Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine (January 12, 2025)
Donetsk Region: Russian Forces Capture Kurakhove and Toretsk, Advance Towards Pokrovsk
Kurakhove and Toretsk Fall: Russian forces have achieved significant gains, capturing most of Kurakhove and Toretsk. Ukrainian sources confirm the dire situation in both cities, with less than 15% of Toretsk remaining under Ukrainian control. Pro-Russian residents in Kurakhove reportedly welcomed Russian troops. In Toretsk a large stronghold of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been cleared, and the enemy is preparing defensive lines outside the city. The enemy is attempting to capture a thermal power plant near Toretsk. Russian sources claim that almost the entire city is under their control, with only the outskirts remaining to be captured. Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine. Ukrainian military analysts also report a dire situation for Ukrainian forces, with battles shifting to the western and northwestern parts of the city.
Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka Highway Threatened: Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk and along the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway, posing a direct threat to this crucial supply route. Progress is reported in Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Baranovka. Russian forces are reportedly approaching the Dnipropetrovsk region, bypassing the expected heavy urban fighting in Pokrovsk. They are currently less than 7 km from a highway leading into the region. This suggests a strategic shift to encircle Pokrovsk and cut off supply lines, potentially forcing a Ukrainian withdrawal. Russian forces have reportedly reached the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway, effectively cutting off this key supply route.
Other Key Advances: Russian forces captured Shevchenko, Yantarne, and Kalinovo. They broke through Ukrainian defenses near Ivanovka and are fighting for dominant heights near Kolodezi. Further gains are reported near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, and several other settlements. Russian forces are advancing in the Krasnoarmiisk direction towards Udachne, Kotlyno, Novosergievka, Zverevo, Lysovka, and Yelizavetovka. They have advanced to within 2300 meters of Udachne.
Intense Fighting Continues: The Ukrainian General Staff reports intense fighting, particularly in the Pokrovsky and Kurakhiv directions, with 37 combat clashes ongoing. Both sides report significant casualties. Ukrainian forces report they destroyed a Russian infantry fighting vehicle in the Toretsk direction, using a drone.
Chasiv Yar: A group of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly become trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. Russian forces now control approximately 20% of the territory of the refractory plant.
Dnipropetrovsk Direction: Battles are ongoing across the entire direction, with particularly fierce battles near Novovasylivka - Uspenivka. Russian forces have cleared Novovasylivka and are engaged in battles to capture Uspenivka. Further south, there are intense battles for Novoandreevka and near Sribne.
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.
Russian forces have reportedly captured the village of Yantarne.
Russian forces launched an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with 8 drones.
Counteroffensive Stalls: The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with heavy losses reported on both sides. Zelensky stated that the Kursk operation was one of the main victories, not only last year, but throughout the war. The Washington Post reports that if Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Kursk region, 60,000 Russian troops will follow them into Ukraine and capture more territory.
Russian Forces Advance: Russian forces have regained the initiative and are advancing, notably in the Sudzha area. They report capturing Russkoye Porechnoye and are assaulting Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Russian forces also report they are completing the liberation of Russkoye Porechnoye. Ukrainian military analysts acknowledge Russian advances up to 3.25 km deep in this area. Russian paratroopers are reportedly making progress, pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov.
Heavy Fighting in Multiple Locations: Intense fighting is ongoing in Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
Reinforcements and Reserves: Both sides are reportedly moving reinforcements and reserves into the area, indicating preparations for continued heavy fighting.
Air Raid in Sudzha: A Russian airstrike targeted a boarding school in Sudzha where civilians were sheltering, resulting in one death. This incident has been confirmed by a Ukrainian military spokesperson.
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.
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: Heavy fighting continues, with both sides present.
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.
Active fighting is taking place in the area of Sudzha. An attack by the Russian Armed Forces in the settlement of Russkoye Porechnoye by an infantry unit was reported. The assault group was shelled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian Armed Forces advanced more than 2 km and reached the advanced positions near the village of Kositsa.
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.
Almost 30 Ukrainian paratroopers were captured after a failed counterattack in Volchansk.
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.
Russian forces report that they control most of Russkoye Porechnoye and are concentrating reserves southwest of Kozino.
Russian forces are continuing their offensive near Leonidovo, advancing towards Viktorivka and Nikolsky.
Russian forces are attempting to reach the outskirts of Sudzha, with fighting ongoing near Zamostye.
Russian forces have made a powerful 10-kilometer breakthrough on the Kursk front, liberating Alexandria after previously taking Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye.
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.
After liberating Leonidovo, Russian paratroopers took control of Alexandria and are continuing their attacks towards Staraya Sorochina, Viktorovka, and Nikolsky.
The pro-Ukrainian analytical resource Deep State has acknowledged the liberation of Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Novoivanovka by Russian forces.
The cleanup of Pogrebki continues on the southern flank, while paratroopers continue their assault on Makhnovka.
A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Russian forces are advancing in the Sudzha area, with reports of an infantry unit attacking Russkoye Porechnoye and reaching advanced positions near Kositsa.
"Два майора" reports that in the Kursk region, the enemy, taking advantage of poor weather conditions with limited visibility, launched 11 unsuccessful counterattacks on different sectors of the front in the Sudzhansky border area. Troops have completed the clearing of enemy strongholds between Guyevo and Kurilovka, advancing with stubborn fighting in the forest belts of the Sudzhansky district. Fierce fighting continues in Makhnovka and Cherkasskaya Porechnaya, where the enemy is transferring new units.
"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.
Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Overnight, in the Kursk region, 40 Ukrainian drones were destroyed by air defense forces.
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.
Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
The message states that the operation to neutralize the enemy in the Kursk region continues.
A Ukrainian counterattack involving about 50 units of equipment was repelled by Ukrainian forces near Viktorivka. The attack was carried out in six waves. Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a significant amount of enemy equipment and inflicted heavy casualties.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeting a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
An abandoned "Pyaterochka" store was discovered in Sudzha. A Ukrainian soldier filmed a video mocking the limited selection of goods in the store. He was later captured by Russian forces.
Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
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.
In the Kursk region, Primorsky paratroopers destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with a drone.
Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
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.
The enemy is attempting to reinforce the defense of Kositsa with additional equipment and personnel.
The situation in Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Martynovka, Agronom, and Pogrebki remains unchanged.
The enemy attempted to attack with two armored personnel carriers near Makhnovka but was destroyed by an FPV drone.
Video evidence of the Russian Ministry of Defense showcasing the work of the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system.
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.
Russian forces report that they have cleared Berdin of Ukrainian forces and that Ukrainian forces are retreating to the forests.
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.
Russian forces are continuing their offensive near Leonidovo, advancing towards Viktorivka and Nikolsky.
Russian forces are attempting to reach the outskirts of Sudzha, with fighting ongoing near Zamostye.
Ukrainian sources report that two North Korean soldiers have been captured in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows a close-quarters battle for Berdin, with a Russian FPV drone and a grenade launcher targeting a NATO armored vehicle.
Luhansk Region: Russian Advance Towards Western Border
Steady Progress: Russian forces are making steady progress near Ivanivka and towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They report expanding their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River.
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 Ivanovka near Terny, marking a significant advance.
Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
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.
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.
Russian forces report that they have advanced beyond Nadiya and are moving towards the border of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Kharkiv region.
The "Z committee + SVO map" reports that Russian forces are advancing near Ivanovka, Novosadovoe, and Terny.
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.
Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian forces report stabilizing the situation near Kruhliakivka and Kolisnykivka, preventing further Russian advances along the Oskil River.
In the Kupyansk area, the RF Armed Forces attacked armored vehicles west of Orlyansky. The RF Armed Forces expanded the control zone by more than 300 meters along the Kupyansk-Orlyanskoye highway.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to counterattack in the Staritsa area of the Kharkiv region, but the Russian Armed Forces prevented a breakthrough of the defense line.
Drone Warfare Intensifies
Widespread Drone Activity: Both sides are employing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. Confirmed drone attacks deep inside Russian territory, including Engels, Voronezh, Kursk, Saratov, and Lipetsk Oblasts, demonstrate the reach and increasing sophistication of Ukrainian drone capabilities.
Engels Oil Depot Fire: A Ukrainian drone attack on an oil depot in Engels is confirmed, with the fire ongoing for five days.
New Drone Technology: Russian forces are reportedly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, resistant to electronic warfare.
Drone Movements: Reports indicate significant drone movements across multiple Ukrainian oblasts, including Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Kherson.
Air Raid Alert in Kyiv: An air raid alert was issued for Kyiv due to the threat of attack drones. Air defense systems were reportedly active in the region. The alert has since been lifted.
Drone Movements: Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements across multiple oblasts, including Sumy, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Kyiv. One drone was reported near Brovary, heading towards Kyiv.
2 drones west of Poltava, moving northwest.
A drone is on Cherkasy region, with a course towards Poltava region.
A drone is reported on the north of the Cherkasy region with a course to the southeast.
A drone is reported to be flying over the region.
Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west.
A group of attack drones is reported on the north of the region.
1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy.
1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest.
A drone was detected in the western part of Chernihiv region, moving west.
Another drone was detected in the southeastern part of Chernihiv region, moving west.
A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, with an eastern course.
A missile was reported near Mykolaiv, and later, flying towards Nova Odesa (Mykolaiv region). Another missile was reported approaching Yelanets.
A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd.
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.
A drone is also reported on the Poltava region, with a western course.
An enemy drone is reported on the north of the Poltava region with a southwesterly course.
A drone is reported moving south in Poltava Oblast.
A drone is in the northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest.
One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast.
Geopolitical Developments
Potential Trump-Putin Meeting: Reports suggest a potential phone call between Putin and Trump after January 20th and a possible face-to-face meeting in the spring, without Zelensky's participation.
NATO Exercises: NATO is planning large-scale exercises ("Steadfast Dart") on its eastern flank from January 13th to February 26th, involving 10,000 troops from 10 countries, simulating a conflict with a near-peer adversary.
US-China Tensions: The US has threatened China with "significant consequences" for aiding Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
German-Russian Diplomacy: Potential diplomatic efforts between Germany and Russia are reported.
Ukraine Offers Firefighters to US: President Zelensky announced that 150 Ukrainian firefighters are ready to be deployed to California to assist with wildfires.
Prisoner of War Situation: President Zelensky reported about two POWs from North Korea, one willing to stay in Ukraine, and the second one wants to return back home.
Pridnestrovie Crisis: The Ukrainian President talks about a humanitarian crisis in Pridnestrovie (Transnistria) and offers Ukraine's assistance with coal.
Saudi Arabia is calling on European diplomats to lift sanctions on Syria.
Future US administration insists on lowering the age of mobilization in Ukraine to 18 years old.
German party "Union of Sarah Wagenknecht - For Reason and Justice" adopted an election program calling for the resumption of supplies of Russian gas and a truce in the conflict in Ukraine.
Croatian Presidential Election: Pro-Russian incumbent Zoran Milanović reportedly won the Croatian presidential election with 77.70% of the vote, potentially impacting Croatia's foreign policy stance. In Croatia, the second round of elections took place today, with incumbent President Zoran Milanović and candidate Dragan Primorac competing. Milanović is considered a pro-Russian or at least anti-Ukrainian politician. According to exit polls, incumbent President Milanović won with 77.70% of the vote, compared to 22.30% for his opponent.
The German party "Union of Sarah Wagenknecht - For Reason and Justice" adopted an election program at a congress in Bonn, calling for the resumption of supplies of Russian gas and a truce in the conflict in Ukraine. According to ZDF, the document was adopted almost unanimously, with only one out of about 600 delegates voting against it and two abstaining.
Poland-Slovakia relations: The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the refusal to allow a special Slovak aircraft to enter Russian airspace was due to incomplete documentation.
Other Developments
Russian forces are advancing in the area of Sudzha, with reports of an infantry unit attacking Russkoye Porechnoye and reaching advanced positions near Kositsa.
Russian forces are advancing towards Vodyane Druhe and Tarasovka, with battles ongoing for Baranovka and Yelyzavetivka.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack and destroyed a US-supplied M113 armored personnel carrier near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.
Ukrainian forces repelled six attacks near Vasyukovka, Bondarnoye, Chasov Yar, and Stupochki, with five clashes ongoing in the Kramatorsk direction.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
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.
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.
Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
Russian forces have made a powerful 10-kilometer breakthrough on the Kursk front, liberating Alexandria after previously taking Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye.
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.
After liberating Leonidovo, Russian paratroopers took control of Alexandria and are continuing their attacks towards Staraya Sorochina, Viktorovka, and Nikolsky.
The pro-Ukrainian analytical resource Deep State has acknowledged the liberation of Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Novoivanovka by Russian forces.
The cleanup of Pogrebki continues on the southern flank, while paratroopers continue their assault on Makhnovka.
A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Russian forces are advancing in the Sudzha area, with reports of an infantry unit attacking Russkoye Porechnoye and reaching advanced positions near Kositsa.
"Два майора" reports that in the Kursk region, the enemy, taking advantage of poor weather conditions with limited visibility, launched 11 unsuccessful counterattacks on different sectors of the front in the Sudzhansky border area. Troops have completed the clearing of enemy strongholds between Guyevo and Kurilovka, advancing with stubborn fighting in the forest belts of the Sudzhansky district. Fierce fighting continues in Makhnovka and Cherkasskaya Porechnaya, where the enemy is transferring new units.
Analysis of an image showing a map overlay of the Kursk region, with red areas indicating Russian-controlled territory. Thermal drone footage on the right side of the image shows potential troop or vehicle presence. The image suggests an offensive movement from Kositsa towards Russkoye Porechnoye.
Explosions were reported in Samara (Novomoskovsk), Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting a Russian Ka-52 helicopter, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.
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.
A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian soldier.
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.
Video from the "Operatsiya Z" Telegram channel shows the 506th Regiment conducting an offensive near the city, resulting in heavy losses for Ukrainian forces.
The "Беркут" group of the 238th Artillery Brigade's reconnaissance battalion successfully destroyed a Ukrainian M777 howitzer using an X-51 "Lancet" loitering munition. This strike was carried out in support of the 5th Brigade's offensive near Ulakly on the Kurakhiv direction.
The "Nemets" group from the 291st Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment is using FPV drones to destroy enemy targets on the Zaporizhzhia front.
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.
Video evidence of a Russian drone destroying a Ukrainian BMP "Bradley".
Overnight, in the Kursk region, 40 Ukrainian drones were destroyed by air defense forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports significant Ukrainian losses in the region during the day and since the beginning of hostilities.
Video evidence of Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade.
Special Forces soldiers destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold, capturing several Ukrainian soldiers from the 57th and 82nd Brigades.
Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold.
The enemy is attempting to reinforce the defense of Kositsa with additional equipment and personnel.
The situation in Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Martynovka, Agronom, and Pogrebki remains unchanged.
The enemy attempted to attack with two armored personnel carriers near Makhnovka but was destroyed by an FPV drone.
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.
26 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered after a failed counterattack, according to Russian sources.
Almost 30 Ukrainian paratroopers were captured after a failed counterattack in Volchansk.
Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner.
Ukrainian airborne troops from the 95th Air Assault Brigade are using drones to attack Russian forces in Pogrebki.
Russian forces report that they have cleared Berdin of Ukrainian forces and that Ukrainian forces are retreating to the forests.
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.
Russian forces are continuing their offensive near Leonidovo, advancing towards Viktorivka and Nikolsky.
Russian forces are attempting to reach the outskirts of Sudzha, with fighting ongoing near Zamostye.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.
A German Leopard 2A6 tank was destroyed in the Kursk region.
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.
In Chasiv Yar, Ivanovo paratroopers repelled a Ukrainian drone attack, suppressing four Baba Yaga drones with small arms fire.
In the Kursk region, Primorsky paratroopers destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with a drone.
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.
Video evidence shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
"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.
Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region.
Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that 85 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight, including 31 over the Black Sea, 16 over Voronezh Oblast, 16 over Krasnodar Krai, 14 over the Azov Sea, 4 over Belgorod Oblast, 2 over Tambov Oblast, 1 over Crimea, and 1 over Kursk Oblast.
NATO is planning large-scale exercises on its eastern flank, named "Steadfast Dart," from January 13th to February 26th, involving 10,000 troops from 10 countries. These exercises will take place in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. The goal is to test the rapid deployment capabilities of NATO's Response Force (ARF) and enhance interoperability between participating nations. The exercises will simulate a conflict with a near-peer adversary.
Russian forces report that they control most of Russkoye Porechnoye and are concentrating reserves southwest of Kozino.
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.
Russian State Secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the "String" of the "Brave" destroying enemy defenses while advancing towards Pokrovsk. The footage is from the 35th Brigade of the "Center" group.
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.
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.
Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows a quad bike driving through a destroyed Russian column on the Pokrovsk direction.
Video from the "Operatsiya Z" Telegram channel shows the 506th Regiment conducting an offensive near the city, resulting in heavy losses for Ukrainian forces.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian unit targeting a Russian position in a building in Toretsk with an explosive device.
Tank crews of the 63rd Brigade reportedly attacked Russian positions in the Serebryansky forest.
Artillerymen of the "Dnepr" group destroyed a Ukrainian 2S3 "Akatsiya" self-propelled howitzer near Oleshky.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, in the Kurakhiv direction, the enemy attacked 73 times during the past day. 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.
Updated Situation
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with Russian forces continuing to make significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region. The capture of Kurakhove and Toretsk, along with the advance towards Pokrovsk and the cutting of the **Pok
