The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russian forces continue to achieve substantial gains in Donetsk, with the fall of Kurakhove and the increasingly dire situation in Toretsk, where Ukrainian control is now reportedly less than 10%. In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian offensive has been decisively repelled, resulting in significant losses estimated as high as 48,000. Drone warfare remains a central element of the conflict, with widespread activity across multiple oblasts and reports of new tactics, such as the use of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) as launch platforms for FPV drones. Ukrainian air defenses continue to engage Russian drones, shooting down 41 out of 64 overnight. The geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, with potential shifts in approach suggested by statements from Zelensky and Macron, and reports of internal disagreements within the Russian military-industrial complex. The US is preparing to announce a substantial final weapons package for Ukraine during the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting.
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. Ukrainian journalist Butusov reports that the city is "factually lost."
Critical Situation in Toretsk: Ukrainian control in Toretsk is under 10%, with Russian forces advancing and controlling 90% 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. Battles are ongoing along major streets, with Russian forces advancing into the western and northern parts of the city. Ukrainian forces report repelling 30 Russian attacks in the area, but the city is under intense attacks and described as being "on fire." 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. Russian infantry is reportedly entrenched on the northern and northwestern outskirts of Toretsk. Heavy fighting continues in Toretsk, 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 of Toretsk. The most intense fighting is occurring in the city center, the "Zabalka" microdistrict, near the "Tsentralna" mine, and the northwestern outskirts.
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, Yelizavetovka, and Baranovka. Russian forces have advanced in the northern part of Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk), expanding their control zone. In the area of Vozdvyzhenka, Russian assault units advanced towards road junctions leading to ravines. Russian units entered Baranovka from the southern and eastern outskirts, initiating an assault. In Yelizavetovka, Russian units are launching attacks, increasing pressure on the enemy.
Shevchenko Captured: The 114th brigade of Russian forces has reportedly liberated Shevchenko, continuing their advance beyond Kurakhove.
Ivanivka and Lozova Captured: Russian forces have reportedly captured three villages, including Ivanivka and Shevchenko in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
Lysivka: Russian forces report further advances of 500m towards the central part of the village.
Sukhoi Yar: Fighting continues in the area.
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. A series of FAB bombs were dropped on Ukrainian positions in the Krasnoarmiisk direction.
Belogorovka: Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade in Belogorovka.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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. The 30th Motorized Rifle Division has reportedly eliminated all remaining Ukrainian troops in Berdin and its surroundings. Russian forces are advancing towards Malaya Loknya from the northern flank of the Sudzha direction. Russian assault groups are operating in Malaya Loknya.
Continued Fighting: Fighting continues near Berdin, Malaya Loknya and Leonidovo, with Russian advances in the Sudzha area. Leonidovo has been taken under Russian control. 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.
Ukrainian Retreat: Approximately 40 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly retreated from Berdin to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
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.
Other Key Locations:
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.
Successful Tank Elimination: Ukrainian tanks were destroyed by Russian Lancet loitering munitions near Berdin. Another Ukrainian tank was destroyed in the Kursk region.
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 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 the Kursk region, Primorsky paratroopers destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with a drone.
New: Geolocation of battles in the Kursk region has been established, indicating the areas where Ukrainian forces attacked.
New: 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.
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.
Kharkiv Region
Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area of Kharkiv 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
New Drone Targets: Russian drones are targeting Chernihiv and Nizhyn.
New Drone Activity:
Zhytomyr Oblast: Drones are reported in the northern part, moving west. One drone was reported east of Zviahel, moving southwest. Two drones are reported to be heading towards Malyn, and two more towards Narodychi. 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. Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl. 1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west. Two drones are reported to be circling north of Chernihiv, and one is reported to be southwest of Chernihiv with a southeast trajectory. One drone is also reported to be circling near Pryluky. Two drones are heading towards Varva. A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, heading east. 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv. 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy. 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest. A drone was detected in the western part of Chernihiv region, moving west. Another drone was detected in the southeastern part of Chernihiv region, moving west. 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv. 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy. 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
Sumy Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Romny, and one towards Lypova Dolyna. A drone is in the west of Zhytomyr Oblast, with a western/southwestern course. New drones were reported entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk. A drone is in the west of Zhytomyr Oblast, with a western/southwestern course.
Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia.
Kharkiv Oblast: Drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Three drones are also reported to be near Lozova. A drone is in the west of Kharkiv Oblast, with a western course. A drone is in the west of Kharkiv Oblast, with a western course.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone is reported to be in the Kryvyi Rih district with a trajectory towards the Kherson region, and another is flying over Dolynska in a southerly direction. One drone is also reported to be circling over Samara. A drone is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with a western course. A drone is approaching Kremenchuk. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd. A drone is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with a western course. A drone is approaching Kremenchuk. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd.
Poltava Oblast: One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava. One drone was reported west of Kremenchuk, constantly changing course. A drone is in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, with a southwesterly course. Three drones are heading towards Pyriatyn, and one towards Lubny. One drone is circling south of Poltava. One drone was reported west of Kremenchuk, constantly changing course. A drone is in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, with a southwesterly course. Three drones are heading towards Pyriatyn, and one towards Lubny.
Cherkasy Oblast: One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course. One drone is reported to be in the western part, moving south. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest. One drone is heading towards Chornobai. One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course. One drone is reported to be in the western part, moving south. One drone is heading towards Chornobai.
Mykolaiv Oblast: 2 drones are flying through the Beryslav district in the direction of Snihurivka. 2 drones are flying through the Beryslav district in the direction of Snihurivka.
New: 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. 1 drone is circling near Okhtyrka. 1 new drone flew north of Snihurivka, with a north-westerly course. 3 drones are on the north of Kyiv Oblast, with a western course. 1 drone is reported to be flying from Chernihiv Oblast towards Vyshhorod. 2 drones are reported to be flying through Pereiaslav in a southwesterly direction. 1 drone is reported to have flown past Myrhorod in a western direction. 3 drones are reported to be flying from Sumy Oblast to Kharkiv Oblast. 2 drones are reported to be flying from Sumy Oblast towards/through Pryluky. 14 drones are reported to still be circling in the northeastern part of Chernihiv Oblast and in the Shostka area. 1 drone is reported to be north of Nizhyn, with a western course.
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.
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.
Drone Activity in Sumy Oblast: Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly shot down 12 Shahed drones over Sumy Oblast during the night.
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. An airstrike was conducted on a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces in Nikolsky, Kursk region, using a FAB-3000 bomb with UMPK. Russian military aircraft launched a powerful strike on a temporary Ukrainian Armed Forces deployment point in Sudzha, Kursk 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. 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.
Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest a possible 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.
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.
Macron's Statement: Macron calls for "realistic discussions" on territorial issues, suggesting a quick solution in Ukraine is unlikely.
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.
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. New information from the "Rybar" Telegram channel indicates potential changes to the Syrian educational curriculum, with a reported emphasis on Islamic teachings and the removal of pre-Islamic historical references. This could signal a shift towards a more religiously conservative educational system in Syria.
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.
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.
