THE RUSSO-UKRAINE WAR BRIEF
Day 1168 of the full scale invasion
Slava Ukraini! In early 2022 I began a Telegram channel aggregating news from a number of sources daily on the war in Ukraine. In June 2023 I began providing a daily draft for the Ukraine War Brief Podcast collecting news from over 70 sources daily, which formed the basis of the script. While the Podcast no longer exists I have continued to make this Brief available for my followers here on Substack for those who wish to keep up with the news from the war.
All the latest news on the Russo-Ukraine War 6 days per week
ALONG THE CONTACT LINE
GSAFU Morning Report
For: May 6, 2025
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its Operational Information update at 08:00 on May 6 stated that day 1168 of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation against Ukraine had begun.
The situation on the line of combat remains tense in some sectors. Ukrainian defenders continue to actively counteract the Russian aggressor, causing them significant losses in personnel, equipment and technology. Exhausting the enemy along the entire front line and continuing to disrupt the plans of Russian occupiers to advance deeper into the territory of Ukraine.
During the past day, 200 combat engagements took place.
Over the past 24 hours, the enemy carried out 1 missile strike, 80 air strikes, used 3,344 attack drones and fired approximately 6,100 artillery shells across the positions of Ukrainian forces and civilians.
Air Force Daily Report
54 ENEMY UAVS SHOT DOWN, 70 SIMULATOR UAVS FAILED TO REACH THEIR TARGETS (LOCATIONALLY LOST)
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On the night of May 6, 2025 (from 9:30 p.m. on May 5), the enemy attacked with 136 strike UAVs and other types of simulator drones from the areas of: Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - Russian Federation, Primorsk - TOT Zaporizhia region.
The enemy air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare equipment, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
As of 10:30, it has been confirmed that 54 Shahed attack UAVs (and other types of drones) have been shot down in the east, north, south, and center of the country.
70 enemy drone simulators were lost in location (without negative consequences).
One UAV is in the air, combat operations continue!
As a result of the enemy attack, the Kharkiv, Odessa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions suffered.
Combat Operations in the Russian Federation
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US based think tank, in its May 5 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment reported that:
Sumy - Kursk Border: Russian sources claimed on May 5 that Ukrainian forces conducted a series of limited attacks across the Russia-Ukraine international border near Tetkino, Kursk Oblast. Russian sources claimed on May 5 that Ukrainian forces attacked across the Russia-Ukraine international border near Tetkino and Popova-Lezhachi (far west of Sudzha and southwest of Glushkovo) and Novyi Put (east of Tetkino) on the evening of May 4 and morning of May 5.
Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces used mine clearing equipment to create a path through Russian minefields along the border, but that Ukrainian forces have not made significant advances in the area thus far. Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in a small arms clash near the Tetkino Railway Station in southern Tetkino and that Ukrainian forces later withdrew back into Sumy Oblast. A Russian source claimed that Ukrainian forces have not seized Tetkino or broken through Russia's defenses near Novyi Put. Russian sources claimed that elements of the Russian 98th Airborne (VDV) Division, likely referring to the 5th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, other Russian military personnel, and Russian border guards are defending against the Ukrainian attacks.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to isolate Russian units near Tetkino and throughout Glushkovsky Raion. The Ukrainian General Staff reported on May 4 that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian reconnaissance and strike drone command post near Tetkino and killed up to 20 Russian servicemembers.
Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation Head Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko stated that Russian forces have been training drone operators at a school in Tetkino since 2022. Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces intensified drone strikes and artillery fire against Tetkino in the night of May 4 before attacking toward the settlement. Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge over the Seim River between Zvannoye (northwest of Glushkovo) and Tetkino. Other Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces are also using drones to interdict Russian logistics in the area.
The Khortytsia operational-strategic group
(Responsible for the northeastern part of Ukraine. )
Kharkiv Sector: Russian forces recently advanced in the Kharkiv direction.
Geolocated footage published on May 4 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced in central Vovchansk (northeast of Kharkiv City).
Toretsk Sector: Russian forces recently advanced in the Toretsk direction.
Geolocated footage published on May 5 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced to the fields southwest of Dyliivka (north of Toretsk).
Geolocated footage published on May 4 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced to southern Nova Poltavka (southwest of Toretsk).
Additional geolocated footage published on May 5 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced in eastern and southern Myrne (southwest of Toretsk) during a platoon-sized mechanized assault.
The Tavria operational-strategic group
(Responsible for the central-eastern and southeastern part of Ukraine.)
Pokrovsk Sector :
Syrskyi claims Ukraine stabilizes Pokrovsk front, seizes tactical initiative.
Ukraine has stabilized the situation in the Pokrovsk direction of Donetsk Oblast and in some areas seized the tactical initiative, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on May 6.
Pokrovsk, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Donetsk, remains one of the most fiercely contested sectors of the front, where Russia has concentrated its main offensive efforts since March.
"The Pokrovsk direction is one of the most difficult sections of the front... However, thanks to the courage and skillful actions of the soldiers of the Defense Forces, we managed to stabilize the situation in this operational zone in the Donetsk region and in some places seize the tactical initiative," Syrskyi said in a post on social media.
Syrskyi highlighted the performance of the 425th separate assault regiment "Skala," describing it as a unit capable of effective active defense.
The regiment demonstrated its effectiveness earlier this year near the village of Shevchenko, approximately three kilometers southwest of Pokrovsk, and during the 2022 Kharkiv offensive, he said.
"Soldiers, sergeants, officers, you fulfill your tasks with honor. Ukraine believes in you, and you can always be relied on. Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to you," Syrskyi added.
Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 16 square kilometers (about 6.2 square miles) near Pokrovsk in recent weeks, Syrskyi announced on April 17.
Russian forces have recently intensified attacks in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, said on April 29.
While Donetsk Oblast has been the epicenter of Russian aggression since 2014, with escalation after the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russian troops have not yet crossed into neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Since early March, Ukraine has signaled readiness for a 30-day ceasefire if Russia agrees to reciprocal terms. Moscow has refused, demanding extraordinary concessions, including a halt to all foreign military aid to Ukraine.
Kurakhove Sector: Russian forces recently advanced in the Kurakhove direction.
Geolocated footage published on May 4 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced to the T-0518 Velyka Novosilka-Bahatyr highway northwest of Rozdolne (southwest of Kurakhove).
Velyka Novosilka Sector: Russian forces recently advanced in the Velyka Novosilka direction.
Geolocated footage published on May 4 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced south of Novosilka (west of Velyka Novosilka).
The Odesa operational-strategic group
(Responsible for Kherson, Qırım, (also known as Crimea) and the Black Sea.)
There have been no major changes to the combat environment since our last report.
TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Nothing major to report.
THE HOME FRONT
5 killed, 33 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day.
At least five people were killed and 33 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, the Kyiv Independent reported citing regional officials on May 6.
In Donetsk Oblast, three residents were killed and 16 injured due to Russian aggression, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.
In Kharkiv Oblast, 11 people were injured, including four in the city of Kharkiv, where Russia attacked four districts with suicide drones, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.
One person was killed and three injured in Kherson Oblast as Russian forces hit social infrastructure and residential areas, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.
In Odesa Oblast, a Russian drone attack killed one person and damaged civilian infrastructure, including houses, Governor Oleh Kiper reported.
Three women, aged 43, 65, and 70, were injured in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where houses and infrastructure were damaged, Governor Serhii Lysak said.
The attacks come as Moscow continues rejecting a complete ceasefire and escalates strikes targeting civilian areas across Ukraine.
Ukraine returns another 205 soldiers from Russian captivity.
On May 6, 2025, another POW exchange between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place.
This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Censor.NET reports.
"Today, Ukraine brought back 205 warriors. Young men and older servicemembers representing nearly all branches and units of our military. Defenders of Mariupol and of the entire frontline. They had been scattered across various Russian regions, held within a prison system designed with a single purpose — to abuse them and strip them of their humanity.
We have brought them home. And I thank everyone who contributed to this exchange. I am grateful to our partners, first and foremost the United Arab Emirates, for their mediation and support. I thank all those who care and continue to speak out about Ukrainians in captivity.
Every day, we fight for our people. And we will do everything necessary to bring each and every one of them back," Zelenskyy announced.
According to the Coordination Headquarters, three Ukrainian officers and 202 soldiers and sergeants have been returned to Ukraine. Among those released are servicemembers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — including the Navy, Air Force, Air Assault Forces, and Territorial Defense Forces — as well as the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, the Headquarters specified.
"This is already the fifth exchange this year. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, a total of 4,757 Ukrainians have been brought home," the Headquarters emphasized.
As a reminder, on April 19, Ukraine returned 277 servicemembers from Russian captivity. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine earlier stated that further operations to return our prisoners of war are already being prepared.
RUSSIAN WORLD
Massive Ukrainian drone attack forces airport shutdowns across Russia.
Airports across Russia introduced temporary air traffic restrictions on Tuesday as Ukraine launched more than 100 drones at the country overnight, including several targeting Moscow just days before the city is scheduled to hold its annual Victory Day parade, the Moscow Times reports.
A total of 105 drones targeted various regions across Russia, the Defense Ministry said, ahead of the May 9 military parade on Red Square, which President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend alongside several foreign leaders to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Air defenses shot down 19 drones near Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. Falling debris damaged buildings, but no injuries were reported.
Russia’s civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia imposed temporary flight restrictions at more than a dozen airports, including four in Moscow, according to Russian state media. Operations at Moscow’s main Sheremetyevo Airport were largely unaffected.
Flight disruptions were also reported in other cities, including Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod.
Regional governors said air defenses had intercepted 18 drones in the southern Voronezh region and 10 in the central Penza, with no casualties reported.
In the southwestern Kursk region, Acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein said an attack on an electrical substation in the city of Rylsk injured two teenagers late Monday.
“As a result of the attack on the city, two transformers were damaged, and the power was completely cut off,” Khinshtein said on Telegram.
Meanwhile, in southern Ukraine, a Russian drone strike killed one person in the Odesa region late Monday, regional governor Oleh Kiper said.
RELATED INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Hegseth reportedly ordered Ukraine aid pause without Trump's knowledge.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office ordered a temporary halt of military aid flights to Ukraine in early February without notifying the White House, Reuters reported on May 6, citing unnamed sources.
The suspension reportedly affected 11 shipments of artillery shells and weapons from Dover Air Force Base and a U.S. base in the United Arab Emirates.
The order, issued about a week after U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term, caused immediate concern in Kyiv and among officials in Poland, who contacted Washington for answers.
Top national security officials at the White House, Pentagon, and State Department were unaware of the decision and could not respond to inquiries.
The flights resumed Feb. 5, after a three-day pause, following an alleged intervention from U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, one source said.
Reuters reported in February that the United States briefly halted weapons shipments to Ukraine while the new White House administration debated its policies toward Kyiv.
The verbal order reportedly originated from Hegseth's office after a Jan. 30 Oval Office meeting on Ukraine, where cutting off aid was discussed but not approved by Trump.
Four people familiar with the matter told Reuters a small group of Pentagon staffers, many with long-standing opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine, had advised Hegseth to suspend assistance.
The president and other senior officials remained unaware of the suspension until Ukrainian and European partners raised concerns. The canceled flights reportedly cost U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) $2.2 million.
The weapons had been previously approved under the former President Joe Biden's administration and authorized by Congress. Since Trump's second term began in January, no new aid packages have been approved.
The U.S. temporarily halted military supplies for Ukraine in March before restarting them after Kyiv agreed to the truce plan during talks in Jeddah on March 11.
In an April 13 interview with CBS News, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the U.S. to provide air defense support, saying Ukraine is ready to purchase 10 U.S.-made Patriot systems for $15 billion to protect major cities.
"We will find the money and pay for everything," Zelensky said, emphasizing Ukraine's intention to buy, not request, additional systems.
Trump rejected the request the next day, accusing Ukraine of "always looking to purchase missiles" and falsely blaming Kyiv for instigating the war.
Trump has not clarified whether U.S. military aid will continue if his peace talks with Russia fail, fueling concern among allies over Washington's long-term commitment.
A Patriot air defense system based in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine after refurbishment, the New York Times reported on May 4, citing four unnamed current and former U.S. officials.
Moscow has refused a 30-day ceasefire, demanding extraordinary concessions, including a halt to all foreign military aid to Ukraine.
Poland faces 'unprecedented' Russian interference ahead of it’s presidential election.
Russia is attempting an "unprecedented" interference campaign in Poland's presidential election, Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said on May 6, Reuters reported.
Poland will hold presidential elections on May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1, as the country faces key debates over social policy, migration, and national security that could shape its political trajectory.
Speaking at a defense conference, Gawkowski said Russia is spreading disinformation and launching hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure to paralyze normal state functions.
He said the attacks target water utilities, combined heat and power plants, power supply facilities, and public administration. The Russian cyber threat level in Poland has more than doubled compared to 2024.
"Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen such incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," Gawkowski said.
Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine's staunchest allies since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying military, humanitarian, and economic assistance.
Moscow has also interfered in Romania's 2024 presidential election through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and funding for far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
The Polish election features candidates across the political spectrum, including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and Poland 2050 leader Szymon Holownia.
Some candidates have expressed views or associations perceived as pro-Russian.
Far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen, while not explicitly pro-Russian, has ties to nationalist circles skeptical of Poland's pro-Western stance. Karol Nawrocki, backed by the ruling Law and Justice party, has faced criticism for statements perceived as sympathetic to Russia.
MILITARY & TECH
Ukraine Develops A HMMWV-Based Air Defense Vehicle Armed with R-73s
Troops from Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade have revealed details about a mobile air defense system armed with R-73 missiles and mounted on a HMMWV chassis, Militarnyi reports.
In a video released by the brigade’s press service, the system was identified as the Dragon H73 MAZRK (with “M” indicating mobile).
It is designed to engage tactical aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles and is capable of operating both day and night.
The Dragon H73 is likely based on the M1097A1 or M1097A2 variant of the HMMWV—chassis types also used in the U.S. AN/TWQ-1 Avenger system.
The vehicle features a rotating launcher fitted with two rails for R-73 air-to-air missiles.
Depending on the version, the R-73 can hit targets in the forward hemisphere at ranges of 20 km (RMD-1) to 40 km (RMD-2).
Unlike the modified missiles used in the British Gravehawk system, the R-73s on the Dragon H73 retain full-size control surfaces. This enables the use of stockpiled missiles without the need for additional adaptation.
An optical sighting unit with a thermal imaging channel appears to be mounted between the rails, allowing for nighttime target acquisition.
It is assumed that the system can also receive external targeting data from radar stations.
During combat, the vehicle aligns the missile toward the target, enabling its infrared seeker to lock on either before or after launch.
The armored cab also includes electronic warfare systems, suggesting the Dragon H73 may be intended for operations near or along the front line.
Ukraine’s defense industry has previous experience integrating R-73 missiles into older air defense systems.
The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex already has experience in large-scale modernization of existing anti-aircraft systems with the integration of R-73 missiles.
In December 2023, the Come Back Alive Foundation announced it had upgraded 9K33M3 Osa systems to fire both standard 9M33M3 surface-to-air missiles and R-73s.
New Czech-Ukrainian pilot school aims to speed up F-16 implementation.
Ukraine and the Czech Republic have agreed to establish a training program for Ukrainian Air Force pilots on F-16 fighter jets and L-39 training aircraft on Czech territory, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Prague on 4 April, Euromaidan Press reports.
The training of Ukrainian pilots started in August 2023 in the UK and in the various European countries.
A new wave of training will take place at bases in the Czech Republic, according to Fiala. Ukraine reportedly is already training fighter pilots on Czech models that are being supplied to Ukraine.
The joint training school was announced in response to concerns that preparation of Ukrainian pilots for F-16s, which began in 2023, has been progressing too slowly to immediately strengthen Ukraine’s Air Force capabilities.
Zelenskyy said that it’s impossible to create such a base in Ukraine because of security reasons due to Russian daily strikes.
The Czech’s PM said that the partners from the “coalition of the willing” will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 and L-39 fighters.
Retired Colonel Zdenek Petras, now an analyst at the University of Defense in Brno, told Radio Liberty that L-39 aircraft will not allow full mastery of the fourth-generation F-16 fighter. Using actual F-16s will present another challenge – the lack of Czech instructors.
Petras explained to Radio Liberty that in the Czech Republic JAS-39 Gripen is the only platform used for national air defense, NATO air patrol missions, and to support NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System. “For this reason, Czech Armed Forces personnel currently have only limited capacity to conduct intensive and systematic training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16,” he said.
However, Petras added that the Czech Republic can provide its infrastructure for training conducted by instructors from other NATO countries.
Fiala mentioned that training within the “coalition of the willing” could take place in Náměšť nad Oslavou, where a military airport is located.
According to Petras, Czech armed forces could also offer the modern Flight Training Center at the military air base in Pardubice for Ukrainian pilot training.
Zelenskyy did not provide a timeline for the program but said that partners are ready “to implement this project as soon as possible.”
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