Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 13, 2025, 07:12 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 Shevchenko, Kurakhove, and a significant portion of Toretsk, advancing towards Pokrovsk and along the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. The situation in Toretsk is dire, with Ukrainian sources reporting that less than 15% of the city remains under Ukrainian control and Russian sources claiming the liberation of the city is almost complete. Ukrainian forces report a successful ambush by snipers of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) near Pokrovsk, eliminating a group of Russian soldiers. The Ukrainian General Staff reports a successful high-precision strike on a command post of the 2nd Guards Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation in Novohrodivka, Donetsk Oblast.

In the Kursk region, a major Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with heavy fighting and significant losses on both sides. Russian forces have regained territory and are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly around Russkoye Porechnoye and towards Kositsa. Russian forces have made a powerful 10-kilometer breakthrough on the Kursk front, liberating Alexandria after previously taking Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye. They also report tactical successes near Makhnovka, Kurilovka, and Ivano-Daryevka. D-30 howitzer crews of the Sever Group of Forces are active in the region, eliminating manpower, armored hardware, artillery, and mortar crews of the AFU.

In the Luhansk region, Russian forces are advancing near Ivanivka and towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.

Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with widespread activity across multiple regions and reports of new Russian drones equipped with fiber-optic control systems. The Ukrainian General Staff reports a difficult situation along the entire frontline, with 198 combat clashes since the beginning of the day. There are reports of increased Russian air and missile activity. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 78 out of 110 drones launched by Russian forces overnight. 31 drones were classified as "decoys" and did not reach their targets. Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. South Korean intelligence reports that 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region of Russia. The total estimated losses among North Korean troops in the region are around 3,000, with 300 killed and 2,700 wounded.

Reports indicate drone activity in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Additionally, reports suggest drone attacks on Voronezh, Kursk, Tambov, Saratov, and Lipetsk in Russia. Russian air defense is reportedly active in Anapa, with the city's alert system activated. There are reports of explosions and fires in several Russian regions, including Novorossiysk, Anapa, and near Yevpatoria in Crimea. These incidents suggest possible Ukrainian drone or missile strikes. Confirmed drone attacks are ongoing in Engels, deep inside Russian territory. The fire at the oil depot is intensifying, with reports of new explosions and a state of emergency declared. The oil depot in Engels has been burning for 5 days. Open burning, which arose after the UAV attack, was eliminated at the enterprise in Engels.

Russian forces are evacuating workers from an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, following reports of drone threats and explosions in the area. This suggests a potential expansion of Ukrainian drone attacks deeper into Russian territory.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian tactical aviation in the north-eastern direction, with a threat of the use of air weapons. A missile was reported to be heading towards Konotop from Kursk, and then towards Chernihiv. Repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation were reported in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region and launches of guided aerial bombs in the Donetsk and Sumy regions.

The Ukrainian General Staff reports a difficult situation along the entire frontline and forced retreats to new defensive lines in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

German media reports on preparations for a potential war with Russia, including the formation of a territorial defense division and the possible reinstatement of compulsory military service. This indicates a heightened state of alert and a recognition of the potential for a broader conflict. The EU is also preparing new sanctions against Russia, with discussions set to begin next week.

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that over the past day, there were 184 combat clashes, 77 of them in the Pokrovsk direction.

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces have eliminated 1,510 Russian soldiers, bringing the total estimated Russian personnel losses since February 24, 2022, to approximately 809,760. Additionally, Ukrainian forces destroyed 8 tanks, 26 armored fighting vehicles, 37 artillery systems, 1 MLRS, 2 air defense systems, 183 UAVs, and 110 vehicles and fuel tanks.

Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 4 "Shahed" drones over Mykolaiv Oblast overnight. Debris from one of the downed drones damaged several houses in Voznesensk, but no casualties were reported.

Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 2 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight.

The highway between Dymytrov (Myrnohrad) and Konstantinovka has been cut, severely disrupting Ukrainian logistics in the area.

Serbian President Vučić has proposed hosting a meeting between Putin and Trump in Serbia to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

Russian psychological operations are intensifying, using drones to drop leaflets on Ukrainian positions and spreading misinformation.

The peak of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian regions outside the special operation zone in 2024 was in October, with 1,128 drones shot down.

One Russian ship carrying up to four Kalibr missiles is observed in the Black Sea, while no enemy ships are present in the Azov Sea.

A train derailment has occurred in the Muysky district of Buryatia, with 22 empty wagons derailing near the Angarakan station. The incident damaged 250 meters of railway track, three supports, and 100 meters of the contact network. No injuries were reported. The derailment caused the Kislovodsk-Tynda train to return to Severobaikalsk and is expected to delay the Neryungri-Novosibirsk train and seven other freight trains. A criminal case has been opened regarding the violation of traffic safety rules.

Russian forces report the destruction of several groups of Ukrainian infantry in the forests of the Polohy direction, using drones.

Russian media reports that private and government investments in the Russian tourism industry have increased by almost 1.5 times in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

Russian sources report that 240 anti-tank mines were found in a Polish IKEA store, accidentally shipped along with furniture by soldiers. The incident reportedly led to large-scale inspections in the army and the dismissal of some generals. One of the soldiers accused of negligence allegedly committed suicide.

British former defense ministers Shapps and Williamson called for sending British troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers after the end of the conflict, according to The Telegraph.

The "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" Telegram channel reports that their partners from the "Russian Force" firm, which supplies the troops with modern clothing, have summarized the most popular items in the past year. The list includes anti-fragmentation and anti-thermal suits, ponchos, blankets, vehicle covers, and modular vehicle protection.

Europe is reportedly threatening to provoke a global scramble for natural gas, according to Bloomberg. The loss of supplies via Russian pipelines is leading to increased demand for LNG in the EU. For the first time since the beginning of the energy crisis, Europe may not reach its target gas reserves for the next winter. EU countries are expected to start competing for natural gas supplies from all possible sources, which could threaten to displace developing countries from Asia to South America that also need LNG.

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. Ukrainian sources indicate the city is "factually lost." DeepState has officially acknowledged the loss of Kurakhovo for Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian General Staff states that Ukrainian forces still hold positions within the city limits and that fighting continues. However, they acknowledge that the city is not fully controlled by Russian forces.
• Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Russian assault groups have infiltrated Ukrainian formations, and fighting is approaching its culmination. Russian forces have established a flag in the northern part of the city, confirming their control over the northern part of Dzerzhynsk (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. They acknowledge that Ukrainian forces are resisting fiercely, utilizing artillery and drones, and express uncertainty about holding the mine. Ukrainian military analysts also report a dire situation for Ukrainian forces, with battles shifting to the western and northwestern parts of the city. They note that Russian forces are attacking with small, maneuverable groups towards the spoil tip of mine "No. 12" and a forest plantation west of the city. The capture of the latter would enable Russian forces to exert more pressure on the central part of Shcherbynivka, where Ukrainian forces have managed to repel some attacks. The report highlights that the situation in Toretsk was exacerbated by the deployment of Russian reserves, doubling the number of maneuverable groups involved in the assaults. On the left flank, near Shcherbynivka and Nelepivka, Russian forces are intensifying pressure with the support of equipment, although without significant changes so far. Russian command is reportedly considering options for an offensive on the right flank towards Dyleevka. In Toretsk, Russian forces are reportedly disguising themselves as civilians.
• Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, with progress in Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Baranovka. 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.
• Shevchenko and Yantarne Captured: Russian forces have captured Shevchenko and Yantarne. The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed the capture of Shevchenko. The Russian Ministry of Defense celebrated the capture of the village and has awarded over 6000 troops with medals. Russian forces, specifically the "Mad Dogs" brigade of the "Siberian Bears" battalion, report the complete liberation of the settlement. A 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 head of the Russian Ministry of Defense congratulated the soldiers of the 74th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade on the liberation of Shevchenko.
• Other Advances: Further Russian gains near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, Solone, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Novoelizavetovka, and Kurakhove. Advances in Pisky and the eastern outskirts of Dachne. Gains are also reported near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka.
• Intense Fighting: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports particularly intense fighting in the Pokrovsky and Kurakhiv directions, with 192 attacks in the Donetsk direction and 107 in the Pokrovsk direction over the past day. 37 combat clashes are still ongoing. Three soldiers of the "Center" group captured and cleared four Ukrainian strongholds during the liberation of the village of Dachenske in the DPR.
• Chasiv Yar: Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone strike on a Ukrainian BMP. 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. Urban warfare is ongoing.
• On the Kramatorsk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled six attacks, with five clashes ongoing.
• On the Toretsk direction, three Russian attacks were reported, with one ongoing.
• On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes, with five ongoing.
• On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
• 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. Ukrainian forces report that they have destroyed a Russian BTR-82A, two infantry fighting vehicles, and a T-72 tank using FPV drones.
• Explosions were reported in Samara (Novomoskovsk), Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Reports of a powerful explosion in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk, with a large plume of smoke visible.
• 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. Ukrainian General Staff reports another successful high-precision strike on a command post of the 2nd Guards Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation in Novohrodivka, Donetsk Oblast.
• Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.
• A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone.
• 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.
• Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction.
• Video from "Операция Z" shows the "String" of the "Brave" destroying enemy defenses while advancing towards Pokrovsk. The footage is from the 35th Brigade of the "Center" group.
• At Pokrovsk axis clashes yesterday near Novopoltavka, Tarasivka, Baranivka, Myrolubivka, YElyzavetivka, Promin, Lysivka, Myrnohrad, Novyy Trud, Zvirove, Udachne, Kotlyne, Novooleksandrivka, Novovasylivka, Novoandriyivka, Novoyelyzavetivka, Andriyivka, Kurakhove, Dachne, Petropavlivka, Yasynove and Yantarne, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.
• At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Kostyantynopil, Zelenivka, Rozlyvu, Rozdolne, Velyka Novosilka and Neskuchne, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.
• Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying Ukrainian infantry with a drone near Dachne.
• Russian forces are reportedly advancing near Slovyanka and Petropavlivka.
• Video evidence of a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade.
• 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.
• 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.
• Video from "ua_reg" shows a Ukrainian drone targeting and destroying multiple Russian vehicles, including a Humvee.
• Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
• A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
• Russian FPV drone operators from the "Aida" group reportedly hit two Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles.
• Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
• 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.
• Russian forces advanced in Petrovka (Novospasskoe), west of Shcherbinovka.
• Video evidence shows a Russian artillery strike on a Ukrainian position in Novoselivske, with secondary explosions.
• Russian forces are advancing towards Vodyane Druhe and Tarasovka, with battles ongoing for Baranovka and Yelyzavetivka.
• Ukrainian forces are struggling to contain the Russian advance, with Russian forces advancing 500 meters near the South-Eastern mine near Chasiv Yar.
• Video evidence shows the 155th Brigade "Anna Kyivska" capturing four Russian soldiers in the Pokrovsk direction. The group was led by a soldier with the call sign "Romashka." The captured soldiers are being offered for exchange.
• 16 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered to Russian forces near Kurakhovo.
• Ukrainian snipers reportedly eliminated a group of Russian soldiers near Pokrovsk. The operation was carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
• In Kryvyi Rih district, an enemy FPV drone hit infrastructure in the Zelenodolsk community. No casualties were reported. In Nikopol, an enterprise was damaged by an enemy attack.
• Airspace Closure Near Horlivka-Yasynuvata Highway: Due to continuous attacks by Ukrainian forces, the highway between Horlivka and Yasynuvata has been temporarily closed to traffic.
• Ballistic Missile Threat: Ukrainian Air Force reports a ballistic missile threat in the direction of Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region. A nationwide ballistic missile threat has been declared across Ukraine. The threat of ballistic weaponry has been lifted across most of Ukraine, except for Chernihiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv regions.
• Reports indicate ongoing active combat operations in the vicinity of Kurakhovo and Andriivka. Russian forces have successfully targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier using FPV drones.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Russian forces have captured Kalinovo near Kupyansk.
• Ukrainian forces have captured and are utilizing a T-80 tank in the defense of Toretsk. The tank has been equipped with additional drone protection.
• The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies that Pokrovsk is under threat of encirclement.
• Russian artillery successfully destroyed a US-supplied M119 howitzer near Ulakly.
• One person was killed and four were wounded in a Russian attack on the Vasilyevsky district of the Zaporizhzhia region.
• Russian forces are working to destroy Ukrainian defenses near Pokrovsk.
• New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian unit targeting a Russian position in a building in Toretsk with an explosive device.

Kursk Region

• Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses (estimated up to 48,000 casualties). 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. The article also mentions that North Korean troops are often ignoring drones above them and continuing their offensive despite losses. The publication believes that the Ukrainian-held part of the Kursk region will become a "key point in the peace negotiations."
• Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations, with advances near Novaya Sorochina, between Guyevo and Kurilovka, and in the forested areas of the Sudzha border region.
• Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in multiple locations, including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
• Artillery & Drones: Russian artillery and drone operations are proving effective. Calculation of FPV drones of the Rubikon center destroyed the Ukrainian self-propelled guns in the Kursk direction. Primorsky paratroopers destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with a drone. Russian forces are using drones to drop leaflets on Ukrainian positions, urging them to surrender.
• Reinforcements: Over 350 enemy personnel, including special operations forces, 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.
• Makhnovka: Heavy fighting continues, with both sides present. Paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
• Ukrainian forces lost more than 240 people during the day. Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost more than 50,840 troops, 296 tanks, 224 infantry fighting vehicles, 161 armored personnel carriers, 1,521 armored fighting vehicles, 1,445 vehicles, 353 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 HIMARS and 6 MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 91 EW stations.
• The situation in Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Martynovka, Agronom, and Pogrebki remains unchanged.
• 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.
• Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner.
• 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. Our 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.
• "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" reports that the situation on all fronts remains unchanged, with Russian forces consolidating their positions. Fighting continues in Pogrebki and on the western outskirts of Russkoye Porechnoye.
• 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.
• 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.
• Overnight, in the Kursk region, 40 Ukrainian drones were destroyed by air defense forces. The video shows footage of explosions in the night sky, followed by images of the wreckage of downed drones.
• 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. The video shows footage of destroyed Russian tanks and armored vehicles, as well as captured Russian soldiers.
• Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka. The video shows the soldier, speaking in broken Russian, ordering the women to leave the house, claiming that it is now his property. The women protest, but the soldier insists that they must leave.
• 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. The "Phoenix" unit of the "Revenge" brigade repelled an assault by occupiers near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area.
• 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.
• Ukrainian border guards reportedly struck a Russian drone launch site in Vovchansk using drones. The "Hart" brigade carried out the operation.
• 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.
• The head of Yakutia presented a new Yakut knife to a Russian soldier who defeated a Ukrainian soldier in hand-to-hand combat. The soldier had lost his previous knife in battle.
• European analysts believe that the war will not stop with the arrival of Trump. At most, there will be a respite during which the parties will restore their forces in order to clash again. The ideal scenario for our enemies is a 100-year war on the borders of Russia, in which Moscow will lose resources and people.
• 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.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The enemy is attempting to reinforce the defense of Kositsa with additional equipment and personnel.
• 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, 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.
• 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.
• 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 report that they control most of Russkoye Porechnoye and are concentrating reserves southwest of Kozino.
• Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region, but the operator misses the target.
• Special Forces soldiers destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk direction, capturing several Ukrainian soldiers. The captured soldiers are from the 57th and 82nd Brigades.
• Ukrainian forces targeted and damaged a Russian T-80 tank with a drone.
• 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. One was captured by the 84th Special Operations Forces tactical group, and the other by Ukrainian paratroopers. The prisoners are reportedly receiving medical care and are being interrogated with the assistance of Korean translators and South Korean intelligence. One of the prisoners had a Russian military ID issued to another person, while the other had no documents. One of the prisoners claimed to have been sent to Russia for training, not to fight in Ukraine. He stated that he was born in 2005, served as a rifleman in the North Korean army since 2021, and that North Korean units had undergone a week of training with Russian forces in the fall of 2024. The other prisoner, born in 1999, reportedly served as a sniper-scout in the North Korean army since 2016.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense released a summary of the situation in the Kursk region, reporting that Russian forces continue to defeat Ukrainian formations. The report claims that Russian forces have repelled nine Ukrainian counterattacks and inflicted losses on Ukrainian tank, mechanized, air assault, and territorial defense brigades. The report also claims that Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Oleksandrivka, Vovchanski Khutory, Sadovod, Hryhorivka, Khatnye, Pischane, Kurylivka, Borivsk Andriyivka, Zelenyy Hay, Verkhnokamyanske, Mayske, Druzhba, Scherbynivka, Serhiyivka, Andriyivka, Toretsk, Kostyantynivka, Temyrivka, Velyka Novosilka, Kherson.

Kharkiv Region