The Russian education system is becoming increasingly politicized and militarized after the invasion of Ukraine. This is aimed at educating young people in the spirit of aggressive nationalism and promoting readiness for military service.
According to the head of the ЦПД, Andrii Kovalenko, Russian drone and missile attacks indicate that any pauses by Putin in the war are purely a tactical move. They are aimed at obtaining favorable conditions for its continuation.
Russians used the "Easter truce" to clear a passage across the Chorniy Zherebets river in order to resume the offensive. They were removing a previously damaged piece of equipment which blocked the passage for their armored vehicles.
The Kremlin justifies the invasion of Ukraine with rhetoric of fighting "Nazism". This is aimed at militarizing society and preparing for a possible prolonged conflict with NATO.
During Russia's "Easter truce," fighting continued, although it subsided in some areas of the front. ISW emphasizes that ceasefire agreements require transparency and reliable monitoring.
US Congressman Joe Wilson called Putin's "Easter truce" fake, pointing to the bombing of facilities and stating that history will remember him as weak. Ukraine and ISW confirmed the continuation of shelling and RF operations, as well as the staging of a provocation in Donetsk.
Russia announced an "Easter truce" but does not observe it. Russian troops continue shelling the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Sumy Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Donbas.
Russia announced an "Easter truce" but immediately continued offensive operations and shelling, indicating its violation. According to ISW, the Russian Federation is likely using this for manipulation and seeking to earn US favor.
Ukrainian troops advanced near Toretsk, while Russian occupiers had success in several directions. According to ISW data, Russian advances were recorded near Kupyansk, Lyman, Kurakhove, and in the Kursk region.
russian troops intend to create a buffer zone along the border of Sumy region and possibly advance on Sumy. putin may use this to expand claims to Ukrainian territories.
In occupied Crimea, veterans of the Russian intelligence service have opened the "Griffin" club, where children will be taught military training. This is done to militarize young people and prepare a reserve for the army.
The Russian foundation "Assistance to Ours" facilitated the deportation of 39 children from the occupied Luhansk region to a sanatorium in the Moscow region. Since 2022, more than 1,200 Ukrainians, including children, have been deported to this institution.
Russia is using vague ceasefire terms to strike energy infrastructure with short-range weapons. Experts believe the shelling undermines confidence in achieving a full ceasefire.
Russia seeks to delay negotiations in order to occupy more Ukrainian territories. The Kremlin hopes that the West will force Kyiv to give Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions to Russia.
U. S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that sides are negotiating a partial ceasefire, including energy infrastructure, which could be implemented within a week.
Russian troops used blue identification marks to covertly attack Ukrainian positions. According to ISW, such actions may qualify as perfidy, which is a war crime.
According to ISW, Putin rejected the US and Ukrainian ceasefire proposal, insisting on demands tantamount to surrender. He seeks to hold the ceasefire proposal "hostage".
The President of Ukraine stated that the US proposal for a ceasefire has been on the table for a week, but Putin is ignoring it. Zelenskyy emphasized that every day of the war takes people's lives.
The Kremlin continues to demand that Ukraine give up the occupied territories. Putin will not abandon his ambitions, even after a ceasefire, ISW analysts believe.
The Institute for the Study of War stated that Putin is not considering a ceasefire and will try to delay negotiations. He seeks to position Russia and the United States as equals on the global stage.
Putin's visit to the Kursk region before the capture of Sudzha by Russian troops may indicate a desire to show strength against the background of the US and Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire. He is trying to pass himself off as an active leader.
Russian troops are trying to dislodge the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Kursk region. The enemy is conducting dozens of assault operations in small groups.
The US and Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, but Russian ultranationalists rejected the proposal. Russian state media is trying to show a moderate reaction for the domestic audience.
russian forces have captured several settlements near Sudzha, forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat. Attacks on Sudzha and border areas of Sumy region continue.
Three countries are organizing naval exercises near the Iranian port of Chabahar. This demonstrates the deepening of Russia's relations with countries hostile to the US.
ISW: the cessation of intelligence sharing between the US and Ukraine will worsen the ability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend and strike. European countries are trying to expand intelligence support for Ukraine after a pause from the US.
The only way to protect Ukraine from Russian ballistic missiles is the Patriot systems, the ammunition for which may run out. The US has suspended military aid, and other countries cannot produce these missiles.
The suspension of aid by the Trump administration will adversely affect Ukraine's ability to defend itself and conduct offensive operations at the current pace. At the same time, it will not completely destroy the front in the near future.
Russian troops have increased the number of drones in night attacks to 150-200 units and have changed their launch tactics from different directions. According to ISW, this is an attempt to exhaust Ukrainian air defense.
Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu meets with Chinese leaders to discuss bilateral security. Kursk region signs an agreement on economic and industrial cooperation with Pyongyang.