Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine (as of January 9, 2025, 00:33 UTC)

Donetsk Region:

Toretsk: The situation remains critical, with less than 15% of the city under Ukrainian control. Russian forces are consolidating their positions on the outskirts.
Kurakhove & Pokrovsk: Russian forces continue to make gains, particularly around Kurakhove and Pokrovsk.
Russian Advances: Further advances reported near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, Solone, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Novoelizavetivka, and Kurakhove. Russian forces are also advancing in Pisky.

Kursk Region:

Continued Fighting: Heavy fighting continues near multiple settlements, including Makhnovka and Sverdlikovo. Both sides are suffering heavy losses.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The counteroffensive continues, with intense battles persisting.
Russian Consolidation near Sverdlikovo: Video evidence suggests Russian forces are working to weaken Ukrainian defenses near Sverdlikovo.

Drone Warfare:

Dominant Feature: Drone warfare remains a central element, with extensive use by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
New Drone Threats:
- One drone is flying west of Okhtyrka towards Sumy.
- One new drone is heading towards/through Nikopol.
- One drone is on the left bank of Kherson Oblast.
- Enemy drones are entering the southwestern part of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast from the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia.
- An enemy drone is approaching Sumy from the south.
- Enemy drones are observed in Sumy Oblast (moving north through Sumy) and in the center of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, course - north-east.
- A new drone is reported moving towards Dnipro from the southwest.
Air Defenses Active: Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging drones, particularly around Kyiv.

Geopolitical Landscape:

US-France Meeting: US Secretary of State Blinken and French President Macron discussed unwavering support for Ukraine and concerns about China's support for Russia's defense industry.
BRICS Data: Data on contracts of international organizations, primarily the BRICS New Development Bank, may appear on the public procurement website.
US Legal Action: A US court has sentenced a Canadian citizen to 3.5 years in prison for allegedly illegally exporting electronic equipment to Russia.
Migration Crisis: Western countries, particularly English-speaking ones, are facing a significant migration crisis, with potential impacts on labor, housing, and social spending.

Other Key Developments:

Explosions: Explosions have been reported in Kyiv and Cherkasy Oblasts.
Russian Sniper Activity: Russian sniper pairs from the 35th Army of the "East" group are conducting night hunts on enemy infantry in the Polohy direction. Video evidence suggests they are using thermal or night-vision scopes.
DeepState Map Update: The map has been updated, reflecting Russian advances in multiple locations and adjustments to the contact line in the Kursk region.
Russian Propagandist's Health: Prominent Russian propagandist Tigran Keosayan is reportedly in a coma after suffering clinical death due to heart problems.

Updated Situation Analysis

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile and unfavorable for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces are making significant gains in the Donetsk region, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk. The situation in Toretsk is especially critical. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region continues, with heavy fighting and significant losses on both sides.

Drone warfare remains a dominant feature of the conflict, with new reports of drone movements across multiple regions. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging these threats. The geopolitical landscape remains complex, with continued international support for Ukraine and concerns about China's role in supporting Russia's military industry.

The new messages primarily provide updates on drone movements and confirm continued Russian advances in the Donetsk region. They also highlight ongoing Russian sniper activity in the Polohy direction, with video evidence suggesting they are using thermal or night-vision scopes to engage targets at night. The DeepState map update visually represents the changing front lines and underscores the deteriorating situation for Ukrainian forces in several areas. Additionally, video evidence suggests Russian forces are consolidating their positions near Sverdlikovo in the Kursk region.

The new messages also introduce information about a migration crisis affecting Western countries, particularly English-speaking ones. This crisis could potentially impact these countries' ability to support Ukraine in the long term, as it may strain resources and create social and economic challenges.

Finally, the reported health condition of a prominent Russian propagandist could potentially impact the information war being waged alongside the physical conflict.