Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine

As of January 6, 2025, 22:03 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russian forces have fully captured Kurakhove, Dachne, and Leonidovo (in the Kursk region) and are advancing towards Pokrovsk and Toretsk, posing a serious threat to Ukrainian defenses. The situation in Toretsk is particularly concerning, with less than 15% of the city remaining under Ukrainian control and Russian troops on the northern and northwestern outskirts. The Ukrainian General Staff reports over 40 battles in the Kursk region. Drone warfare remains a defining feature, with both sides utilizing drones extensively. Air raid alerts are active in multiple regions, with a continued threat of Russian drone attacks across Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses have reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over Sumy Oblast during the night.

Key Developments

Intensified Ground Operations and Russian Advances

• Donetsk Region:
  • Capture of Dachne: Russian forces have captured Dachne, solidifying their control in the Donetsk region.
  • Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control, with Russian forces controlling the southern part and advancing further into the city.
    • Update: Russian forces are battling for spoil tips in the northern part of Toretsk. Ukrainian forces retain control of high-rise buildings in the microdistrict "Zabalka" and positions between the spoil tips of the "Tsentralna" mine and Shcherbynivka.
    • Update: Russian infantry is reportedly entrenched on the northern and northwestern outskirts of Toretsk.
    • Update: Heavy fighting continues in Toretsk, with reports of close-quarters combat and special forces operations to clear buildings.
  • Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Kurakhove and are advancing towards Pokrovsk, threatening the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. Advances are reported near multiple settlements.
    • In Vozdvyzhenka, Russian assault units advanced towards road junctions.
    • Russian units entered Baranovka, initiating an assault.
    • In Yelizavetovka, Russian units are launching attacks.
    • Update: Russian forces have reportedly advanced in Toretsk, Zelene, Petropavlivka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, and Pishchane.
  • Heroic Battle near Pokrovsk: A Russian tank destroyed one Ukrainian tank near Yelyzavetivka, east of Pokrovsk.
  • Ukrainian Resistance: Ukrainian forces are attempting to repel the Russian advance, reporting repelled assaults and street fighting in Toretsk.
    • Kurakhove Direction: Ukrainian forces report advancing 2km west of the Mohyla-Alchy-Oba mound.
  • Casualties: Ukrainian forces report repelling numerous Russian attacks and claim to have neutralized hundreds of Russian troops.
    • Ukrainian forces report repelling 40 Russian attacks on the Pokrovsk direction, with 10 still ongoing. Ukrainian forces claim to have neutralized 375 Russian troops, with 185 killed. Ukrainian forces also report destroying 3 cars, 3 motorcycles, 3 buggies, 3 artillery systems, and a UAV control antenna. 2 vehicles and 2 artillery systems were damaged.
  • Chasiv Yar: Fighting is reported at the "Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant," with Russian forces claiming new positions and an advance of up to 1.5 km.
• Kursk Region:
  • Major Ukrainian Offensive: Intense fighting is reported near multiple settlements. The Ukrainian General Staff reports over 40 battles in the region.
    • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive.
    • Ukrainian forces have repelled 44 Russian attacks, with 42 still ongoing.
  • Russian Counterattack: Russian forces report repelling a Ukrainian counterattack near Berdin and are engaged in battles near several settlements.
    • Russian forces have liberated Leonidovo.
    • Russian forces have almost captured Makhnovka and Alexandria.
    • Russian forces are completing the clearing of Berdin.
    • Update: The 30th Motorized Rifle Division has reportedly eliminated all remaining Ukrainian troops in Berdin and its surroundings.
    • Fighting continues near Malaya Loknya.
    • Russian forces are advancing towards Malaya Loknya from the northern flank of the Sudzha direction.
    • Update: Russian forces report further advances towards Malaya Loknya.
    • Update: Russian assault groups are operating in Malaya Loknya.
  • Situation near Berdin: Russian forces are eliminating remaining Ukrainian troops near Berdin.
  • Casualties: Ukrainian losses are reported to be very high, potentially reaching 48,000 casualties.
  • Continued Fighting: Fighting continues near Berdin and Malaya Loknya.
    • Russian forces report that the Sudzha border area (Berdin and surroundings) has been cleared.
  • Ukrainian Units Identified: The Ukrainian units involved are identified as the 95th, 92nd, 22nd, 82nd, and 225th Brigades (partially).
  • Drone Attack on Kursk: Reports indicate a drone attack on Kursk.
  • Successful Tank Elimination: Ukrainian tanks were destroyed by Russian Lancet loitering munitions near Berdin.
    • Update: Another Ukrainian tank was destroyed in the Kursk region.
    • Update: The report from "Сливочный каприз" indicates that a Russian infantry unit was attacked by Ukrainian armored vehicles west of Russkoye Porechnoye. Russian forces have reportedly advanced more than 3 km along the Malaya Loknya - Russkoye Porechnoye line.
  • Update: The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Ukrainian forces have repelled over 40 Russian attacks in the Kursk region.
• Luhansk Region:
  • Russian Advances: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have liberated Nadia.
  • Russian forces have captured Ivanivka near Terny.

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, including a command post near Toretsk.
    • Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
    • Ukrainian forces 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.
    • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones.
    • 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 multiple regions.
    • 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.
    • New reports indicate drone movements towards Romny and Lypova Dolyna in Sumy Oblast.
    • A drone is reported to be west of Zhytomyr, heading west/southwest.
    • New drones are reported entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
    • Drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with three near Lozova and one west of Kharkiv Oblast heading west.
    • One drone is reported to be in the Kryvyi Rih district heading towards Kherson Oblast, another over Dolynska heading south, and one circling over Samara.
    • One drone is reported to be north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast heading west, and another approaching Kremenchuk. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd.
    • One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava, and another west of Kremenchuk with a constantly changing course.
    • One drone is reported to be northeast of Poltava Oblast heading southwest, three heading towards Pyriatyn, and one towards Lubny.
    • One drone is reported to be in the eastern part of Cherkasy Oblast with a constantly changing course, another in the western part moving south, and one heading towards Chornobai.
    • Two drones are reported to be flying through the Beryslav district in Mykolaiv Oblast towards Snihurivka.
    • Air defenses are engaging drones in Kyiv Oblast, with reports of drone activity near Kyiv.
    • Update: Two drones are reported to be moving from Mykolaiv Oblast to Kirovohrad Oblast, one drone passing through Oleksandriia heading west, one drone heading towards or through Lubny, two drones circling at the intersection of Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, one drone circling in the east of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two drones in the Poltava area, and one drone approaching Sumy from the south.
  • 340 additional drones have been procured by Ukrainian forces.
    • Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024.
    • Update: Sternenko reports the acquisition of 290 additional drones.
• Air Defense Engagements:
  • Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones.
    • 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.
  • Explosions were reported in Cherkasy.
• 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.
  • Kyiv Oblast: Drones are present in the northern part, moving west.
    • 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.
    • 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv.
    • 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
    • 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
  • 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.
  • Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone is reported to be in the Kryvyi Rih district with a trajectory towards the Kherson region.
  • Poltava Oblast: One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava.
  • Cherkasy Oblast: One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course.
• 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.
• Drone Activity in Sumy Oblast: Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over Sumy Oblast during the night.
• Drone strike: A video shows a Ukrainian drone striking two Russian soldiers.
• Update: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.

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.
  • Zelensky's interview continues to be a topic of discussion.
  • In an interview, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would be open to a ceasefire if partners provided weapons to repel future Russian attacks.
• Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest that German Chancellor Scholz may meet with Russian President Putin before February 23.
• Apple CEO's Potential Donation to Trump's Inauguration: Tim Cook 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.
• German Foreign Minister on Aid to Syria: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has made the provision of aid to Syria dependent on respect for women's rights.
  • The impact of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's statement on aid to Syria is being monitored.
• North Korean Missile Launch: North Korea has reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile.
  • North Korea launched a ballistic missile that flew about 1,100 km and fell into the Sea of Japan.
  • North Korea's test of a ballistic missile during Blinken's visit to Seoul underscores the continued tensions in the region.
• 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.
  • Update: Trump has accused Biden of hindering the transition of power.
• Medvedev's Statement on Zelensky: Dmitry Medvedev has intensified his rhetoric against Zelensky.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister's Statement: Hungary has resumed the operation of its embassy in Syria.
• US Congress confirms Trump's victory: The US Congress has confirmed Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.
  • Update: US Vice President-elect J. D. Vance did not provide a clear answer to a TASS correspondent's question about whether Trump plans to hold a telephone conversation with Putin.
• Macron on Iran's Nuclear Program: French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Iran's nuclear program is "approaching the point of no return."
• Potential Ceasefire in 2025: A Ukrainian political analyst suggested that the "hot phase" of the war could potentially end in 2025.
• Trump-Xi Contact: Trump has reportedly been in contact with Xi Jinping and hopes for a mutual understanding.
• Update: Russian propagandists are reportedly attempting to discredit Zelensky following his recent interview.

Other Significant Developments

• Casualty Reports: Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties. Russian sources claim even heavier Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region.
  • The video from Butusov Plus showing a cemetery in Surgut suggests a high casualty rate among Russian forces.
• 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.
  • Update: Zelensky addressed issues related to troop rotation and effective management within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Environmental Concerns: Oil spills from sunken tankers in the Black Sea have reached the coasts of Crimea, causing the deaths of dolphins.
  • Update: Volunteers are reportedly cleaning up oil spills in Anapa using funds from donations, despite a reported allocation of 1 billion rubles for the cleanup effort.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
  • Update: The number of people injured in the explosion in Petrozavodsk has increased to four.
• Internal Russian Political Developments: A scandal has emerged involving Russian deputies Fedorov and Matveychev.
• Confiscation of Assets: Russian authorities have begun the confiscation of assets belonging to former minister Abyzov.
• Two people were injured: Two people were injured after a drone attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region.
  • Update: Several aerial targets were shot down over Belgorod and the Belgorod region. There were no reported casualties.
• Poet and songwriter killed: Russian poet and songwriter Oleg Gegelsky was killed in the special operation zone.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, 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 demonstrate the continued international involvement in the conflict.
• 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.
• China's Satellite Technology: China claims a major breakthrough in laser communication "satellite-to-ground," potentially surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink.
• 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 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.
• Historical Commemoration: January 6, 1813, marked the end of the Patriotic War.
• 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.
• Canadian Prime Minister's Potential Resignation: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party.
• Russian strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: During the night, Russian forces attacked the Nikopol region five times using artillery and a kamikaze drone.
• Drone Warfare:
  • Update: A video from the 25th Airborne Brigade shows a Ukrainian soldier placing an explosive charge on the roof of a dugout where enemy soldiers are hiding.
  • Update: A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone.
• Kursk Region Fighting: Geolocation of battles in the Kursk region has been established.
• 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.
• Air Strikes: The 11th Guards Air Assault Army carried out air strikes on Ukrainian positions near Konstantinopol.
  • Russian aviation conducted airstrikes in multiple locations.
• Zaporizhzhia Oblast Attacks: Russian forces carried out 542 strikes on 12 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
• Artillery and Drone Attacks in Kharkiv Oblast: Russian forces continued their attacks on Kharkiv Oblast.
• Clashes: Clashes were reported along multiple axes. 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.
• According to local channels, 18 barges remain near the bridge.
• Video evidence shows a Russian soldier filming the aftermath of a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on a Russian vehicle in the Donetsk region.
• 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.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down.
• 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.
• 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 French command confirmed cases of desertion from the "Anna Kyivska" brigade, which was trained in France.
• Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in France have deserted while on French territory.
• A video shows a wounded Russian soldier urging others not to surrender.
• Update: Colonelcassad shared an image indicating an upcoming battle for Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile. Russian forces are making significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk. The situation in Toretsk is particularly critical, with reports indicating that less than 15% of the city remains under Ukrainian control and Russian troops on the outskirts. The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region continues, with heavy fighting reported near multiple settlements. Ukrainian forces claim significant Russian casualties, while Russian sources report even heavier Ukrainian losses. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones extensively. The increased use of drones and guided bombs by Russian forces across various oblasts underscores the evolving nature of the conflict. Air raid alerts are active in multiple regions, with a continued threat of Russian drone attacks. The Ukrainian General Staff reports over 38,000 Russian casualties in the Kursk operation, including 15,000 killed.

The new messages further confirm the intensity of the fighting in both the Donetsk and Kursk regions. The reported advances by Russian forces in Toretsk and the ongoing battles for spoil tips in the northern part of the city highlight the critical situation there. The Ukrainian General Staff's report of 199 combat clashes, 48 airstrikes, and over 4,000 shelling incidents underscores the intensity of the fighting across the front. The reported destruction of Ukrainian tanks in the Kursk region, along with the continued fighting near Berdin and Malaya Loknya, indicates that the Ukrainian offensive is facing strong resistance. The new report of fighting near Sudzha and Russkoye Porechnoye further confirms the significant Russian advance in the Kursk region.

The continued drone activity across multiple regions, with reports of new drone movements and air defense engagements, highlights the persistent threat posed by Russian drones. The Ukrainian Air Force's report of drone activity in the Chernihiv region and the attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones further underscore the widespread use of drones in the conflict. The reported 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to Ukrainian units in 2024, along with the new report of 290 additional drones acquired by Ukrainian forces, demonstrates the growing importance of drone warfare.

The geopolitical developments, including Zelensky's statements, the potential meeting between Scholz and Putin, and Tim Cook's planned donation to Trump's inauguration, add further complexity to the situation. The reported contact between Trump and Xi Jinping, along with the confirmation of Trump's victory by the US Congress, could have significant implications for the future trajectory of the conflict. The continued tensions between Russia and Ukraine are highlighted by Medvedev's statement on Zelensky and the ongoing fighting.

The various other developments, including the environmental concerns, the US aid package, and the internal Russian political developments, provide further context to the broader situation. 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.

The new information regarding the potential resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Russian strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and the geolocation of battles in the Kursk region adds further details to the evolving situation. The reported advances by Russian forces in Toretsk, Zelene, Petropavlivka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, and Pishchane, along with the ISW's assessment of the strategic importance of Pokrovsk, highlight the continued Russian offensive in the Donetsk region. The airstrikes and clashes reported in various regions underscore the widespread nature of the fighting.

The reported loss of barriers near the Crimean Bridge during storms, the aftermath of the Ukrainian FPV drone strike on a Russian vehicle, and the survey of the Kerch Strait water area after the incident with tankers provide additional details on the ongoing conflict. The claim by the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the interception of ATACMS missiles and Blinken's report on Putin's potential consideration of a nuclear strike scenario highlight the continued tensions and risks associated with the conflict.

The video evidence of the hand-to-hand fight between a Russian and Ukrainian soldier, the use of drones equipped with shotguns by Ukrainian forces, and the repelling of an assault near Kurdyumivka by the "Phoenix" unit provide further insights into the intensity and brutality of the fighting. The confirmation of desertions from the "Anna Kyivska" brigade by the French command adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

The video of a wounded Russian soldier urging others not to surrender underscores the human cost of the conflict and the psychological toll it takes on those involved. This, combined with the continued fighting and the widespread use of drones, suggests that the conflict is far from over and that both sides are committed to achieving their strategic objectives.

The new image shared by Colonelcassad, indicating an upcoming battle for Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk), further emphasizes the critical situation in the Donetsk region and the potential for further escalation. The additional drone movements reported by "Николаевский Ванёк" confirm the persistent threat posed by Russian drones across multiple regions. The reported conversation between Nikolai Lukashenko and Zelensky, while potentially part of an information operation, underscores the continued alignment of Belarus with Russia and the potential for escalatory rhetoric. The video showing a Ukrainian armored vehicle running over a Russian soldier, while graphic, highlights the ongoing brutality of the conflict and the tactics employed by both sides.