Strategic Overview: January 8, 2025, 17:33 UTC

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russian forces have made significant advances in Donetsk, particularly in Toretsk, where less than 15% remains under Ukrainian control, and Kurakhove, which has been fully captured. They are pressing towards Pokrovsk, with advances in multiple settlements including Novovasylivka, Yelizavetovka, and Baranovka, and have reportedly captured Shevchenko, Ivanivka, and Vozdvyzhenka, moving closer to the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. In the Luhansk region, Russian units are developing success in Ivanovka. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with heavy losses estimated up to 48,000 casualties. A renewed Russian offensive is underway in the Kursk region near Nikolaevka and Staraya Sorochina, with advances reported near Novaya Sorochina, Makhnovka, and Dmitryukov. The US has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the region.

Drone warfare remains a critical aspect of the conflict, with extensive activity and new tactics reported. A confirmed Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, marks a significant escalation. The fire at the oil depot in Engels is intensifying, with a state of emergency declared. Two employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations died, and one was hospitalized during the fire.

The geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, with potential shifts in US and European support for Ukraine. Reports suggest a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd, though the German government has denied this. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claims Ukraine's termination of Russian gas transit to Europe is unacceptable. Leaders of European countries have expressed misunderstanding towards recent statements by Trump regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region: Intense Fighting and Russian Advances

Toretsk Under Severe Pressure: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Battles continue along major streets, with Russian forces advancing in both the southern and northern parts of the city.
Kurakhove "Factually Lost": Ukrainian sources report that Kurakhove is "factually lost," with Ukrainian forces struggling to defend a narrow area, including a thermal power plant.
Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, with progress reported in Novovasylivka, Yelizavetovka, and Baranovka. Russian forces have reportedly captured Shevchenko and Ivanivka.
Vozdvyzhenka Liberated: Russian forces have captured Vozdvyzhenka, bringing them closer to the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway.
Ukrainian Strike on Russian Command Post: Ukrainian General Staff reports a successful high-precision strike on a command post of the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation in Khartsyzk.
Continued Clashes: Fighting continues near Velyka Novosilka, Dachne, Ulakly-Konstantinopol-Razliv area, Andreyevka, Petropavlovka, and Shevchenko. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports 111 combat clashes since the beginning of the day, particularly in the Pokrovsky and Kurakhiv directions. Russian forces report advances near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka.
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, while the second Ukrainian tank retreated. Following this, Russian infantry secured positions in Yelyzavetivka.
Russian Advance Towards the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka Highway: On January 7th, Russian forces, consisting of 2 tanks and 3 BMPs with infantry, advanced from Vozdvyzhenka towards the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. Ukrainian sources report that one Russian vehicle was hit, while the others bypassed minefields and reached the highway. They also claim that the Russian forces then disembarked infantry and retreated towards Vozdvyzhenka.
Russian forces advance in multiple areas: Russian forces report advances in Toretsk, Zelene, Petropavlivka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, and Pishchane.
"Sudoplatov" unit destroys Ukrainian equipment: The "Sudoplatov" unit reportedly destroyed Ukrainian infantry and equipment, including a BMP, a Leopard 2A4 tank, and a British Husky TSV armored vehicle.
Artillery and Drone Attacks: Russian forces continued their attacks on Ukrainian positions using both artillery and drones. A video shared by the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel reportedly shows Russian forces engaging Ukrainian infantry on the Kurakhiv direction using drone footage of strikes on Ukrainian positions.
Capture of Ukrainian Soldiers: A video shared by the Colonelcassad Telegram channel reportedly shows three Russian soldiers from the 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade conducting a reconnaissance operation that resulted in the capture of six Ukrainian soldiers.
Video of Russian Soldier: A video shows Russian soldier Yegor Guzenko, also known as "Thirteenth," who was reportedly sent on a "meat assault" after a conflict with Kadyrov's "Akhmat" unit.
Destruction of a Bradley BMP: A video shared by the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel reportedly shows the destruction of a Bradley BMP in the Dzerzhinsk area by operators of the 80th separate reconnaissance battalion "Sparta" of the 51st Guards Airborne Army of the Russian Armed Forces.
Video Analysis of Russian Tank Operations: The video shows a Russian T-80 tank crew preparing for an offensive operation in a snowy, wooded environment. The emphasis on camouflage and the tank's movement through challenging terrain suggest a strategy of concealment and surprise.
Alleged War Crimes: Reports of the alleged execution of three Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces near Neskuchne. Reports of the alleged execution of two Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces near Vremivka on January 3rd, 2025.
Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.

Kursk Region: Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive and Renewed Russian Offensive

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with reports of heavy losses, estimated as high as 48,000 casualties. Russian forces are consolidating positions and repelling Ukrainian attacks near Berdin and claim to have destroyed multiple Ukrainian vehicles, including a British Challenger tank.
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations in the Kursk region, with attacks near Nikolaevka and the outskirts of Staraya Sorochina near Malaya Loknya. Russian paratroopers are reportedly making progress, pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, and Novaya Sorochina, with Ukrainian forces deploying reserves. Enemy groups attempted to infiltrate from Cherkasskoye Porechnoye but were repelled by artillery fire. Enemy reserves are being brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo.
Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Malaya Loknya from the northern flank of the Sudzha direction. They are also engaged in battles for Viktorovka and report that the Sudzha border area (Berdin and surroundings) has been cleared. Russian paratroopers have reportedly pushed Ukrainian forces out of Novosotnitskoe and prevented them from approaching Berdino. Leonidovo has been taken under Russian control.
Russian Counterattacks in Kursk Region: Russian forces report repelling two Ukrainian counterattacks in Pogrebki. They are also pushing Ukrainian forces from the western and northern parts of Orlovka.
Situation in Makhnovka: Ongoing battles, with no control over the settlement from the Russian side yet. The settlements of Leonidovo and Alexandria are under the control of the Russian Armed Forces. Assault operations are ongoing in the direction of Malaya Loknya and Nikolskoye.
US Support for Ukrainian Offensive: The US has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region.
Russian Military Operations in Kursk Region: Russian paratroopers are reportedly pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov. They also destroyed Ukrainian firing points with a 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortar.
Clashes: In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have repelled 47 Russian army assaults.

Kharkiv Region: Limited Activity

Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area.
Road Closure in Kherson Suburbs: Bus traffic has been temporarily suspended in the suburbs of Kherson (Naddniprianske, Molodizhne, Inzhenerne) due to increased shelling by Russian forces.
Artillery and Drone Attacks in Kharkiv Oblast: Russian forces continued their attacks on Kharkiv Oblast, using both artillery and drones. Several locations were targeted, including Kharkiv, Zolochiv,

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: On the Krasnolimansk direction, units of the Russian Army are developing success in Ivanovka (right bank of the Zherebets River). Russian forces have captured Ivanivka near Terny, according to both Russian and Ukrainian sources. This marks a significant Russian advance in the Luhansk region. Russian forces are also attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove.

Drone Warfare: Continued Activity and Deep Strikes

Confirmed Drone Attack in Engels, Saratov Region: A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels has been confirmed, marking a significant escalation and demonstrating Ukraine's ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. The fire at the "Krystal" oil depot in Engels, which supplies fuel to the Engels-2 airbase, is intensifying, with reports of new explosions. A state of emergency has been declared in the region. Two employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations died, and one was hospitalized during the fire.
Continued Drone Activity: Reports of drone movements across multiple oblasts, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, and Kherson.
Air Defense Engagements: Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones, with reports of activity near Kyiv and successful interceptions.
New Drone Targets: Russian drones are targeting Chernihiv and Nizhyn.
Drone Strikes: Drone operators of the 36th Army of the "Vostok" group reportedly struck a concentration of enemy personnel near Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
New 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 in Kursk Region: Russian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian self-propelled artillery system and a tank in the Kursk region.
Drone Attack on Engels: The Governor of Saratov Oblast reported on the consequences of the night drone attack on Engels. Due to the growing fire at the industrial facility, a state of emergency has been declared in Engels. Two firefighters were killed, and one was hospitalized during the firefighting efforts. Air quality tests in Engels have not shown any exceedances of pollutants.
Video of Drone Attack Aftermath in Engels: New video footage from the scene of the incident at the "Krystal" oil depot in Engels shows further explosions and confirms that a reservoir has exploded. Ukrainian forces have released a new video showing a fire at an oil depot in Engels, Russia, following a drone attack, confirming that the fire is still burning and that new explosions are occurring.
Two people were injured: Two people were injured after a drone attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region.
Extensive Drone Activity: 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 that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. FPV drones are being used extensively, particularly by Russian forces.
Drone Movements: Reports indicate drone movements in Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces successfully employed a drone to eliminate a single Russian soldier.
Video evidence shows a Russian soldier filming the aftermath of a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on a Russian vehicle in the Donetsk region, indicating casualties among the Russian assault group.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
Reports of a drone attack on Kursk highlight the ongoing information war.

Geopolitical Developments: Shifting Alliances and Diplomatic Maneuvers

France Calls for Action Against Elon Musk: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on the European Commission to take strong measures against Elon Musk.
Ukraine Offers to Replace Hungary in EU and NATO: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has stated that Ukraine is ready to take Hungary's place in the EU and NATO if Hungary decides to leave.
Closure of Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg: The Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg has been officially closed.
Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd, but the German government has denied this.
Poland's Defense Minister on Ramstein Format: The Polish Defense Minister suggests that the current Ramstein format for coordinating military aid to Ukraine may be the last of its kind.
EU on US-Greenland Relations: The EU, through French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, has stated that it will not tolerate any attacks on its sovereign borders, in response to reports of US ambitions in Greenland.
Greenland's Prime Minister to Meet with Danish King: Amid statements from Trump about a possible takeover of Greenland, the Prime Minister of Greenland is scheduled to meet with the King of Denmark.
Trump's Transition Team on US-Russia Relations: A TASS representative from the entourage of the next American leader said that Trump's transition team believes it is possible for Russia and the United States to reach a major security deal after the upcoming change of power in Washington.
EU spokesperson on Ukraine-Russia gas transit: An EU spokesperson urged respect for the sovereignty of countries after Trump's statements on Greenland. "This is also our diplomatic value and a key principle by which we work. This also applies to Denmark," said EU spokeswoman Anita Hipper. She also stated that the termination of the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe is unacceptable and contradicts its intentions to join the European Union, said Peter Szijjártó.
Leaders of European countries express misunderstanding towards Trump's statements: Leaders of European countries have expressed misunderstanding towards recent statements by Trump regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal, emphasizing the principle of inviolability of borders.
US State Secretary on Greenland: US State Secretary Antony Blinken stated that the idea of annexing Greenland to the US, promoted by Trump, is bad, will not be implemented in practice, and does not deserve discussion.
Trump's Statement on Annexing Canada: US President-elect Donald Trump has openly stated not only his desire to make Canada the 51st state but also his readiness to use force, albeit economic for now. Ukrainian media outlet RBC-Ukraine discusses Trump's strategy regarding Canada and how far his threats will go.
Pavel Durov on Telegram's Values: Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, stated that the platform's values do not depend on US election cycles and that they supported freedom of speech long before it became politically safe.
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.
Macron's Statement: Macron has called on Ukrainians to engage in "realistic discussions" on territorial issues, suggesting that a quick and easy solution in Ukraine is unlikely. Macron also stated that Trump knows that the US has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses.
Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest that German Chancellor Scholz may meet with Russian President Putin before February 23.
Apple CEO's Potential Donation to Trump's Inauguration: Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is reportedly planning to donate $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration.
Legal Action Against Von Der Leyen: A Belgian court will consider whether European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has legal immunity against corruption allegations related to the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.

Other Significant Developments

Weather Forecast: A warming trend is forecasted for Ukraine, which could impact military operations, particularly in terms of ground mobility and logistics.
Casualties in Zaporizhzhia: One person was killed and six were wounded in a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia. The number of wounded has risen to thirty. The number of dead has risen to thirteen. A 13-year-old girl is among the wounded. Daytime airstrike in Zaporizhzhia on an infrastructure object. The enemy reported damage to infrastructure, 1 death, and several injuries.
Russian Information Operation Debunked: A Russian information operation regarding a "blogger registry" has been debunked as a Ukrainian fabrication.
Internal Political Maneuvering in Ukraine: Reported internal political maneuvering within Ukraine, particularly regarding Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi, could impact the country's leadership and decision-making during the conflict.
Arrest of Mercenaries in Venezuela: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced the arrest of seven foreign "mercenaries," including three Ukrainian citizens.
Asset Reclassification in Moscow: 146 specially protected natural areas in Moscow have been reclassified, removing them from federal protection and allowing for construction.
Legal Action Against Ukrainian MP: A Ukrainian MP and his former assistant are facing trial for organizing illegal border crossings.
Rheinmetall IFV: Rheinmetall will begin field testing its new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Ukraine.
South Korean President's Arrest Warrant: The Anti-Corruption Investigation Department for Senior Officials is reportedly transferring an arrest warrant application for South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol to the police in connection with a mutiny case.
Increased Air Ticket Purchases: Russians have been increasingly purchasing air tickets to Japan, China, Vietnam, and South Korea in 2024.
Ukrainian Soldiers Trained in Britain: A group of Ukrainian soldiers from the 117th Brigade, trained in Britain under a program approved by Boris Johnson, are reportedly preparing to enter the battle on the Pokrovsk direction.
China's Satellite Technology: China claims a major breakthrough in laser communication "satellite-to-ground," potentially surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink.
Ukrainian Naval Update: The Ukrainian Navy reports that one enemy warship, a "Kalibr" missile carrier, is present in the Black Sea, but no missile firings are reported. In the Sea of Azov, no enemy warships or missile carriers are present. In the Mediterranean Sea, seven enemy warships, including two "Kalibr" missile carriers, are present, with 22 missile firings reported. The Kerch Strait transit data highlights its importance for Russian naval logistics and movements.
Air Strikes: The 11th Guards Air Assault Army carried out air strikes on Ukrainian positions near Konstantinopol. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes in multiple locations, indicating continued air superiority and pressure on Ukrainian forces.
During storms, Russia lost almost half of the barriers made of barges near the Crimean Bridge and is not trying to restore them.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and "Pantsir-SM" air defense systems.
Russian State Secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure: Continued attacks on civilian targets, including a bus in Kherson that resulted in 1 death and 9 injured (and later 1 death and 6 injured). Another bus attack resulted in 1 death and 9 injured.
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.
Europe Buys Record Amounts of Russian LNG: Europe is reportedly buying record amounts of liquefied natural gas from Russia, with volumes exceeding what Russia sold through Ukraine before January 1st.
Journalist Casualties: Several journalists were injured or killed in drone attacks, with reports of targeting to silence the press. The head of the DPR, Pushilin, called the killing of Izvestia journalist Alexander Martemyanov during a Ukrainian drone attack a "vile murder". Maria Zakharova, a Russian official, stated that those responsible for the attacks on Russian journalists would be punished. Reports of the death of Izvestia journalist Alexander Martemy.
A family was injured in a drone attack on a car in the Belgorod region.
Casualty Reports: Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties, while Russian sources claim even heavier Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region, reaching 48,000.
Troop Mobilization: Ukraine has reportedly mobilized 200,000 troops in 2024, falling short of the 500,000 called for by former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny.
Environmental Concerns: Oil spills from sunken tankers in the Black Sea have reached the coasts of Crimea, causing the deaths of dolphins.
Serbia's Energy Supply: Serbia is seeking new oil and gas supply routes due to the threat of US sanctions.
Czech Republic Military Aid: The Czech Republic issued 40 permits for Czech citizens to fight for Ukraine in the past year but rejected nearly twice as many applications.
Satellite Image Analysis: The satellite image reveals a high-value area with a strategically important palace/complex, potential avenues of approach via roads, a key naval access point with the marina, and possible landing zones on the beaches and open field.
Chechnya: Chechen bots reportedly wrote over 60 million comments in a year to create the appearance of support for local authorities.
Syria: There are reports of US military personnel starting the construction of a military base in Kobani (Ayn al-Arab) in northern Syria.
Ust-Luga Terminal Attack: New details have emerged about the attack on the Ust-Luga terminal, carried out by SBU drones. The drones reportedly traveled over 900 km and successfully hit their target, causing significant damage to gas condensate tanks.
Explosion in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky: An air raid alert was declared in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov region, followed by a column of smoke rising near military-technical property warehouses. The warehouses are reportedly combined with the production facility of FKP "Kombinat "Kamensky", which has previously been attacked.
New Medical Equipment in Dnipropetrovsk region: One of the regional hospitals has received a new angiograph, which will allow for more precise diagnostics and treatment, especially for patients with head artery damage.
Capture of US Army M577: Russian forces claim to have captured a US Army M577 command post vehicle in the Kursk region, with markings indicating it belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment.
Frontline Christmas in Donetsk People's Republic: A video report highlights the celebration of Orthodox Christmas on the front lines in the DPR, with Russian military personnel receiving gifts and medical personnel being recognized for their service. The report emphasizes the ongoing fighting and the provision of new medical equipment to a hospital in Horlivka.
Reconstruction Efforts in Avdiivka: A video shows ongoing reconstruction efforts in Avdiivka, with a focus on restoring normalcy and improving living conditions for residents. The video highlights the installation of new windows, the presence of Christmas decorations, and interactions between soldiers and civilians.
Internal Russian Military Issues: A video message from a Russian soldier, Sergei Pirkin, alleges threats from his commanders and misconduct within his unit (military unit 40318). He claims that criminal cases have been opened against his commanders but that they remain free. Pirkin is currently being held in a military commandant's office for not returning from leave due to a contusion and his mother's health condition.
Information Operations: Russian media is accused of building a narrative of victory and exaggerating its achievements. Ukrainian officials are criticized for their response to the situation in the Kursk region.
Internal Russian Political Developments: A scandal has emerged involving Russian deputies Fedorov and Matveychev, who reportedly criticized those fighting against illegal migration, labeling them as agents of British intelligence.
Confiscation of Assets: Russian authorities have begun the confiscation of assets belonging to former minister Abyzov, amounting to nearly 24 billion rubles, as indicated by court documents.
Poet and songwriter killed: Russian poet and songwriter Oleg Gegelsky was killed in the special operation zone at the age of 60.
More than 715 square kilometers of the Kerch Strait water area have been surveyed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations after the incident with tankers.
Over 86,000 tons of contaminated soil have been collected on the coastline by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, municipal representatives, and volunteers.

Changes Brought by the New Messages:

Reported assault on Pogrebki: The "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel reports that the 34th Mountain Brigade is conducting an assault on Pogrebki in the Kursk region, targeting a house with a group of Ukrainian soldiers. This indicates an intensification of fighting in the Kursk region.
Video of Fighterbomber: The Fighterbomber Telegram channel shared a video showcasing what they describe as "the best job in the world," which appears to depict a pilot's perspective during flight operations. This could be used to boost morale or showcase the capabilities of the air force.
Alleged attack on Motor Sich factory: The Alex Parker Returns Telegram channel reports an alleged attack on the Motor Sich factory administration, suggesting potential targeting of industrial facilities.
Drone attack aftermath in Engels: The ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS Telegram channel reports that the fire at the oil depot in Engels continues to burn and that a second reservoir has exploded. This confirms the ongoing nature of the attack and the significant damage caused.
Reported capture of Ukrainian soldiers: The Colonelcassad Telegram channel reports that three Russian soldiers captured six Ukrainian soldiers during a reconnaissance operation.
Video of Russian soldier: A video shared by the БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС Telegram channel shows Russian soldier Yegor Guzenko, also known as "Thirteenth," who was reportedly sent on a "meat assault" after a conflict with Kadyrov's "Akhmat" unit.
Reported arrest of Ukrainian commander: The STERNENKO Telegram channel reports that the commander of a company of the 155th Separate Marine Brigade has been detained by the SBU and DBR for desertion.
Report on North Korean soldier's confession: The "Оперативний ЗСУ" Telegram channel shares a translated confession from a North Korean soldier, Jong, who reportedly stole from Russians while serving in the military.
Report on GRU funding Taliban: The ASTRA Telegram channel reports that the GRU funded the Taliban to carry out terrorist attacks against the US in Afghanistan.
Report on fighting near Krasnoarmiisk: The "Сливочный каприз" Telegram channel reports on positional fighting near Krasnoarmiisk, with Russian forces reportedly advancing 3 km south of Ukrainka and occupying new positions.
Russian propaganda on Zaporizhzhia attack: The РБК-Україна Telegram channel reports that Russian propaganda is spreading disinformation about the attack on Zaporizhzhia, blaming Ukrainian air defense.
Report on US military aid to Ukraine: The Alex Parker Returns Telegram channel reports that the Biden administration will not be able to allocate more than $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine and is counting on continued supplies under Donald Trump.
Video of Mykhailo Podolyak: The РБК-Україна Telegram channel shares a video of Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Presidential Office, discussing the requirements for a turning point in the war with Russia.
Video of captured Russian soldier: The "Оперативний ЗСУ" Telegram channel shares a video of a captured Russian soldier, Vadym Yuriyovych Mykhailov, from the 70th Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment, who describes being abandoned in a field and forced to dig in.
Video of Russian Hero of Russia: The "Воин DV" Telegram channel shares a video of Vitaly Narushevich, a driver-mechanic of a BTR from the "Shtorm" detachment of the 40th Marine Brigade, who was awarded the title of Hero of Russia.
Azerbaijan Airlines suspends flights to Kazan: Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to Kazan, Russia, for an indefinite period due to safety concerns.
Report on Russian military blogger: The "МОБИЛИЗАЦИЯ I Новости I Срочники" Telegram channel shares a video of a Russian military blogger, Yevgeny Golman, who claims that generals are threatening to send soldiers to "the pit" for not shaving.
Drone footage of Ukrainian unit: The БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС channel shares a video of the Ukrainian unit "Хартія" using drones to target enemy personnel and equipment.
Drone footage of Ukrainian unit: The STERNENKO channel shares a video of Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian soldiers and vehicles in the Kurakhiv direction.
Drone footage of Russian unit: The Colonelcassad channel shares a video of a Russian unit using drones to target and destroy Ukrainian infantry, an SAU 125mm, and a tank in the Kursk border area.
Drone footage of Russian forces: The "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel shares a video of Russian forces using drones to target a building in Pogrebki, Kursk region, where Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly located.
Propaganda video: The Kotsnews channel shares a photo collage and message criticizing the new Swiss president for calling Zelensky and expressing readiness to contribute to the peace process.
Propaganda video: The Alex Parker Returns channel shares a video of Donald Trump counting money in church, with a caption suggesting that the Biden administration will not be able to provide military aid to Ukraine.

Updated Situation:

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile and complex. Russian forces are making significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove, while Ukrainian forces are facing significant challenges in maintaining their defensive lines. The renewed Russian offensive in the Kursk region signifies a shift in momentum, with heavy fighting reported near Pogrebki, and the US has officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the region. The intensification of drone warfare underscores the evolving nature of the conflict, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. The confirmed drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, represents a significant development and a potential turning point in Ukraine's ability to strike strategic targets.

The geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, with potential shifts in US and European support for Ukraine. The closure of the Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg further reflects the strained relations between Russia and Western countries. The new information regarding the Ukrainian strike on the Russian command post, the ongoing drone attacks, and the geopolitical developments further emphasize the complexity and volatility of the situation.

The new messages also highlight a statement from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who claims that Ukraine's termination of Russian gas transit to Europe is unacceptable and contradicts its intentions to join the European Union. This statement further emphasizes the geopolitical tensions surrounding energy supplies and the potential impact on relations between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU. The new messages also highlight that Ukrainian forces are continuing their drone attacks, with reports of a drone being shot down over the Bryansk region of Russia and an attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region.

The new messages also highlight a video reportedly showing Ukrainian soldiers distributing food to civilians in Niger. The video, shared by the Rybar Telegram channel, is presented as evidence of the positive role of Ukrainian forces in Africa. However, the report also mentions that local authorities expressed dissatisfaction with the incident, and that the soldiers were reprimanded by their command for their unauthorized actions. This incident underscores the complexities of operating in foreign environments and the importance of coordinating with local authorities. It also highlights the potential for such actions to be misinterpreted or used for propaganda purposes by opposing sides.

The new messages also highlight a video shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense, reportedly showing Russian troops undergoing training in the rear area of the Zaporizhzhia region. The video, which focuses on countering enemy drones, underscores the importance of training and adapting to the evolving nature of warfare. The emphasis on counter-drone measures highlights the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems and the need for effective countermeasures.

The new messages also highlight a video shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense, reportedly showing Russian helicopters engaging Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region border area. The video, which features Mi-28nm, Ka-52m, and Mi-8PSG helicopters, demonstrates the continued use of air power by Russian forces in the conflict. The reported rocket strike on Ukrainian manpower and materiel underscores the ongoing fighting in the region and the use of air assets to support ground operations.

The new messages also highlight a video shared by the Colonelcassad Telegram channel, reportedly showing two captured Ukrainian soldiers who were trapped in a bunker near Kurakhove. The video, which features the soldiers thanking Russian forces for their rescue and urging an end to the conflict, is likely intended for propaganda purposes. The release of such videos by Russian sources aims to portray a humane image of their forces and potentially influence public opinion.

The new messages also highlight a video shared by the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel, reportedly showing Russian forces engaging Ukrainian infantry on the Kurakhiv direction. The video, which features drone footage of strikes on Ukrainian positions, underscores the continued fighting in the region and the use of drones for reconnaissance and targeting. The reported involvement of the 255th regiment highlights the specific units involved in the operations.

The new messages also highlight a video shared by the ASTRA Telegram channel, reportedly showing a drone attack on a car in the Belgorod region, resulting in injuries to a civilian couple. This incident further emphasizes the use

Situation Report