Archived operational intelligence briefing
Russian forces maintain offensive momentum, particularly in the Donetsk region, with significant advances near Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). They have expanded their control zone near Kurakhove, reaching the northern outskirts of Krasne (Sontsovka), capturing part of Slavyanka, and liberating Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant. They are also advancing near Novoelizavetovka, Ukrainka, and west of Myrnohrad, controlling Vozdvizhenka and a major strongpoint along the C-05-09-07 highway. Pro-Russian sources confirm the capture of Vozdvyzhenka, emphasizing the strategic goal of cutting off the highway to Pokrovsk and encircling the city from the right flank. In the Vremivka direction, they have captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka, liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road, and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne. According to Russian sources, Russian forces have cleared the Ukrainian forces from the area south of Kurakhove, between Uspenovka and Yantarnoe.
Russian forces report taking most of Novovasylivka in the Mezheve (Krasnoarmiisk, left flank) direction, with ongoing cleanup operations in the western part of the village. They are applying pressure south of Uspenovka and advancing in the fields along the ravines and forest belts. After securing the western part of Novoelizavetovka, Russian assault units are attacking Nadezhdinka and to the south, across the dam, towards Sribne and Novoandreevka. Simultaneously, Russian assault units are engaged in battles to capture Yaseneve (Yasenovoe). Southeast of this area, Russian forces have entered Slavyanka and Petropavlovka, securing their positions and continuing to advance. Further south, battles are ongoing for a Ukrainian fortified area. North of Shevchenko, Russian forces have captured some Ukrainian positions on the eastern side.
Heavy fighting continues in the Pokrovsk direction, with Russian forces attempting to encircle the city rather than engage in direct assaults. The spokesman for the operational command "Khortytsia" reported that the Russians are trying to bypass Pokrovsk, as there are no battles within the city. The occupying forces are trying to bypass Pokrovsk and cut off the supply lines of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are actively countering, with reports of 47 out of 72 enemy drones shot down, and 24 drones that failed to reach their targets. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs on Sumy Oblast by Russian tactical aviation, indicating continued and potentially expanding aerial threats. The destruction of a Ukrainian radar station AN/TPQ-36 by Russian forces is reported, showcasing the ongoing battle for technological superiority.
Drone warfare remains a critical component, with extensive use by both sides. Ukrainian drone operators from the 66th Mechanized Brigade report successful targeting of Russian soldiers, as evidenced by thermal imaging footage. Ukrainian forces report the destruction of two "Shahed" drones by the 35th Sumy Regiment of the National Guard. Ukrainian forces released a compilation video highlighting their successful drone operations, destroying Russian equipment and personnel, specifically targeting an antenna complex and a "Bukhmobile". A Russian drone attack on Ukrainian positions using FPV drones resulted in five casualties. Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian radar station AN/TPQ-36 in the Kherson direction. The "Spartan" unit of the Southern Defense Forces is actively hunting for Russian Starlink terminals using drones. Drone operators of the "Achilles" unit of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade have reportedly hit over 2,000 targets per month. Drone operators of the 20th Motorized Rifle Division discovered and destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes. Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine. Russian forces are using FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian defenses, as shown by a video of the destruction of a Ukrainian command post and a 120-mm mortar position.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Ukrainian defense forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region. Powerful explosions and a fire were recorded at the facility, with heavy smoke observed. Reservoirs with oil products reportedly caught fire. The base was known to be used for supplying the Russian occupying army.
Russian forces are also making gains in the Kursk region, having secured a foothold in Cherkaska Konopelka and making progress in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district. Russian forces report they liberated Lozova.
Donetsk Region:
Kursk Region:
Krasnolimansky Direction:
On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, and Makiyivka. * An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny. * Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
Belgorod Region:
Donetsk People's Republic (DPR):
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces report new positions in the northern part of the city, advancing up to 1.5 km. Russian forces have broken through to the railway station in the western part of Chasiv Yar and secured it. According to reports, assault groups have also established a foothold in the northern microdistrict opposite the railway station.
Dzerzhynsk: Russian forces report advancing towards waste heap No. 10.
Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka: Russian forces report active combat operations with motorized rifle units, including an assault towards Novoaleksandrivka.
Drone Attacks on Russia:
Drone Attacks on Ukraine:
Attacks on Russian Forces:
Black Sea:
Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast:
Kryvyi Rih District:
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Kharkiv Oblast:
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces are shelling the area of Kupyansk with artillery and mortars, as well as using drones.
Ukrainian Losses (Past 24 Hours):
Russian Losses:
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP): Foreign equipment installed during the Ukrainian period at the ZNPP will be replaced with Russian equipment.
New Russian Legislation: Fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 rubles will be imposed from February 5 on those providing services to foreigners on the list of controlled persons. Starting March 5, police in Russia will have the right to freely enter the homes of migrants.
Transnistria: Due to Ukraine cutting off Russian gas supplies to Europe and Moldova's decision to sever relations with Gazprom, Transnistria is cut off from gas supplies. This has caused a reaction from the Russian army. The situation in Transnistria is critical, with gas supplies cut off, leading to the shutdown of heating in homes and the closure of schools, kindergartens, and administrative buildings. The Moldavskaya GRES has switched to coal reserves, but these will only last for 50 days.
Occupied Territories: Starting January 1, 2025, Ukrainians in occupied territories who have not obtained a Russian passport will be deprived of their rights, including access to subsidized medicines.
Belgorod Region, Russia: Cellular communication stations will be installed in 2025 in settlements where there has never been any communication.
Russian Military-Medical Academy: The deputy head of the Kirov Military Medical Academy, Pavel Veshkin, has been charged with large-scale bribery.
Air Defenses in Sumy Oblast: Five Russian drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces in Sumy Oblast.
Russian Military Claims: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have carried out over 1,500 high-precision and drone strikes in 2024.
Russian Military Reports: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the progress of the special military operation, highlighting losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces in various directions, including the destruction of one Su-27 aircraft, six HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 97 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.
Escalation in Belgorod: The injury of two civilians due to a drone attack and power outages in Shebekino indicates an escalation of conflict in the Belgorod region.
Casualties in DPR: The injury of four civilians in Panteleimonovka and a radio operator in Horlivka highlights the continued impact of the conflict on the civilian population in the Donetsk People's Republic.
Fundraising for Drones: The message from "Colonelcassad" requesting funds for drones for troops assaulting Toretsk emphasizes the ongoing need for equipment and support for Russian forces.
US Department of the Treasury: The US Department of the Treasury's office responsible for sanctions and its head, Janet Yellen, were reportedly hacked by hackers associated with the PRC.
Ukrainian Military Successes: The Ukrainian Armed Forces report the destruction of 1,370 Russian troops, 20 artillery systems, 54 vehicles, and 69 drones in the past 24 hours.
Drone Activity in Sumy Oblast: Five Russian drones were reportedly shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces in Sumy Oblast.
Drone Activity in Cherkasy Oblast: Five Russian drones were reportedly shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces in Cherkasy Oblast overnight.
Mass Shootings in the US: Multiple reports of mass shootings in the US, including incidents in New York and Las Vegas, with a total of at least 32 people injured and 12 killed. One of the incidents involved the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck near the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. While the police are considering the possibility of a terrorist attack, they have also noted that the explosion may have been caused by pyrotechnics detonating inside the vehicle. The FBI believes the explosion was an isolated incident.
Corruption in Russian Military: The deputy head of the Kirov Military Medical Academy, Pavel Veshkin, has been charged with large-scale bribery. He is accused of receiving money from the company "SL Pharma" in exchange for contracts related to medical equipment. The case also involves other military and civilian individuals.
Political Developments in the US: Donald Trump has made numerous campaign promises, including ending the conflict in Ukraine, closing the borders, and implementing various domestic policy changes. However, he has already acknowledged that resolving the conflict in Ukraine may be more difficult than he initially claimed.
EU-Hungary Relations: The EU's decision to withhold funds from Hungary adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
Ukrainian Military Ombudsman: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as the new military ombudsman. This appointment is being criticized by some members of the military due to Reshetilova's past actions, including a trip to occupied Crimea in 2015 and a visit to Chechnya in 2016.
Gas Transportation Tariffs: Tariffs for gas transportation may increase fourfold for domestic consumers in Ukraine due to the cessation of Russian gas transit.
Infrastructure in Poland: Poland plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region for rapid troop deployment.
Potential Targets: Reports that Russia has developed plans for a potential war with Japan and South Korea.
Recruitment Centers in Ukraine: Over 32,000 Ukrainians applied to recruitment centers in the first year of operation.
New Legislation in Ukraine: President Zelensky signed a law eliminating Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSECs).
SpaceX and Starlink: SpaceX has reportedly entered into a new agreement to provide satellite communication services to Ukraine through Kyivstar. SpaceX also has a contract with the US Department of Defense to provide 2,500 Starlink terminals to Ukraine with access to the Starshield system.
Alleged Attempted Assassination: Reports of an attempted assassination of an illegally mobilized individual in Donetsk.
Russian Military Training: The Russian Minister of Defense inspected combat training of Black Sea Fleet marines, focusing on tactical and special training, including the use of FPV drones.
Fundraising Campaigns: Several fundraising campaigns for both Ukrainian and Russian forces are ongoing.
Public Opinion Poll: A poll by the "Rating" group indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are the most trusted institution in Ukraine.
Russian Naval Successes: The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy reported that the Pacific Fleet was ranked first among Russian fleets in 2024.
Italy's Contribution: Italy has contributed 13 million euros to Ukraine's energy support fund.
Turkey's Position: President Erdogan stated that ending the war in Ukraine is a priority for 2025.
Financial Times Prediction: Predicts a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the next year.
Report on Ukrainian Drone Production: Ukraine is now producing 96% of the drones needed for the front, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Over 1.2 million drones have been procured through the "Army of Drones" project.
Report on Russian Military Production: A video from a volunteer sewing workshop in Rostov-on-Don indicates increased production of military supplies for Russian forces.
Report on Russian Military Awards: Over the course of the "Special Military Operation," 52 servicemen in the "Vostok" group have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, and 14 military units have been designated as "Guards."
New Year Address by Putin: President Putin delivered a New Year's address, expressing confidence in the country's future and acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Report on Russian Tank Production: Uralvagonzavod has delivered the final batch of new T-90M and upgraded T-72B3M tanks for the year to the Russian military.
Latvia's Support: Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.
New message from "Alex Parker Returns": Reports that Gazprom has begun to cut off gas supplies through Ukraine. Claims that one of the goals of the SMO was to control the gas transportation system of Ukraine.
New message from "РБК-Україна": Reports that the Financial Times predicts a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the next year, with the US potentially threatening tougher sanctions against Russia and increasing support for Kyiv to achieve this.
New message from "ТАСС": Reports that the Russian government will expand the coverage of duties on products from unfriendly countries starting January 1, with increased duties on beer, cider, roasted and instant coffee, and an expansion of existing duties on perfumery and cosmetic products.
New message from "Alex Parker Returns": Reports that there was a successful strike in Vasilkov, with significant damage and casualties.
New message from "Два майора": Shares an image with the text "Reference:" followed by a description of Operation "Uran" (November 19, 1942 - February 2, 1943), a counteroffensive during the Great Patriotic War aimed at encircling and destroying the enemy group near Stalingrad.
New message from "Colonelcassad": Shares a summary of the Russian Ministry of Defense's report on repelling the attempted invasion of Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region of the Russian Federation as of December 31, 2024. The report states that units of the "North" group, during offensive operations, inflicted damage on formations of the heavy mechanized, six mechanized, three airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, two territorial defense brigades, and an assault battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. A counterattack by a Ukrainian assault group was repelled. Operational-tactical and army aviation strikes, as well as artillery fire, targeted enemy manpower and equipment in the areas of Alexandria, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, as well as Belovody and Zhuravka in the Sumy region. Over the course of the day, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 445 servicemen, with the destruction of one armored personnel carrier, 13 armored fighting vehicles, and 22 vehicles. In total, during the combat operations in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost up to 45,980 servicemen, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 143 armored personnel carriers, 1,372 armored fighting vehicles, 1,259 vehicles, 337 artillery pieces, 42 multiple rocket launcher systems, including 11 HIMARS and six MLRS made in the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile system launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 83 electronic warfare stations, 13 counter-battery radars, four air defense radars, 28 units of engineering and other equipment, including 13 engineering obstacle clearing vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing system, seven armored recovery vehicles, and a command and staff vehicle.
Report of Ukrainian delegation visit to Damascus: Ukrainian delegation visited Damascus and presented a traditional Ukrainian shirt to al-Julani.
Report of non-public part of negotiations between Ukrainian delegation and Damascus: Kyiv is reportedly interested in acquiring jihadists, particularly Chechens, and weapons from the remnants of the Syrian government army.
Claim of potential appearance of Chechen fighters in the Special Military Operation zone: The report suggests that Chechen fighters who previously fought in Aleppo and Homs might soon appear in the conflict zone, fighting on the Ukrainian side.
Report of Russian forces being attacked by soldiers from the Foreign Legion under Pokrovsk: Russian forces attacked soldiers from the Foreign Legion near Pokrovsk.
Three Russian soldiers were released from hospitals: The condition of three other soldiers remains critical.
Report of renewed attack on Lgov with 8 Storm Shadow missiles: The attack suggests the use of Western long-range precision weapons against targets in Russia.
Appointment of former head of Kyiv Regional State Administration: Ruslan Kravchenko has been appointed head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
Inspection of combat training of Black Sea Fleet marines: Russian Minister of Defense inspected combat training, focusing on tactical and special training, including the use of FPV drones.
Report on the downing of a Russian helicopter by a Ukrainian drone: A Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a Russian helicopter using an R-73 missile.
Sabotage in Tver: The Legion "Freedom of Russia" claimed responsibility for setting fire to a communication tower in Tver. This indicates internal resistance and potential sabotage operations within Russia.
Map Updates: Several changes to the map were reported, including:
New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky.
New message from "ASTRA": Reports that Alexander Khinshtein, the acting head of the Kursk region, denied state support to entrepreneurs from Sudzha and warned that resettled residents should not expect increased compensation. During a meeting with initiative groups of residents of Sudzha, Khinshtein stated that entrepreneurs from the Kursk region should not expect any assistance. He believes that the standard of living of people who were able to start their own business is necessarily above average, which means that such people do not need state assistance. Khinshtein also refused to increase compensation for resettled residents, stating that the pensions, roads, and infrastructure that they had before 2022 were already provided by the state.
New message from "ОТУ "Харків"": Shares a video of soldiers from the 57th Motorized Brigade delivering New Year's greetings near Volchansk.
New message from "Два майора": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky, to the personnel of the Airborne Forces and the "Dnepr" group of troops.
New message from "Воин DV": Shares New Year's greetings from subscribers to the channel, including a message from the mother of a soldier in the 38th Brigade, a message from family and friends of soldiers, and a message from a soldier in the Far East.
New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky.
New message from "ASTRA": Reports that Alexander Khinshtein, the acting head of the Kursk region, denied state support to entrepreneurs from Sudzha and warned that resettled residents should not expect increased compensation. During a meeting with initiative groups of residents of Sudzha, Khinshtein stated that entrepreneurs from the Kursk region should not expect any assistance. He believes that the standard of living of people who were able to start their own business is necessarily above average, which means that such people do not need state assistance. Khinshtein also refused to increase compensation for resettled residents, stating that the pensions, roads, and infrastructure that they had before 2022 were already provided by the state.
Zelensky's advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, rejected negotiations with the Kremlin until Russia is forced to pay a high enough price for the war.
57% of Ukrainians are ready to endure the hardships of war for as long as necessary, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. This is a 16% decrease from the previous year.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports that in 2024, the Russian Armed Forces suffered the greatest losses since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The losses include: 430,790 military personnel, 3,689 tanks, 8,956 armored fighting vehicles, 13,050 artillery systems, 313 multiple rocket launcher systems, 407 air defense systems, and 21,345 vehicles.
A former soldier, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a Ford pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring 35. Improvised explosive devices and an ISIS flag were found in the vehicle. On the same day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded near the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, injuring seven and killing the driver, Matthew Livelsberger, a former military man who had worked in special forces. Both vehicles were reportedly rented through the same app.
In Cetinje, Montenegro, an unknown person opened fire in a cafe, killing 10 people. The perpetrator escaped.
In Italy, an Egyptian man attacked passersby with a knife while shouting "Allahu Akbar." The terrorist was shot by police, and five people were injured.
In Berlin, migrants rioted, setting fires, detonating homemade bombs, and attacking civilians. Five people were killed, dozens were injured, and 390 were detained. Alice Weidel, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany party, said the situation resembles a "civil war."
Russian forces are reported to have used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight on December 31st.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that it had repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. The Russian army is conducting an offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
Russian forces have repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one heavy mechanized brigade, five mechanized brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defense brigades, and one assault battalion of the AFU near Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Five counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Leb
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