Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 2, 2025, 19:17 UTC
Key Developments
Russian Military Actions and Advances
Donetsk Region:
Intense fighting continues near Kurakhove, with Russian forces attempting to encircle the city. They have made significant advances, capturing several settlements and reaching the outskirts of Krasne (Sontsovka). The strategic goal appears to be cutting off the highway to Pokrovsk and encircling the city.
Russian forces are making gains near Novovasylivka, 10 km southwest of Pokrovsk, with active assault operations. They are also advancing west and northwest of Uspenovka.
Russian forces have entered Slavyanka and Petropavlovka, and captured some Ukrainian positions north of Shevchenko.
Positional fighting is reported in the Lysychansk-Belohorivka area.
Russian forces launched a powerful attack with "Iskanders" on Dnipropetrovsk.
Russian forces report they have taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km.
Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade in Belogorovka.
Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "RAROG" unit of the 24th Mechanized Brigade, report destroying four T-62 tanks and three BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles near Chasiv Yar.
Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka.
Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
Russian forces have taken Ivan-Daryevka and are advancing west of the settlement.
Kursk Region:
Russian forces are making progress in the forests of the Sudzhansky district and near Leonidovo and Kurilovka.
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken full control of Cherkaska Konopelka.
Active combat near Sudzha: Russian forces are attacking towards Viktorivka.
Russian forces are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka.
Fighting is ongoing near Malaya Loknya, where a Russian drone strike targeted a Ukrainian vehicle and building.
Russian forces also report a drone strike near Maryevka, targeting a Ukrainian vehicle and building with personnel.
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.
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.
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.
Chasiv Yar Direction:
Russian troops continue clearing operations at the Kombinat plant.
Fighting continues in the northern part of the city and near Novyi microdistrict.
The front line has not changed significantly.
Zaporizhzhia Direction:
A large number of enemy vehicles and personnel were reported in Stepnohirsk.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly amassing reserves for an offensive.
Ukrainian forces are preparing for an attack.
Russian forces continue to launch airstrikes on concentrations of Ukrainian forces.
Sumy Oblast:
Heavy airstrikes were reported in Sumy Oblast.
Ukrainian Actions
Drone Attacks on Russia:
Multiple drones were destroyed over Voronezh, Bryansk, Rostov, Kaluga, and Kursk Oblasts.
Reports of a drone being rammed by a Russian drone over Pokrovsk.
A Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk Oblast was reportedly repelled by Russian air defense forces.
Drone Attacks on Ukraine:
Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down numerous drones.
Enemy tactical aviation is active in the east and north-east, with a threat of air strikes in the frontline regions.
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.
Reports indicate drones approaching from Tendra towards Odesa/Pivdenne.
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.
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 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.
Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defense systems are likely on high alert.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
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.
Mykolaiv Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
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.
Odesa Oblast is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
Attacks on Russian Forces:
Russian forces report an attack on a bus in the Korabelny district of Kherson.
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 two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo 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 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.
Ukrainian forces report that North Korean soldiers have been rotated out of the region and replaced with Russian soldiers.
Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire in the Kharkiv region.
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.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka, south of Pokrovsk.
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.
Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones with shotguns to shoot down Russian drones.
Reports of increased drone activity in Poltava, Myrhorod, Kyivska, and Chernihivska regions.
Drone attacks reported in Ochakiv, Mykolaiv Oblast, from the Black Sea.
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.
The Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, with the help of donations, shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance UAV wrapped in reinforced tape.
Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
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.
Enemy drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Chornomorske/Pivdenne (Odesa Oblast).
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.
Several groups of attack drones detected south of Kyiv, suggesting a potential imminent drone attack on the capital or surrounding areas. Ukrainian air defense systems are likely on high alert.
Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire in the Kharkiv region.
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, specifically the "Spear Group" of the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade, reportedly repelled a Russian assault using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles.
Air Activity:
The Ukrainian Air Force reports the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) in the direction of Kharkiv and Donetsk.
Russian forces launched six Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from Olenya and Engels air bases, deploying X-22 missiles. High-speed targets, including probable ballistic missiles (possibly S-300), were detected.
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.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) in the direction of Sumy.
Strategic and Political Developments
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.
All industrial enterprises in Transnistria have reportedly ceased operations due to a lack of energy resources.
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.
Ukraine has become the 125th state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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.
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.
The British Embassy in Ukraine announced that 200 Ukrainian pilots have undergone ground, language, and basic flight training in the UK. This training is a prerequisite for further training on F-16 fighter jets.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports the threat of Russian tactical aviation using aerial weapons in the east.
A final aid package from the Biden administration, totaling $15 billion in credit secured by frozen Russian assets, was announced. An additional $2.5 billion was also provided, along with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and rockets. The $1.25 billion aid package includes munitions for anti-drone systems, air defense, HIMARS, artillery shells, air-to-ground munitions, anti-tank systems, fragmentation grenades, demolition equipment, communications, training, software, clothing, spare parts, and other equipment.
New Ukrainian Military Ombudsman: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as the new military ombudsman.
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.
Ukrainian Morale-Boosting Video: A video from the 97th Separate Mechanized Battalion of the 60th Mechanized Brigade shows Ukrainian forces targeting a Russian soldier with a drone strike on the Lyman direction of the front.
Public Opinion Poll: A poll by the "Rating" group indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are the most trusted institution in Ukraine.
Frontline Report from Seversk Direction: Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are continuing to destroy Russian forces near Verkhnokamyanske. Ukrainian forces also reportedly advanced 900 meters south of Vyimka after clearing a forest belt.
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.
Ukrainian Delegation's Visit to Damascus: A Ukrainian delegation visited Damascus and presented a traditional Ukrainian shirt to al-Julani. Kyiv is reportedly interested in acquiring jihadists, particularly Chechens, and weapons from the remnants of the Syrian government army.
Potential Appearance of Chechen Fighters: 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.
Appointment of Former Head of Kyiv Regional State Administration: Ruslan Kravchenko has been appointed head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
Sabotage in Tver: The Legion "Freedom of Russia" claimed responsibility for setting fire to a communication tower in Tver.
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.
New Year Greetings from Commander Budanov: The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, delivered a New Year's greeting, emphasizing the ongoing struggle and vowing retribution against enemies.
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.
Imprisoned soldiers' rights to payments removed: The Russian government removed the right to receive payments from those who have been imprisoned and then signed a contract for military service.
Statistics on crimes committed by migrants in Russia: The Khabarovsk Krai Police has stated that official statistics on crimes committed by foreigners in Russia for 2024 will be published in January 2025.
New Year's greetings from the African Corps: A video message from soldiers claiming to be part of the African Corps, extending New Year's greetings.
Prisoner Exchange:** 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, including defenders of Mariupol, Azovstal, Chornobyl NPP, and Zmiinyi Island, were returned home.
New Russian Artillery:** Reports of new Russian self-propelled artillery systems capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers.
Azerbaijan-Russia Conflict:** Public conflict between Azerbaijan and Russia over the Baku-Grozny flight is escalating.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for peace. However, the message also criticizes Turkey for not taking concrete actions to demonstrate its commitment to peace, specifically mentioning the continued operation of three Turkish companies (Azu International, Bion Group, and Smart Trading) that supply microelectronics components to Russia, which are used in the production of missiles and drones.
The British Embassy in Ukraine announced that 200 Ukrainian pilots have undergone ground, language, and basic flight training in the UK. This training is a prerequisite for further training on F-16 fighter jets.
Israel reportedly eliminated a high-ranking Hamas commander, Hasam Shahwan, in the Gaza Strip.
Russian sources are spreading information about the imminent fall of Pokrovsk, claiming that Russian troops are within 2 km of the city.
Reports of local authorities in Pokrovsk allegedly misusing funds allocated for media support, city improvement, and heating supply.
A Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk Oblast was reportedly repelled by Russian air defense forces.
Upcoming negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program are scheduled for January 13 in Geneva, with representatives from Tehran and European countries participating.
Ukraine has received a new unmanned aerial system "Hazard" and a HMMWV vehicle from the American charitable organization Help Heroes of Ukraine.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced plans to reform the Military Medical Commission (MMC) system, with the first stage expected to be implemented by the end of February. This reform aims to digitize the process of obtaining a referral for an MMC examination through the "Reserve+" application, eliminating the need for physical visits and queues at Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support (TCCs).
President Zelensky, in an interview, suggested that Donald
