The 29/04/25 SitRep on Ukraine is ready: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1917477575884169637.html

For over three years, we've been reporting on the war in Ukraine—day in, day out. It takes dedication, time, and the right resources to bring you all these accurate updates.

Your support helps us do more. Every contribution allows us to invest in collaborations with organizations and better tools to improve our coverage. A monthly membership gives us stability, but a one-time donation also makes a huge difference.

💙 Become a monthly supporter: https://patreon.com/NOELREPORTS
⚡️ Make a one-time donation: https://buymeacoffee.com/noelreports

Independent reporting matters—thank you for being part of it.

— NOEL & Team

Russian losses per 30/04/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.

+1100 men
+1 tank
+1 AFVs
+11 artillery
+1 MLRS
+112 UAVs

Yesterday evening and overnight, Russia launched over 16 strikes on Kharkiv — 20 injured, some critically, – Mayor Terekhov. Apartment blocks, private homes, a medical facility, and civilian infrastructure were hit.

Trump to ABC: "If I hadn’t won, Putin would’ve taken all of Ukraine. I can’t relax on a beach under cameras during a war like Biden did."

He added that Putin "respects him" and is "ready to end the war."

Why does Russia keep refusing a 30-day ceasefire to actually negotiate then?

Russia's seaborne oil exports rise for the 2nd week, hitting 3.26M bpd (+1%). Key factor: 18 previously sanctioned tankers return. Weekly exports now at 23.72M barrels, with $1.33B in revenue. Asia dominates demand, while unclear destinations suggest possible rerouting.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-29/russia-s-crude-shipments-edge-higher-with-the-return-of-sanctioned-ships

⚡️ Europe struggles to even commit 25,000 troops for a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. With armies undermanned and underfunded, a 64,000-strong force remains unrealistic. Focus now shifts to training, air/sea support, and rearming Ukraine.

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/europe-uk-peacekeeping-troops-ukraine-6tp2cfgg5

Over 600 DPRK soldiers have died fighting for Russia in Kursk region, Reuters reports. More than 15,000 troops are deployed on Russia's side, with nearly 4,700 injured. In return, Russia provided NK with satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missiles.

https://www.reuters.com/world/about-600-north-koreans-killed-ukraine-war-south-korean-lawmaker-says-2025-04-30/

Russian media reported drone strikes near Rylsk, Kursk region, last evening. Several explosions heard east of the city, possibly targeting a Russian infantry hideout or a strategic site.

Military rehearsals for May 9 parades are underway in Moscow and other Russian cities. Columns of military vehicles and drones are being moved. These are legitimate targets for Ukrainian long-range capabilities.

This week alone, Russia has launched 375 attack drones on Ukraine, including over 100 in a single night, according to Zelensky. In Kharkiv, more than 45 people were injured, including two children, as residential areas, a hospital, and a school were hit. In Dnipro, one person was killed and another injured. In Dobropillia, a mine building was targeted, damaging buses and cars and leaving one person wounded.

The Russian Investigative Committee claims that Ukrainian intelligence agents tried to assassinate a Russian soldier in Khanty-Mansiysk using an IED. The device exploded prematurely on April 13, injuring five and destroying two apartments. Authorities now link the blast—initially blamed on gas—to an alleged Ukrainian plot involving suspects from Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says Russia is "ready" for direct talks with Ukraine — not the US — but insists all original goals of the so-called "special operation" must still be achieved.

Empty talk.