Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 10, 2025, 08:33 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk, Kursk, and Luhansk regions. Russian forces maintain the offensive initiative, particularly in Donetsk, where they have captured Kurakhove and a significant portion of Toretsk, advancing towards Pokrovsk and along the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. The situation in Toretsk is dire, with Ukrainian control reduced to less than 15%. In the Kursk region, a major Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, suffering heavy casualties estimated at up to 48,000. Russian forces are making advances, notably in the Sudzha area, Makhnovka, Sverdlikovo, and Lebedevka. They have also liberated Leonidovo and Alexandria, with a 10-kilometer breakthrough reported on the Kursk front. Drone warfare is a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones extensively. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away, and overnight, Ukrainian air defenses engaged a massive Russian drone attack, reportedly destroying 33 out of 72 drones. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that these drones were "Shahed" type and decoy drones launched from Millerovo, Orel, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. There were five confirmed hits in the Chernihiv region, injuring one civilian, and a downed drone in the Kyiv region damaged an apartment building and multiple vehicles. Reports indicate that Russian forces are increasingly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, which are resistant to electronic warfare. A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected soon, but the US has indicated limitations in providing aid before January 20th. The UK, together with NATO allies, will provide Ukraine with 30,000 FPV drones. Germany will transfer additional missiles to Ukraine for Iris-T air defense systems. 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.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Fall of Kurakhove: Russian forces control most of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces holding the western part, including a thermal power plant. Video evidence shows Russian special forces capturing a stronghold of the 46th Airmobile Brigade, killing dozens of Ukrainian soldiers and capturing six.
Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control, with Russian forces claiming 85% of the city. The 12th "Azov" Brigade reported repelling a Russian mechanized assault, destroying several armored vehicles. A video from the brigade "Azov" shows a successful repulsion of a Russian assault near New York (formerly Novhorodske), with the destruction of multiple Russian armored vehicles, including BMPs and MT-LBs. Near Toretsk, assault groups of the Russian Federation infiltrated the combat formations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and measures are being taken to eliminate them.
Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Intensified attacks near Pokrovsk, with progress in Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Baranovka. Video evidence shows the destruction of enemy defenses by the 35th Brigade near Pokrovsk.
Shevchenko and Ivanivka Captured: Russian forces have 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. Progress near Udalny, Kotlyne, Zverevo, Zelene, Lysovka, and Mirolyubovka. Gains are also reported near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka. Russian forces report they have advanced 500 meters near the South-Eastern mine near Chasiv Yar. Fighting is reported at the "Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant," with Russian forces claiming new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and an advance of up to 1.5 km.
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.
Aftermath of Attack on Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded from the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 120, with 32 people injured and 13 killed.
Stepnohirsk: 2 people were killed and 2 injured in a Russian attack on Stepnohirsk.
Chasiv Yar: Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone strike on a Ukrainian BMP. Ukrainian forces reported shooting down four Russian reconnaissance drones near Chasiv Yar, including a Granat-2, Supercam S450, and two Orlan-30s.
Dnipropetrovsk Direction: Battles are ongoing across the entire direction, with particularly fierce battles occurring near Novovasylivka - Uspenivka.
Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a US-supplied M-113 armored personnel carrier near Dzerzhynsk using a drone.
Ukrainian Resistance: Ukrainian forces are resisting the Russian advance, reporting the repulsion of an assault near Velyka Novosilka and pushing Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka.
Tank Warfare: A video showcases Russian tank crews from the "Southern" group of forces supporting the advance of assault units after the capture of Kurakhove.
New: Repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation reported in the Donetsk region.
New: Video footage shows a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting a Russian Ka-52 helicopter, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
New: Video evidence shows a Russian soldier filming the aftermath of a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on a Russian vehicle, indicating casualties among the Russian assault group.
New: Video from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows an assault on Kurakhovo by Russian special forces from the "Grachi" detachment. The video claims that the special forces destroyed a stronghold of the 46th Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, killing dozens of Ukrainian soldiers and capturing six.
New: Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows a quad bike driving through a destroyed Russian column on the Pokrovsk direction.
New: Video from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows the 506th Regiment conducting an offensive near the city, resulting in heavy losses for Ukrainian forces.
New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian unit targeting a Russian position in a building in Toretsk with an explosive device.
New: Russian forces launched an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones.
New: Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
New: Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.
New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.
New: A video from the 25th Airborne Brigade shows a Ukrainian soldier placing an explosive charge on the roof of a dugout where enemy soldiers are hiding.
New: A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone.
New: Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction.
New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian soldier.
Update: The Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" reports repelling a massive Russian assault, involving about 50 units of equipment. 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.
Update: Video from the "Operatsiya Z" Telegram channel shows the 506th Regiment conducting an offensive near the city, resulting in heavy losses for Ukrainian forces.
Update: Russian forces are advancing towards Vodyane Druhe and Tarasovka, with battles ongoing for Baranovka and Yelyzavetivka.
Update: Ukrainian forces repelled six attacks near Vasyukovka, Bondarnoye, Chasov Yar, and Stupochki, with five clashes ongoing in the Kramatorsk direction.
Update: Three Russian attacks were reported near Toretsk, with one ongoing in the Toretsk direction.
Update: In the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes, with Ukrainian forces repelling attacks near Tarasovka, Vodyanoye Vtoroye, Elizavetovka, Promin, Lysovka, Sukhoi Yar, Zelenoye, Novy Trud, and Pokrovsk. Five clashes are ongoing.
Update: In the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near Sribnoye, Andreevka, Kurakhovo, and Dachnoye, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
New: Video evidence of Russian forces destroying Ukrainian infantry with a drone near Dachne.
New: Russian forces are reportedly advancing near Slovyanka and Petropavlivka.
New: Video evidence of a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade.
New: Video evidence of an aerial battle between two Ukrainian "Mavic" drones (one reconnaissance and one bomber) and a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone on the Seversk direction. The reconnaissance drone rammed the "Baba Yaga", causing it to crash. The bomber drone then targeted the crashed drone, destroying it.
New: Video from the "Syndicate Air Assassins" group shows the use of FPV drones to target Russian infantry and vehicles in various locations. The video includes a counter of destroyed targets and a call for donations to support the group's activities.
New: Video from "ua_reg" shows a Ukrainian drone targeting and destroying multiple Russian vehicles, including a Humvee.
New: Ukrainian forces report that they have destroyed a Russian BTR-82A, two infantry fighting vehicles, and a T-72 tank using FPV drones.
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: 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: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian soldier. The soldier initially attempts to shoot down the drone, then tries to hide before being hit. The soldier is seen moving after the hit, indicating he is wounded but alive.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses (estimated up to 48,000 casualties). Zelensky stated that the Kursk operation was one of the main victories, not only last year, but throughout the war.
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations near Nikolaevka and Staraya Sorochina, with advances near Novaya Sorochina. Russian forces report that the counterattacking potential of Ukrainian forces has waned and that they are now being pushed back from their positions near Kruglenkoye. Russian paratroopers are reportedly making progress, pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov. They also destroyed Ukrainian firing points with a 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortar.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, and Novaya Sorochina, with Ukrainian forces deploying reserves. Fighting continues near Kotlyno, and Ukrainian forces are struggling to contain the Russian advance. Russian sources claim the enemy has lost at least 35 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel in the last two days. Russian forces are making small advances in Pogrebki, pushing towards the local school. Fighting continues near Berdin and Malaya Loknya, with Russian advances in the Sudzha area. Leonidovo has been taken under Russian control.
Artillery & Drones: Russian artillery and drone operations are proving effective, with the destruction of Ukrainian artillery pieces. Calculation of FPV drones of the Rubikon center destroyed the Ukrainian self-propelled guns in the Kursk direction.
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. Approximately 40 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly retreated from Berdin to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Russian forces, specifically paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division, are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
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. Ukrainian reserves are reportedly being brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo.
Makhnovka: 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." Russian forces report they have advanced 500 meters near the South-Eastern mine near Chasiv Yar. Fighting is reported at the "Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant," with Russian forces claiming new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and an advance of up to 1.5 km. Heavy oncoming battles are taking place, with the enemy putting up fierce resistance.
Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka: In the Kursk region, paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
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: A civilian from a village in the Kursk region reported that soldiers from western Ukraine burned houses in his village.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the enemy lost up to 190 fighters, an ammunition depot, an infantry fighting vehicle and an armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region during the day.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost more than 50,310 troops, 294 tanks, 218 infantry fighting vehicles, 161 armored personnel carriers, 1,517 armored fighting vehicles, 1,435 vehicles, 348 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 HIMARS and 6 MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 90 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defense radars, 29 units of engineering and other materiel, including 15 counter-obstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armored recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.
New: The message states that the operation to neutralize the enemy in the Kursk region continues.
New: A German Leopard 2A6 tank was destroyed in the Kursk region.
New: Video evidence of Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
New: Russian paratroopers are reportedly pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov. They also destroyed Ukrainian firing points with a 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortar.
New: In Chasiv Yar, Ivanovo paratroopers repelled a Ukrainian drone attack, suppressing four Baba Yaga drones with small arms fire.
New: In the Kursk region, Primorsky paratroopers destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with a drone.
New: Video from "Colonelcassad" details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye. The liberation of these settlements may be announced this week. There is also a battle for Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, with the enemy continuing to send reserves despite heavy losses.
New: "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z" reports that enemy groups attempted to infiltrate from Cherkasskoye Porechnoye but were repelled by artillery fire. Enemy reserves are reportedly being brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo, and the use of "Baba Yaga" agricultural drones for reconnaissance is mentioned.
New: Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region.
New: Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
New: Overnight, in the Kursk region, 40 Ukrainian drones were destroyed by air defense forces.
New: Video from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" reports that the 114th brigade has liberated Shevchenko, continuing their offensive beyond Kurakhovo. The video and images depict the aftermath of fighting in the area, with Russian forces planting a flag in the center of Shevchenko, claiming control of the settlement.
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. The assault was carried out in six waves. The Ukrainian forces successfully repelled the attack, inflicting significant losses on the enemy.
New: Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
New: Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
Update: A video from "Alex Parker Returns" discusses the potential renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and criticizes Mexico's migration policy.
Update: A video from "Старше Эдды" describes the destruction of an enemy tank by drones.
Update: A video from "Alex Parker Returns" discusses corruption in Russia.
Update: A message from "Рыбарь" discusses information from former Syrian intelligence officials regarding the situation in Syria in late November. It details a meeting between Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where Assad requested security for Iranian air supplies. The message also mentions the interception of an Iranian military aircraft by Israeli fighters and Assad's refusal to meet with Erdogan.
Update: A video from "Colonelcassad" shows a soldier thanking donors for providing drones.
Update: A message from "Alex Parker Returns" reports that Russian forces have advanced in Makhnovka and entered Zamostye, with Sudzha nearby.
Update: A message from "ТАСС" reports that Trump has acknowledged that the Biden administration made many mistakes in negotiations regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership, as Russia was against it.
Update: A photo and message from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" reports that Trump intends to seize strategic straits from neighboring countries, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, regaining control of the Panama Canal, and taking Greenland from Denmark.
Update: A video from "Colonelcassad" shows the work of FPV drone crews from the 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment in the Berdin area, Kursk region.
Update: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that all 8 ATACMS missiles used for strikes on Russia were shot down by S-400 and "Pantsir-SM" air defense systems.
Update: Russian State Secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
Update: A message from "Дневник Десантника" reports a missile threat in Melitopol and Tokmak.
Update: A message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z" includes a prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Update: Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Update: Soldiers of the 108th Air Assault Brigade shared footage of their work in the Zaporizhzhia region. The footage shows the defeat of personnel, shelters, equipment, and ammunition depots. The soldiers invite volunteers to join their brigade. The location is indicated as Pology.
Update: Video from "STERNENKO" shows Ukrainian forces from the Flying Skull drone unit targeting Russian positions in the Kursk region. At least 9 Russian soldiers were targeted, and 5 golf carts were hit.
Update: Russian forces have made a powerful 10-kilometer breakthrough on the Kursk front, liberating Alexandria after previously taking Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye.
Update: Russian forces have advanced on the western and northern flanks in the Kursk region, penetrating up to 4 kilometers deep on a 10-kilometer wide front.
Update: After liberating Leonidovo, Russian paratroopers took control of Alexandria and are continuing their attacks towards Staraya Sorochina, Viktorovka, and Nikolsky.
Update: The pro-Ukrainian analytical resource Deep State has acknowledged the liberation of Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Novoivanovka by Russian forces.
Update: The cleanup of Pogrebki continues on the southern flank, while paratroopers continue their assault on Makhnovka.
Update: The "Nemets" group from the 291st Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment is using FPV drones to destroy enemy targets on the Zaporizhzhia front.
Update: The enemy is attempting to reinforce the defense of Kositsa with additional equipment and personnel.
Update: The situation in Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Martynovka, Agronom, and Pogrebki remains unchanged.
Update: The enemy attempted to attack with two armored personnel carriers near Makhnovka but was destroyed by an FPV drone.
New: Video evidence of the Russian Ministry of Defense showcasing the work of the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system, which reportedly nullifies enemy attempts to hide from thermobaric munitions. The video features the TOS-2 "Tosochka" in service with the Group of Forces "Vostok," targeting Ukrainian Armed Forces positions near Velyka Novosilka. The soldiers praise the new vehicle for its accuracy, range, and maneuverability.
New: A video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows a captured Ukrainian soldier in the Kursk region stating that his unit requested evacuation but was denied by their command. The soldier claims they lost half their personnel and were eventually captured.
New: Russian forces report that they have cleared Berdin of Ukrainian forces and that Ukrainian forces are retreating to the forests.
New: Russian forces report that they are continuing to storm Pogrebki and that both sides are present in the village. Russian forces also report that they are conducting an offensive west of Novaya Sorochina.
New: Russian forces report that they control most of Russkoye Porechnoye and are concentrating reserves southwest of Kozino.
New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.
New: A video from the 25th Airborne Brigade shows a Ukrainian soldier placing an explosive charge on the roof of a dugout where enemy soldiers are hiding.
New: A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone.

Kharkiv Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area and in Dvurichna. They have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya, occupied the forest near Zapadnoye, and advanced significantly in the center of 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, preventing further Russian advances along the Oskil River.
New: DeepState denies reports of the occupation of Lozova.
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.
New: Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack and destroyed a US-supplied M113 armored personnel carrier near Kupyansk.
New: Video from "Оперативний ЗСУ" shows a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting Russian infantry in the Kharkiv region. One soldier was killed and another wounded.
New: On the Kupyansk direction, fighters from the 1st Tank Army disrupted an enemy rotation and hit an American M113 armored personnel carrier with infantry.
New: Russian forces repelled a Ukrainian attack on the Kupyansk direction, destroying a US-supplied M113 armored personnel carrier.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: On the Krasnolimansk direction, units of the Russian Army are developing success in Ivanovka (right bank of the Zherebets River). Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove. Russian forces have captured Ivanivka near Terny, marking a significant advance.
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.
New: Russian forces are advancing near Makeevka, according to pro-Russian sources.
New: Russian forces report that they have expanded their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported across multiple regions, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. 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: Reports indicate 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:
- Zhytomyr Oblast: Drones are reported in the northern part, moving west.
- Kyiv Oblast: Drones are present in the northern part, moving west. Air raid alerts have been reported for Kyiv. Reports indicate a drone hit a multi-story building in the Solomyanskyi district of Kyiv, damaging windows and 6 cars, but causing no casualties. A serious accident occurred at one of the substations in Kyiv, leading to power outages in part of the houses in the Desnyanskyi district of the capital (Troyeshchyna).
- Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west.
- Sumy Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Romny, and one towards Lypova Dolyna.
- Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest.
- Kharkiv Oblast: Drones are moving from Kharkiv towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone is in the Kryvyi Rih district, another is over Dolynska.
- Poltava Oblast: One drone is circling south of Poltava.
- Cherkasy Oblast: One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course.
- Vinnytsia Oblast: One drone is reported to be flying over the region.
New: Reports indicate several drones in flight: one from Kirovohrad Oblast to Vinnytsia Oblast, two along the Dnipro River towards Cherkasy, one from the north towards/through Kryvyi Rih, three north of Kremenchuk with a northwesterly course, and one through Boyarka towards Kyiv. A drone is reported to be heading towards Boryspil from the east.
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. Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones, with reports of activity near Kyiv and successful interceptions. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 41 out of 64 drones overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that in the night of January 8, 2025 a large scale attack was launched using 64 attack UAVs of the "Shahed" type, as well as decoy drones from Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. As of 9:00 AM, 41 attack UAVs were confirmed to be destroyed, including "Shahed" and other types of drones, in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad Oblasts. 22 decoy drones were lost without negative consequences. Three of them headed towards Russia, and one towards Belarus.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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.
New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone targeting and destroying a Russian logistics convoy in the Luhansk region, consisting of

Situation Report