Updated Situation in Ukraine - January 9, 2025, 08:03 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces continue their offensive in the Donetsk region, achieving significant gains, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk. Kurakhove has been fully captured, and Ukrainian control in Toretsk is reduced to under 15%. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with heavy casualties reported. Russian forces have regained territory, including the recently liberated Makhnovka and Leonidovo, and are making new advances in the Sudzha area. They have expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya in the Kharkiv region and penetrated the Ukrainian defense up to 1.5 km in some areas. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive use of drones by both sides for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Notably, new drone threats have been identified, including Russian drones with fiber-optic control systems that are resistant to electronic warfare. A confirmed Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, marks a significant escalation. The number of wounded in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has increased to 113, with 13 confirmed fatalities.

Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 46 out of 70 drones launched by Russia overnight, with 24 drones described as "lost" or "imitation" drones. The debris from the downed drones caused damage to private homes in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Cherkasy regions. The Ukrainian General Staff reports a difficult situation along the entire frontline, with forced retreats to new defensive lines in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Reports indicate a potential meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin. Reports also indicate that the Armenian government has approved a draft law to begin the process of joining the EU.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Fall of Kurakhove: Russian forces have captured Kurakhove, consolidating their positions. Ukrainian forces are reportedly holding the western part of Kurakhove, including a thermal power plant.
Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Street fighting continues.
Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, with progress reported in Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Baranovka. Russian forces are approaching the western and northwestern outskirts of Dzerzhynsk.
Shevchenko and Ivanivka Captured: Russian forces have reportedly captured Shevchenko and Ivanivka.
Other Advances: Further Russian gains near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, Solone, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Novoelizavetivka, and Kurakhove. Advances in Pisky and the eastern outskirts of Dachne.
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.
Intense Fighting: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports 192 combat clashes since the beginning of the day, particularly in the Pokrovsky and Kurakhiv directions. Fighting continues near Velyka Novosilka, Dachne, Ulakly-Konstantinopol-Razliv area, Andreyevka, Petropavlivka, and Shevchenko.
New: Russian forces are intensifying their attacks on Pokrovsk. A video from the "Operatsiya Z" Telegram channel shows the 506th Regiment of the "Center" group conducting an offensive near the city, resulting in heavy losses for Ukrainian forces.
Aftermath of Attack on Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded from the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 113, with 10 in serious condition. 13 people were killed in the attack.
Stepnohirsk: 2 people were killed and 2 injured in a Russian attack on Stepnohirsk.
New: Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian infantry with drone attacks in the western part of Kurakhove.
New: Russian forces have reportedly broken through Ukrainian defenses near Ivanovka and are engaged in battles for the dominant height near Kolodezi, Donetsk People's Republic.
New: Ukrainian forces reportedly captured 11 Russian soldiers during mop-up operations in a multi-story building in Kurakhove.
New: Repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation reported in the Donetsk region, indicating continued and potentially intensified air attacks.
New: Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone strike on a Ukrainian BMP in the Chasiv Yar area, approximately 1.5 km from the line of contact. This highlights the continued use of loitering munitions to target Ukrainian armor and the ongoing fighting in the area. The accompanying map suggests a significant concentration of forces near Chasiv Yar, indicating a possible major engagement or offensive operation.
New: Video footage shows the destruction of enemy defenses by the 35th Brigade of the "Center" group near Pokrovsk.
New: Video footage shows a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting a Russian Ka-52 helicopter, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
New: 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: The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aircraft in the direction of Zaporizhzhia. Also, the Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the Donetsk region.
New: 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. This provides further evidence of the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone warfare.
New: Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses (estimated up to 48,000 casualties).
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations near Nikolaevka and Staraya Sorochina, with advances reported near Novaya Sorochina. 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. The intensified fighting in the Kursk region signifies a broadening of the conflict zone.
Artillery & Drones: Russian artillery and drone operations are proving effective, with the destruction of Ukrainian artillery pieces.
New Russian Advances: Russian forces are making advances in the area between Guyevo and Kurilovka and the forested areas of the Sudzha border region.
Reinforcements: Over 350 enemy personnel, including special operations forces and the 132nd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion, have reportedly arrived in the region.
Enemy Reserves: Intelligence suggests a concentration of enemy forces near Pogrebki and the presence of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region.
New: Russian forces have captured Russkoye Porechnoye and are currently assaulting Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
New: Russian forces have destroyed a German Leopard 2A6 tank in the Kursk region, according to "Colonelcassad".
New: According to "Voenkor Kotenok", fighting continues near Kotlyno, and Ukrainian forces are struggling to contain the Russian advance. The weather is reportedly hindering Russian progress more than Ukrainian defenses.
New: Heavy losses on both sides in the Kursk region: Geolocated footage confirms Ukrainian tactical advances, but simultaneous Russian advances indicate a fluid situation. Russian sources claim the enemy has lost at least 35 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel in the last two days, with 14 Ukrainian soldiers captured near Berdin. Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner.
New: 26 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered in the Kursk region after a failed counterattack, according to Russian sources.
New: Russian channels report that the situation near Makhnovka is as follows: "Statements about the complete liberation of the settlement are premature. There are heavy oncoming battles. Moreover, the enemy understands that the loss of Makhnovka and Zamostya will greatly complicate the defense of Sudzha, therefore it is putting up fierce resistance, actively working with artillery, there are no escapes from positions. Nevertheless, our men are literally gnawing out every meter of land. There will be good news, let's be patient."
New: In the Kursk region, paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka. The situation remains tense, with ongoing battles and the use of heavy weaponry.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense published a new video showing the destruction of Ukrainian military equipment in the Kursk region.
New: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that in Kurshchyna today, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 enemy attacks, six combat clashes continue.
New: Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka, Kursk region, captured by a Ukrainian drone. This incident highlights the presence of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces and their potential disregard for civilian property rights.

Kharkiv Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area and in Dvurichna.
New: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya and penetrated the Ukrainian defense up to 1.5 km in some areas.
New: Ukrainian forces have reportedly stabilized the situation near Kruhliakivka and Kolisnykivka in the Kharkiv region, preventing further Russian advances along the Oskil River, according to DeepState.
New: DeepState denies reports of the occupation of Lozova in the Kharkiv region.
New: Bus traffic has been temporarily suspended in the suburbs of Kherson (Naddniprianske, Molodizhne, Inzhenerne) due to increased shelling by Russian forces.
New: The 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is reportedly engaging Russian forces on the outskirts of Kharkiv.
New: FPV drone team of Sever Group of Forces reportedly wipes out AFU buggy in Kharkiv region. AFU troops used this buggy to rotate personnel. Russian drone operators destroyed the enemy's vehicle by a precise strike.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: On the Krasnolimansk direction, units of the Russian Army are developing success in Ivanovka (right bank of the Zherebets River).
New: Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove.
New: Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
New: 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.
New: Russian forces have successfully repelled over 30 Ukrainian attempts to infiltrate the Luhansk People's Republic in the past week, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Activity: Widespread drone activity reported across multiple regions. Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones.
Confirmed Attack in Engels: A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, has been confirmed. The fire at the oil depot is intensifying, with reports of new explosions and a state of emergency declared.
New Drone Technology: ISW reports that Russian forces are increasingly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, which are resistant to electronic warfare.
New 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: 15 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over the Belgorod, Bryansk regions, and Krasnodar Territory. Five drones were shot down in the Rostov region of Russia.
New: The threat of enemy attack drones has been deactivated across all regions, providing a temporary reprieve.
New: Ukrainian Air Force reports continued drone threats across multiple regions, with specific warnings for cities like Dnipro, Poltava, Kremenchuk, and Sumy. New reports indicate that enemy drones are entering the southwestern part of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast from the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia.
New: Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
New: Reports of drone movements in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
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: Ukrainian border guards reportedly struck a Russian drone launch site in Vovchansk using drones. The "Hart" brigade carried out the operation.
New: Confirmed drone attack on an industrial facility 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.
New: Overnight drone attacks on Russian territory: 11 enemy drones were shot down over Saratov overnight, 4 over Kursk and Rostov, 3 over Belgorod and Bryansk, 2 over Krasnodar, 1 over Volgograd, and 4 over the Azov Sea.
New: Ukrainian forces destroy two enemy artillery pieces using drones: Ukrainian forces ("Shadow" unit) successfully identified and destroyed two enemy artillery pieces using drones, showcasing the effectiveness of drone-based reconnaissance and targeted strikes.
New: In Cherkasy region 5 drones were shot down, debris damaged the windows of a dozen houses, a shop and a car.
New: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
New: Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
New: A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
New: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
New: Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
New: Russian FPV drone operators from the "Aida" group reportedly hit two Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles.
New: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
New: Six settlements in the Belgorod region were attacked by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
New: 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.
New: Ukrainian forces are continuing their drone attacks, with new videos showing the fire at the oil depot in Engels from various perspectives. The videos confirm that the fire is still burning and that new explosions are occurring.
New: Reports of drone movements across multiple oblasts, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, and Kherson.
New: The Ukrainian Air Force, stating that there is a threat of enemy tactical aviation activity in the north-eastern direction.
New: Reports of drone movements in various regions, including Chernihiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, and Kirovohrad.
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: 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.
New: 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.
New: 1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
New: 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.
New: 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv.
New: 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
New: 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
New: A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, with an eastern course. 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.
New: 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: Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: 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. A drone is in the northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
New: Kyiv Oblast: Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl.
New: Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is heading towards Chornobai.
New: Ukrainian forces are continuing their drone attacks, with new videos showing the fire at the oil depot in Engels from various perspectives. The videos confirm that the fire is still burning and that new explosions are occurring.
New: The new messages confirm the continuation of attacks on Zaporizhzhia, with reports of one person killed and six wounded. The attacks seem to be primarily targeting civilian infrastructure.
New: The new messages also highlight a potential information operation by Ukrainian sources, falsely claiming a hack of Rosreestr (the Russian Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre, and Cartography).
New: The successful destruction of two enemy artillery pieces by Ukrainian forces using drones showcases the effectiveness of drone-based reconnaissance and targeted strikes.
New: The new messages confirm that Russian forces have successfully repelled over 30 Ukrainian attempts to infiltrate the Luhansk People's Republic in the past week, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.
New: The overnight drone attacks on Russian territory and the downing of multiple drones demonstrate the ongoing drone warfare and the vulnerability of both sides to such attacks.
New: The confirmed drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, along with the alleged atrocities in Selidovo, further escalate the conflict and highlight the potential for wider consequences.

Geopolitical Developments

Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd.
Shifting Alliances: Potential shifts in US and European support for Ukraine. The closure of the Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg reflects strained relations.
US Aid: A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced soon, but the US has indicated that they will not be able to provide all military aid to Ukraine before January 20th.
Trump's Statements: Trump has reiterated his claim that Russia's actions in Ukraine were a result of the perceived incompetence of the Biden administration. He also stated that he "understands Russia's feelings" regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership and emphasized that the conflict would end under his administration.
New: The US has imposed sanctions on Antal Rogán, the head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, according to RBC-Ukraine.
New: President Zelensky has signed a law creating a list of terrorist organizations in Ukraine, aimed at strengthening national security and counter-terrorism efforts, according to RBC-Ukraine.
New: US Treasury Secretary threatens China with "significant consequences" for aiding Russia: The US Treasury Secretary threatened China with "significant consequences" for aiding Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, highlighting escalating tensions between the US and China.
New: Zelensky indicates a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expressed openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited.
New: 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.
New: The closure of the Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg has been officially closed.
New: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on the European Commission to take strong measures against Elon Musk.
New: 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.
New: The Polish Defense Minister suggests that the current Ramstein format for coordinating military aid to Ukraine may be the last of its kind.
New: 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. Germany claims that the US cannot simply take and change the borders of one of the EU countries by annexing Greenland to itself.
New: Amid statements from Trump about a possible takeover of Greenland, the Prime Minister of Greenland is scheduled to meet with the King of Denmark.
New: 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.
New: The Armenian government has approved a draft law to begin the process of joining the EU.
New: 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.
New: The threat from the US Treasury Secretary of "significant consequences" for China if it aids Russia in the conflict highlights the escalating tensions between the US and China and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict in Ukraine.

Other Significant Developments

Weather Forecast: A warming trend is forecasted for Ukraine, which could impact military operations.
Casualties in Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has increased to thirty.
Internal Political Maneuvering in Ukraine: Reported internal political maneuvering within Ukraine, particularly regarding Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi.
Arrest of Mercenaries in Venezuela: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced the arrest of seven foreign "mercenaries," including three Ukrainian citizens.
New: Ukrainian MP Shevchenko will remain under arrest until March 7, 2025, without the right to post bail, following a decision by the Pechersk Court.
New: Rheinmetall IFV to be tested in Ukraine: The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports that Rheinmetall will begin field testing its new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Ukraine.
New: At least 19 people killed in attack on Chad's presidential palace: Local authorities claim that 18 attackers and one security service employee were killed in an attack on the presidential palace in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. The attackers are believed to be members of the "Boko Haram" jihadist group.
New: A former FBI informant on Biden has been sentenced to six years in prison.
New: During storms, Russia lost almost half of the barriers made of barges near the Crimean Bridge and is not trying to restore them.
New: According to local channels, 18 barges remain near the bridge, while on November 8, 2024, 34 interconnected vessels were recorded on both sides of the navigable channel in the Kerch Strait.
New: Russian State Secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
New: Video evidence shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
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: From the Operational Command "South" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Over the
New: The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported the prevention of a terrorist attack by Russian special services in the Kyiv region. Four individuals, including a 16-year-old teenager, were detained. They were allegedly preparing to detonate explosives at the entrance to a building housing a unit of the Defense Forces. The teenager was supposed to deliver the explosives, disguised in the uniform of a Ukrainian military. All suspects face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
New: A mass failure in the operation of communication operators, banks, and Internet services has been reported in Russia.
New: The self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo has signed an agreement
New: The Ukrainian Navy reports that one enemy warship, a "Kalibr" missile carrier, is present in the Black Sea, but no missile firings are reported. In the Sea of Azov, no enemy warships or missile carriers are present. In the Mediterranean Sea, seven enemy warships, including two "Kalibr" missile carriers, are present, with 22 missile firings reported.
New: There are reports of US military personnel starting the construction of a military base in Kobani (Ayn al-Arab) in northern Syria.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: The Ukrainian Parliament is considering a bill on the deployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces to other states.
New: A man and a woman have confessed in a Mannheim court to the murder of Ukrainian refugees in Germany, reportedly to kidnap a newborn baby.
New: The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has registered a bill on affordable housing in Ukraine, regulating rental issues, introducing a 10-year ban on the sale of certain categories, and establishing a unified database of affordable housing.
New: Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, Serhiy Lysak, held a meeting with community leaders in Kryvyi Rih to discuss pressing issues, including road repairs, water supply, tariffs, and the construction of modular safe spaces for kindergartens and schools.
New: Ukraine has received the first batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall. The vehicles are currently being tested by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
New: The announcement that Rheinmetall will test its new Lynx IFV in Ukraine, potentially providing Ukrainian forces with advanced military technology. However, the lack of dynamic protection and additional screens on the Lynx IFV could limit its effectiveness in real combat conditions.
New: New information about approximately 30,000 Ukrainians receiving the status of missing persons in 2024, which highlights the significant potential casualties or displacements from the armed conflict.
New: A video shows a drone-based attack targeting a Ukrainian soldier in an open field, further evidence of the increasing importance of drone warfare.
New: The political attacks by Trump and his son blaming Biden for the wildfires in California are likely aimed at influencing public opinion and should be seen in the context of the upcoming US elections.
New: The attack on the presidential palace in Chad, while not directly related to the conflict in Ukraine, highlights the ongoing instability in other parts of the world.
New: The report of a man being defrauded of 1 million rubles in a phone scam underscores the importance of cybersecurity and public awareness of such schemes.
New: The reported heavy losses on both sides in the Kursk region and the destruction of a Ukrainian tank near Pokrovsk underscore the intensity of the fighting.
New: The messages from Russian military-affiliated channels emphasizing camaraderie and resilience among troops are part of the ongoing information warfare and efforts to maintain morale.
New: Six settlements in the Belgorod region were attacked by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
New: A new Ukrainian brigade has been formed.
New: A video shows a security camera recording inside a train or subway car, where a person attacks another person with pepper spray.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and
New: "Colonel" Ibrahim "Terek" Bagiyev, a Russian terrorist and war criminal, has been successfully demobilized. He was involved in the genocide of the Ukrainian people and served as an "ataman" of the Kharzysk "Cossack regiment" of the terrorist "Priazov Cossack army" in 2017. He was also an assistant to the head of the Donetsk city administration. He was killed near Kreminna on December 21, 2024.
New: The Sparta cargo ship is unable to enter the port of Tartus, where the 720th logistics support point (720 PMTO) of the Russian Navy is located. The ship is currently waiting on the outer roads in the Mediterranean Sea for further decisions. The official reason for the delay has not yet been named, but various versions are being considered, ranging from internal logistical and technical problems to the refusal of the new Syrian authorities to grant permission to enter the port.
New: A video shows a one-minute countdown timer displayed over a waving Ukrainian flag, with the text "ХВИЛИНА МОВЧАННЯ" (Minute of Silence).
New: Every morning at 9:00 a.m., Ukraine observes a minute of silence to honor the memory of those who died in the war.
New: An image shows a soldier holding the Ukrainian flag, with a dark background.
New: A video shows a soldier in camouflage clothing

Situation Report