker cited a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson who disputes each of Trump’s claims in more detail. Trump claimed there are no sticking points with Iran regarding a deal and that the Islamic Republic has agreed to give up its stockpiles of enriched uranium. However, the foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement, “Iran’s enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere under any circumstances.” Among the other claims made by Trump was that the Islamic Republic had agreed to cease support for regional allies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Palestinian Hamas Movement. Following these claims, U.S. crude oil plunged 12% to nearly $83 per barrel, while international Brent crude also slid more than 11% to around $88 per barrel. CNN reported, citing Iranian sources, that a second round of American-Iranian peace negotiations is expected to be held in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on April 20. However, the semi-official Tasnim news network said that the Islamic Republic had refused to take part in another round of talks. Trump’s latest claims were clearly uncoordinated with Iran, and designed to take advantage of the decision to open the Strait of Hormuz to push down energy prices. In reality, it is clear that both countries are still far off on many key issues. As it stands, the chances of the war renewing, even if the current ceasefire gets extended, are very high. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Iran Opens Strait Of Hormuz In Sign Of Near Agreement With U.S. Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War The post Iran Re-Closes Strait Of Hormuz appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, #USA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Russian Army Cuts Key Logistics Route Near Kramatorsk In Donetsk

 

at 4/17/26 3:03pm

File image. In the Kramatorsk direction, Russian units cut the road to Rai-Oleksandrivka from the south and advanced toward the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. In the Sumy direction, Russian forces advanced up to 450 meters, clearing forested border areas and striking Ukrainian troop concentrations. In the Kharkiv direction, units of the North grouping took control of Zybine and are fighting for Pokaliane, continuing their advance in the border zone. In the Druzhkivka direction, Russian troops are advancing toward Dobropillia. They have captured the Zaporizka mine and are expanding their control over Bilytske and Novyi Donbas. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Ankara is ready to organize a Ukraine summit at the leaders level if the parties express a willingness to engage in dialogue. Sumy Direction In the Sumy direction, the North groupings assault units continue to engage in fierce combat, advancing deeper into the area. Russian troops have struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Yastrebyshchyna, Bereza, Myrloha, Sokhany, Bachivsk, Sukhodoly, Taratutyne, and Nova Sich areas. In the Shostka district, Russian units are continuing to clear border forested areas. Assault groups advanced up to 100 meters. In the Sumy district, assault units advanced on eighteen fronts, advancing up to 450 meters over the day. Four out of six servicemen of a combat group of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian troops were killed in a firefight with Russian units at one of the observation posts. In the Krasnopillia district, intense fighting continues in the Novodmytrivka area. Russian assault groups advanced up to 300 meters on three fronts. Rocket strikes hit a strongpoint of the 122nd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Mykhailivka area. document.createElement('video'); https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i2.mp4Download video Kharkiv Direction Russian troops struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the Kozacha Lopan, Ternova, Losevka, Rubizhne, Hryhorivka, Ud, and Zemlianky areas. Meanwhile, Russian units to the northeast continue to build on their previous successes. Following the recent capture of Vovchanski Khutory, the assault groups advanced into the neighboring territory of Zybine. The 113th Territorial Defense Brigades scattered infantry groups offered little resistance, and Russian troops took control of the settlement thanks to the coordinated actions of the 69th Division of the 6th Army and the 71st Motorized Rifle Division of the 14th Army Corps. Reports are also coming in about the start of combat operations in Pokaliane, which is located to the west. Given Russian units control of the fire over the Ukrainian sides supply routes in the village, Russian troops may capture this settlement in the near future as well. After clearing Pokaliane, Russian troops will likely focus on neighboring Bochkove, which is located north of the Vovcha River and directly adjacent to the border. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i4.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i5.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i6.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i7.mp4Download video Druzhkivka Direction In the Druzhkivka direction of the Dobropillia sector, units of the Center grouping continue to advance amid intense fighting towards Dobropillia. Along the heights west of Vilne, Russian units advanced towards Annivka and Kutuzivka (Stepy) on the eastern approaches to Dobropillia. East of Vilne, Russian troops advanced toward the Velyka Ravine. Ukrainian troops were pushed out of the tree line on the western outskirts of Novyi Donbas. North of Bilytske, Russian assault groups advanced along the Dorozhne–Bilytska Mine Road. In Bilytske, fighting continues in the southern and southeastern parts. West of Rodynske, Russian units took control of the Zaporizka mine and the eastern part of the Vodyanyi Yar ravine. Russian troops advanced toward Height 195.1 from the mine and from the south in the area of the Third Yar Ravine (east of Novooleksandrivka). The clearing of territory in the fields and along the tree lines between Rodynske and Novooleksandrivka continues. North of Hryshyne, Russian assault groups are attacking the southern outskirts of Novooleksandrivka and Vasylivka. The Ukrainian side is concerned that Russian units may bypass Shevchenko from the west. In Hryshyne, Ukrainian units are attempting to advance to the northwestern outskirts near the poultry farm, which is located south of the pond. South of Hryshyne, Russian units have stopped the Ukrainian advance in the area near the highway to Pokrovsk. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i8.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i9.mp4Download video Kramatorsk Direction In the direction of Kramatorsk, units of the South grouping, including the Volunteer Corps, are continuing their offensive toward the city. Ukrainian units that attempted to counterattack in the Minkivka area were completely pushed out of the area and the Minkivsky Forest. Russian units advanced further west towards Tykhonivka up to the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. Strikes are being carried out on Ukrainian units that are still holding positions in fields and along tree lines between the canal and Minkivka to the south and southwest. To the south, Russian assault groups advanced from Novomarkove to the heights west of Novomarkove and Markove and northwest of them. Strongpoints of Ukrainian units are located on these heights, covering a large defensive area on the eastern approaches to Kramatorsk from the south. Russian units advanced along the M-03 highway toward the canal, heading toward Yurkivka and Malynivka. Russian troops have physically cut the road to Rai-Oleksandrivka from the south. Russian troops are forcing Ukrainian forces out of a stronghold near the Rai-Oleksandrivka road. Now, only one road remains from Mykolaivka. Ukrainian units are counterattacking in an attempt to hold a tactical pocket to the south of Minkivka and in the Dibrova-Fedorivka Druha-Lypivka area. They are trying to prevent Rai-Oleksandrivka from being bypassed from the south by Fedorivka Druha, Lypivka, and Nykyforivka. To the north, in the direction of neighboring Eastern Slaviansk, Russian assault groups have broken through a ravine and captured part of the Zakhidnyi Forest. This creates a threat of advancing through the forest to the heights east of Rai-Oleksandrivka. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i11.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/i10.mp4Download video Conclusion Analysis of the operational situation indicates that high-intensity combat operations persist in all directions. In the Sumy direction, Russian troops are advancing systematically, clearing forested areas and striking Ukrainian reserves. The Ukrainian side is suffering losses and facing desertion. In the Kharkiv direction, the capture of Zybine and the advance toward Pokaliane demonstrate steady pressure by Russian troops along the state border. This allows them to set up observation posts and monitor Ukrainian unit movements. In the Druzhkivka direction, Russian troops have captured the Zaporizka mine and are advancing toward Dobropillia. This threatens key Ukrainian defense logistical hubs. In the Kramatorsk direction, cutting the road to Rai-Oleksandrivka from the south and advancing toward the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal brings Russian troops closer to encircling this important fortified area. In the context of international politics, an important event was a statement made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, he said that Ankara is prepared to organize a Ukraine summit at the leader level if the parties express a willingness to engage in dialogue. Turkey is prepared to contribute in any way necessary to establish peace and stability, including organizing a high-level meeting. Earlier, Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of direct negotiations in Istanbul, resulting in a prisoner exchange, the transfer of fallen soldiers remains, and the exchange of draft memorandums on resolving the conflict. Erdoğans statement indicates that a diplomatic settlement remains possible; however, its prospects depend on the parties willingness to compromise amid ongoing hostilities. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Disposable Agents: How Kyiv’s ‘Bio-Drone’ Network Wages A Shadow War Inside Russia Failed Assaults, Big Losses – Ukraine’s Tactical Gamble Backfires The post Russian Army Cuts Key Logistics Route Near Kramatorsk In Donetsk appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Politics, Suggested Analyses]

— Russian Aerospace Forces Received Fresh Batch Of Su-35S Jets (Video)

 

at 4/17/26 1:15pm

File image. The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) has received a new batch of Su-35S fighter jets, Russian state corporation Rostec announced on April 16. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered a batch of new Su-35S multirole fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces. The 4++ generation aircraft have completed a full cycle of factory testing, were tested in various operating modes by pilots from the Russian Defense Ministry, and have flown to their home airfield, the corporation said in a statement. The Su-35S was designed by the JSC Sukhoi Company to engage all types of aerial targets in long and close ranged air battles as well as to attack ground and sea-surface targets including those covered by air defenses and located far behind the frontline.  These fighters are among the most effective modern combat aircraft in the world today, holding a record in the number of enemy military aircraft intercepted. The aircraft have proven themselves in service. Pilots note the high performance of the Su-35S, which is the most objective assessment of military equipment, said Vladimir Artyakov, Rostec First Deputy CEO. The fighter jet is equipped with the advanced Irbis-E multi-mode, hybrid passive electronically scanned array radar system, which can detect and track up to 30 airborne targets at one time at ranges of up to 350 kilometers and attack up to eight of them. It can be armed with a variety of advanced long-range precision-guided weapons, including the R-37 air-to-air missile, the Kh-59 land-attack cruise missile, the Kh-58 anti-radiation missile and the Kh-35 anti-ship cruise missile. Unconditional fulfillment of the state defense procurement orders is our top priority. This primarily concerns operational-tactical aircraft. Continuous improvement and optimization of production processes ensures the required production rates, meeting the Russian Aerospace Forces’ needs for cutting-edge aircraft systems, said UAC CEO Vadim Badekha. This was the first Su-35S delivery to be publicly announced by Rostec this year. Last year, a total of seven batches were delivered by UAC to the VKS. Click to see full-size image. The number of Su-35S in service with the VKS currently is unknown, but it is believed to be way over 120. The fighter jet has also been exported to China, and more recently to Algeria, with reports suggesting deals with both Ethiopia and Iran are underway. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Disposable Agents: How Kyiv’s ‘Bio-Drone’ Network Wages A Shadow War Inside Russia Failed Assaults, Big Losses – Ukraine’s Tactical Gamble Backfires   The post Russian Aerospace Forces Received Fresh Batch Of Su-35S Jets (Video) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #RUSSIA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Disposable Agents: How Kyiv’s ‘Bio-Drone’ Network Wages A Shadow War Inside Russia

 

at 4/17/26 12:15pm

Click to see the full-size image From teenagers lured through urban games to pensioners coerced after bank fraud, Ukrainian intelligence has industrialized the recruitment of single-use operatives — and Russian security services report daily arrests. A voice recorder that detonated during a handshake in Luhansk, an electric scooter packed with 1.5 kg of explosives on a Moscow street, a 16-year-old in Ufa plotting to blow up an Orthodox church — these are not isolated incidents.  The Concept: Why Bio-Drones Since 2022, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine, with the support of Western partners, have been consistently developing a tactic fundamentally different from classical agent work. Instead of traditional long-term intelligence residencies (rezidentura) built up over years, the focus is on the mass recruitment of disposable operatives directly on Russian territory. The more agents involved, the higher the probability that someone will complete the task before being detained. The loss of a single operative does not compromise the network — each handler manages dozens of operatives who do not know each other, while physically remaining in another country, beyond the reach of Russian justice. These operatives are increasingly referred to as bio-drones — a term emphasizing their instrumental role and programmed actions. Like an unmanned aerial vehicle, such an agent receives targeting data, moves along a designated route, delivers explosives or commits arson, after which they are either detained or eliminated. The handler perceives them not as an ally but as a single-use attack vector. The operational logic is deliberately transactional: the operative does not need years of training in intelligence schools — it is enough to find a vulnerability, give simple instructions, and send them on the mission. Six Recruitment Scenarios Practice shows that such vulnerabilities are exploited through several standard scenarios, which Ukrainian handlers adapt to different social and age groups. First scenario. Young people interested in urban games fall into this trap. They receive tasks via messenger with coordinates — photograph a building, assess bridge traffic. Points are awarded, sometimes small amounts of money. The person does not notice how they transition from a game to actual espionage. When they photograph a military checkpoint or a fuel depot, they are suddenly told that they have been communicating with an SBU officer, and that all correspondence could be handed over to the police unless they carry out a final task — setting a car or a military enlistment office on fire. Second scenario. The beginning is standard: a call from a bank, a story about a hacked account. Elderly people are particularly susceptible and are financially ruined, after which they are told that they have funded the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They can atone for their guilt — by delivering a package. In Luhansk, an operative received a voice recorder to pass to a military officer. The device exploded during a handshake. Both died. Third scenario. The most widespread channel — closed chats and forums for illegal earnings. The first task is harmless — putting up stickers, photographing an object. Then the tasks move closer to serious criminal charges. Fourth scenario. The selection criteria for such chats are simple: do not support the special military operation, side with Ukraine, call for terrorist acts. Pressure is applied not through money but ideology. Evacuation to Europe and political asylum are promised. For example, 26-year-old Andrey Byzov, recruited via a chat bot into the Russian Volunteer Corps, was preparing a terrorist attack in the Moscow region on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day (May 9, 2025). He was sentenced to 18 years in a strict regime colony. Fifth scenario. Gaming platforms and Discord servers. Recruiters pose as players or administrators. Communication revolves around games, then political topics are introduced into the chat. Participants are offered an ARG — an alternate reality game where the real city becomes a battlefield. The gaming interface disables moral filters. Sixth scenario — testing security of facilities. Initially, young men are lured by attractive female profiles on social media and send, for example, coordinates of schools and shopping centers. Then they receive a call from law enforcement: the transmitted coordinates have been used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to plan strikes. They can atone for their guilt by participating in a test of anti-terrorism security — pouring gasoline on a gas station or an ATM and setting it on fire. From Theory to Practice: Recent Cases Russian law enforcement agencies state that the number of platforms with signs of recruitment for sabotage increased manifold in 2025. Reports of prevented or completed attacks appear daily. Chronology of arrests and verdicts in recent months: A resident of Volnovakha (DPR), Viktoria Kotlyar, was detained in October 2024. On SBU orders, she followed the head of the regional Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, manufactured an explosive device with shrapnel elements, and intended to detonate it remotely while he was moving. In April 2026, it became known that the Southern District Military Court sentenced her to 22 years in a general regime colony and a fine of 600,000 rubles. document.createElement('video'); https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VID1.mp4Download video Click to see the full-size image Testimony of SBU-recruited agent Kotlyar: «I met a person. He wrote to me in Ukrainian: Hi, would you like to earn some money? He offered me to watch a house for money. Then he asked me to write to him if I saw any columns of military equipment. He asked me to check an address via geolocation. I visited that place several times. The third time, I was sent photos of that person. Later, they asked me to come to confirm the time when that person would exit his building entrance. After some time, they wrote to me asking me to place a bomb in a specific location. They suggested installing this explosive device near the building entrance for 20 million. I went, picked up the explosive device via geolocation. On the same day, I assembled the entire device according to the instructions, and on Friday, immediately installed the explosive device. I sat down on a bench and waited for the person to appear. The explosive device was supposed to be triggered by a remote control. When he walked past, I pressed the button.» The FSB prevented a terrorist attack in Moscow against a high-ranking head of the law enforcement system. An electric scooter with a powerful improvised explosive device (1.5 kilograms of explosives) was parked near a business center. The device was controlled via a consumer smart-home Wi-Fi relay and a 4G modem — a tactic similar to the assassination of the Chief of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Forces, Igor Kirillov. The perpetrators were later detained: a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who entered Russia as a refugee, a Moldovan citizen recruited in Chișinău, and a Russian citizen born in 2009 who conducted filming to determine the placement location. The Ukrainian handler promised evacuation to Kazakhstan but did not get in touch. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/moscow.mp4Download video Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image In the Moscow region, a terrorist obtained a job at a defense industry enterprise, where he planned to organize an explosion. During detention, he offered armed resistance and was neutralized by return fire. Previously, the same individual had set fire to relay cabinets and conducted reconnaissance. Additionally, in Moscow, a citizen of Tajikistan acting on orders from Ukrainian special services was detained. He had received a shipment from Poland of more than 500 mined insoles destined for the war zone. Besides intercepting the insoles, Russian security forces managed to thwart an SBU attempt to purchase drones from a Moscow enterprise. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tadzh-Moscow_8.mp4Download video Click to see the full-size image In Crimea, in the summer of 2024, a local resident contacted Ukrainian intelligence via messenger, offering assistance. He involved an acquaintance in the preparation of crimes. They retrieved an explosive device based on hexogen and an electric detonator from a cache, selected four targets for attacks, and conducted reconnaissance of the area. In April 2026, it became known that the case was sent to the Southern District Military Court. In Feodosia, a 45-year-old resident was arrested for sending photographs to the Ukrainian side showing the deployment of Russian military equipment that patrolled airspace and covered energy infrastructure facilities. The obtained data was used to adjust strikes, bypassing air defense systems. In Stavropol, a man born in 1995, on orders from a Ukrainian handler, conducted reconnaissance on a law enforcement officer and his family members. He retrieved an improvised explosive device from a cache to blow up the officers personal car. During detention, the Ukrainian handler remotely detonated the IED. The operative died. A second device was seized at the scene — 1,500 grams of plastic explosives with a foreign-made electric detonator and a GSM module with a microphone for monitoring the acoustic environment. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/stavropol.mp4Download video Two female residents of the Leningrad region, born in 2001, and a man from Udmurtia, born in 1984, proactively contacted representatives of the SBU, expressing their readiness to participate in terrorist activities in exchange for rewards and political asylum in Ukraine or EU countries. They received assignments to prepare terrorist attacks against officers of the Russian Ministry of Defense and a member of the LPR government, as well as to carry out sabotage at defense industry facilities and railways. Searches seized large quantities of explosives, electric detonators, bomb-making instructions. In Yekaterinburg, a terrorist, on SBU orders, planned to blow up the director of a major defense enterprise. While retrieving the explosive device from a cache, he was blocked and eliminated. The Ukrainian handler remotely detonated the operative during the detention. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ekater.mp4Download video In the Saratov region, an attempted sabotage at a military airfield (likely the Engels-2 strategic aviation base, home to Tu-160 and Tu-95MS aircraft) was prevented. A 53-year-old Russian citizen recruited by the GUR of Ukraine was supposed to retrieve two quadcopters with RKG-3 grenades and a repeater from a cache, set everything up 10 km from the airfield, and activate them to strike an aircraft parking area. He was promised 1.5 million rubles for this. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, Alexey Ivankov from the town of Lyskovo photographed six cell towers for 1,500 rubles and sent the photos to a handler via messenger. He later received an assignment to set one of the towers on fire — conducted reconnaissance, selected a target, and was detained. Alexey Ivankov In Ufa, a 16-year-old teenager was detained, recruited by a handler using the pseudonym Mansur al-Ukraini based in Ukraine. The teenager planned to blow up an Orthodox church and conducted agitation among fellow students, urging them to join a terrorist organization banned in Russia. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ulyanovsk.mp4Download video In Ulyanovsk, a criminal who was gathering data about an enterprise that manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles has been arrested   https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/child.mp4Download video Moscow region. A group of minors was arrested for carrying out arsons and filming objects under the guidance of fake security officials. Why the Problem Wont Go Away Thus, in recent months, Russian law enforcement agencies have reported prevented terrorist attacks and arrests on a daily basis. At the same time, Russian security structures understand that fighting the operatives addresses the consequences, not the causes. The recruitment base remains huge, and recruitment technologies are constantly changing. As some schemes stop working, handlers launch others, adapting to the psychological vulnerabilities of different population groups. The resilience of the scheme is structural, not tactical. Millions of Russians live under chronic financial strain, tens of millions use messengers and gaming platforms where moderation is outsourced abroad, and a generation of teenagers treats chat bots and Discord servers as a normal social environment — each of these is a recruitment surface that no single operation can close. Handlers iterate faster than regulators: when one scheme is publicly exposed, traffic shifts to the next. Russian countermeasures — the FSBs anti-fraud perimeter, Rosfinmonitorings banking filters, Roskomnadzors platform restrictions, preventive work in schools — all operate inside Russias borders, while the decision-making node sits in Kyiv, Lviv, or a third country, physically beyond reach. Until that asymmetry is addressed at the international level, Russian security services will continue to intercept bio-drones one by one, knowing that for every operative neutralized, several more are already being cultivated in a chat they have not yet identified. Europe vs. Russia: A Structural Difference Analysis of the cases presented shows a fundamental difference between the Russian situation and that observed in European Union countries. In Europe, sabotage, arson, and acts of vandalism against infrastructure or government representatives are more often internal in nature: they are committed based on ideological beliefs, ethnic or religious enmity, or within the framework of homegrown radical groups. In Russia, the picture is the opposite. Approximately 80% of detained bio-drones are not committed supporters of nationalist groups. Their key motivation is not ideology but a combination of external manipulative factors: financial pressure, classical fraud with identity substitution, blackmail, or the threat of criminal prosecution. A relatively small proportion are individuals who proactively and voluntarily contact the SBU or GUR out of hatred. Handlers, Not Agitators: The Essence of the Phenomenon In other words, Ukrainian handlers in Russia act not as agitators but as skillful manipulators, turning naive teenagers, trusting pensioners, or desperate people seeking quick money into living weapons. The operative here does not share the goal but blindly follows the algorithm, which fundamentally distinguishes this phenomenon from classical sabotage or terrorist activity initiated from within society. As long as the conflict continues and handlers remain beyond the reach of Russian law enforcement, the bio-drone model will keep evolving — and the recruitment pool, drawn from Russias own social vulnerabilities, will not run dry. MORE ON THE TOPIC: Exchange Of Strikes: Russia Hits Energy, Defense And Drone Logistics, Ukraine Targets Refineries And Petrochemicals Russian Forces Advance Near Slovyansk, Threaten Key Ukrainian Supply Hub Military Situation In Ukraine On April 16, 2026 (Maps Update) The post Disposable Agents: How Kyivs Bio-Drone Network Wages A Shadow War Inside Russia appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, All articles, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Politics]

— Failed Assaults, Big Losses – Ukraine’s Tactical Gamble Backfires

 

at 4/17/26 12:14pm

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function(){ var player = videojs('content_video', { autoplay: false, loop: false, fluid: true, controlBar: { liveTracker: false } }); var shareOptions = { socials: ['fb', 'tw', 'reddit', 'messenger', 'linkedin', 'telegram', 'whatsapp', 'viber', 'vk'], url: window.location.href, title: "Ukraine Tactical Gamble Backfires", description: "The Russian army continues to launch frequent strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. On the night of April 17, Chernihiv was hit by a massive drone attack. An energy facility and an industrial plant were hit. Part of the city was left without power. Russian forces have achieved significant tactical successes in the sector. According to reports from April 16, Ukrainian units were completely driven out of the village of Volchanskiye Khutory. In the border zone just east of there, Russian tr", image: "https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tactical_Gamble.jpg", // required for Facebook and Messenger fbAppId: '12345', // optional for Facebook redirectUri: window.location.href + '#close', // optional for VK isVkParse: true, // optinal embed code embedCode : "" }; player.share(shareOptions); player.downloadButton(); }); Download video The Russian army continues to launch frequent strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. On the night of April 17, Chernihiv was hit by a massive drone attack. An energy facility and an industrial plant were hit. Part of the city was left without power. Russian forces have achieved significant tactical successes in the Kharkiv sector. According to reports from April 16, Ukrainian units were completely driven out of the village of Volchanskiye Khutory. In the border zone just east of there, Russian troops forward assault units have advanced to within striking distance of Bochkovo. Heavy counterattacks have broken out around the village. In the Kupyansk sector, Russian units are gradually expanding the operational area for small groups on the eastern bank of the Oskol River, squeezing the Ukrainian forces bridgehead. The heaviest fighting in Kupyansk is taking place in the northern part of the city. Much of the area is a gray zone that is gradually turning into ruins. Both Russian and Ukrainian aircraft are operating over the city. There are reports of Ukrainian attempts to push Russian forces back from the western bank of the Oskol River and destroy the Russian bridgehead in the Dvurechnaya area. However, the offensive was unsuccessful, and Ukrainian units were forced to retreat. The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted attacks here with small assault groups of two to three people. In the Slavyansk sector, Russian troops are engaged in combat along the Kryva Luka Kaleniki line. Judging by recently published footage of soldiers from the 6th Cossack Brigade raising Russian flags in Kaleniki, units of the “South” Group of Forces have firmly established themselves in the settlement. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, two Russian groups, Center and East, are on the offensive. On April 17, they repelled a Ukrainian attack in the Novoselivka area, then crossed the Volchya River and established a bridgehead on the western bank. Ukrainian troops withdrew from half of the Novopavlivka Forest nature reserve. Russian forces are now focusing on the village of Lesne. The situation in the Zaporizhzhia sector remains difficult for both sides. Previously, the two armies had shifted their main efforts to the western flank of the line of contact. Ukrainian troops, supported by the Main Intelligence Directorates special forces, attempted to drive the Russian army out of Stepnogorsk. It is reported that the attempt was unsuccessful. Ukrainian units suffered heavy losses while advancing toward the deployment area. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: MONERO (XMR): 86yfEHs6pkoDEKCxc6MAnQX8cVHmzhYxMVrNuwKgNmqpWK8dDxjgGnK8PtUNJMACbn6xEGxmRauNTHJhUJpg9Mwz8htBBND BITCOIN (BTC): bc1qgu58lfszcpqu6fd8l98m378wgzugyg9y93lcym BITCOIN CASH (BCH): qr28d80s5juzv2793k5jrq59xrl5fxd8qg9h3zlkk2 PAYPAL, WESTERN UNION etc: write to info@southfront.press , southfront@list.ru If you face any problems sending funds to the addresses given above, please contact us: info@southfront.press and southfront@list.ru. Also be aware that many email services such as Hotmail, Yahoo etc. may block correspondence from info@southfront.press and some others put it in spam. If you want to support SouthFront but have no opportunity to do it via cryptocurrency, please contact us: info@southfront.press and southfront@list.ru. SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS The post Failed Assaults, Big Losses Ukraines Tactical Gamble Backfires appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #DONBASS, #FROMTHEFRONT, #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, SouthFront TV, Ukraine Military Report, donbass, dpr, russia, ukraine]

— Israel Reveals Its Special Forces Landed On Strategic Ridge In Lebanon Before Ceasefire

 

at 4/17/26 11:28am

Illustrative image. (Israeli Defense Forces) The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on April 17 that it carried out a special operation in southern Lebanon during which troops seized control of a strategic ridge right before the ceasefire with Hezbollah entered into effect. The ten-day ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump a day earlier. It entered into effect right at midnight local time. In a statement, the IDF said that the Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag unit landed at the so-called Cristofani Ridge, some 12 kilometers north of Mount Hermon, and established control in the area. Shaldag, officially known as Unit 5101, is part of the 7th Special Air Forces Wing and is based in the Palmachim Air Base to the south of the city of Tel Aviv. It specializes in clandestine operation, combat search and rescue, commando style raids, hostage rescue, irregular warfare, long-range penetration, military intelligence operations, special operations, and special reconnaissance within enemy territory. The unit landed in the area just minutes before the ceasefire took effect, according to the IDF. The operation was approved by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who observed the operation alongside IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar at the IAF’s command center. The Cristofani Ridge overlooks both southern Lebanon and the eastern governorate of Beqaa, which gives the IDF the fire control over most Hezbollah strongholds in both regions. Click to see full-size image. (Israeli Defense Forces) Since the start of the ceasefire, there have been several reports of violations by the IDF. Lebanese media even said that one man was killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting a motorcycle between the southern towns of Kounine and Beit Yahoun. There is no immediate comment from the IDF on the incident, minutes after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel was “PROHIBITED” from bombing Lebanon. “This deal [with Iran] is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah situation in an appropriate manner. Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the USA. Enough is enough,” he added. The terms of the ceasefire do allow Israel to carry out defensive strikes against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.” Hezbollah also gets to conduct such operations. The group welcomed the ceasefire, but warned that it is keeping its “finger on the trigger” in the event of violations by the Israel. “The mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance carried out an average of 49 operations daily. Despite its intelligence apparatus and brutal firepower, the Israeli killing machine could not deter them from rising up and continuing their national, humanitarian, and religious duty to protect and defend their homeland and people,” Hezbollah said in a statement. “These mujahideen will remain vigilant, ready to defend themselves against the enemys treachery and betrayal. Their pledge to the Secretary-General of the Resistance, Qassem, and to its honorable, proud, and sacrificing people, is that they will remain true to their covenant until their last breath, and their banner will never fall,” it added. The ceasefire will likely hold up, even if Israel carried out more violations. Nevertheless, there are no guarantees that will be extended after ten days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are set to travel soon to the U.S. to meet with Trump. The U.S. is pressuring towards a full-on peace deal, but such a move could be very costly for the Lebanese government, as many in the country from all sides oppose normalization. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Israel Tested New SIGMA Howitzer In Lebanon (Videos) Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War The post Israel Reveals Its Special Forces Landed On Strategic Ridge In Lebanon Before Ceasefire appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #ISRAEL, #LEBANON, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Iran Opens Strait Of Hormuz In Sign Of Near Agreement With U.S.

 

at 4/17/26 10:07am

File image. Iran declared on April 17 that the Strait of Hormuz will be “completely open” for as long as the ceasefire in Lebanon goes on. A ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was announced a day earlier by United States President Donald Trump. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” wrote Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X. However, the minister noted that all ships must sail “on the coordinated route as already announced” by the Islamic Republic. A senior Iranian official later told Reuters that all commercial ships, including U.S. vessels, can sail through the Strait of Hormuz, although their plans need to be coordinated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The official added that transits would be restricted to lanes Iran deemed safe, stressing that military vessels were still prohibited from crossing the strait. Trump was quick to celebrate Iran’s announcement on Truth Social, referring to the Strait of Hormuz as the “STRAIT OF IRAN.” “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE,” he wrote. In a follow up post, Trump said that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran-linked ships passing through the waterway will remain in effect, “THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE,” TRUMP wrote. “THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY, IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED,” he said, referring to a brewing deal with Iran to permanently end the war. Trump added in another post that “Iran, with the help of the USA, has removed, or is removing, all sea mines,” from the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed in one more post to Truth Social that “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again, although the Islamic Republic made no such announcement. “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” Trump added. These developments came right after Axios reported that the U.S. and Iran are discussing a proposal to permanently end their war that includes the Islamic Republic handing over its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for Washington releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds. Trump, however, indirectly denied the report, also pushing back against reports suggesting that the ceasefire with Iran was related to Lebanon. “The USA will get all Nuclear ‘dust’ created by our great B2 Bombers. No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah situation in an appropriate manner. Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” he continued. “They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the USA. Enough is enough,” he added. Following Irans announcement and Trump’s remarks U.S. crude oil plunged 12% to nearly $83 per barrel, while international Brent crude also slid more than 11% to around $88 per barrel. The latest developments indicate that a deal between the U.S. and Iran may be around the corner. Still, things could quickly fall apart, especially that there is still no trust between the two countries. Even if an agreement was reached, it may not hold up for long. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War Iran Is Digging Up Missiles, Launchers The post Iran Opens Strait Of Hormuz In Sign Of Near Agreement With U.S. appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, #USA, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— U.S. Spy Drone Flew 12 Hours Near Cuba Amid Reports Of Near Attack

 

at 4/17/26 7:47am

Illustrative image. (U.S. Navy) A United States Navy MQ-4C Triton high-altitude surveillance drone on April 16 flew for over 12 hours off the coast of Cuba. The drone, using the callsign BLKCAT6, made multiple passes near key areas, including the capital, Havana, and the region around Guantanamo Bay. It maintained an altitude of about 49,000 feet throughout the flight, according to aerial tracking data. The highly-unusual surveillance mission ended with the drone returning to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in the state of Florida. The Triton was developed to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over vast ocean and coastal regions, continuous maritime surveillance, conduct search and rescue missions, and to complement the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. It has a service ceiling of 56,000 feet, and an endurance of up to 30 hours. Click to see full-size image. (Flightradar24/X) The mission came just a few days after President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. “may stop by Cuba” after it is done with his war on Iran. “Cuba is a failing nation, and we’re going to do this, and we may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” Trump told reporters at the White House on April 13, referring to the ongoing war against Iran. “Cuba is a nation that was … horribly run for many years,” he continued. “We have a lot of great Cuban Americans, all of whom just about voted for me, and they were treated very badly. In many cases, family members have been killed. They’ve been beaten up and mugged and terrible things happened in Cuba,” the American president added. On April 15, USA Today reported that military planning for a possible U.S. operation in Cuba is quietly ramping up, in case Trump gives an order to intervene there. Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise since Trump ordered a special operation to capture Nicolas Maduro, the long-term leader of Cuban ally Venezuela, earlier this year. More than 30 Cuban troops who were guarding Maduro’s residency in Caracas were killed in the operation. Right after, Trump vowed to starve Cuba of oil, amid one of the worst energy crises in the history of the communist-ruled nation. Russia has since shipped oil to Cuba. A floating power ship operated by the Turkish company Karpowership also returned to the nation. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on April 16 stressed again his nation will be ready for a possible attack from the U.S. With Cubas crisis deepening as a result of a U.S. energy blockade, Díaz-Canel said that he does not want American military aggression to come to the nation. He said that the country will be prepared to fight back if it happens. The moment is extremely challenging and calls upon us once again, as on April 16, 1961, to be ready to confront serious threats, including military aggression. We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it, Díaz-Canel said at a rally commemorating the 65th anniversary of a historic speech by the late leader Fidel Castro during a crisis with the. Taking into account everything that went down in Venezuela then in Iran, the Trump administration is most likely heading towards an intervention in Cuba. Nevertheless, unlike the two previous interventions, a U.S. military operation in the island nation, whether limited or large, could come faster, without much preparations to be noticed by observers, due to the geographic proximity of the two countries. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Israel Tested New SIGMA Howitzer In Lebanon (Videos) Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War   The post U.S. Spy Drone Flew 12 Hours Near Cuba Amid Reports Of Near Attack appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #USA, Americas]

— Israel Tested New SIGMA Howitzer In Lebanon (Videos)

 

at 4/17/26 6:15am

Click to see full-size image. (Israeli Defense Forces) The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on April 16 that its Artillery Corps conducted its first operational shelling with the new SIGMA 155 “Ro’em” self-propelled howitzer, in support of ground forces operating in southern Lebanon. The announcement came just hours before United States President Donald Trump announced a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a statement, the IDF said that the 282nd Artillery Regiment used the Ro’em to shell Hezbollah rocket and anti-tank launch sites, describing the shelling as “successful and yielded achievements.” The Ro’em brings “groundbreaking capabilities to the battlefield,” including increased fire-rate, longer firing ranges, and better mobility than existing howitzers, the military added. The howitzer is set to enter service with the IDF gradually through the conversion of artillery battalions that currently operate the aging M109 howitzer.  The Ro’em, developed by Elbit Systems, consists of a 155mm L52 cannon mounted on a special modified version of the Oshkosh 1010 Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) truck called the Mobile Artillery Platform (MAP), including an armored cabin to protect the crew. The turret is remotely controlled, and the selection of ammunition rounds, loading, and gun laying functions are fully automated. The system is capable of firing eight rounds per minute, and can fire shells sequentially at different trajectories for a salvo effect. It can carry up to 40 rounds. It has a firing range of 40 kilometers. The crew, which includes a mission commander, a gunner, and a driver, can conduct all firing operations from inside the cabin. Click to see full-size image. (Israeli Defense Forces) Interestingly, the IDF announcement came just a few days after Elbit America presented the SIGMA 155 to the United States Army during the AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exhibition 2026 in the city of Huntsville in Alabama, positioning the system as a candidate for the Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization (SPH-M) program. The company alleged that the export version built in the U.S. can deliver long-range precision fires reaching up to 80 kilometers. It’s worth noting that Israel has a long history of testing weapons during its wars, and of using the conflict to promote its military industry. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War Trump Imposes Ceasefire In Lebanon On Israel The post Israel Tested New SIGMA Howitzer In Lebanon (Videos) appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #ISRAEL, #LEBANON, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War

 

at 4/17/26 4:25am

Illustrative image. (Israeli Defense Forces) The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on April 17 disclosed that the Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit conducted an unprecedented operation during the multifront war of recent years, at a location “thousands of kilometers” from Israel, in an area where it has never operated before. The commandos carried out the operation without any backup or ability to extract them if it went awry because of the distance from Israel, the IDF said, without elaborating. Shayetet 13 — based at the Atlit naval base south of the port city of Haifa — specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The naval commandos unit is trained for sea, air and land operations. In addition to the commando operation, the IDF disclosed that as part of the recent war with Iran, an Israeli Navy submarine operated at the farthest-ever distance from Israel in the history of the submarine fleet. Submarines were deployed at three arenas simultaneously during the war, with thousands of kilometers between them, according to the navy. The Israeli Navy operates five Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines built in Germany on the bases of the Type 209-class. These submarines are reported to be capable of firing the Popeye Turbo land-attack cruise missile, with a range of over 320 kilometers. Additionally, during the war, the Israeli Navy was involved in some 40 “aerial threat incidents,” shooting down several dozen drones, from both Iran and Lebanon, the IDF said. The navy, with its warships, conducted 53 strikes in Lebanon and six in the Gaza Strip amid the war with Iran, according to the military, which noted that the Naval Intelligence Division also provided information and planning for some 95 strikes in Iran. The information was published by the IDF as Vice Adm. Eyal Harel took over the Israeli Navy from Vice Adm. David Saar Salama, who was retiring after four and a half years in the role. The Israeli Navy role in the recent war was likely even larger than what was disclosed by the IDF. More information about what the Shayetet 13 did and other covert operations will likely emerge as time goes by. With the IDF working to expand the navy with more warships, it is expected to play a more leading role in future conflicts. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Trump Imposes Ceasefire In Lebanon On Israel Hezbollah Destroyed Two Israeli THMS Communication Systems With FPV Drones (Videos) The post Israeli Navy Discloses Commando Operation Thousands Of Kilometers Away During War appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #IRAN, #ISRAEL, Editor's choice, Hot, Military]

— Russian Forces Advance Near Slovyansk, Threaten Key Ukrainian Supply Hub

 

at 4/16/26 3:11pm

File image. In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units have consolidated in Kalenyky, finally forming a bridgehead to envelop Rai-Oleksandrivka — the last major transportation hub for Ukrainian troops on the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces are gradually expanding their presence on the eastern bank of the Oskol River, compressing the Ukrainian troops bridgehead. The Ukrainian forces maintain a presence, even in tactically disadvantageous positions. In the Sumy direction, Russian forces advanced up to 650 meters and cleared forested border areas. They struck concentrations of Ukrainian troops personnel and equipment in Yastrebyshchyna, Pisarivka, Myropillia, and Bachivsk. In the Kharkiv area, units of the North grouping finally pushed Ukrainian troops out of Vovchanski Khutory and are fighting along the Zybine–Volokhivka–Okhrimivka line. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Ukraine is completely unprepared for accession to the European Union and that an unprepared country could have fatal consequences for everyone. Slaviansk Direction In the direction of Slaviansk, Russian troops are fighting along the Kryva Luka–Kalenyky line. Based on recently published footage of the 6th Cossack Brigade raising Russian flags in Kalenyky, it is clear that units of the South grouping have firmly established themselves in this settlement. This indicates the completion of a bridgehead for a future offensive aimed at encircling Rai-Oleksandrivka. Rai-Oleksandrivka is the last major transportation hub for Ukrainian forces on the bank of the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. Local skirmishes continue in the vicinity of Lypivka and Fedorivka Druha. Ukrainian units are trying to slow the advance of Russian troops near the M-03 highway to prevent the encirclement of Rai-Oleksandrivka. They are also regularly sending small groups to hold isolated positions in tree lines. At the same time, work is being carried out on Ukrainian supply routes. Drone operators pay particular attention to the road from Slovyansk to Mykolaivka. Remote mining is being used extensively. Recently, the Ukrainian side lost two armored vehicles on the road to Starodubivka. Meanwhile, over ten strikes with high-explosive aerial bombs were carried out on Ukrainian unit positions in Mykolaivka itself, a tactic that had not been seen before. In the Krasnyi Lyman area, the fiercest fighting in several months has taken place near the city of the same name. Aware of the potential ramifications of losing Krasnyi Lyman, Ukrainian forces occasionally launch localized counterattacks to prevent Russian assault troops from establishing a foothold in the northeastern part of the city. To the north, Ukrainian units are advancing toward the Penkovyi Yar ravine. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c2.mp4Download video Kupyansk Direction Russian units are gradually expanding their operating area on the eastern bank of the Oskol River and compressing the Ukrainian bridgehead. These small groups are operating near Kucherivka, Podoly, Kurylivka, and Novoosinove. In Kupyansk, fighting continues in the northern part of the city. Most of the city is a grey zone, which is increasingly turning into ruins over time. Both Russian and Ukrainian aircraft are flying over the city, and sometimes more bombs are dropped on it than there are assault groups operating there from both sides. There are unconfirmed reports of Ukrainian attempts to push Russian troops back from the western bank of the Oskol River and destroy the Russian bridgehead in the Dvorichna area. Ukrainian units did conduct attacks here with assault pairs and trios, but these were merely tactical attempts to advance. There were no large-scale efforts to push Russian troops back across the river. Furthermore, Ukraine has even withdrawn some reserves from the Kupyansk area and redeployed them to the Burluk area, where they are facing challenges near Vovchansk and along the Siverskyi Donets River. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c3.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c4.mp4Download video Zaporizhzhia Direction The Center and East groups continue to engage in fierce combat in the Dnipropetrovsk region. There are ongoing clashes for Ivanivka and Novopavlivka, as well as on the approaches to Havrylivka. Russian units repelled Ukrainian forces advancing on Komar, stabilized the situation in the Oleksandrohrad area, crossed the Vovcha River, and established a bridgehead on its right bank. Ukrainian troops have been pushed out of half of the Novopavlivskyi Lis nature reserve, and Russian troops are advancing toward Lisne. The area south of Velykomikhailivka is being cleared of Ukrainian units that infiltrated in February. To the west, on the border of the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, Russian troops are attacking Ukrainian forces in the Nove Pole, Zorevka, and Zarnytsia settlements. In the Pokrovsk sector, between Velykomikhailivka and Pokrovske, Ukrainian forces are attempting to counterattack and advance deeper into Russian defensive lines. Ukrainian units are entering Vyshneve and Verbove in small groups and have indicated their presence near Kalynivske, advancing from the west as far as Rybne. The goal is to cut off the salient from Kosovtsevo to Oleksandrohrad. Units of the 36th, 5th, and 35th Armies continue to breach Ukrainian troop defenses in the Vozdvizhevka and Verkhnia Tersa areas. Offensive actions are ongoing in the directions of Komsomolske and Charivne. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/m15-1.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c5.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c6.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c7.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c8.mp4Download video Sumy Direction Russian troops struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Yastrebyshchyna, Pisarivka, Pishchane, Myropillia, Bachivsk, and Nova Sich. In the Shostka district, Russian units are continuing to clear border forested areas. Assault groups advanced up to 200 meters. In the Sumy district, assault units advanced on eighteen sections, advancing up to 650 meters over the day. In the Krasnopillia district, there are ongoing fierce firefights in the Novodmytrivka area. Russian assault groups advanced up to 350 meters. In an attempt to halt the Russian advance, the Ukrainian command is urgently transferring strike drone operators from the 442nd Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion and forcibly mobilized soldiers from the 122nd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade to this sector. They are expected to reinforce the demoralized personnel of the 119th Territorial Defense Brigade and the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c10.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c9.mp4Download video Kharkiv Direction Russian troops struck concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Polne, Izbitske, Nikolske, and Zemlianky. In the Vovchansk area, the North grouping finally pushed composite combat groups of the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade out of Vovchanski Khutory during fierce fighting and established control over the settlement. Stubborn fighting continues near the state border along the Zybine–Volokhivka–Okhrimivka line, as well as along the tree line east of Symynivka. In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian assault groups advanced 200 meters along four fronts. https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c11.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c12.mp4Download video https://s1.cdnstatic.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c14.mp4Download video Conclusion Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Slaviansk, the consolidation of Russian units in Kalenyky and the formation of a bridgehead to envelop Rai-Oleksandrivka create the conditions for a further advance toward the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian units are gradually compressing the Ukrainian troops bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Oskol, despite the complex drone situation. In the Sumy area, Russian troops are advancing systematically, clearing forested areas and striking Ukrainian reserves. The Ukrainian side is forced to replenish its units with border guards because its troops have lost combat capability. In the Kharkiv direction, the capturing of Vovchanski Khutory and advances in other sectors demonstrate steady pressure by Russian troops along the state border. In the context of international politics, an important event was a statement made by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. During a meeting with students, he said that Ukraine is not ready to join the European Union and that unpreparedness could have fatal consequences for everyone. Fico reiterated his support for Ukraines EU ambitions, provided all the necessary conditions are met. However, he noted that other countries, such as Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro, are significantly better prepared and are carrying out reforms. According to Fico, one cannot overtake other countries that are significantly better prepared when joining the European Union. In June 2022, the EU granted Ukraine candidate status, but European commissioners acknowledged that the decision was largely symbolic, intended to support Kyiv in its confrontation with Russia. Obtaining candidate status is only the beginning of a long journey. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999; North Macedonia, since 2005; Montenegro, since 2010; and Serbia, since 2012. Croatia was the last country to join the EU, in 2013, and the process took ten years. The Slovak prime ministers statement reflects growing skepticism in European capitals regarding Ukraines prospects for rapid accession to the European Union, especially given the successful offensive of Russian troops in multiple directions. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence NOW hosted at southfront.press Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org. The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com SOUTHFRONT.PRESS MORE ON THIS TOPIC: Cauldron Near Sumy: Russian Troops Envelope City From East Orekhov’s Clock Is Ticking: Ukraine’s Offensive May Delay, But Not Stop, The Inevitable The post Russian Forces Advance Near Slovyansk, Threaten Key Ukrainian Supply Hub appeared first on South Front.

[Category: #RUSSIA, #UKRAINE, Editor's choice, Hot, Military, Politics, Suggested Analyses] [Link to media]

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