Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 6, 2025, 12:33 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic and fluid, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. In Donetsk, Russian forces continue to make significant gains, particularly around Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretsk. The capture of Kurakhove and the liberation of Vozdvyzhenka have brought Russian forces closer to the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway, a vital artery for Ukrainian logistics. The situation in Toretsk is critical, with reports indicating that less than 15% of the city remains under Ukrainian control. In the Kursk region, a major Ukrainian offensive is underway, but facing strong resistance and heavy casualties. Russian forces claim to have repelled Ukrainian attacks and inflicted significant losses, including the destruction of multiple Ukrainian armored vehicles and the downing of numerous drones. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are actively using guided aerial bombs (KABs) near Kupyansk, in Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. There are new reports indicating that Russian forces launched an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones. Reports also indicate that the US is planning new sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, targeting tankers carrying Russian oil sold above the price cap.

Key Developments

Intensified Ground Operations and Russian Advances

• Donetsk Region:
  • Capture of Dachne and Dachenske: Russian forces have captured Dachne and Dachenske, as confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, solidifying their control in the Donetsk region and enabling further offensives towards Pokrovsk.
  • Critical Situation in Toretsk: The situation in Toretsk has deteriorated significantly, with less than 15% of the city remaining under Ukrainian control. Russian forces have advanced into both the southern and northern parts of the city. Street fighting continues in Toretsk.
  • Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Kurakhove and are advancing towards Pokrovsk, threatening the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. They report advances near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka.
    • Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction.
    • In the area of Vozdvyzhenka, Russian assault units advanced towards road junctions leading to ravines.
    • In Yelizavetovka, Russian units are launching attacks, increasing pressure on the enemy.
    • Russian units entered Baranovka from the southern and eastern outskirts, initiating an assault.
    • Russian forces are intensifying attacks on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway and making progress in Novovasylivka, southwest of Pokrovsk.
    • According to DeepState, Russian forces have made advances in Toretsk, Zelene, Petropavlivka, near Vozdvyzhentsi, Baranivka, and Pishchane.
    • The ISW considers the encirclement of Pokrovsk as one of Russia's key operational goals. Russian troops have been active east of Pokrovsk, potentially aiming to advance through fields and small settlements.
  • Heroic Battle near Pokrovsk: A Russian tank, accompanied by two BMPs, engaged two Ukrainian tanks at close range near Yelyzavetivka, east of Pokrovsk. The Russian tank destroyed one Ukrainian tank, while the second retreated. Russian infantry subsequently secured positions in Yelyzavetivka.
  • Ukrainian Resistance: Ukrainian forces are attempting to repel the Russian advance, reporting that they repelled a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka and pushed Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka.
  • Casualties: Ukrainian forces report repelling 30 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk direction, claiming to have neutralized 304 Russian troops (130 killed), and destroyed one tank, four BMPs, six vehicles, one artillery system, and ten UAVs. Two artillery systems, one vehicle, and one tank were damaged.
  • Chasiv Yar: Fighting is reported at the "Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant," with Russian forces claiming new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and an advance of up to 1.5 km.
• Kursk Region:
  • Major Ukrainian Offensive: A major Ukrainian offensive is underway, with intense fighting near Leonidovo, Berdin, Bolshoe Soldatskoe, Martynovka, and Pushkarnoe. The Ukrainian General Staff reports over 40 battles in the Kursk region. A new update indicates that the Ukrainian attempt to break through Russian defenses was unsuccessful, with Russian forces claiming to have destroyed the main Ukrainian forces near Berdin.
    • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive, stating it is an important operation to strengthen Kyiv's position before future negotiations with Moscow.
  • Russian Counterattack: Russian forces report repelling a Ukrainian counterattack near Berdin and claim to have destroyed multiple Ukrainian vehicles, including a British Challenger tank. They are engaged in battles near Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Kruglenkoye, with ongoing assaults towards Viktorovka. The 106th Airborne Division is conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Ukrainian losses in this area include over 150 soldiers, 4 tanks, 2 BMPs, 16 armored fighting vehicles, and an engineering vehicle.
    • Russian forces have liberated the village of Leonidovo.
    • Russian forces have almost captured Makhnovka and Alexandria.
    • Russian forces also reportedly destroyed a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier using a drone. A video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense shows further destruction of Ukrainian equipment.
  • Situation near Berdin: Russian forces are reportedly eliminating remaining Ukrainian troops near Berdin without significant resistance. Expected Ukrainian reserves have not arrived, suggesting a potential failure in the Ukrainian offensive plan.
  • Casualties: Russian sources claim the Ukrainian military has lost over 540 troops, with new reports indicating even heavier losses, reaching 48,000 casualties. The Russian MoD claims that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the Ukrainian military has lost almost 48,000 troops, as well as hundreds of armored vehicles, tanks, artillery pieces, and other military equipment.
  • Continued Fighting: Fighting continues near Berdin and Malaya Loknya, with Russian forces making advances in the Sudzha area.
  • Ukrainian Units Identified: The Ukrainian units involved in the offensive are identified as the 95th, 92nd, 22nd, 82nd, and 225th Brigades, although it is clarified that only parts of these brigades are involved.
  • Drone Attack on Kursk: Reports indicate a drone attack on Kursk, with claims of a "massive raid from several sides at once." Air defense systems were reportedly active.
  • Successful Tank Elimination: A Ukrainian tank was targeted and destroyed by a Russian Lancet loitering munition near Berdin.
• Luhansk Region:
  • Russian Advances: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have liberated Nadia.
  • Russian forces have captured Ivanivka near Terny, according to both Russian and Ukrainian sources, marking a significant advance. Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove.

Drone Warfare and Aerial Attacks

• Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones extensively.
  • Ukrainian forces report successful drone strikes on Russian targets, including a command post near the Toretsk mine. FPV drones are being used extensively, particularly by Russian forces, causing significant damage to Ukrainian equipment and personnel.
    • Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
    • 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.
    • A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
    • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
    • Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction.
    • Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
    • Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
  • New Drone Targets: Russian drones are targeting Chernihiv and Nizhyn.
  • Drone Movements: Reports indicate drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
    • 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.
    • One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest.
  • 340 additional drones have been procured by Ukrainian forces thanks to donations, bringing the total to 134,114 FPV drones. Overnight, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 10 Russian drones over Cherkasy Oblast.
    • Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
  • Ukrainian forces successfully employed a drone to eliminate a single Russian soldier.
• Air Defense Engagements:
  • Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones. Reports indicate drone activity near Kyiv.
    • Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • A Ukrainian drone was shot down over the Bryansk region of Russia. No casualties or damage were reported.
  • Explosions were reported in Cherkasy and its outskirts.
    • Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
• Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are active in Kyiv and several other regions. Air raid alerts have been lifted in Zaporizhzhia oblast.
• New Drone Activity:
  • Zhytomyr Oblast: Drones are reported in the northern part, moving west. One drone was reported east of Zviahel, moving southwest. Two drones are reported to be heading towards Malyn, and two more towards Narodychi.
  • Kyiv Oblast: Drones are present in the northern part, moving west. Three drones are reported to be circling in the north, with one approaching Boryspil and one having flown past Obukhiv towards Kyiv.
    • 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.
  • Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west. Two drones are reported to be circling north of Chernihiv, and one is reported to be southwest of Chernihiv with a southeast trajectory. One drone is also reported to be circling near Pryluky. Two drones are heading towards Varva. A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, heading east.
    • 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv.
    • 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
    • 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
    • A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, with an eastern course. A drone was detected in the western part of Chernihiv region, moving west. Another drone was detected in the southeastern part of Chernihiv region, moving west.
  • Sumy Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Romny, and one towards Lypova Dolyna. A drone is in the west of Zhytomyr Oblast, with a western/southwestern course.
  • Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest.
  • Kharkiv Oblast: Drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Three drones are also reported to be near Lozova. A drone is in the west of Kharkiv Oblast, with a western course.
  • Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone is reported to be in the Kryvyi Rih district with a trajectory towards the Kherson region, and another is flying over Dolynska in a southerly direction. One drone is also reported to be circling over Samara. A drone is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with a western course. A drone is approaching Kremenchuk. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd.
  • Poltava Oblast: One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava. One drone was reported west of Kremenchuk, constantly changing course. A drone is in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, with a southwesterly course. Three drones are heading towards Pyriatyn, and one towards Lubny.
  • Cherkasy Oblast: One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course. One drone is reported to be in the western part, moving south. A drone is in the northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
  • Kyiv Oblast: Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl.
  • Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is heading towards Chornobai.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
• Russian forces launched an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones.

Geopolitical Developments

• Zelensky's Statements: Zelensky has indicated a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expressed openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited. He also hopes that Trump can end the war and provide strong security guarantees to Ukraine. Zelensky stated that elections in Ukraine could be held 90 days after the war's end. He also expressed a desire for Elon Musk to be maximally on Ukraine's side, acknowledging his gratitude for "Starlinks." In an interview, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would be open to a ceasefire if partners provided weapons to repel future Russian attacks.
  • Zelensky's interview continues to be a topic of discussion, with Russian media criticizing his language and behavior.
  • A video of Zelensky's interview has been released, where he criticizes the imposition of sanctions against Russia after the start of the special military operation, stating that "it's bullshit." He also claims that everyone didn't care about Ukraine and the security guarantors of the Budapest Memorandum. He further states that he told Trump to give Ukraine $300 billion from Russian assets to buy weapons and invest in the US industry. Lastly, he expresses his lack of respect for the current Russian leadership and its people.
• Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest that German Chancellor Scholz may meet with Russian President Putin before February 23. The German government has ruled out a visit by Scholz to Moscow before February 23rd.
• Apple CEO's Potential Donation to Trump's Inauguration: Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is reportedly planning to donate $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration.
• Legal Action Against Von Der Leyen: A Belgian court will consider whether European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has legal immunity against corruption allegations related to the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.
• German Foreign Minister on Aid to Syria: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has made the provision of aid to Syria under new authorities dependent on respect for women's rights, stating that the EU will not send money "to Islamist structures."
  • While not directly related to the conflict in Ukraine, the impact of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's statement on aid to Syria is being monitored. Any potential implications for international relations and humanitarian efforts in the region are being assessed.
• North Korean Missile Launch: North Korea has reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile, according to the Japanese coast guard. The missile fell outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan.
  • North Korea launched a ballistic missile that flew about 1,100 km and fell into the Sea of Japan, according to the Yonhap news agency.
  • North Korea's test of a ballistic missile during Blinken's visit to Seoul underscores the continued tensions in the region and the potential for further escalation. The test highlights the importance of cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan in addressing North Korean threats.
• Trump's Potential Pardon: Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly promised to pardon around 1,000 people involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This could potentially impact the US political landscape and influence future support for Ukraine.
• Medvedev's Statement on Zelensky: Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent Russian figure, has intensified his rhetoric against Zelensky, stating that the Russian people's disdain for him should not end with his removal from office. This further highlights the personal animosity and deep-seated tensions between the two sides.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister's Statement: Hungary has resumed the operation of its embassy in Syria, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

Other Significant Developments

• Casualty Reports: Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties. Russian sources claim even heavier Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region, reaching 48,000 casualties.
  • The video from Butusov Plus showing a cemetery in Surgut with numerous graves of Russian soldiers suggests a high casualty rate among Russian forces. This could potentially impact morale and recruitment efforts.
• Troop Mobilization: Ukraine has reportedly mobilized 200,000 troops in 2024, falling short of the 500,000 called for by former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny.
• Environmental Concerns: Oil spills from sunken tankers in the Black Sea have reached the coasts of Crimea, causing the deaths of dolphins.
  • More than 715 square kilometers of the Kerch Strait water area have been surveyed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations after the incident with tankers.
  • Over 86,000 tons of contaminated soil have been collected on the coastline by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, municipal representatives, and volunteers.
• US Aid: A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced soon, but the US has indicated that they will not be able to provide all military aid to Ukraine before January 20th. The US is planning to introduce new sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, targeting tankers carrying Russian oil sold above the price cap.
• Serbia's Energy Supply: Serbia is seeking new oil and gas supply routes due to the threat of US sanctions.
• Czech Republic Military Aid: The Czech Republic issued 40 permits for Czech citizens to fight for Ukraine in the past year but rejected nearly twice as many applications.
• Russian Military Claims: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have repelled a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region, destroying 11 Ukrainian drones. Video evidence also shows the destruction of another Ukrainian tank in the Kursk region. A Russian Su-34 also struck Ukrainian infantry and equipment at a stronghold in the Kursk region.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have repelled a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region, destroying 11 Ukrainian drones.
  • Video evidence shows the destruction of another Ukrainian tank in the Kursk region.
  • A Russian Su-34 struck Ukrainian infantry and equipment at a stronghold in the Kursk region.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and "Pantsir-SM" air defense systems.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and
• Ukrainian Military App: The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is developing a military ID within the "Army+" app.
• Fire in Kirov Oblast: A criminal case has been opened following a fire in Kirov Oblast that resulted in multiple fatalities.
  • Eight people died in a fire in an apartment building in the village of Kilmez in the Kirov region.
• Internal Russian Political Developments: A scandal has emerged involving Russian deputies Fedorov and Matveychev, who reportedly criticized those fighting against illegal migration, labeling them as agents of British intelligence. This has sparked controversy and condemnation from various figures, including political analyst Sergei Markov. The situation has led to internal political tensions within Russia, with expectations of a response from the leadership of the State Duma.
• Confiscation of Assets: Russian authorities have begun the confiscation of assets belonging to former minister Abyzov, amounting to nearly 24 billion rubles, as indicated by court documents.
• Two people were injured: Two people were injured after a drone attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region. One man suffered shrapnel wounds to the face, chest and arm, and the second suffered a shrapnel wound to the head, barotrauma and contusion.
• Poet and songwriter killed: Russian poet and songwriter Oleg Gegelsky was killed in the special operation zone at the age of 60. He was reportedly on a mission, traveling in a car through a "gray zone," when he came under artillery fire.
• South Korean President's Arrest Warrant: The Anti-Corruption Investigation Department for Senior Officials is reportedly transferring an arrest warrant application for South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol to the police in connection with a mutiny case.
• Former Deputy Head of Kuban Emergency Situations Ministry Cooperates with Investigation: Former Deputy Head of the Kuban Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Simonenko, is reportedly cooperating with the investigation and providing detailed testimony.
• Increased Air Ticket Purchases: Russians have been increasingly purchasing air tickets to Japan, China, Vietnam, and South Korea in 2024.
• Ukrainian Soldiers Trained in Britain: A group of Ukrainian soldiers from the 117th Brigade, trained in Britain under a program approved by Boris Johnson, are reportedly preparing to enter the battle on the Pokrovsk direction.
  • The reported training of Ukrainian soldiers in Britain and their impending deployment to the Pokrovsk direction, along with the reported destruction of Ukrainian armored vehicles by Russian drone operators, demonstrate the continued international involvement in the conflict and the effectiveness of drone warfare.
  • A group of Ukrainian soldiers from the 117th Brigade, trained in Britain under a program approved by Boris Johnson, are reportedly preparing to enter the battle on the Pokrovsk direction.
• Russian Drone Operators Strike Ukrainian Vehicles: Russian FPV drone operators from the "Aida" group reportedly hit two Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles.
  • The reported destruction of two Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles by Russian FPV drone operators highlights the ongoing threat posed by Russian drones and their effectiveness in targeting Ukrainian equipment.
• China's Satellite Technology: China claims a major breakthrough in laser communication "satellite-to-ground," potentially surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink. This achievement could serve as the foundation for future technologies like 6G, next-generation satellite positioning systems, and ultra-high-resolution remote sensing.
• Satellite Image Analysis: The satellite image reveals a high-value area with a strategically important palace/complex, potential avenues of approach via roads, a key naval access point with the marina, and possible landing zones on the beaches and open field. The location seems to be of civilian nature, but with enough structure and accessibility to become a prime point for military operations. Military planners would focus on the palace as a high-value target, while the marina and nearby areas could be considered as potential supply routes and staging areas.
• Ukrainian Naval Update: The Ukrainian Navy reports that one enemy warship, a "Kalibr" missile carrier, is present in the Black Sea, but no missile firings are reported. In the Sea of Azov, no enemy warships or missile carriers are present. In the Mediterranean Sea, seven enemy warships, including two "Kalibr" missile carriers, are present, with 22 missile firings reported. The Kerch Strait transit data highlights its importance for Russian naval logistics and movements.
  • The Ukrainian Navy reports that one enemy warship, a "Kalibr" missile carrier, is present in the Black Sea, but no missile firings are reported. In the Sea of Azov, no enemy warships or missile carriers are present. In the Mediterranean Sea, seven enemy warships, including two "Kalibr" missile carriers, are present, with 22 missile firings reported. The Kerch Strait transit data highlights its importance for Russian naval logistics and movements.
• Russian Military Operations in Kursk Region: Russian paratroopers are reportedly pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov in the Kursk region. They also destroyed Ukrainian firing points with a 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortar. In Chasiv Yar, Ivanovo paratroopers repelled a Ukrainian drone attack, suppressing four Baba Yaga drones with small arms fire. In the Kursk region, Primorsky paratroopers destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with a drone.
• Historical Commemoration: January 6, 1813, marked the end of the Patriotic War, with Emperor Alexander I issuing a manifesto and ordering the construction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The event was celebrated annually on Christmas Day until the October Revolution. The "Great Army" of Napoleon suffered significant losses, with over 550,000 killed, wounded, or captured. The Patriotic War of 1812 had a profound impact on Russia's internal development and demonstrated the heroism and patriotism of the Russian people.
• Video Analysis of Russian Tank Operations: The video shows a Russian T-80 tank crew preparing for an offensive operation in a snowy, wooded environment. The emphasis on camouflage and the tank's movement through challenging terrain suggest a strategy of concealment and surprise. The loading of ammunition and the firing of the tank's weapon indicate its role as a key asset in close-range or ambush combat situations.
• Canadian Prime Minister's Potential Resignation: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party due to internal party pressure and low public support. The announcement is expected before a key national meeting on January 8. It is unclear whether he will resign immediately or remain as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen.
• Russian strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: During the night, Russian forces attacked the Nikopol region five times using artillery and a kamikaze drone. The attacks targeted Nikopol, Pokrovsk, and Marhanets communities. There were no reported casualties. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down five drones during the evening and night.
• Drone Warfare: A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
• Kursk Region Fighting: Geolocation of battles in the Kursk region has been established, indicating the areas where Ukrainian forces attacked.
• Drone Activity in Sumy Oblast: Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over Sumy Oblast during the night.
• Russian Advances: According to DeepState, Russian forces have made advances in Toretsk, Zelene, Petropavlivka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, and Pishchane.
• Strategic Importance of Pokrovsk: The ISW considers the encirclement of Pokrovsk as one of Russia's key operational goals. Russian troops have been active east of Pokrovsk, potentially aiming to advance through fields and small settlements.
• Air Strikes: The 11th Guards Air Assault Army carried out air strikes on Ukrainian positions near Konstantinopol.
  • Russian aviation conducted airstrikes in multiple locations, indicating continued air superiority and pressure on Ukrainian forces.
• Zaporizhzhia Oblast Attacks: Russian forces carried out 542 strikes on 12 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, using aviation, drones, MLRS, and artillery.
• Artillery and Drone Attacks in Kharkiv Oblast: Russian forces continued their attacks on Kharkiv Oblast, using both artillery and drones. Several locations were targeted, including Kharkiv, Zolochiv,
• Clashes: Clashes were reported along multiple axes, indicating ongoing fighting across a broad front. At the Kherson axis, Ukrainian forces have repelled 1 Russian army assault. In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have repelled 47 Russian army assaults.
• During storms, Russia lost almost half of the barriers made of barges near the Crimean Bridge and is not trying to restore them.
• According to local channels, 18 barges remain near the bridge, while on November 8, 2024, 34 interconnected vessels were recorded on both sides of the navigable channel in the Kerch Strait.
• Video evidence shows a Russian soldier filming the aftermath of a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on a Russian vehicle in the Donetsk region, indicating casualties among the Russian assault group. This provides further evidence of the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone warfare.
• More than 715 square kilometers of the Kerch Strait water area have been surveyed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations after the incident with tankers. This indicates a potential environmental or security incident in the area.
• Over 86,000 tons of contaminated soil have been collected on the coastline by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, municipal representatives, and volunteers.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and "Pantsir-SM" air defense systems.
• Russian State Secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
• Video evidence shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
• Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
• "Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and
• From the Operational Command "South" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Over the
• In the Kursk region, paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka. The situation remains tense, with ongoing battles and the use of heavy weaponry.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces have established a new medical unit, according to the Medical Service of the International Legion. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has approved the creation of this unit, which aims to improve medical care in the combat zone.
• Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka, Kursk region, captured by a Ukrainian drone. This incident highlights the presence of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces and their potential disregard for civilian property rights.
• The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has published a new video showing the destruction of Ukrainian military equipment in the Kursk region. The video was taken from the official Telegram channel of the Russian Guard.
• The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported the prevention of a terrorist attack by Russian special services in the Kyiv region. Four individuals, including a 16-year-old teenager, were detained. They were allegedly preparing to detonate explosives at the entrance to a building housing a unit of the Defense Forces. The teenager was supposed to deliver the explosives, disguised in the uniform of a Ukrainian military. All suspects face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
• A mass failure in the operation of communication operators, banks, and Internet services has been reported in Russia.
• The self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo has signed an agreement

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely volatile and unfavorable for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces maintain offensive pressure on multiple fronts, with the Donetsk region being the focal point of intense fighting. Significant Russian gains are reported near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretsk. The capture of Kurakhove by Russian forces is a critical development, solidifying their control in the Donetsk region and potentially opening up new avenues of advance towards Pokrovsk. The liberation of Vozdvyzhenka near Pokrovsk brings Russian forces closer to the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway, a vital artery for Ukrainian logistics. Russian forces are intensifying their attacks on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway.

Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with Ukrainian forces developing fiber-optic guided FPV drones to counter Russian electronic warfare. A new record number of drones (10) were shot down over Leningrad, Pskov, Kursk, and Voronezh oblasts. The use of electric scooters by Russian forces introduces a new tactical element, enhancing their mobility and elusiveness. Reports from the Kursk and Bryansk regions indicate intensified fighting and increased use of drones by both sides. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that the 79th Air Assault Brigade has been actively targeting Russian forces in their area of responsibility. Ukrainian forces report they have successfully pushed Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka. The naval updates confirm the ongoing threat from the Black Sea and highlight a substantial Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean.