Situation Report

# Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 9, 2025, 11:33 UTC

## Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with intense fighting concentrated in the **Donetsk** and **Kursk** regions. Russian forces continue their offensive in **Donetsk**, capturing **Kurakhove** (Ukrainian forces holding only the western part, including a thermal power plant) and largely controlling **Toretsk** (less than 15% under Ukrainian control). They are also making significant advances towards **Pokrovsk** and along the **Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka** highway. In the **Kursk** region, a major Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, suffering heavy casualties (estimated up to 48,000). Russian forces have regained territory, including **Makhnovka, Leonidovo,** and **Russkoye Porechnoye**, and are advancing in the **Sudzha** area. The Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" reports repelling a massive Russian assault in the **Kursk** region, involving about 50 units of equipment. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with widespread use by both sides and reports of new Russian drones equipped with fiber-optic control systems, making them resistant to electronic warfare. The Ukrainian General Staff reports a difficult situation along the entire frontline and forced retreats to new defensive lines in the **Dnipropetrovsk** region. 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. US authorities acknowledge that the supply of ATACMS missiles, F-16 fighters, and Abrams tanks to Ukraine failed to turn the tide in favor of Kyiv.

## Key Developments

### Donetsk Region

*   **Fall of Kurakhove:** Russian forces have captured most of **Kurakhove**, with Ukrainian forces holding only the western part, including a thermal power plant. Ukrainian forces reportedly captured 11 Russian soldiers during mop-up operations in a multi-story building in **Kurakhove**.
*   **Critical Situation in Toretsk:** Less than 15% of **Toretsk** remains under Ukrainian control.
*   **Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk:** Russian forces are intensifying attacks near **Pokrovsk**, with progress reported in **Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka,** and **Baranovka**. They are approaching the western and northwestern outskirts of **Dzerzhynsk**. Video evidence shows the destruction of enemy defenses by the 35th Brigade of the "Center" group near **Pokrovsk**. 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.
*   **Shevchenko and Ivanivka Captured:** Russian forces have reportedly captured **Shevchenko** and **Ivanivka**. Russian forces have reportedly broken through Ukrainian defenses near **Ivanovka** and are engaged in battles for the dominant height near **Kolodezi**.
*   **Other Advances:** Further Russian gains near **Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, Solone, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Novoelizavetivka,** and **Kurakhove**. Advances in **Pisky** and the eastern outskirts of **Dachne**. Russian forces are advancing in the **Krasnoarmiisk** direction, with reports of progress near **Udalny, Kotlyne, Zverevo, Zelene, Lysovka,** and **Mirolyubovka**. Fighting continues in these areas, with Russian forces reportedly capturing parts of **Baranovka** and advancing towards **Vodyane Druhe**.
*   **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**.
*   **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. 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.
*   **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:** 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 a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting a Russian Ka-52 helicopter, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
*   **New:** Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the **Pokrovsk** direction.
*   **New:** The Ukrainian General Staff reports that in the **Donetsk** direction, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions 192 times over the past day, 107 times in the **Pokrovsk** direction and 73 times in the **Kurakhiv** direction. 37 combat clashes are still ongoing. Ukrainian forces have inflicted the following losses on the enemy: 156 killed and 291 wounded, 3 tanks destroyed, 5 armored combat vehicles, 3 artillery systems, 32 anti-aircraft guns, 5 vehicles, and 1 special vehicle.
*   **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:** Tank crews of the 63rd Brigade reportedly attacked Russian positions in the **Serebryansky** forest, firing from distances of up to 100 meters.

### Kursk Region

*   **Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive:** The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses (estimated up to 48,000 casualties). The Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" reports repelling a massive Russian assault in the **Kursk** region, involving about 50 units of equipment, including tanks, BMPs, BTRs, and even buggies. The attacks were carried out in 6 waves. Ukrainian forces, along with adjacent units, reportedly destroyed a significant amount of enemy equipment and inflicted heavy casualties, with 45 Russian soldiers killed and 53 wounded.
*   **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. 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. 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. 26 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered in the **Kursk** region after a failed counterattack, according to Russian sources.
*   **Artillery & Drones:** Russian artillery and drone operations are proving effective, with the destruction of Ukrainian artillery pieces. 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.
*   **New Russian Advances:** Russian forces are making advances in the area between **Guyevo** and **Kurilovka** and the forested areas of the **Sudzha** border region. Russian forces have captured **Russkoye Porechnoye** and are currently assaulting **Cherkasskoye Porechnoye**.
*   **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 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 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:** Russian forces have destroyed a German Leopard 2A6 tank in the **Kursk** region, according to "Colonelcassad".
*   **New:** Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade in the **Kursk** region. The POWs reportedly stated they were sent to the area with minimal information and training. A Russian soldier urged them to "kill their leadership."
*   **New:** A civilian from a village in the **Kursk** region reported that soldiers from western Ukraine burned houses in his village. A video interview with the civilian was released, serving as propaganda for Russian forces.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near **Kurdyumivka** in the **Bakhmut** area, carried out by the "Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade.
*   **New:** Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the **Viktorivka** area near **Malaya Loknya, Kursk** region. The attack involved about 50 units of equipment, including tanks with mine-clearing trawls, BMPs, BTRs, and even buggies. The assault was carried out in six waves. The Ukrainian forces, along with adjacent units, successfully repelled the attack, inflicting significant losses on the enemy.

### 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:** 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 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. 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 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**. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. Reports of drone movements in **Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk,** and **Chernihiv** Oblasts. 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. City of **Pryluky** (**Chernihiv** Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast. Drones in the west of **Poltava** region, course - west / southwest; Drones in the north of **Sumy** region, course - south-west; 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. Enemy drone is moving in the direction of **Cherkasy** from the southeast. One drone north of **Cherkasy**, moving towards **Kyiv** Oblast. Two drones west of **Poltava**, moving northwest. Five drones near **Konotop**, moving southwest. **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**. **Kyiv** Oblast: Drones are present in the northern part, moving west. Three drones are reported to be circling in the north, with one approaching **Boryspil** and one having flown past **Obukhiv** towards Kyiv. 1 drone is approaching **Boryspil**. 2 drones are flying from **Poltava** region to **Cherkasy**. 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. **Chernihiv** Oblast: Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west. Two drones are reported to be circling north of **Chernihiv**, and one is reported to be southwest of **Chernihiv** with a southeast trajectory. One drone is also reported to be circling near **Pryluky**. Two drones are heading towards **Varva**. A drone is in the center of **Chernihiv** Oblast, heading east. 1 drone north of **Nizhyn**, moving towards **Chernihiv**. 1 drone is heading via **Konotop** towards **Sumy**. 1 drone near **Pryluky**, moving northwest. A drone 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. **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. **Kirovohrad** Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest. **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. **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**. **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**. **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. **Kyiv** Oblast: Three drones are maneuvering near **Chernobyl**. **Cherkasy** Oblast: One drone is heading towards **Chornobai**.
*   **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:** 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:** 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:** 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:** 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:** Ukrainian forces report that they used two kamikaze drones of the Darts type with 3 kg combined munitions and three FPV Babay-Heavy drones with 1.5 kg cumulative rounds to destroy a Russian cannon position in the **Zaporizhzhia** region.
*   **New:** The Ukrainian Air Force, stating that there is a threat of enemy tactical aviation activity in the north-eastern direction.
*   **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:** Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone targeting and destroying a Russian logistics convoy in the **Luhansk** region, consisting of 5 KAMAZ trucks and 2 URAL trucks. The attack was carried out by the Signum unit of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade.
*   **New:** Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone targeting and destroying a Russian logistics convoy in the **Luhansk** region, consisting of 5 KAMAZ trucks and 2 URAL trucks. The attack was carried out by the Signum unit of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade.

### 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. 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.
*   **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:** 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:** Leaders of the "Ramstein" Contact Group on Ukraine's defense are reportedly set to approve "roadmaps" for each of the eight areas of cooperation, outlining strategic goals and key military aid needs until at least the end of 2027, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. These documents will form the basis for support and aid allocation in areas such as air defense, artillery, armored vehicles, drones, air forces, and maritime security.
*   **New:** Reports indicate that Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, has commented on Donald Trump's potential actions during a second term, suggesting that Trump is starting his potential presidency "not boringly."
*   **New:** Reports that the "Ramstein" format for coordinating military aid to Ukraine may be concluding, with the upcoming meeting potentially being the last. This could signal a shift in the way international support for Ukraine is structured and delivered.
*   **New:** The Ukrainian Parliament has voted in favor of a bill on basic military training. The bill allows for men turning 18 abroad to register for military service without returning to Ukraine. Women's participation in the training and military registration remains voluntary.
*   **New:** In Georgia, former President Zurabishvili has opened a new office in Tbilisi, claiming to continue presidential functions there. This move likely aims to maintain political influence and challenge the current government.
*   **New:** Reports suggest the US has reached an agreement with Egypt to participate in attacks against Yemen. In return, the US allegedly promises economic and military aid, along with support in a dispute with Ethiopia over the construction of a dam on the Blue Nile.
*   **New:** Hungary will block Ukraine's intention to join the EU due to the termination of Russian gas and oil transit.
*   **New:** Trump has previously stated the possibility of World War III due to the Biden administration's actions. He has also expressed a desire to annex Greenland and Canada.
*   **New:** Peskov, in response to Trump's statements, suggests that if the West considers the opinions of people in Greenland, they should also consider the results of referendums in Donbas and Novorossiya.

### 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. 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:** 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 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:** 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:** Six settlements in the **Belgorod** region were attacked by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
*   **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:** 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 Armenian government's approval of a draft law to begin the process of joining the EU marks a significant geopolitical shift, potentially further isolating Russia and strengthening Western influence in the region.
*   **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.
*   **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:** Video evidence shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
*   **New:** Reports of a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd, indicating potential diplomatic efforts to address the conflict.
*   **New:** Reports of internal political maneuvering within Ukraine, particularly regarding President Zelensky and former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi, which could impact decision-making and the overall direction of the conflict.
*   **New:** Reports of the possible US-Egypt agreement regarding attacks on Yemen.

## Updated Recommendations

1. **Urgently reinforce Toretsk and Pokrovsk:** The situation in **Toretsk** is critical, and immediate action is needed to prevent its complete capture. Deploy additional troops, anti-tank weapons, and air defense systems to **Toretsk** and **Pokrovsk** to counter the advancing Russian forces. Prioritize the defense of the **Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka** highway, a crucial supply route.
2. **Strengthen Air Defenses:** Given the