Archived operational intelligence briefing
The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely dynamic, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces continue to make advances, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and along the Vremivka direction. They are leveraging their advantage in drone warfare, with widespread use of FPV drones and confirmed reports of AI integration into Shahed drones. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal towards the Dnipro River in some areas, employing counter-drone measures and inflicting losses on Russian troops and equipment. The withdrawal is focused on the areas around Novooleksandrivka, Novoselivka Persha, and Sokil.
Russian forces have reportedly liberated Novotroitske (DPR), repelling 11 Ukrainian counterattacks. Fighting is ongoing in Chasiv Yar, with Russian forces controlling over half the city and having now taken control of the railway station. The loss of the railway station is a significant blow to Ukrainian forces. Russian forces are advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with fighting ongoing in the center of the town. Russian artillery disrupted a Ukrainian rotation in the Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) direction.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly been withdrawn to the main defense line near the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Russian forces have reportedly taken control of a garage cooperative in Kurakhove, advancing from the industrial zone. They are advancing in the western part of the city near the Kurakhove thermal power plant. The space controlled by Ukrainian forces in the city is shrinking. Ukrainian forces no longer control the territory of the Kurakhivska Thermal Power Plant.
In the Kursk region, Russian forces have reportedly secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and made progress in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district. There are reports that Russian forces are advancing towards Sudzha from the east, following their liberation of Cherkaska Konopelka and progress in Makhnovka. Video and photographic evidence confirm the liberation of Lozova by Russian forces.
A captured Russian soldier's account alleges that Ukrainian command is not providing adequate cover for its troops on the Pokrovsk direction.
Slovak Minister of Defense, Robert Kaliňák, stated that Ukraine might have to cede territory to Russia, emphasizing the need for immediate peace talks. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia will not participate in the "peace summit" organized by Ukraine, also declaring that there are currently no preconditions for ending the conflict.
Ukrainian Air Force reports that overnight, Russian forces attacked with 43 drones, 21 of which were shot down and 22 missed their targets. Damage to private residences was reported in Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts due to falling debris.
Russian forces have improved positions in Novovasylivka and Novoelizavetovka. They also advanced in Vozdvyzhenka. Russian forces have captured Peschanoe and entered Shevchenko.
Ukrainian border guards from the "Revenge" brigade conducted precise strikes in the Luhansk region, destroying a tank, two cannons, an ammunition depot, and 15 vehicles.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying Russian equipment and capturing Russian soldiers.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Klishchiivka, destroying Russian equipment and personnel.
Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike operation in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and destroying a Starlink station.
Ukrainian forces conducted a drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a German Leopard 1 tank.
Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to shoot down an enemy UAV.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones, with drones on the border of Vinnitsa and Kyiv oblasts moving southwest, drones in northern Kyiv moving west, drones north of Poltava moving northwest, drones in northern Sumy constantly changing course, and drones south of Sumy moving east.
Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.
Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage to the market and injuring 8 civilians, 7 of them being hospitalized.
Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones to enhance their target recognition capabilities, even when offline.
Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
Russian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Russian forces used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone.
Russian forces tracked the route of a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone and destroyed a supply drop.
Russian forces used drones to eliminate Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater.
Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 110th Brigade spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army detected and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a forest plantation, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Operators of drones from the "Center" group reportedly eliminated a Ukrainian observation post in the Pokrovsk direction.
Operators of drones from the "Center" group continue to hunt for Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction.
Operators of FPV drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater.
Operators of drones from the BARS-3 "Rodina" unit destroyed a Polish self-propelled gun "Krab" on the Kupyansk front.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction.
A Russian soldier detonated a grenade near his head after being attacked by a Ukrainian FPV drone in Kursk Oblast.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
A new FPV-drone "Hortenzia" with support of management for optical fiber started to be used.
A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
Video evidence of drone attacks on Ukrainian forces personnel.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces dropping a flag on Russian positions near Robotyne.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces dropping a flag on Russian positions near Robotyne.
Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian UAV control point by the 1194th Motorized Rifle Regiment.
Video evidence shows a mobile, vehicle-mounted "Repellent-Patrul" anti-drone system.
Video evidence shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka.
Video evidence shows a masked individual setting fire to a shop.
Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video footage shows the destruction of a Starlink station by the "Southern Front" group.
Video footage shows the destruction of a German Leopard 1 tank by Russian FPV drones "VT-40".
Video footage shows the destruction of an enemy UAV control point by drone operators of the 36th Army.
Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
Video shows a systematic process of preparing aerial bombs, specifically focusing on the installation of guidance fins or wings.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement near a road.
The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely volatile, with Russian forces maintaining their advance in the Donetsk region, especially in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. Enemy reports that the Kurakhove thermal power plant is under Russian control. Drone warfare continues to be a dominant aspect, with widespread activity across multiple regions. Ukrainian forces report shooting down a significant number of Russian drones, but Russian forces also report successes in targeting Ukrainian positions and equipment with drones. Ukrainian forces report they repelled an attack by two "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles.
In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces launched a new offensive, crossing the Volchya River and establishing a bridgehead near Volchansk. Fighting continues in the Kupyansk direction, and Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova. There are reports of ongoing air defense activity and explosions in Kyiv, with a threat of ballistic missiles targeting the capital and Vasylkiv. There are also reports of missile attacks on Shostka in Sumy Oblast, as well as drone attacks in Smolensk Oblast and North Ossetia. A Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone reportedly shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, using an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. Another Mi-8 was reportedly damaged but able to reach its base.
In the Kursk region, heavy fighting continues, with reports of Ukrainian HIMARS strikes and allegations of atrocities. A Ukrainian soldier surrendered to Russian forces after reading a leaflet, highlighting the ongoing psychological warfare.
Geopolitically, tensions remain extremely high, with the US continuing to support Ukraine and NATO increasing its presence in the Baltic Sea. The situation in the Middle East also remains volatile, with reports of Israeli military action in Yemen. The potential expansion of BRICS and Sweden's preparations for potential mass casualties highlight the broader global instability. Russia introduced a new counter-extremism strategy, including the concept of "Russophobia" and measures to track citizens who have left the country.
The crash of a civilian airliner in South Korea, while not directly related to the conflict in Ukraine, has resulted in a significant loss of life (now 120 reported deaths) and underscores the potential for accidents and disasters in a world increasingly marked by conflict and instability.
The destruction of 12 Ukrainian drone control points by the "West" group of troops and the downing of two drones over Crimea highlight the ongoing efforts by both sides to counter the other's drone capabilities.
The situation is fluid and subject to rapid changes. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict. The alleged false flag operation by Ukrainian forces in Krasik (Krasnoarmiisk) suggests a possible escalation in the conflict. The reported withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Kurakhovskaya TPP indicates a significant loss for Ukraine. The continued fighting in Kurakhovo and the surrounding areas suggests that the battle for the city is far from over. The reported use of drones by both sides highlights the importance of this technology in the conflict. The reported involvement of North Korean troops adds another dimension to the conflict. The diplomatic efforts by Ukraine, including the visit to Damascus, suggest that Ukraine is seeking to broaden its international support. The reported increase in drone activity across multiple regions indicates that the threat of air attacks remains high. The new report of 211 additional Ukrainian soldiers being returned home is a morale booster for Ukraine. Poland's intent to speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU is a positive sign for Ukraine on the diplomatic front.
The new reports of air defense activity and explosions in Kyiv, along with the threat of ballistic missiles, indicate that the capital remains a target. The continued air activity over Russia, with the launch of strategic bombers and X-22 missiles, suggests that Russia is maintaining its air campaign. The reports of a high-speed target in the direction of Shostka, Sumy Oblast, and the ongoing fighting in Kharkiv Oblast, highlight the continued intensity of the conflict in these regions. The evacuation of civilians from the Kupiansk and Borivskyi directions underscores the humanitarian impact of the fighting.
The Ukrainian General Staff's report of 168 combat clashes, one missile strike, and 1864 kamikaze drone attacks over the past day, along with the reported Russian losses, provides a quantitative measure of the conflict's intensity. The "Ghost Khortytsia" battalion's reported drone activities and claimed successes highlight the growing importance of drone warfare in the conflict.
The involvement of military personnel accused of war crimes in New Year's celebrations on Russian television is a disturbing development that underscores the brutality of the conflict. The propaganda efforts by both sides, including the video from the "T.ME/RUSICH_ARMY" Telegram channel and the video of the Russian soldier in a Ded Moroz costume, highlight the ongoing information war alongside the physical conflict.
The new information about SpaceX providing satellite communication services to Ukraine through Kyivstar and the US Department of Defense contract for Starlink terminals with access to the Starshield system further emphasizes the importance of technology in the conflict. This development could significantly enhance Ukraine's communication capabilities and potentially provide a tactical advantage.
The reported preparation for an assault by Russian forces in the Kherson region, with anticipated heavy losses, suggests a potential escalation in fighting in the south. This information, coming
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