Russia starts using new type of Shahed drones to attack Ukraine – ISW

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

It is noted that the Russian occupiers attacked Kyiv for the first time in 25 days. In total, on April 20, the Russian forces launched 26 attack UAVs on the territory of Ukraine, and on April 21 - 12. In the first case, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 21 drones, and in the second - 8.

"Head of the Ukrainian Joint Coordination Press Center of the Southern Forces Natalia Humeniuk stated on April 20 that Russian forces waited until a new shipment of Shahed drones arrived to use them for further strikes and noted that Russian use of missiles has also decreased," ISW writes.

Key findings:

• Russian troops struck Ukraine for the third day in a row with a new delivery of Shahed drones, attacking Kyiv for the first time in 25 days.

• Admiral Viktor Liina, Commander of the Russian Baltic Fleet, assumed command of the Russian Pacific Fleet after the completion of Russian drills in the Pacific Ocean.

• On April 20, a Russian fighter-bomber accidentally bombed Belgorod.

• The Angry Patriots Club accused Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin of supporting efforts to freeze the war in Ukraine. 

• Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law aimed at supporting the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to set conditions for domestic crackdowns and the removal of officials who have fallen out of favor. 

• Russian forces conducted limited ground attacks along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line.

• Russian forces continued to advance in and around Bakhmut, although Russian forces have not completed a turning movement around the city.

• Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Avdiivka-Donetsk front and conducted a limited ground attack in western Donetsk Oblast.

• Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces have established positions on the east (left) bank of Kherson region.

• Russian federal subjects are forming new cross-regional volunteer formations to support the ongoing force generation campaigns.

• Russian authorities are expanding the logistics capabilities and security measures on the Arabat Spit likely to prepare for a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive.