Russia has intensified air and ground operations along several axes in Ukraine, according to the UK Ministry of Defence’s latest Defence Intelligence Update released on 18 April.
The report notes that “adjacent to Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod oblasts, Russian forces have conducted large-scale aerial attacks on the Ukrainian oblast of Sumy,” adding that it is “highly likely [Russia] intends to continue offensive activity in the region in order to reclaim the contested Kursk territory.”
The Sumy region, which borders Russia’s western frontier, has remained a flashpoint throughout the conflict. UK intelligence indicates that the renewed focus may signal Moscow’s attempt to regain lost ground or divert Ukrainian resources away from other fronts.
Further south in the contested eastern Donbas, the update states that “in central Donetsk oblast, Russia contests several key urban strongholds such as Toretsk and Chasiv Yar,” where assaults have continued throughout 2025.
However, “in southern Ukraine there have been few instances of Russian advances,” suggesting Russia is “highly likely… prioritising other axes.”
In the northeast, the strategic rail and logistics hub of Kupiansk also remains under threat. According to the update, “Russia has persisted in making assaults towards the rail and logistics hub of Kupiansk.” Notably, Russian forces have “maintained a bridgehead at the village of Zapadne, west of the Oskil river.”
Yet Ukrainian forces appear to be holding firm. The report highlights that “Ukrainian Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and artillery strikes are reportedly hindering attempted Russian pontoon crossings.”
While Russia appears to be escalating pressure in multiple regions, the intelligence paints a picture of stiff Ukrainian resistance, with limited breakthroughs for Russian troops so far.
