The Ukrainian military achieved significant victories in April, with the country’s commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reporting the retaking of 115 positions from Russia’s invading army. These successes were attributed to the use of active defense tactics and the effectiveness of homegrown long-range drones in combat situations.
Syrskyi emphasized the importance of reinforcing the frontlines in regions such as Sumy, Kursk, and Donetsk, where Ukrainian troops were focused on fending off Russian advances. Despite Russia’s attempts to regain control of territories lost during the counter-invasion in Kursk, Kyiv managed to make new advancements in the area, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
In Sumy, Russia faced resistance from Ukrainian forces, with no advancements recorded at the end of April. The Donetsk region remained a hotspot of intense fighting, particularly in Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka, where Ukraine aimed to halt Russia’s progress. Despite Moscow’s efforts to control more of Donetsk, little headway was made in these areas.
One of the key factors contributing to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield was the use of long-range UAVs, which proved effective in targeting and destroying Russian military facilities. The deployment of these drones increased following the launch of the “Drone Line” initiative in February, with President Volodymyr Zelensky setting a goal of producing 30,000 long-range drones by 2025.
In addition to military advancements, Ukraine received a boost in military aid following a mineral rights deal with the United States. The State Department notified Congress of plans to sell $50 million or more in military equipment to Ukraine, marking the first such deal under the Trump administration.
Overall, the Ukrainian military’s successes in April showcased the effectiveness of their strategies and technologies in defending against Russian aggression. With a focus on active defense tactics and the use of advanced drone warfare, Kyiv continued to push back against Russian forces and reclaim lost territory.
