Strategic Overview of the Military Situation in Ukraine

Date: January 7th, 2025

Time: 11:33 UTC

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with significant combat operations concentrated in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russian forces continue to achieve advances, particularly in Donetsk, where they are applying pressure on multiple fronts. The situation in Kurakhove is assessed as lost, and Toretsk is under severe pressure, with the majority of the city under Russian control. In the Kursk region, a Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, and Russian forces are consolidating positions while claiming the capture of several settlements. Drone warfare remains a central element of the conflict, with both sides utilizing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging drones, with reports of multiple drones shot down across various oblasts. There are new reports of drones targeting Chernihiv and Nizhyn, with drones also active in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava Oblasts. Air raid alerts remain active in several Ukrainian regions.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

• Kurakhove Lost: Ukrainian forces have lost control of Kurakhove, including a thermal power plant. Ukrainian journalist Butusov reports that the city is "factually lost." Russian forces captured Kurakhove.
• Toretsk in Critical Condition: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Russian forces are advancing into the western and northern parts of the city, with reports of close-quarters combat and special forces operations to clear buildings. Russian forces are reportedly "securing their positions" in the dense urban environment. The most intense fighting is occurring in the city center, the "Zabalka" microdistrict, near the "Tsentralna" mine, and the northwestern outskirts.
• Shevchenko, Ivanivka, and Lozova Captured: Russian forces have reportedly captured three villages, including Shevchenko and Ivanivka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Intensified Attacks near Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway and making progress in Novovasylivka, Yelizavetovka, and Baranovka. Russian units entered Baranovka from the southern and eastern outskirts. In Yelizavetovka, Russian units are launching attacks, increasing pressure on the enemy.
• Heroic Battle near Pokrovsk: A Russian tank, accompanied by two BMPs, engaged two Ukrainian tanks at a close range near Yelyzavetivka, east of Pokrovsk. The Russian tank successfully destroyed one Ukrainian tank. The second Ukrainian tank retreated. Following this engagement, Russian infantry secured positions in Yelyzavetivka.
• Other Key Locations:
  • Lysivka: Russian forces report further advances of 500m towards the central part of the village.
  • Sukhoi Yar: Fighting continues.
  • Southwest of Pokrovsk: Russian troops are advancing from Pisky towards the T-0406 highway and the railway line.
  • Volkovo: Russian artillery reportedly destroyed an enemy ammunition depot. The settlement was subsequently captured by Russian forces.
  • Vozdvyzhenka: After capturing the settlement, Russian forces are advancing further and have reportedly dislodged Ukrainian forces from a stronghold near the road.
  • Krasnoarmiisk Direction: Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction.
  • Belogorovka: Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade in Belogorovka.
  • Chasiv Yar: Russian forces report they have taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km. Fighting is reported at the "Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant," with Russian forces claiming new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar.
  • Velyka Novosilka: Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
  • Sukhoi Yar: Soldiers of the 68th Army Corps destroyed a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Sukhoi Yar.

Kursk Region

• Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports indicating that up to 50% of Ukrainian infantry in the area may consist of prisoners, including those forcibly mobilized.
• Russian Consolidation: Russian forces are consolidating positions, entering Malaya Loknya and advancing in Makhnovka. Russian forces have almost captured Makhnovka and Alexandria. Russian forces are completing the clearing of Berdin. Fighting continues near Malaya Loknya. Russian forces are advancing towards Malaya Loknya from the northern flank of the Sudzha direction.
• Heavy Losses: Both sides are suffering significant losses. Geolocated footage confirms Ukrainian tactical advances in the southern part of Berdin, as well as in the center of Russkoye Porechnoye and Novosotnitskoye, but simultaneous Russian advances west of Malaya Loknya indicate a fluid situation. Russian sources claim the enemy has lost at least 35 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel in the last two days, with 14 Ukrainian soldiers captured near Berdin. Russian forces report that the Sudzha border area (Berdin and surroundings) has been cleared.
• Intense Aerial Bombardment: Reports indicate an unprecedented number of Russian air sorties, with bombers continuously striking Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian sources dispute the intensity of the air attacks.
• Russian Airstrikes: Russian forces are conducting airstrikes in the border areas of Sumy Oblast, using "Iskander" missiles. Russian military aircraft launched a powerful strike on a temporary Ukrainian Armed Forces deployment point in Sudzha, Kursk region.
• Other Key Locations:
  • Leonidovo: Russian forces are making progress in the forests of the Sudzhansky district and near Leonidovo and Kurilovka. Russian forces have liberated the village of Leonidovo.
  • Kruhlenky: The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
  • Cherkasskoye Porechnoye: Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Enemy groups attempted to infiltrate from Cherkasskoye Porechnoye but were repelled by artillery fire.
  • Ukrainian Infiltration Attempts: Ukrainian reserves are being brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo, with the use of "Baba Yaga" agricultural drones for reconnaissance.
  • Russkoye Porechnoye: Reportedly liberated by Russian forces.
• Successful Tank Elimination: Ukrainian tanks were destroyed by Russian Lancet loitering munitions near Berdin. Another Ukrainian tank was destroyed in the Kursk region. Russian forces have reportedly advanced more than 3 km along the Malaya Loknya - Russkoye Porechnoye line.
• Update on Key Locations:
  • Russkoye Porechnoye: Reportedly liberated by Russian forces.
  • Cherkasskoye Porechnoye: Site of intense fighting.

Kharkiv Region

• Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area of Kharkiv Oblast.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Use: Both sides employ drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.

• Fiber-Optic Guided Drones: Ukrainian forces are utilizing fiber-optic guided FPV drones in Pokrovsk, targeting military vehicles.

• Riverine Drones: Ukrainian forces are reportedly using riverine drones in the Dnipro River basin, although their range and speed are limited compared to maritime drones.

• Drone Warfare Intensification: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line, using a variety of drones, including fiber-optic and AI-equipped ones.

• Drone Strikes: Drone operators of the 36th Army of the "Vostok" group reportedly struck a concentration of enemy personnel near Velyka Novosilka. Drone operators of the 80th separate reconnaissance battalion "Sparta" destroyed an 82-mm mortar and a field ammunition depot of the enemy near Dzerzhinsk. Ukrainian drone operators targeted the Russian city of Sudzha with bombs and missiles. A Ukrainian drone attack on Horlivka injured seven civilians. 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.

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast Attacks: 380 strikes were reported across 12 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including 241 drone attacks on various locations.

• Destruction of a Ukrainian mortar position: A video from a Russian soldier shows the destruction of a Ukrainian mortar position by an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.

• 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 oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. 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. 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 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. One drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, heading east. One drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, with an eastern course. A drone is in the west of Zhytomyr Oblast, with a western/southwestern course. A drone is in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, with a southwesterly course. A drone is in the west of Kharkiv Oblast, with a western course. A drone is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with a western course. A drone is approaching Kremenchuk. A drone is over Nizhyn. 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. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd. One drone is on the west of Kirovohrad Oblast, with a southwestern course. Two new drones are flying over Bereznehuvate, with a northwestern course. One drone has flown over Kremenchuk, heading towards Poltava. One drone is still circling on the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. One drone is flying over from Kharkiv Oblast to Poltava Oblast. One drone is circling near Zolotonosha, Kharkiv Oblast. 3 drones from Kirovohrad Oblast are flying towards Cherkasy Oblast. 3 drones from Kirovohrad Oblast are flying towards Cherkasy Oblast. 1 drone is circling near Okhtyrka. 1 drone is circling near Okhtyrka. 1 new drone flew north of Snihurivka, with a north-westerly course. 1 new drone flew north of Snihurivka, with a north-westerly course.

• New Drone Activity:

  • Zhytomyr Oblast: Drones are reported in the northern part, moving west. One drone was reported east of Zviahel, moving southwest. A drone is reported to be west of Zhytomyr, heading west/southwest. A drone is reported to be west of Zhytomyr, heading west/southwest.
  • 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. 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. 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv. 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy. 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest. 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. Three drones are also reported to be near Lozova.
  • 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.
  • Poltava Oblast: One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava. One drone was reported west of Kremenchuk, constantly changing course.
  • 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.

• 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. Air defenses are engaging drones in Kyiv Oblast, with reports of drone activity 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.
  • Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over Sumy Oblast during the night.

• Drone Warfare: 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. A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone. Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.

• Drone strike: A video shows a Ukrainian drone striking two Russian soldiers.

Air Attacks and Alerts

• Increased Activity: Increased activity of Russian tactical aviation is reported in the north-eastern direction.
• Threat of Shahed Drones: A threat of Shahed drones is reported in Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts.
• Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts were activated in several regions of Ukraine due to the threat of ballistic missile usage. Air raid alerts were also issued in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv oblasts due to the threat of missile attacks. Air raid alerts are active in Kyiv and several other regions. Air raid alerts have been lifted in Zaporizhzhia oblast. The air raid alert in Kyiv has been lifted.
• Russian Airstrikes: Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian positions in Izium, Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces are also launching guided aerial bombs in Sumy Oblast.
• Zolochiv Airstrikes: At least 30 houses, two apartment buildings, power lines, and a car were damaged in Russian airstrikes on Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast. A 61-year-old woman suffered an acute stress reaction.

Geopolitical Developments

• US Special Representative's Visit Postponed: The US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has postponed his visit to Kyiv until after Trump's inauguration.
• Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd.
• NATO Maritime Security: NATO countries are forming the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to protect underwater infrastructure, using British software to monitor specific vessels, including those suspected of being part of a "shadow fleet."
• EU Crisis: The Financial Times reports that the EU is facing a security crisis due to Russia and Trump's indifference to Europe.
• China's Potential Technological Advantage: China claims a major breakthrough in laser communication "satellite-to-ground," potentially surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink.
• 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. Russian propagandists are reportedly attempting to discredit Zelensky following his recent interview.
• 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." 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, 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. North Korea claims to have launched a new hypersonic ballistic missile, which reportedly flew at 12 times the speed of sound and reached an altitude of 99.8 km. Kim Jong Un stated that the new hypersonic missile can "effectively overcome any air defense system in the world." Kim Jong Un stated that the purpose of developing the new hypersonic missile is self-defense, not offensive plans.
• 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. Trump has accused Biden of hindering the transition of power.
• 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.
• US Congress confirms Trump's victory: The US Congress has confirmed Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election. 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."
• Trump-Xi Contact: Trump has reportedly been in contact with Xi Jinping and hopes for a mutual understanding.
• Update: Russian state secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
• Update: Patriarch Kirill, at the request of Putin, consecrated body crosses and icons for the military personnel involved in the "special operation," according to Peskov.
• Update: A video shows a meeting between Putin and Patriarch Kirill.
• Denmark's new coat of arms: Denmark has changed its coat of arms.

Other Significant Developments

• Ukrainian Military Reports: The Ukrainian General Staff reports significant Russian equipment losses, including 9,710 tanks, 20,189 armored fighting vehicles, 21,710 artillery systems, and 21,708 drones.
• Mobilization Challenges: Reports indicate unlawful conscription of employees from a critical enterprise in the Mykolaiv region. The Ukrainian word of the year for 2024, "busification," reflects the forced and accelerated mobilization process.
• Naval Activity: The Ukrainian Navy reports ongoing naval operations, with a focus on the Mediterranean Sea and continued use of the Kerch Strait by Russian forces.
• North Korean Missile Test: North Korea reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile. Kim Jong-un asserts that the new missile can overcome Western air defense systems.
• Incidents in Russia: A gas explosion occurred in a residential building in Petrozavodsk, Russia. Telephone scammers are targeting Russian citizens by falsely accusing them of financing the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Underwater Cables Damaged: Two underwater cables between Finland and Estonia, damaged in late December, have been repaired. Finnish authorities suspect the tanker Eagle S of damaging the cables with its anchor.
• Russian Soldier Testimonies: Videos featuring Russian soldiers have been released, serving as propaganda to boost morale and promote recruitment.
• Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces: The "DeepState" channel announced a successful fundraising campaign to procure Mavic 3T drones for the 22nd Mechanized Brigade. A campaign is also underway to procure an EW-equipped buggy for an assault unit on the Kharkiv front.
• Ukrainian Veteran Support: 8,000 Ukrainian veterans and their families have received "Ya-Veteran" cards, which provide discounts at businesses in Kryvyi Rih.
• Internal Russian Developments: A scandal involving Russian deputies criticizing those fighting against illegal migration has escalated internal political tensions. Russian authorities have begun confiscating assets belonging to former minister Abyzov, amounting to nearly 24 billion rubles.
• Alleged Information Leak: There are reports of an alleged leak of information about the Kursk counteroffensive, which may have contributed to its failure.
• Ukrainian Soldier Captured: A captured Ukrainian soldier's video provides insights into potential shortcomings in Ukrainian military training, planning, and communication.
• Air Defense Success: Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 28 out of 38 Russian drones launched overnight.
• Access Denied: The mother of a wounded Ukrainian soldier who exposed command fraud is being denied access to her son in the hospital.
• Gas Reserves in Europe: Gas reserves in European underground storage facilities have fallen below 70%, with withdrawal rates 30% higher than the average for the previous five years.
• New Advisor to Ukrainian Minister of Defense: Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov has appointed Oleksandr Kubrakov as his freelance advisor.
• Patriarch Kirill's Sermon: Patriarch Kirill gave a Christmas sermon in which he proclaimed an "alternative path of civilizational development" for Russia and criticized the "sins" of the West.
• Video of Russian City Targeted: A video from the Ukrainian side shows the Russian city of Sudzha being targeted with bombs and missiles.
• Calendar with "Archangel of Special Forces": A calendar featuring the "Archangel of Special Forces" is being distributed among Russian soldiers and their supporters.
• Ukrainian Special Forces Kill North Korean Soldiers: Ukrainian special forces reportedly killed 13 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.
• North Korea's Hypersonic Missile Claim: North Korea claims to have successfully launched a new hypersonic missile.
• Criticism of Western Countries: Western countries are criticized for not preventing their microelectronics components from reaching North Korea and Russia.
• Continued Shelling of Alyoshki: A civilian was killed in Alyoshki, Kherson Oblast, due to shelling by Ukrainian forces.
• Russian Military Medic Honored: Major of Medical Service Denis Fedyunin reportedly saved over 30 Russian soldiers under fire and shot down two FPV drones with small arms.
• Ukrainian Forces Seek Help for Vehicle Repairs: Medics from the 47th Mechanized Brigade are seeking financial assistance to repair vehicles used for evacuating wounded soldiers.
• Destruction of Russian Tank: Ukrainian forces from the 63rd Brigade destroyed a Russian tank near Lyman.
• Christmas Greetings from "Archangel of Special Forces": A video message from the "Archangel of Special Forces" extended Christmas greetings to followers.
• Alleged Gift of North Korean Artillery to Russia: A video purportedly shows a North Korean 170-mm self-propelled gun, "Koksan," in a Russian position, with the caption claiming it was a gift from Kim Jong-un.
• Putin's Phone Call with a Girl from Horlivka: Russian President Vladimir Putin made a phone call to a 15-year-old girl from Horlivka, fulfilling her wish to visit St. Petersburg.
• Drop in Trust in Zelensky: A poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS) shows that trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has nearly halved since the beginning of the war.
• Regional Disparities in Trust: Trust in Zelensky is higher in the west of Ukraine (60%) compared to the south (46%) and east (42%).
• Discussion of Potential NATO Membership for Ukraine: A news article suggests that Putin might agree to Ukraine joining NATO if certain conditions are met, including the withdrawal of US military bases from Eastern Europe and partial lifting of sanctions against Russia.
• North Korean Missile Test: North Korea claims to have successfully launched a new hypersonic missile that reached 12 times the speed of sound and a maximum altitude of 99.8 kilometers.
• Propaganda Video of Putin: A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin attending a religious service at a memorial church is being used to bolster national identity and moral justification for current military actions.
• Propaganda Video with Church Leader: Another video shows Putin meeting with the Russian Orthodox Church leader, where religious objects are blessed for distribution to military commanders.
• Analysis of Combat Zone Image: An image shows Toretsk under siege, with Ukrainian forces attempting a counter-offensive from the south, west, and north.
• Analysis of Iranian Air Defense Drills: Images from Iranian media show the use of various air defense systems during drills near a nuclear site.
• Analysis of Missile Launch Image: An image likely depicts the launch of a rocket-propelled projectile or missile, suggesting possible military operations.
• Analysis of Iranian Mobile Air Defense System: An image shows a deployed Iranian mobile air defense system, indicating readiness for operations in an arid environment.
• Analysis of Mobile Missile Launch System: An image depicts a mobile missile launch system deployed in a mountainous region, suggesting an active area denial or counter-air strategy.
• Analysis of Mobile SAM System: An image shows a mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system deployed in a desert environment, indicating air defense capabilities.
• Analysis of Nighttime Missile Launch: An image depicts a nighttime missile launch from a mobile truck platform, indicating an active offensive capability.
• Analysis of Mobile Radar System: An image shows a mobile radar system deployed in an arid, mountainous environment, suggesting ongoing military operations requiring air surveillance and potential air defense capabilities.
• Analysis of Missile/Drone Launch: An image depicts a highly mobile launch system firing a guided missile or drone, emphasizing the capability to conduct precision strikes at extended ranges.
• Analysis of Russian Theater Visit: A video shows a visit to a provincial theater by a group of people, including a young boy, highlighting Russian culture and tradition.
• Analysis of News Article on NATO Expansion: A news article suggests a potential shift in Russia's stance on NATO expansion, indicating that Putin might accept Ukraine joining NATO if the US withdraws its military bases from Eastern Europe.
• Analysis of North Korean Missile Launch: An image depicts the launch of a ballistic missile, likely conducted by North Korea, serving as a public display of military capability.
• Analysis of Russian Military Medic: An image portrays a Russian military medic within the context of an active military operation, emphasizing the importance of medical support.
• Analysis of Ukrainian Vehicle Repair Request: A video shows damaged Ukrainian military vehicles and a soldier's request for financial assistance for repairs, highlighting the logistical challenges facing Ukraine.
• Analysis of Drone Strike on Vehicle: A video documents a military operation in Ukraine in which a drone is used to identify, target, and destroy a moving vehicle.
• Analysis of Russian Orthodox Church Video: A video shows a winter scene of a Russian Orthodox church, with religious imagery and the ringing of church bells, but it has minimal direct relevance to ongoing military operations.
• Analysis of Alleged Gift of North Korean Artillery: A video purportedly shows a North Korean 170-mm self-propelled gun, "Koksan," in a Russian position.
• Analysis of Putin in a Working Environment: An image portrays Vladimir Putin in a moment of active communication, likely related to ongoing military operations.
• Analysis of Graph Showing Declining Trust in Zelensky: A graph shows fluctuating public trust in President Zelensky, with a decline since the initial surge of support following the Russian invasion.
• Analysis of Graph Showing Regional Trust in Zelensky: A graph reveals regional disparities in trust for President Zelensky, with the West exhibiting the highest level of support and the East the lowest.
• Analysis of Ukrainian Security Operation: An image depicts an individual apprehended by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), indicating ongoing efforts to neutralize threats to national security.
• Analysis of Seized Communication Equipment: An image shows a large number of mobile phones, SIM cards, a laptop, and an audio recorder, suggesting a potential communication hub used in military operations or criminal activities.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine has further deteriorated for Ukrainian forces. The confirmed loss of Kurakhove and the severe pressure on Toretsk represent significant setbacks. Russian forces are solidifying their control over most of Toretsk and continue to advance in the Donetsk region, particularly towards Pokrovsk. The capture of Shevchenko, Ivanivka, and Lozova further expands Russian territorial control.

In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian counteroffensive remains stalled, with Russian forces consolidating their positions and securing several settlements, including Leonidovo and Russkoye Porechnoye. The situation around Malaya Loknya and Makhnovka remains fluid but favors Russian advances.

Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature of the conflict, with increased activity reported across multiple regions, including new targets in Chernihiv and Nizhyn. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging Russian drones, but the sheer number of drones presents a significant challenge. Reports of drone movements in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava Oblasts indicate a widespread and persistent aerial threat.

The postponement of the US Special Representative's visit to Kyiv until after Trump'