UKRAINE WAR BRIEF DAILY DRAFT
For: 2024-05-08
Slava Ukraini! In early 2022 I began a Telegram channel aggregating news from a number of sources daily on the war in Ukraine. Since June 2023 I have provided a daily draft for the Ukraine War Brief Podcast collecting news from over 60 sources daily, much of which forms the basis of the script. While the Podcast is on hiatus I will make this Draft available here both on my own Substack and The People’s Media for those who wish to keep up with events on a daily basis.
ALONG THE CONTACT LINE
GSAFU Morning Report
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its situation update at 06:00 on may 8 stated that it was day 804 of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
During the past day, 84 combat engagements took place. Over the past 24 hours, the enemy carried out 1 missile strikes, 47 air strikes, and 97 MLRS attacks across the positions of our troops and settlements. As a result of the Russian attacks, unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Destruction and damage to residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.
At the same time, Ukrainian soldiers continue to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupying troops, exhausting the enemy along the entire front line.
More than 120 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv oblasts came under enemy fire.
Ukrainian missile forces struck 1 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortar, 1 command post, 1 fuel and lubricants depot
Air Force Daily Report
The Ukrainian Air Force in its situation update at 06:00 stated that during the previous day they launched strikes on 5 concentrations of troops
MASSIVE RUSSIAN ATTACK - DESTROYED 59 AIR TARGETS: 39 MISSILES AND 20 UAVS
On the night of May 8, 2024, Russia, with one of their largest attacks to date attacked civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine using a combination of missiles of different types and suicide drones.
In total, the enemy used 76 means of air attack-55 rockets and 21 strike drones:
- 1 X-47M2 "Dagger" “Hypersonic” missile (launched from Tambov region. (RF);
- 2 "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles (from tot Qirim);
- 4 "Kalibr" cruise missiles (from the the Black Sea);
- 45 x-101 / x-555 cruise missiles from tu-95 MS strategic bombers (based in the puskív saratov region. (Russia), Caspian Sea);
- 1 "Iskander-K" ballistic missile (from tot Qirim);
- 2 x-59 / x-69 cruise missiles (from the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhia region.);
- 21 Shahed-131/136 UAV’s (from the areas of Primorsk-Akhtarsk, Kursk region. ( RF ).
The repelling of the enemy's air strike involved fighter aircraft, air force air missile troops, mobile fire groups and radio-electronic combat units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
As a result of anti-air combat, 59 air targets were destroyed:
- 33 X-101 / X-555 cruise missiles
- 4- "Kalibr" missiles
- 2 x-59/x-69 cruise missiles
- 20 Shahed-131/136 UAVs
The Khortytsia operational-strategic group
(Responsible for the Kupyansk, Lyman, and Bakhmut axes, in the northeastern part of Ukraine. )
Kupyansk axis: Ukrainian troops repelled 16 attacks in the vicinities of Synkivka, Pishchane, Berestove, (Kharkiv oblast), and Stelmakhivka (Luhansk oblast). Where the occupiers, with air support, attempted to breach Ukrainian defensive lines.
Lyman axis: The enemy launched 3 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinities of Nevs’ke, (Luhansk oblast), and Terny (Donetsk oblast). Where, supported by aviation, they attempted to breach Ukrainian defensive lines.
Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian troops repelled 17 attacks in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Verkhnokamyanske, Spirne, Vyimka, Rozdolivka, Novyi, Ivanivske, and Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). Where, with air support, the invaders attempted to improve their tactical position in that area.
The Tavria operational-strategic group
(Responsible for the Avdiivka, Novopavlivka, and Orikhiv axes, in the central-eastern and southeastern part of Ukraine.)
Avdiivka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 27 attacks in the vicinities of Oleksandropil, Novooleksandrivka, Prohres, Yevhenivka, Novoselivka Persha, Umans’ke, and Netailove (Donetsk oblast). Where, with the air support, the invaders attempted to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions.
Novopavlivka axis: Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Kostyantynivka, Vodyane and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast).Where,with the air support, the invaders made 11 attempts to breach Ukrainian defences in that area.
Orikhiv axis: The enemy conducted 6 attacks, with air support, on positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinities of Staromaiors’ke (Donetsk oblast), Robotyne, and northwest of Verbove (Zaporizhzhia oblast).
The Odesa operational-strategic group
(Responsible for Kherson, Qırım, (also known as Crimea) and the Black Sea.)
Kherson axis: Ukrainian defenders continue to maintain their positions. Over the past day, the enemy carried out 3 unsuccessful assaults on the bridgeheads of the Ukrainian Defence Forces on the left bank of the Dnipro River attempting to dislodge them from their positions.
TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Russia intensifies repressions in Qirim to stop cooperation of locals with partisans
Russia, in typical fascist style, intensifies repressions and deploys additional FSB units in the occupied Qirim due to the lack of local support and to counter partisan activities, as the local population awaits liberation and continues to attack Russian military facilities.
Since Russians have not gained support among the local population in the occupied Qirim, Russia is stepping up repressions on the peninsula to counteract the guerrillas. This was stated by the Center of National Resistance, UNN reports.
Despite this, the National Resistance Center emphasises that locals do not accept the occupiers and are waiting for the liberation of their native land. Therefore, successful attacks on Russian military targets are continuing.
In the occupied Qirim, in particular in Sevastopol, the occupiers are intensifying illegal mobilisation activities, with mobile mobilisation brigades deployed in public places, such as near shopping centres.
THE HOME FRONT
Russian plot to kill Zelenskyy foiled by Ukrainian Security Service.
Ukrainian security service (SBU) says it has foiled a Russian plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and other high-ranking Ukrainian officials. BBC reported.
Two Ukrainian government protection unit colonels have been arrested. The SBU said they were part of a network of agents belonging to the Russian state security service (FSB). They had reportedly been searching for willing "executors" among Mr Zelenskyy's bodyguards to kidnap and kill him.
Ever since Russian paratroopers attempted to land in Kyiv and assassinate President Zelensky in the early hours and days of the full-scale invasion, plots to assassinate him have been commonplace.
The Ukrainian leader said at the start of the invasion he was Russia's "number one target".
But this alleged plot stands out from the rest. It involves serving colonels, whose job it was to keep officials and institutions safe, allegedly hired as moles.
Other targets included military intelligence (HUR) head Kyrylo Budanov and SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, the agency added. The group had reportedly planned to kill Mr Budanov before Orthodox Easter, which this year fell on 5 May.
According to the SBU, the plotters had aimed to use a mole to get information about his location, which they would then have attacked with rockets, drones and anti-tank grenades.
One of the officers who was later arrested had already bought drones and anti-personnel mines, the SBU said.
Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminate 39 missiles, 20 UAVs attacking Ukraine
The Ukrainian air defense eliminated 39 missiles and 20 UAVs that attacked Ukraine on Wednesday morning, the Air Force has reported.
The command reported that on the night of May 8, the Russian Federation carried out a combined strike with missiles of various types and attack UAVs. "In total, the enemy used 76 means of air attack – 55 missiles and 21 attack drones," the Air Force noted.
"As a result of the anti-aircraft battle, 59 air targets were destroyed: 33 X-101/X-555 cruise missiles; four Kalibr cruise missiles; two X-59/X-69 guided aviation missiles; 20 Shahed-131/136 type attack UAVs," the report says.
Fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces of the Air Force, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are reportedly involved in repelling the enemy's air attack.
Russians attacked generation facilities in six regions
Russia conducted a massive attack on Ukraine overnight on May 8 attacking electricity generation and transmission facilities in Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhya, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia regions in an attempt to disrupt electricity supply and production in the country. This was reported by Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko, UNN reports.
According to him, the consequences of the attack and the damage to infrastructure facilities are being investigated. Power engineers are already working to repair the damage.
“The enemy wants to deprive us of the ability to generate and transmit electricity sufficiently. Saving electricity is a contribution of each of us to the victory. Responsible consumption in the morning and evening hours is especially important”
— Herman Galushchenko, Energy Minister of Ukraine
Zelenskyy on Russia’s massive attack: World has no right to give another chance to Nazism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to another massive missile strike on Ukraine by the Russian Federation on Wednesday morning on Twitter
“On Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II Day, Nazi Putin launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine. The entire world must understand who is who. The world must not give a chance to new Nazism,” he said on Twitter.
The President noted that over 50 missiles and more than 20 Shahed drones targeted infrastructure in Lviv, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
According to him, all necessary services are already working to mitigate the consequences of Russian terror.
RUSSIAN WORLD
Ukraine: Half of Russian-launched North Korean missiles explode in mid-air
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has disclosed that approximately half of the North Korean missiles fired by Russia toward Ukraine from December to February 2024 detonated in the atmosphere. Defence Blog reports.
The investigation, conducted by Ukraine, analysed debris from 21 out of the 50 North Korean ballistic missiles launched by Russia over the span of two months, aiming to assess the threat posed by Moscow’s collaboration with Pyongyang.
“Approximately half of the North Korean missiles deviated from their programmed trajectories and exploded in the air; in such cases, the debris was not recovered,” the prosecutor’s response to the agency’s inquiry stated.
The last recorded use of Russia’s KN-23 (Hwasong-11) missiles was on February 27.
NEWS WORLDWIDE
White House deems arrest of suspects in Zelenskyy assassination plot "very concerning"
The White House has commented on the arrest of two colonels from Ukraine’s State Security Administration (SSA) who were planning to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a daily press briefing.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the news that suspects plotting to assassinate the Ukrainian president had been detained as "very concerning".
"It is certainly very concerning news, and obviously we are glad that the potential assassination attempt was averted," she said.
Indian police arrest 4 for luring recruits to Russian war
Investigators in India have announced that federal police arrested four people accused of duping young men into going to Russia to fight in the Ukraine war. DW reports.
At least two Indians have been killed in the conflict, with many more saying they were lured to Russia and sent to the front lines under false pretences.
Two of the four suspects were arrested on Tuesday, India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said, while another two were arrested on April 24.
They included a translator, a person who would arrange visas and plane tickets, and two main recruiters operating in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Italian President Says Ukraine War Can't Be Solved By Rewarding Moscow's Aggression
Italy’s president told the UN General Assembly on May 7 that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can’t be solved by rewarding its aggression and peace can only come when Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are restored. RFE reports.
Sergio Mattarella said Italy, which now heads the Group of Seven meetings, and many international partners have come to Ukraine’s defence to support the principle that solidarity must be given to nations attacked by acts that violate international law and the UN Charter.
“No state, no matter how powerful or how equipped it is with a menacing nuclear arsenal can think of violating principles, including the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of another country without facing sanctions,” he said.
This follows a May 6 statement in which Italy's Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto said economic sanctions against Russia had failed and called on the West to try harder to negotiate a diplomatic solution with President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
MILITARY & TECH
Ukraine Downs russia’s New Kh-101 Variant with Dual Warhead
Defense Express acquired a photo of russian Kh-101 cruise missile that had been downed during a recent large-scale strike on Ukraine on May 8, 2024. Notably, the missile had a serial number indicating it was manufactured in the second quarter of 2024, suggesting it was freshly taken from the production line for use against Ukraine. Defense Express reports.
What set this Kh-101 apart was its dual warhead configuration. Alongside the standard 450-kilogram warhead, it carried an additional 350-kilogram warhead, totaling 800 kilograms. The utilisation of russian cruise missiles with this innovation in strikes against Ukraine was first observed in late March 2024, indicating a potential deployment of the Kh-101 missiles with dual warheads by the russian military-industrial complex. Current data suggests that russia achieved the dual warhead capability on the Kh-101 by reducing the fuel tank size, thereby shortening the flight range from approximately 5500 kilometres to 2250 kilometres.
This adaptation allowed for increased destructive power while maintaining adequate range for strikes within Ukrainian territory. For perspective, a 2250-kilometer range could theoretically cover a flight from russia’s Saratov region to Ukraine’s Lviv region, with a reserve of 500-700 kilometers for mid-flight maneuvers. However, questions persist regarding potential modifications to the guidance system and other onboard equipment for the dual-warhead. Notably, both warheads failed to detonate upon the missile’s downing.
An ongoing question revolves around the detonation process of dual warheads on properly equipped Kh-101 missiles used in strikes against Ukraine. Publicly available data indicates that in the 2010s, russia explored a concept where the warhead could split into two parts, dropping one part by parachute 100 kilometers from the primary target while directing the second part towards it. However, this concept wasn’t fully developed at that time. The russians formally announced their work on enhancing the Kh-101 missiles’ warhead to 800 kilograms in January 2024.
The use of such missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure might suggest that russia, aware of Ukrainian air defense systems, is seeking alternative methods to escalate the destructive impact of its attacks.
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