Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine

As of: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 19:33 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine is marked by intense fighting in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, significant Russian advances, and Ukrainian resistance. Russian forces are making substantial progress in Donetsk, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk, with the latter being in a critical state. Ukrainian forces are facing challenges maintaining defensive lines, notably in Kurakhove, which is reportedly "factually lost." The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces consolidating positions and inflicting heavy losses. Drone warfare remains prominent, with both sides employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. A confirmed drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, signifies a potential escalation in Ukraine's ability to strike strategic targets. Reports of guided bombs being used in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions further escalate the situation.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Kurakhove "Factually Lost": Ukrainian forces struggle to defend a narrow area of Kurakhove, including a thermal power plant. Ukrainian journalist Butusov reports the city is "factually lost."
Toretsk in Critical Condition: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control, with battles along major streets. Russian forces advance into the western and northern parts, with reports of close-quarters combat and special forces operations to clear buildings.
Shevchenko and Ivanivka Captured: The 114th brigade of Russian forces reportedly liberated Shevchenko, continuing their advance beyond Kurakhove. Russian forces also reportedly captured Ivanivka.
Intensified Attacks near Pokrovsk: Russian forces intensify attacks on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway and make progress in Novovasylivka, Yelizavetovka, and Baranovka.
Heroic Battle near Pokrovsk: A Russian tank, accompanied by two BMPs, engaged two Ukrainian tanks at close range near Yelyzavetivka, east of Pokrovsk. The Russian tank successfully destroyed one Ukrainian tank, while the second retreated.
Other Key Locations:
- Lysivka: Russian forces report further advances towards the central part of the village.
- Sukhoi Yar: Fighting continues.
- Southwest of Pokrovsk: Russian troops advance from Pisky towards the T-0406 highway and the railway line.
- Volkovo: Russian artillery reportedly destroyed an enemy ammunition depot, and the settlement was subsequently captured.
- Vozdvyzhenka: After capturing the settlement, Russian forces advance further.
- Krasnoarmiisk Direction: Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction.
- Belogorovka: Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade.
- Chasiv Yar: Russian forces report taking new positions in the northern part, advancing up to 1.5 km.
- Velyka Novosilka: Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone control center was destroyed.
- Sukhoi Yar: Soldiers of the 68th Army Corps destroyed a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier.
- Russian forces, specifically the 114th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, liberated Shevchenko and partially occupied two strongholds north of the settlement.
- Russian forces, specifically the 255th regiment, continue to fight on the Kurakhiv direction.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports indicating up to 50% of Ukrainian infantry in the area may consist of prisoners, including forcibly mobilized. The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region resulted in heavy losses, estimated at 48,000 casualties, although it continues. The US officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the region.
Russian Consolidation: Russian forces consolidate positions, entering Malaya Loknya and advancing in Makhnovka. Fighting continues near Malaya Loknya.
Heavy Losses: Both sides suffer significant losses. Geolocated footage confirms Ukrainian tactical advances, but simultaneous Russian advances indicate a fluid situation. Russian sources claim the enemy lost at least 35 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel in the last two days, with 14 Ukrainian soldiers captured near Berdin. Russian forces, specifically Russian marines and the "Redut" private military company, reportedly suffered heavy losses in the Kursk region.
Intense Aerial Bombardment: Reports indicate an unprecedented number of Russian air sorties, with bombers continuously striking Ukrainian positions.
Other Key Locations:
- Leonidovo: Russian forces make progress in the forests of the Sudzhansky district and near Leonidovo and Kurilovka.
- Kruhlenky: The Russian Army conducts a powerful offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
- Cherkasskoye Porechnoye: Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
- Ukrainian Infiltration Attempts: Ukrainian reserves are brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo.
- Successful Tank Elimination: Ukrainian tanks were destroyed by Russian Lancet loitering munitions near Berdin.
- Russian forces make advances in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.
- Reports of battles for Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
- Russian forces captured a US Army M577 command post vehicle in the Kursk region.
- Russian forces report repelling a Ukrainian counterattack near Berdin.
- Russian forces claim to have destroyed a Ukrainian S-300 air defense system near Malaya Loknya.
- Russian forces make advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka and Leonidovo, taken under Russian control.
- Russian paratroopers reportedly pushed Ukrainian forces out of Novosotnitskoe and prevented them from approaching Berdino.
- Assault operations are ongoing in Alexandria and in the direction of Nikolsky.
- On the Kursk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled 27 attacks, with the enemy also conducting six airstrikes with 17 KABs and 146 artillery shellings, including six from multiple rocket launchers.
- Russian forces captured Leonidovo and Russkoye Porechnoye.
- Geolocation of battles in the Kursk region has been established, indicating where Ukrainian forces attacked.
- Russian forces destroyed a German Leopard 2A6 tank in the Kursk region.
- An airstrike was conducted on a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces in Nikolsky, Kursk region, using a FAB-3000 bomb with UMPK.

Kharkiv Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area.
The State Border Guard Service's "Hart" brigade acquired Ukrainian-made "Darts" drones, deployed near Vovchansk.

Luhansk Region

Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
They destroyed about 10 Ukrainian soldiers and entered a large stronghold west of Ivanovka.
Russian forces attempt to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare continues to be a major factor, with new reports of drone movements across various oblasts, including Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Mykolaiv. 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. Three drones are reported to be circling in the north, with one approaching Boryspil and one having flown past Obukhiv towards Kyiv. 1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest. Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl. 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. City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest. 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. Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest. Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest. 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. 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. 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. Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course. One drone is reported to be in the western part, moving south. Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast. One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west. Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west. Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west. A Ukrainian drone was shot down over the Bryansk region of Russia. There was also an attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region. A drone attack also occurred on a car in the Belgorod region, resulting in injuries to a civilian couple. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that they have detected attack drones in Chernihiv oblast heading southwest, a group of drones in the north of Sumy oblast heading west, and another drone in the south of Sumy oblast heading south. There is also a threat of enemy drones in the Donetsk region from the north. FPV drones continue to attack enemy infrastructure.
New Drone Movements: Drones are reported in multiple oblasts, with Ukrainian air defenses actively engaging them. The city of Sumy is specifically warned about drones approaching from the northwest. The city of Kharkiv is warned about drones approaching from the southeast.
Air Defense Engagements: Ukrainian air defenses actively engage drones, particularly around Kyiv. A Ukrainian drone was shot down over the Bryansk region of Russia.
Drone Strikes: Video evidence shows Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian targets, including a command post and a fuel depot. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Russian guided aerial bombs, likely launched by tactical aircraft, impacted the outskirts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs. Ukrainian border guards reportedly struck a Russian drone launch site in Vovchansk using drones. Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade eliminated a Russian pickup truck, three soldiers, and a 120-mm mortar in the Serebryansky forest using an FPV drone with fiber optics.
Drone Attack in Engels: Images and videos depict a large fire and smoke plume at night in Engels, Saratov Oblast, Russia, allegedly caused by a Ukrainian drone attack. The target appears to be an industrial facility, possibly an oil depot. The governor of the region confirmed that a drone was shot down and its debris hit an industrial facility.
Drone Activity in Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk: Enemy drones are reported in the Sumy region, moving south/southwest. Drones are also present in the center of Kharkiv region, moving west/northwest, and in the east, moving south/southwest. In Donetsk, drones are reported moving south/southwest from the north.

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 and drone attacks. An air alarm was announced in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov region, with a column of smoke seen rising near military-technical property warehouses.
Russian Airstrikes: Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian positions in Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, and Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast. A missile threat is reported for the Rostov and Krasnodar regions.
Russian forces intensify their attacks on Pokrovsk.
Russian forces began using FAB guided bombs with UMPC against targets in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This was made possible by the closer proximity of the front lines to the region.
Repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by tactical aircraft were reported in the Donetsk region.
A series of FAB bombs were dropped on Ukrainian positions in the Krasnoarmiisk direction.
An airstrike was conducted on a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces in Nikolsky, Kursk region, using a FAB-3000 bomb with UMPK.
Russian forces conducted an airstrike on Ukrainian positions in Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, and Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian forces launched an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones.
Russia struck Zaporizhzhia with two guided aerial bombs, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Explosions were reported in Cherkasy and its outskirts.
Zaporizhzhia has been struck multiple times, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The death toll from the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 13, with 32 people injured. Four people were trapped under the rubble of a house as a result of an enemy attack on Stepnohirsk. For the third time in the last month, a Day of Mourning will be declared in the Zaporizhzhia region due to enemy attacks.
New: The Ukrainian Air Force reports the launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aircraft on Zaporizhzhia.
New: The number of injured from the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 63, according to the National Police and the head of the regional military administration. Two people were reported killed in Stepnohirsk due to a Russian attack.

Geopolitical Developments

US Special Representative's Visit Postponed: The US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, postponed his visit to Kyiv until after Trump's inauguration.
Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd.
Zelensky's Statements: Zelensky expressed a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited. He also stated that elections in Ukraine could be held 90 days after the war's end. Zelensky will participate in tomorrow's "Ramstein" meeting. Zelensky indicated a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expressed openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited. He also held numerous meetings, including with the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and the Foreign Intelligence Service, to discuss available aid packages, Ukraine's needs, and preparations for the upcoming Ramstein meeting. Additionally, he discussed details of Ukraine's work with the EU regarding the negotiation process for membership, emphasizing the importance of this year being result-oriented in these negotiations. Zelensky thanked Qatar for its participation in the Peace Summit and its role in the return of 53 Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia. They also discussed cooperation in supporting Syria, with Ukraine sending 500 tons of wheat flour to the country. Zelensky invited Qatar to support the Food from Ukraine humanitarian initiative.
Trump's Potential Pardon: Former US President Donald Trump reportedly promised to pardon around 1,000 people involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Western countries' plan for Ukraine's military needs: Western countries reportedly plan to divide Ukraine's military needs into categories and assign NATO member states responsibility for supplying each, according to a Pentagon representative.
US Aid: A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced soon, but the US indicated they will not be able to provide all military aid to Ukraine before January 20th. 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. The last aid package to Ukraine from the Biden administration will be $500 million. This leaves about $3.8 billion unused, despite promises from the White House to spend the entire amount before the end of Biden's term. These funds will be transferred to the Trump administration after his inauguration on January 20, according to the Pentagon.
Macron's Statement: Macron called on Ukrainians to engage in "realistic discussions" on territorial issues, suggesting 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. US Secretary of State Blinken stated the importance of France's leadership in supporting Ukraine in the coming months.
Moldova and Ukraine: Media outlets from Moldova and Ukraine reportedly attempt to undermine Transnistria's trust in Russia, according to the Russian embassy. The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a representative of the Russian embassy following statements about the energy crisis in Transnistria.
BRICS: The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Indonesia's accession to BRICS as a full member.
Trudeau's Resignation: Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party, effective after his successor is chosen.
Death of Jean-Marie Le Pen: The founder of the French far-right party "National Front", Jean-Marie Le Pen, died at 96.
Mark Zuckerberg reportedly criticized the censorship of American Big Tech on social media, despite being one of the promoters of total censorship.
Patriarch Kirill, in an interview with TASS, claimed that Western political forces fear Russia's spiritual dominance.
Sky News reports that a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia might be possible by Easter, with the new Trump administration potentially pushing for a quick resolution.
The Guardian reports that Donald Trump Jr. has arrived in Greenland, following his father's statements about gaining control over the territory, although Trump Jr. claims his visit is purely for tourism.
TASS reports that Donald Trump praised the reception of his delegation in Greenland and reiterated the need for a deal to incorporate the Danish autonomy into the USA.
TASS reports that Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Mikhail Drapaty, acknowledged the desertion of Ukrainian servicemen from the "Anna Kyivska" brigade, trained in France.
Donald Trump stated his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
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 purchasing COVID-19 vaccines.
German Foreign Minister on Aid to Syria: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made providing aid to Syria under new authorities dependent on respect for women's rights, stating the EU will not send money "to Islamist structures."
North Korean Missile Launch: North Korea reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile, according to the Japanese coast guard. The missile fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan.
Trump's Potential Pardon: Former US President Donald Trump 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.
Medvedev's Statement on Zelensky: Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent Russian figure, 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. Hungary's Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, claims that Ukraine's termination of Russian gas transit to Europe is unacceptable and contradicts its intentions to join the European Union.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially supported the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, stating it is an important operation to strengthen Kyiv's position before future negotiations with Moscow. Blinken advised "not to waste time" discussing Trump's ideas about Greenland.
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.
Trump 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.
Trump expressed his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and criticized Mexico's migration policy.
Trump indicated he will not guarantee the security of Ukrainian citizens in the event of peace negotiations.
Trump's Statements on Ukraine: Trump 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.
Trump's Statements on NATO and Ukraine: Trump expressed his support for the view that Ukraine should not be a part of NATO, aligning with Russia's stance on the issue.
Trump's Plan to End the War: Trump stated that he hopes to end the war in Ukraine within six months, a change from his previous claim of 24 hours.
The US imposed sanctions on Antal Rogán, the head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office.
President Zelensky signed a law creating a list of terrorist organizations in Ukraine, aimed at strengthening national security and counter-terrorism efforts.
The Center for Countering Disinformation stated there is no current threat of an invasion by regular Belarusian troops. The buildup of Belarusian forces on the border does not indicate the formation of strike groups or preparation for offensive actions.
Reports that Elon Musk's mental state may have deteriorated, according to his biographer, Seth Abramson. Abramson cites stress, mental disorders, and drug use as contributing factors. He also suggests that Musk's control over critical industries and his proximity to the new president pose a threat to the US.
A high-ranking Pentagon official stated that the arrival of a new Trump administration will not affect the work of the group of Western countries coordinating arms supplies to Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed his condolences to the Chinese Foreign Minister regarding the earthquake in Tibet.
Today, 101,215 Ukrainians participated in an online vote for members of the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense. The results will be officially announced within 5 working days.
The Prime Minister of Finland announced that the border with Russia will remain closed. The Prime Minister cited the unchanged threat assessment of the eastern border and the "shadow fleet of Russia" in the Baltic Sea as reasons for the decision.
Biden believes he could have defeated Trump in the election if he had remained in the presidential race.
US Secretary of State Blinken stated the importance of France's leadership in supporting Ukraine in the coming months.
New: An expert from the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council, Oleksandr Kraiev, explains that Trump's statements about "annexing Canada" are more likely trolling and a negotiation tactic than imperialistic ambitions. He suggests Trump wants to gain economic benefits from the relationship with Canada.
New: Zelensky reacted to a petition for demobilization after 18 months of service, instructing Prime Minister Shmyhal to address the issue.

Other Significant Developments

Casualty Reports: Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties, while Russian sources claim even heavier Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region.
Troop Mobilization: Ukraine 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 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 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.
Ukrainian Naval Update: The Ukrainian Navy reports 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.
Chechnya: Chechen bots reportedly wrote over 60 million comments in a year to create the appearance of support for local authorities.
Syria: 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 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 received a new angiograph, allowing 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 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, focusing 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. A Russian soldier committed suicide on a train after returning from a military hospital in Chechnya.
A naval ship belonging to the Swedish Navy reportedly discovered the anchor of the Eagle S vessel, suspected of damaging a cable between Finland and Estonia in the Gulf of Finland.
Andriy Biletsky, the first commander of the "Azov" regiment, believes that without large-scale positive changes, Ukraine will simply disappear from the world map. He believes that 2025 could see a halt to the war, but regardless, real reforms are needed. He sees an acute need for long-overdue and obvious decisions in the army, military-industrial complex, economy, energy, etc. As a military man, he cannot talk about energy or the economy, but in his field, he sees the need for these changes.
The delivery of the first batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine marks a potential enhancement of Ukraine's military capabilities.
The reported meeting between community leaders in Kryvyi Rih indicates a focus on addressing local issues, including infrastructure and support for veterans.
51 percent of respondents believe that the President of Azerbaijan is demonstrating his political weight to the West.
Reports of a Russian soldier who committed suicide on a train after returning from a military hospital in Chechnya.
Reports that FPV drones continue to attack enemy infrastructure.
Reports that not a single employee of the department of a former police captain killed in the war came to his funeral.
A video reportedly showing Ukrainian soldiers distributing food to civilians in Niger.
A video shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense, reportedly showing Russian troops undergoing training in the rear area of the Zaporizhzhia region.
A video shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense, reportedly showing Russian helicopters engaging Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region border area.
A video shared by the Colonelcassad Telegram channel, reportedly showing two captured Ukrainian soldiers who were trapped in a bunker near Kurakhove.
A video shared by the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel, reportedly showing Russian forces engaging Ukrainian infantry on the Kurakhiv direction.
A photo shared by the "РБК-Україна" Telegram channel, reporting on the diary of a killed North Korean special forces soldier, Gyeong Hong Jong, who was reportedly killed in the Kursk region.
A video shared by the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel, reportedly showing a Russian aviation strike on an industrial zone in Zaporizhzhia.
A photo shared by the "Оперативний ЗСУ" Telegram channel, reporting on the deaths of eight pilots during the New Year period.
A photo shared by the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel, showing a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft.
A video shared by the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel, reportedly showing a military transport aircraft flying overhead.
A video shared by the "Новости Москвы" Telegram channel, showing Russian tourists celebrating in Courchevel, France.
A video and a photo shared by the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel, reportedly showing the aftermath of a battle in the Kursk region.
A photo shared by the ASTRA Telegram channel, reporting that Russia struck Zaporizhzhia with two guided aerial bombs, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Four additional photos shared by the ASTRA Telegram channel, showing the aftermath of the attack in Zaporizhzhia.
A photo shared by the "Рыбарь" Telegram channel, providing a map and analysis of the situation on the Vremivka direction.
A video shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense, showcasing the successful cooperation between tank crews of the Yug Group of Forces and a reconnaissance UAV team.
A photo and analysis from the Colonelcassad Telegram channel, based on a map from Rybar, focusing on the Kurakhiv direction.
A video shared by the Colonelcassad Telegram channel, reporting on occupied Odesa.
A briefing by the head of the city's Defense Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, summarizing the events of January 8, 2025.
A photo shared by the Kotsnews Telegram channel, featuring a poll regarding the actions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
A photo and analysis shared by the "Два майора" Telegram channel, discussing the integration of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) into the US Navy.
A statement from the "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z" Telegram channel, reporting that the Biden administration is preparing a "final gift" for Kyiv.
A video shared by the MoD Russia Telegram channel, reporting that reconnaissance units of the Zapad Group of Forces eliminated two AFU motor vehicles delivering ammunition near Terny of the DPR.
A statement from the STERNENKO Telegram channel, reporting that Biden believes he could have defeated Trump in the election if he had remained in the presidential race.
A photo shared by the "🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦" Telegram channel, reporting on the hashtag #RUSSIAISATERRORISTSTATE.
A video shared by the "🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦" Telegram channel, reporting that for the third time in the last month, a Day of Mourning will be declared in the Zaporizhzhia region due to enemy attacks.
A statement from the "РБК-Україна" Telegram channel, reporting that US Secretary of State Blinken stated the

Situation Report