Situation Report

# **Military Situation in Ukraine: Major Updates**

## **Strategic Overview**

**As of January 8, 2025, 11:33 UTC**

The military situation in Ukraine is exceedingly precarious. Russian forces are achieving substantial gains in the **Donetsk** region and have repelled a major Ukrainian offensive in **Kursk**. The capture of **Kurakhove** and the critical situation in **Toretsk**, where Ukrainian control is now less than 15%, are significant setbacks. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the **Kursk** region has been repelled, with Ukrainian losses estimated as high as 48,000. Drone warfare remains a central element, with widespread activity across multiple oblasts. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging Russian drones, having shot down 41 out of 64 overnight. The geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, with potential shifts in approach suggested by statements from Zelensky and Macron. The US is preparing to announce a substantial final weapons package for Ukraine during the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting.

**New Developments:**

*   A Ukrainian officer reports that Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian defenses on the **Lyman** axis, advancing towards **Kolodezi** from **Ivanovka**.
*   Russian sources report that a Ukrainian FPV drone was launched from an unmanned surface vessel (USV) and attacked a Russian "Pantsir" air defense system in the **Kherson** region, indicating a new tactic of using USVs as launch platforms for drones.
*   Reports indicate an attempt to sabotage a railway line in **Khmelnytskyi** Oblast, potentially targeting a freight train.
*   The arrival of the GUR "Kherson" special unit in the **Dnipro** responsibility zone is reported. This unit previously operated in the **Kursk** region during the Ukrainian offensive, indicating a potential shift in focus to the southern front.
*   Russian military bloggers claim that the "Kherson" unit is preparing for operations in the **Dnipro** river basin or the Black Sea, potentially involving amphibious or naval operations. They also link the unit to attacks on the Crimean peninsula using maritime drones.
*   The commander of the "Kherson" unit is reportedly paying special attention to the situation in Transnistria, suggesting a possible expansion of the conflict to this region.
*   Reports of multiple drones in **Sumy**, **Mykolaiv**, and **Kherson** Oblasts.
*   Reports of an alleged execution of three Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces near **Neskuchne**, **Donetsk** Oblast.
*   A Russian soldier, Daniil Tulenkov, reportedly wrote a book advocating for the killing of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, drawing criticism from international organizations.
*   Reports of Russian forces entering **Malaya Loknya** and continuing to engage Ukrainian forces in the **Kursk** region.
*   A reported statement from a Russian military-industrial complex leader claiming that the situation is the "beginning of the end" for the Russian military-industrial complex, and that Defense Minister Belousov is not accurately reporting the situation to Putin, suggests significant internal issues and potential problems with Russia's ability to sustain its war effort.
*   Reports of Russian forces launching an attack on the **Zaporizhzhia** Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones.
*   A Russian journalist, Aleksandr Martemyanov, was killed by a Ukrainian FPV drone in **Donetsk**.
*   The Armenian government is reportedly not currently discussing changes to the treaty on the deployment of the Russian military base.
*   The French Foreign Minister stated that the EU will not allow the US to annex Greenland.
*   A photo was shared showing a portrait of Zelensky placed among portraits of fallen heroes on the Maidan in Kyiv, with the caption indicating that it had been there for two months without anyone noticing.
*   The Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg has reportedly ceased operations.
*   A video was shared showing a mobilized soldier in Odesa escaping from the Territorial Recruitment Center (TCC).
*   A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy announced that Russia has stopped repairing its warships in Crimea due to Ukrainian attacks.
*   A compilation video was released showing the use of fiber-optic drones by Russian forces against Ukrainian armor, infantry, and other targets in the Kursk border area.
*   A video was shared showing the aftermath of a missile strike, likely ATACMS, on a Russian unit's location in the occupied part of the Kherson region.
*   The Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration announced a program offering farmers $1000 vouchers for seed purchases.
*   The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing a Giatsint-B gun of the Crimean paratroopers hitting a concealed Ukrainian gun in the Kursk region border area.
*   A video was shared showing a man taking a selfie in front of the Moscow Kremlin.
*   A video was shared showing a performer speaking Ukrainian on stage, mentioning that he is learning the language from a native speaker.
*   A report stated that Trump's arrival at the White House will not affect arms supplies to Ukraine, as the Pentagon will use a new scheme involving eight "coalitions of capabilities," each led by at least two NATO member states.
*   A report stated that the first meeting of the "contact group" on Ukraine in 2025 will take place tomorrow, where the military needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the air, on land, and at sea until 2027 will be approved.
*   A photo and report from the "Rybar" Telegram channel detailed a new drone attack on Russian regions, with the most massive attack hitting the Saratov region, causing a large fire at the "Kristall" Rosrezerv plant, one of the largest aviation fuel storage facilities in the region.
*   An advertisement was shared for a company called "ZARULEM" offering assistance in obtaining driver's licenses throughout Russia.
*   A photo was shared showing two individuals in military gear with the word "ХИМЕРА" (Chimera) and an emblem with the words "DOMINATOR SAPIENS" and a bird of prey over a spear.
*   A report from the "Archangel of Special Forces Z" Telegram channel detailed the arrival of the GUR "Kherson" special unit in the **Dnipro** responsibility zone, suggesting preparations for operations in the **Dnipro** river basin or the Black Sea.
*   A video was shared showing a dog sitting indoors near a wooden crate.
*   A photo was shared from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces showing a soldier at a train station, with text indicating that over 1,000 military personnel had purchased train tickets through the "Armiya+" app.
*   A video was shared showing a drone operator targeting a Russian soldier on a tower with an explosive drone.
*   Several photos were shared showing destroyed military equipment, including US-made M1126 Stryker APCs, an M577 command post vehicle, and Kozak-2 armored vehicles, in the Kursk region.
*   A video was shared showing a Ukrainian drone dropping ordnance on Russian infantry in a wooded area in the Kharkiv region.
*   A photo was shared showing the posthumous awarding of the Order of the Republic to the killed "Izvestia" correspondent Alexander Martemyanov.
*   A report from the "NgP raZVедка" Telegram channel claimed that Ukraine plans to stop the transit of Russian oil to the EU, following the halt of gas transit.
*   A video was shared showing a sniper engaging targets at night using a thermal scope.
*   A photo and report were shared about a five-year-old boy in Stavropol Krai who allegedly donated his savings to buy boots for soldiers.
*   Reports of fierce battles near **Solone-Novovasylivka-Uspenivka** in the **Dnipropetrovsk** direction.
*   Russian forces reportedly attack towards **Nadiynka** and **Sribne** from **Novoelizavetivka**, creating pressure on the rear area of the Ukrainian defense in **Yaseneve**.
*   Russian forces reportedly reached the outskirts of **Yaseneve** from the direction of **Ukrainka**.
*   Russian forces reportedly captured and cleared **Slavyanka** and **Petropavlovka**, and are attacking towards **Andriivka**.

## **Key Developments**

### **Donetsk Region**

*   **Fall of Kurakhove:** Russian forces have captured **Kurakhove**, solidifying their control in the region and threatening the **Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka** highway. Ukrainian forces hold the western part, including a thermal power plant, but the situation is dire due to extensive building destruction. Ukrainian defenses in **Kurakhove** were substantial, involving 26 battalions totaling over 15,000 troops, including elite units. The losses suffered by Ukrainian forces during the battle for **Kurakhove** were significant, with an estimated 80% of personnel (over 12,000 troops) and around 3,000 pieces of military equipment, including 40 tanks, lost.
*   **Critical Situation in Toretsk:** Ukrainian control in **Toretsk** is under 15%, with Russian forces advancing and controlling 85% of the city. Russian forces are conducting clean-up operations. Some Ukrainian positions in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk have been destroyed. The battle for **Toretsk** is described as crucial for the fate of nearby cities, including **Chasiv Yar, Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk,** and **Sloviansk**. Russian forces are actively shelling positions near Kurakhove, using artillery and drones.
*   **Russian Advances:** Gains are reported near **Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole,** and **Tymofiivka**. Attacks intensify on the **Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka** highway, with progress in **Novovasylivka**. Russian forces have advanced in the northern part of **Dzerzhinsk** (**Toretsk**), expanding their control zone.
*   **Ukrainian Resistance:** Ukrainian forces resist the Russian advance, reporting repulsion of an assault near **Velyka Novosilka** and pushing Russian forces out of the southern part of **Novoielizavetivka**. Ukrainian forces target Russian military equipment and personnel, with a mass drone attack reported in the **Pokrovsk** direction.
*   **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.
*   **New:** In the area of **Vozdvyzhenka**, Russian assault units advanced towards road junctions leading to ravines.
*   **New:** Russian units entered **Baranovka** from the southern and eastern outskirts, initiating an assault.
*   **New:** In **Yelizavetovka**, Russian units are launching attacks, increasing pressure on the enemy.
*   **New:** 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**.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces report repelling 30 Russian attacks in the **Pokrovsk** direction and claim to have neutralized 304 Russian troops, with 130 killed. They also report destroying one tank, four BMPs, six vehicles, one artillery system, and ten UAVs. Two artillery systems, one vehicle, and one tank were damaged.
*   **New:** Reports of fierce battles near **Solone-Novovasylivka-Uspenivka** in the **Dnipropetrovsk** direction.
*   **New:** Russian forces reportedly attack towards **Nadiynka** and **Sribne** from **Novoelizavetivka**, creating pressure on the rear area of the Ukrainian defense in **Yaseneve**.
*   **New:** Russian forces reportedly reached the outskirts of **Yaseneve** from the direction of **Ukrainka**.
*   **New:** Russian forces reportedly captured and cleared **Slavyanka** and **Petropavlovka**, and are attacking towards **Andriivka**.

### **Kursk Region**

*   **Major Ukrainian Offensive and Losses:** The Ukrainian offensive in the **Kursk** region has been repelled, with Ukrainian losses estimated at 48,000. A captured US Army M577 command post vehicle by Russian forces in the region, if confirmed, would be a significant development. Russian forces have reportedly repelled over 47 assaults in the **Kursk** region. The US has acknowledged the strategic importance of the **Kursk** operation for future negotiations.
*   **Russian Counterattack:** Russian forces report repelling a counterattack near **Berdin** and claim to have destroyed multiple Ukrainian vehicles.
*   **Continued Fighting:** Fighting continues near **Berdin** and **Malaya Loknya**, with Russian advances in the **Sudzha** area. **Leonidovo** has been taken under Russian control.
*   **Ukrainian Retreat:** Approximately 40 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly retreated from **Berdin** to **Cherkasskoye Porechnoye**.
*   **New:** US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the **Kursk** region, stating that it is an important operation to strengthen Kyiv's position before future negotiations with Moscow.
*   **New:** Russian forces have liberated the village of **Leonidovo** in the **Kursk** region.
*   **New:** Reports indicate a drone attack on **Kursk**, with claims of a "massive raid from several sides at once." Air defense systems were reportedly active.
*   **New:** Russian forces reportedly entered **Malaya Loknya**.

### **Luhansk Region**

*   **Russian Capture of Ivanivka:** Russian forces have captured **Ivanivka** near **Terny**, marking a significant advance.
*   **Repelled Infiltrations:** Russian forces report repelling over 30 attempts by Ukrainian forces to penetrate the **Luhansk People's Republic** in the past week.
*   **New Update:** A Ukrainian officer reports that Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian defenses on the **Lyman** axis, advancing towards **Kolodezi** from **Ivanovka**.

### **Drone Warfare and Aerial Attacks**

*   **Extensive Drone Activity:** Drone warfare is a dominant feature. Ukrainian forces report successful drone strikes on Russian targets, including a command post near the **Toretsk** mine and a Russian "Buk-M1" anti-aircraft missile system. Ukrainian forces report their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. FPV drones are used extensively, particularly by Russian forces.
*   **New Drone Attack on Engels, Saratov Region of Russia:** A new drone attack is reported on **Engels, Saratov** region of Russia, with the governor acknowledging a downed drone and debris impacting an industrial facility. Reports indicate damage to a local oil depot in **Engels** and a massive drone attack on **Saratov**. Ukrainian forces claim to have struck the oil depot with drones. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the strike on an oil depot in Engels.
*   **Air Defense Engagements:** Ukrainian air defense forces actively engage hostile drones, with reports of activity near **Kyiv** and successful interceptions. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 41 out of 64 drones overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that in the night of January 8, 2025 a large scale attack was launched using 64 attack UAVs of the "Shahed" type, as well as decoy drones from Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. As of 9:00 AM, 41 attack UAVs were confirmed to be destroyed, including "Shahed" and other types of drones, in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad Oblasts. 22 decoy drones were lost without negative consequences. Three of them headed towards Russia, and one towards Belarus.
*   **Missile Attacks:** Reports indicate the use of high-speed missiles, potentially KN-23 type, targeting **Chernihiv**.
*   **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. An air raid alert has been declared for Kyiv.
    *   **Chernihiv Oblast:** Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west.
    *   **Sumy Oblast:** Two drones are heading towards **Romny**, and one towards **Lypova Dolyna**.
    *   **Kirovohrad Oblast:** Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest.
    *   **Kharkiv Oblast:** Drones are moving from **Kharkiv** towards **Dnipropetrovsk** Oblast.
    *   **Dnipropetrovsk Oblast:** One drone is in the **Kryvyi Rih** district, another is over **Dolynska**.
    *   **Poltava Oblast:** One drone is circling south of **Poltava**.
    *   **Cherkasy Oblast:** One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course.
*   **Renewed Aerial Bombardment in Southern Donetsk:** The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the southern part of **Donetsk** Oblast.
*   **Training Exercises in Kharkiv:** The Operational Tactical Group "Kharkiv" reports ongoing training exercises, focusing on marksmanship with AK rifles and machine guns.
*   **FPV Drone Attack:** A Russian FPV drone successfully hit a Ukrainian BMP-1 near **Novoandreevka** in the **Zaporizhzhia** region.
*   **Continued Drone Warfare:** Ukrainian drone operators from the 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" are actively targeting Russian forces in the **Kursk** region, destroying BTRs, tanks, BMPs, quad bikes, KamAZ trucks, and dugouts.
*   **Port of Berdyansk Attacked:** Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked the port of Berdyansk with a guided missile, aiming to create an ecological disaster by targeting a fuel storage tank. The attack did not result in any casualties and did not affect the port's operations.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in **Kursk** Oblast.
*   **New:** Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
*   **New:** A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
*   **New:** Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
*   **New:** Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the **Pokrovsk** direction.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
*   **New:** Reports of drone movements in **Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk,** and **Chernihiv** Oblasts.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** City of **Pryluky** (**Chernihiv** Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
*   **New:** Drones in the west of **Poltava** region, course - west / southwest;
*   **New:** Drones in the north of **Sumy** region, course - south-west;
*   **New:** Drones in the center of **Chernihiv** region, course - south / south-west;
*   **New:** Drones in the east of **Kyiv** region, course - west / north-west;
*   **New:** Drones on the border of **Kirovohrad** and **Odesa** regions, course - west.
*   **New:** Enemy drone is moving in the direction of **Cherkasy** from the southeast.
*   **New:** One drone north of **Cherkasy**, moving towards **Kyiv** Oblast. Two drones west of **Poltava**, moving northwest. Five drones near **Konotop**, moving southwest.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces successfully employed a drone to eliminate a single Russian soldier.
*   **New:** Explosions were reported in **Cherkasy** and its outskirts.
*   **New:** Russian forces launched an attack on the **Zaporizhzhia** Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones.
*   **New:** Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
*   **New:** "Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near **Kurdyumivka** in the **Bakhmut** area.
*   **New:** A video from "Старше Эдды" details an attack involving a tank and drones. The tank is identified and targeted by drones named "Князь Вандал" and "Упырь." The operation is carried out by the "Дозор" and "Заря" units of the "Ирландцы" detachment.
*   **New:** A video from "Два майора" details the use of hemostatic agents and wound packing techniques.
*   **New:** A video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows a Ukrainian FPV drone attempting to hit a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter. The helicopter evaded the attack. The incident took place in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
*   **New:** Ukrainian border guards reportedly struck a Russian drone launch site in Vovchansk using drones. The "Hart" brigade carried out the operation.
*   **New:** Former spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force, Yuriy Ignat, stated that the American F-16 fighters transferred to Kyiv are outdated and not capable of effectively countering Russian combat aircraft. He suggested that Ukraine should start requesting F-35 and Eurofighter aircraft.
*   **New:** A compilation video was released showing the use of fiber-optic drones by Russian forces against Ukrainian armor, infantry, and other targets in the Kursk border area.
*   **New:** A video was shared showing the aftermath of a missile strike, likely ATACMS, on a Russian unit's location in the occupied part of the Kherson region.
*   **New:** A video was shared showing a drone operator targeting a Russian soldier on a tower with an explosive drone.
*   **New:** Reports of multiple drones in **Sumy**, **Mykolaiv**, and **Kherson** Oblasts.
*   **New:** Russian sources report that a Ukrainian FPV drone was launched from an unmanned surface vessel (USV) and attacked a Russian "Pantsir" air defense system in the **Kherson** region.

### **Geopolitical Developments**

*   **Zelensky's Statements:** Zelensky indicates willingness to limit potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expresses openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited.
*   **Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin:** Reports suggest a meeting before February 23.
*   **US Aid:** A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected soon, but the US indicates it will not be able to provide all aid before January 20th. A new substantial package is expected to be announced during the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting. The US Congress is considering a resolution to recognize Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide.
*   **Macron's Statement:** Macron calls for "realistic discussions" on territorial issues, suggesting a quick solution in Ukraine is unlikely.
*   **Trump's Statements on NATO and Ukraine:** Trump has expressed his support for the view that Ukraine should not be a part of NATO, aligning with Russia's stance on the issue.
*   **Trudeau's Resignation:** Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned.
*   **New:** In an interview, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would be open to a ceasefire if partners provided weapons to repel future Russian attacks.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is reportedly planning to donate $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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."
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** Hungary has resumed the operation of its embassy in Syria, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
*   **New:** Reports from "Novinite" suggest that Putin may consider allowing Ukraine to join NATO under certain conditions, including the withdrawal of US military bases from Eastern Europe and the partial lifting of economic sanctions against Russia.
*   **New:** Trump has stated that Biden is to blame for the conflict in Ukraine, claiming that the previous administration's incompetence provoked the conflict. He also mentioned that Russia would not have attacked Ukraine if he had been president.
*   **New:** Trump has expressed his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and criticized Mexico's migration policy.
*   **New:** Trump has indicated that he will not guarantee the security of Ukrainian citizens in the event of peace negotiations.
*   **New:** The Biden administration is set to announce a "substantial" final weapons package for Ukraine during the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting. The exact amount is unknown, but approximately $4 billion remains unspent, although the aid will not cover the entire remaining sum. It is suggested that "over a couple of billion dollars" may be left for the new Trump administration to provide to Ukraine, if they choose to do so.
*   **New:** Trump has reiterated his claim that Russia's actions in Ukraine were a result of the perceived incompetence of the Biden administration, particularly citing the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. He also stated that he "understands Russia's feelings" regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership and emphasized that the conflict would end under his administration.
*   **New:** Trump has stated that he hopes to end the war in Ukraine within six months, a change from his previous claim of 24 hours.
*   **New:** The French Foreign Minister stated that the EU will not allow the US to annex Greenland.
*   **New:** A report stated that Trump's arrival at the White House will not affect arms supplies to Ukraine, as the Pentagon will use a new scheme involving eight "coalitions of capabilities," each led by at least two NATO member states.
*   **New:** A report stated that the first meeting of the "contact group" on Ukraine in 2025 will take place tomorrow, where the military needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the air, on land, and at sea until 2027 will be approved.

### **Other Significant Developments**

*   **Casualty Reports:** Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties, while Russian sources claim heavier Ukrainian losses in the **Kursk** region, reaching 48,000.
*   **Troop Mobilization:** Ukraine has reportedly mobilized 200,000 troops in 2024, 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 dolphin deaths.
*   **Serbia's Energy Supply:** Serbia seeks 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.
*   **Rheinmetall IFV:** Rheinmetall will begin field testing its new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Ukraine.
*   **Belarusian Military Presence:** Belarus has reportedly increased its military presence near the Ukrainian border.
*   **North Korean Missile Test:** North Korea reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile.
*   **Allegations of Misconduct:** Allegations of misconduct within a Russian unit point to potential issues with discipline and morale.
*   **Air Raid Alerts and MiG-31K Detection:** Air raid alerts have been declared in Kyiv and other regions due to the threat of Russian missile attacks and the activity of tactical aviation. A MiG-31K, capable of carrying Kinzhal missiles, has been detected, posing a nationwide threat.
*   **Shelling and Guided Aerial Bombs:** Russian forces are actively shelling positions near Kurakhove, using artillery and drones. Russian forces launched guided aerial bombs in Sumy Oblast.
*   **Historical Artwork:** The Operational Tactical Group "Kharkiv" shared an image of Viktor Tsymbal's cover art for Mykola Arkas' "History of Ukraine," published in New York in the 1960s.
*   **Statements on Prisoner Treatment:** A Russian soldier, Daniil Tulenkov, reportedly wrote a book advocating for the killing of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, drawing criticism from international organizations.
*   **Statements from Russian Military-Industrial Complex:** A reported statement from a Russian military-industrial complex leader claiming that the situation is the "beginning of the end" for the Russian military-industrial complex, and that Defense Minister Belousov is not accurately reporting the situation to Putin, suggests significant internal issues and potential problems with Russia's ability to sustain its war effort.
*   **Capture of Russian POWs:** Two Ukrainian soldiers from the 79th Airborne Assault Brigade captured 14 Russian soldiers after a drone attack and a subsequent assault on a Russian position.
*   **Sabotage Attempt on Railway in Khmelnytskyi:** Reports indicate an attempt to sabotage a railway line in **Khmelnytskyi** Oblast, potentially targeting a freight train. Two suspects, allegedly recruited by Russia, were detained.
*   **MoD Report:** The Russian Ministry of Defense reports on the progress of the special military operation, claiming significant Ukrainian losses in various directions, including the destruction of 6 HIMARS rockets and 105 drones.
*   **Death of Russian Journalist:** A Russian journalist, Aleksandr Martemyanov, was killed by a Ukrainian FPV drone in Donetsk.
*   **New:** Colonelcassad's message encouraging Ukrainians to join the "people's resistance" and help Russia is a clear example of Russian propaganda and information warfare. The images and videos posted by Colonelcassad are also aimed at boosting morale and showcasing Russian military capabilities.
*   **New:** Given the image shared by Colonelcassad, which appears to depict a targeting reticle over a city map with signs of destruction, counter Russian propaganda efforts by providing accurate information about the situation on the ground. Highlight any potential war crimes or targeting of civilian areas by Russian forces.
*   **New:** Given the conflicting reports and internal disagreements within Russian media, counter Russian information operations by providing accurate and timely information to the public. Highlight Ukrainian successes and Russian losses to maintain morale and international support.
*   **New:** Counter the narrative of a "bad" peace deal:** Given the concerns raised by the Financial Times article, develop a communication strategy to counter the narrative of a "bad" peace deal that could weaken Ukraine and embolden Russia. Emphasize the importance of a strong and just peace that ensures Ukraine's security and territorial integrity.
*   **New:** Monitor and counter Russian information operations:** Given the conflicting reports and narratives emerging from both sides, closely monitor Russian information operations and develop strategies to counter their influence. Provide accurate and timely information to the public, highlighting Ukrainian successes and Russian losses. Emphasize the importance of relying on trusted sources and avoiding the spread of misinformation.
*   **New:** Counter Russian recruitment efforts:** The message from Colonelcassad encouraging Ukrainians to join the "people's resistance" and help Russia suggests an attempt to recruit individuals within Ukraine. Counter these efforts by disseminating information about the risks and consequences of collaborating with the enemy. Strengthen counterintelligence measures to identify and neutralize any potential collaborators.
*   **New:** Eight people died in a fire in an apartment building in the village of Kilmez in the Kirov region.
*   **New:** The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have repelled a Ukrainian attack in the **Kursk** region, destroying 11 Ukrainian drones.
*   **New:** Video evidence shows the destruction of another Ukrainian tank in the **Kursk** region.
*   **New:** A Russian Su-34 struck Ukrainian infantry and equipment at a stronghold in the **Kursk** region.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** 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.
*   **New:** Geolocation of battles in the **Kursk** region has been established, indicating the areas where Ukrainian forces attacked.
*   **New:** Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over **Sumy** Oblast during the night.
*   **New:** According to DeepState, Russian forces have made advances in **Toretsk, Zelene, Petropavlivka,** near **Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka,** and **Pishchane**.
*   **New:** The ISW considers the encirclement of