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Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-01-02 17:53:40Z
1 year ago
Previous (2025-01-02 16:52:28Z)

Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine

As of January 2nd, 2025, 17:17 UTC

Strategic Overview

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) and capturing several settlements. They are also advancing near Novoelizavetovka, Ukrainka, and west of Myrnohrad. The strategic goal appears to be cutting off the highway to Pokrovsk and encircling the city.

In the Vremivka direction, Russian forces have captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka.

Russian forces report taking most of Novovasylivka in the Mezheve (Krasnoarmiisk, left flank) direction. 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, 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. 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. Ukrainian forces are actively countering, with reports of 47 out of 72 enemy drones shot down. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs on Sumy Oblast by Russian tactical aviation.

Drone warfare remains a critical component, with extensive use by both sides. Ukrainian drone operators report successful targeting of Russian soldiers and equipment. Russian forces are using drones extensively, targeting Ukrainian artillery, air defense systems, tanks, river crossings, and electronic warfare equipment.

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Ukrainian defense forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region. Ukrainian forces also reportedly struck a Russian command post in the Kursk region.

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.

New updates indicate that Polish farmers are planning a large protest in Warsaw against the import of Ukrainian agricultural products. Ukraine and Poland are opening joint defense industry enterprises. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving towards the Odesa region, later specified as moving west of Voznesensk towards Pervomaisk. All industrial enterprises in Transnistria have reportedly ceased operations due to a lack of energy resources. A missile strike was reported on Dnipro. Slovak Prime Minister Fico stated that his party is ready to support reducing aid to Ukrainians in Slovakia in response to Ukraine stopping gas transit.

Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region. Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.

The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed a Ukrainian strike on a Russian command post in Maryine, Kursk Oblast.

A video shared by the Ukrainian General Staff praised the 24th and 100th Separate Mechanized Brigades for repelling a Russian assault near Pokrovsk, the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry and 68th Separate Jager Brigades for defending Pokrovsk, and the 79th Air Assault Brigade for their active operations.

Ukraine has become the 125th state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Ukrainian military reported that the "Pentagon" drone unit of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion successfully repelled a Russian attack in Chasiv Yar.

A video from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade showed drone strikes on Russian positions, reportedly killing at least 20 Russian soldiers.

The Ukrainian military reported that the defense forces control almost all of Chasiv Yar and are repelling attacks. Russian forces are attempting to cross the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal in the eastern part of the city.

The Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defense will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Ground Forces Command, focusing on organizational structure, management processes, and compliance with legislation.

A video showed the aftermath of attacks on various buildings, including residential structures, a school, and shops in an unspecified location.

A video from the 124th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade showed a drone strike on a Russian tracked vehicle in a snowy field.

An image of a downed drone decorated as a Christmas tree was shared, likely as a symbol of defiance and psychological warfare.

A video showed a Ukrainian soldier discussing the situation in Pokrovsk, stating that the situation is difficult but not hopeless.

The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing a drone strike on a Ukrainian mortar position in the Kharkiv region.

The Deputy Head of the Military Medical Academy in St. Petersburg was accused of corruption, along with other military personnel and civilians.

A traffic accident involving a tourist bus in Thailand resulted in no fatalities among Russian citizens.

All industrial enterprises in Transnistria have reportedly ceased operations due to a lack of energy resources.

In Latvia, a Ukrainian citizen was detained for attempting to illegally cross the border into Russia.

Former US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker suggested that Kyiv might be pressured not to attempt to retake Russian-occupied territories by military means.

Key Developments

Russian Military Actions and Advances

  • Donetsk Region:
    • Positional battles near Kurakhove, with Russian infantry attacking towards Petropavlivka. Russian forces report they have entered the eastern outskirts of the village.
    • Russian forces expanded their control zone in Krasne (Sontsovka), reaching the northern outskirts.
    • Heavy fighting in Novovasylivka, 10 km southwest of Pokrovsk, with active assault operations.
    • Russian forces are advancing west of Uspenovka and expanding the control zone northwest of Uspenovka.
    • Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud in the DPR.
    • Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and advancing on Yantarnoye, destroying a bridge over the Volchya River in the Kurakhove direction.
    • Russian forces liberated an additional 5 sq km, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone in the Kurakhove direction.
    • Russian forces captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka in the Vremivka direction.
    • Russian forces liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne in the Vremivka direction.
    • Russian forces liberated Makarivka on December 16th and gained control over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
    • Russian forces liberated Uspenovka, and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket."
    • Russian forces liberated Neskuchne in DPR.
    • Russian forces liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and are advancing from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev in the Vremivka direction.
    • Russian forces have taken control of Novoolenivka, Donetsk People's Republic.
    • Russian forces report destroying one IFV and one APC near Yantarne, Donetsk Oblast.
    • Russian forces report advancing near Vovkovo, Solone, and Novovasylivka.
    • Russian forces report advancing near Kurakhove thermal power plant.
    • Russian forces report advancing in Dzerzhinsk near waste heap No. 10.
    • In Mezheve (Krasnoarmiisk, left flank) direction, Russian forces report taking most of Novovasylivka.
    • Russian forces are also applying pressure south of Uspenovka.
    • After securing the western part of Novoelizavetovka, Russian assault units are attacking Nadezhdinka and to the south, across the dam, towards Sribne and Novoandreevka.
    • Russian assault units are engaged in battles to capture Yaseneve (Yasenovoe).
    • Southeast, Russian forces have entered Slavyanka and Petropavlovka.
    • North of Shevchenko, Russian forces have captured some Ukrainian positions on the eastern side.
    • Positional fighting is reported in the Lysychansk-Belohorivka area, with Russian forces advancing approximately 800 meters.
    • Russian forces report taking control of Novoolenivka, Donetsk People's Republic.
    • Russian forces report destroying another German Leopard 1A5 tank near Shevchenko, south of Krasnoarmeysk.
    • Russian forces advanced near Terny, Vozdvyzhenka, Novoukrainka, Uspenivka, Dalne, Sontsivka, Novoelizavetivka, Vovkove, Kurakhove, and Shevchenko. The area north of Novoelizavetivka was clarified.
    • Russian forces advanced near Kurakhove, capturing areas near Dalne and Sukhoi Yaly.
    • South of Kurakhove, Russian forces have taken all strongholds in the fortified area covering the city from the south and have advanced from Dalne to the sewage treatment plants, clearing the area east of Yantarnoe. Fighting continues on the western outskirts of Kurakhove.
    • North of the Volchya River, the threat of Russian forces reaching Andreevka from the northeast is emerging, bypassing the main fortified area of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
    • Battles continue in the northern part of Dachnoye, on the approaches to Ulakly and Konstantinopol.
    • The enemy continues to hold the right bank of the Sukhoi Yaly River from Yantarnoe to Ulakly.
    • Russian assault troops have entered Petropavlovka and Slavyanka and are advancing within the settlements.
    • Russian forces report they have taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km. Russian forces have broken through to the railway station in the western part of the city and secured it. According to reports, assault groups have also established a foothold in the northern microdistrict opposite the railway station.
    • Russian forces launched a powerful attack with "Iskanders" on Dnipropetrovsk.
    • Russian forces report that a video shows the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Kurakhove. The video purportedly shows a large amount of military equipment destroyed by Russian artillery and drones on the approach to the city. The source claims that Kurakhove followed the same scenario as Artemovsk, where a trapped group was first deprived of logistics and then forced to retreat in small groups along muddy roads.
    • Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade in Belogorovka, pushing Ukrainian forces out of fortifications on the outskirts and taking control of the center of the settlement.
    • Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction, with Russian motorized rifle units actively engaging in combat operations, including an assault towards Novoaleksandrivka.
    • Russian forces report they have taken control of the village of Solone.
    • Russian forces report active combat operations with motorized rifle units in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction, including an assault towards Novoaleksandrivka.
    • Russian forces report they destroyed three Leopard tanks in battles on the Kursk front.
  • Kursk Region:
    • Russian forces are making progress in the forests of the Sudzhansky district and near Leonidovo and Kurilovka.
    • Ukrainian reserves, including foreign mercenaries, are reportedly being transferred to the region.
    • Russian forces report reaching Kurylivka, south of Sudzha.
    • Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area of the Kursk Region.
    • The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line of the Kursk Region.
    • Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
    • The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
    • Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
    • Calculations of the MLRS "Grad" group of troops "North" destroyed strongholds and infantry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
    • Russian forces reportedly liberated Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, and Kamyshovka.
    • Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka, advancing up to 1200 meters near Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya, and Kurilovka.
    • South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka, clearing a forest belt and gaining 1.6 km. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
    • Russian forces report they liberated Lozova.
    • Russian forces report they liberated Novovasylivka.
  • Krasnolimansky Direction:
    • Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny.
    • A buildup of Russian forces is noted on the newly formed bridgehead in Ivanovka on the right bank of the Zherebets River.
    • Russian forces report storming Ukrainian positions near Terny.
    • Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
    • 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:
    • Two civilians were injured in a drone attack on a vehicle.
    • Partial power outages were reported in Shebekino due to shelling.
  • Donetsk People's Republic (DPR):
    • Four civilians were injured in Panteleimonovka (Yasynuvata district) due to shelling.
    • A radio operator of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations was injured in Horlivka.

Ukrainian Actions

  • Drone Attacks on Russia:
    • 13 drones were destroyed over Voronezh, Bryansk, Rostov, Kaluga, and Kursk Oblasts.
    • Two additional Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Bryansk Oblast.
    • A drone was shot down in Orlov Oblast during the day.
    • Reports of a drone being rammed by a Russian drone over Pokrovsk.
    • Four more Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Belgorod region in the morning.
  • Drone Attacks on Ukraine:
    • Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 47 out of 72 drones, 24 drones that failed to reach their targets, and one drone still airborne.
    • 5 Russian drones were shot down over Sumy Oblast.
    • 5 Russian drones were shot down over Cherkasy Oblast.
    • New reports of drone threats in Kharkiv and Poltava Oblasts.
    • Enemy tactical aviation is active in the east and north-east, with a threat of air strikes in the frontline regions.
    • Ukrainian air defense forces report shooting down two "Shahed" drones in the Sumy region.
    • New reports indicate a group of Russian Shahed drones are on the border of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, moving west. Another group of drones is in the north of Donetsk oblast, heading north. A new group of drones is in Dnipro, heading north. A group of drones is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk oblast, heading toward Poltava oblast. A group of drones is in Kharkiv oblast, heading toward Kharkiv.
    • Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements in Chernihiv Oblast to the west and towards Kyiv Oblast.
    • New groups of drones were entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
    • Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.
    • New reports of drone movements in Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.
    • Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones.
    • Reports of drone movements in various regions, including Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad.
    • Reports of drone movements in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
    • Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
    • Reports indicate drones approaching from Tendra towards Odesa/Pivdenne, with an estimated arrival time of 10-15 minutes. The number of drones is being clarified.
    • Air raid alerts have been issued in Mykolaiv Oblast due to the threat of "Shahed" drones.
    • Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske/Pivdenne (Odesa Oblast).
    • Drones are reported in Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching from the south.
    • Two drones are reported near Kobleve, and two more are moving from the Tendra Spit towards Ochakiv.
    • Enemy drones are reportedly heading towards Mykolaiv Oblast from the south, with a call for residents of Ochakiv to take shelter.
    • Three drones are moving from Kharkiv Oblast to Poltava Oblast.
    • Four drones are approaching Chuhuiv/Kharkiv. Anti-aircraft operations may be active.
    • Two drones are moving from the east of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Kharkiv Oblast.
    • One drone is in the Zlatopil area and has turned towards Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
    • New Shahed drones from the Black Sea are heading towards the south of Odesa Oblast.
    • Shahed drones are present in the south of Sumy Oblast, the east of Poltava Oblast, and the west of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwards.
    • A new group of Shahed drones is heading from the Black Sea towards the south of the Odesa region.
    • New Shahed drones are heading towards Odesa Oblast, specifically towards the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district.
    • Three Shahed drones are approaching Bilyaivka either through or near the town. Three new Shahed drones are moving from the Black Sea towards the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, with one potentially heading towards Ovidiopol.
    • The Air Force reported:
      • A new group of Shahed drones from the Black Sea heading towards the south of the Odesa region.
      • Shahed drones in the south of the Odesa region heading north.
      • Shahed drones in the south of the Kharkiv region heading northwest.
      • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the north of the Kharkiv region heading towards the Poltava region.
      • Drones in the east of the Poltava region heading towards Myrhorod.
      • Shahed drones in the east of the Sumy region heading towards the Chernihiv region.
    • Three Shahed drones are heading towards Kurortne through Bilyaivka. One Shahed drone is circling at the intersection of the Sumy and Poltava regions. Two Shahed drones are moving from the Kharkiv region to the Poltava region. Three Shahed drones are in the Lozova area of the Kharkiv region, heading north.
    • 3 drones via Rozdilna are heading towards Odesa Oblast.
    • 2 drones via Bilyaivka are heading towards Odesa.
    • 1 new drone from the Black Sea is heading towards Ovidiopol.
    • 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv.
    • 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
    • 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
    • 1 drone turned towards Odesa, expect loud activity.
    • One drone from the Odesa region is flying towards the Vinnytsia region. One drone is approaching Rozdilna. One drone is flying towards Odesa. The northern direction is being clarified.
    • One drone is flying from the Mykolaiv region towards the Odesa region, to the north of the region.
    • Several Shahed drones detected moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske and Pivdenne.
    • A group of Shahed drones is moving north in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Several Shahed drones are in the center, north, south, and east of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwest.
    • A new group of drones from Sumy Oblast is moving towards Poltava Oblast.
    • A high-speed target is reported on the border of Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts.
    • The missile is flying west of Voznesensk towards Pervomaisk.
  • Attacks on Russian Forces:
    • Russian forces report an attack on a bus in the Korabelny district of Kherson, resulting in three injuries.
    • 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 forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
    • Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike operation in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and destroying a Starlink station.
    • 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 forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
    • Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk.
    • Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
    • Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
    • Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
    • Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
    • Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
    • Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
    • Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
    • Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
    • Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
    • Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
    • Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
    • Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
    • A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
    • A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
    • Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
    • 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.
    • Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
    • Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
    • Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
    • In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
    • FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses in the Kharkiv direction.
    • Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
    • Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
    • Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
    • Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo 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.
    • 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 are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
    • A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
    • Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
    • Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones:
      • New drones entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk, moving southwest.
      • Drones in eastern and western Poltava Oblast, moving west.
      • Drones in northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
      • Drones are reported in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving northwest, and on the west of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
    • One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
    • City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
    • The Air Force reports the movement of enemy drones:
      • Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest;
      • Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west;
      • Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west;
      • Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west;
      • Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west.
    • Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast.
    • 1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
    • The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones in Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava Oblast, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west and west, in Chernihiv Oblast to the west, and new groups in the east of Kharkiv Oblast to the west.
    • Drone movement has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, specifically near Nizhyn.
    • Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
    • Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
    • Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
    • Several Shahed drones detected moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske and Pivdenne.
    • A group of Shahed drones is moving north in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Several Shahed drones are in the center, north, south, and east of Kharkiv Oblast, moving northwest.
    • Up to 10 drones and several FPV drones were involved in the recent attack.
    • Ukrainian air defense systems engaged multiple Russian drones near Nechaiane, Ochakiv, and Velyka Korenykha.
    • Russian drones were launched from Crimea.
    • Up to 10 drones were reported over Ochakiv, with some shot down. One drone was reported near Parutino.
    • New enemy drone attacks reported in Ochakiv from the Black Sea.
    • FPV drones of the "Center" group continue to hunt for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Pokrovsk direction.
    • Ukrainian forces report that one Russian warship is present in the Black Sea, but it is not equipped with "Kalibr" missiles. No Russian warships were detected in the Azov Sea.
    • Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down a Ukrainian missile over Kursk Oblast.
    • Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging Russian drones, with reports of "first drones shot down" in the Mykolaiv region.
    • Three drones are confirmed to be moving through Kutsurub in a northerly direction.
    • The Sever Group of Forces’ FPV drone team destroyed a camouflaged position of an AFU mortar in Sumy region.
    • Operators of the FPV group "Sever" hit three Ukrainian Armed Forces dugouts with three kamikaze drones in the Kharkiv direction.
    • 3 drones via Bilyaivka are heading towards Kurortne. 1 drone is circling around the border of Sumy and Poltava oblasts. 2 drones are moving from Kharkiv to Poltava. 3 drones are in Lozova area, heading north.
    • Video shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
    • Russian forces report they destroyed 3 Leopard tanks in the border areas of the Kursk region. The tanks were reportedly targeted by FPV drones equipped with fiber optic guidance.

Updated Situation and Key Changes

Russian forces continue their offensive, making significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal, attempting to consolidate their defenses. Drone warfare remains a critical component, with ongoing drone activity reported in multiple regions. Air raid alerts have been called off in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and other regions.

New Information and its Implications:

  • Hand-to-Hand Combat Video: A video emerged showing a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself. This highlights the intensity and brutality of close-quarters combat. The video, released by a Russian source, could be used to demoralize Ukrainian troops and boost the morale of Russian soldiers. The fact that the Ukrainian soldier chose to detonate a grenade rather than surrender may indicate a high level of resolve or fear of capture.
  • Alleged Imminent Fall of Pokrovsk: Pro-Russian sources are spreading information about the imminent fall of Pokrovsk, claiming that Russian troops are within 2 km of the city. They also report the destruction of a Ukrainian flag stele at the city's entrance, which, if true, could be a symbolic victory for Russian forces and a demoralizing blow to Ukrainian defenders. However, this information should be treated with caution, as it comes from a biased source and may be part of a psychological operation to demoralize Ukrainian troops and civilians. Ukrainian sources report the situation is difficult but not hopeless.
  • Corruption Allegations in Pokrovsk: Reports of local authorities in Pokrovsk allegedly misusing funds allocated for media support, city improvement, and heating supply further complicate the situation. If true, this could erode public trust in the
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