Iskander-M missile launchers deployed in Russia’s Belgorod region bordering Ukraine – General Staff

That’s according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

“The enemy forces are regrouping and expanding missile and artillery units to support offensive operations, continuing to launch missile and bomb strikes on military and civilian infrastructure,” reads a war update as of 6:00 Kyiv time on  April 24.

In the Volyn and Polissya directions, the enemy undertook no active efforts. Belarusian forces are working to cover the Ukrainian-Belarusian border in Brest and Gomel regions. In the areas of Grabovka, Hlybotske and Kalinino, Gomel region, engineering works are underway to strengthen positions.

In the Siversky direction, no changes were observed. Russian border guards are covering the border in Bryansk and Kursk regions, fortifying positions at a distance of up to three km from the state border of Ukraine.

“In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy is increasing the grouping of troops by transferring and massing additional units in Belgorod region. According to available intelligence, some 60 km from the state border of Ukraine, Iskander-M tactical missile launchers have been deployed,” the report reads.

The enemy continues to partially block Kharkiv, firing on the positions of the Ukrainian forces and critical infrastructure. In order to complicate the movement of Ukraine’s units near ​​the village of Korotychi, the enemy remotely mined the area.

The Russian army is shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of Kurulka and Nova Dmytrivka. Russian Orlan-10 UAVs are conducting aerial reconnaissance of the Ukrainian Army positions in the areas of Barvinkove, Kurulka, and Husarivka.

In the Donetsk and Tavria directions, the enemy fires at the positions of the Ukrainian military using mortars, artillery, and MLR systems along the entire line of contact. They intensified offensive and assault operations in the Sieiverodonetsk, Kurakhiv, and Popasna directions. There are battles ongoing in the areas of Zarichne, Rubizhne, and Popasna. In the Sieiverodonetsk direction, the enemy launched pontoon crossings across the Krasna River. They are enhancing their air defense system in the Avdiyivka direction.

In the Mariupol direction, the enemy continued to fire on and block Ukrainian defense units in the Azovstal area. The enemy has launched air strikes, including from long-range aircraft. Using the railway, the invaders are making attempts to establish logistical support for their troops.

In the direction of Pivdenyi Buh, the enemy continues to hold its ground, in some areas trying to improve the tactical position, opening fire on the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure.

Ukraine’s forces over the past day downed 17 aerial targets: nine UAVs, three warplanes, and five cruise missiles.

In Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Ukrainian military has repulsed 12 attacks by the Russian army, destroying four tanks, fifteen armored and four other vehicles, as well as five artillery systems.

Russian military death toll stands at about 21,200 as of Aril 22.