Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 17, 2025, 07:23 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces maintaining the offensive initiative across multiple fronts. Intense fighting is concentrated in the Donetsk region, particularly around Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove. Russian forces have captured key locations such as Shevchenko, Yantarne, Ukrainka, Peschanoye, and most of Kurakhove. They are advancing towards Pokrovsk, having reportedly reached the outskirts and are now reportedly 5-7 km from the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The situation in Toretsk is dire, with Ukrainian defenses nearly collapsed and less than 15% of the city remaining under Ukrainian control. Russian assault groups have infiltrated Ukrainian formations, and fighting is approaching its culmination with Russian forces establishing a flag in the northern part of the city, confirming their control over the northern part of Dzerzhynsk (Toretsk). In the Velyka Novosilka area, there are ongoing actions to encircle the enemy garrison. The zone of control is expanding near the settlement of Neskuchnoye, and battles are ongoing in the area of the settlement of Novy Komar. The last road for supplying Velyka Novosilka is practically under Russian control. A new video from a Ukrainian volunteer on January 15th confirms the presence of Russian forces in Udachne and nearby Novoserhiivka.

A Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, resulting in heavy losses. Russian forces have regained territory, making a 10-kilometer breakthrough, liberating several settlements including Alexandria, Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye, and are advancing in the Sudzha area, reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. There are reports of an impending decisive battle for the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. New reports indicate that Russian forces are completing the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka and are forming a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces have captured Russkoye Porechnoye and are assaulting Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.

In the Luhansk region, Russian forces have captured Ivanovka near Terny and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They have also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka and have taken control of a forest area between the settlements, continuing to advance towards Hrekivka.

Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with extensive activity across multiple regions. Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory have been confirmed, targeting oil depots, industrial facilities, and military infrastructure. Russian forces are reportedly using new drones connected to fiber-optic cables, resistant to electronic warfare. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 78 out of 110 drones launched by Russian forces overnight, with 31 drones classified as "decoys". Ukrainian air defenses shot down 60 out of 94 drones overnight, with 34 classified as decoys. New reports indicate that 33 out of 50 drones were shot down overnight, with 10 drones not reaching their targets and 9 drones classified as "decoys". One drone reportedly flew into Romanian airspace.

Over the past day, there were 141 combat clashes. Russian forces launched 3 missile strikes and 35 airstrikes, including 60 guided aerial bombs, and approximately 5,000 attacks, including 116 from multiple launch rocket systems. Additionally, 2,670 kamikaze drones were deployed. In the Kursk direction, Russian forces conducted 20 attacks, delivered 9 airstrikes, dropped 12 guided aerial bombs, and carried out 418 shellings, including 8 from multiple launch rocket systems.

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. DeepState has officially acknowledged the loss of Kurakhove for Ukrainian forces. 16 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered to Russian forces near Kurakhovo.
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. Video evidence shows a Ukrainian unit targeting a Russian position in a building in Toretsk with an explosive device.
Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, with progress in Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Baranovka. They have advanced to within 2300 meters of Udachne. The highway between Dymytrov (Myrnohrad) and Konstantinovka has been cut. 16 Ukrainian soldiers from the 151st Mechanized Brigade have been captured on the Pokrovsk direction. Russian forces have reportedly cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles near Pokrovsk.
Shevchenko, Yantarne, and Peschanoye Captured: The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed the capture of Shevchenko and Yantarne. Russian forces have captured Peschanoye, confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Ukrainka Liberated: Russian forces liberated Ukrainka.
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, 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. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 118 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders stopped 41 enemy assaults. Six more attacks are ongoing. According to preliminary data, 340 occupiers were neutralized in this direction today, 129 of them irretrievably. Two tanks, 10 vehicles, one mortar, an electronic warfare system, two armored fighting vehicles, and one armored reconnaissance vehicle were also destroyed. In addition, two tanks, five vehicles, and three Russian guns were damaged. Over the past day, there were 184 combat clashes, 77 of them in the Pokrovsk direction.
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. Video evidence shows paratroopers from the 98th Airborne Division of the Russian Armed Forces at a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are completing the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka and are forming a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka.
New: Video evidence shows a Russian artillery strike on a Ukrainian position in Novoselivske, with secondary explosions.
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.
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 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. Ukrainian forces report a successful ambush by snipers of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) near Pokrovsk, eliminating a group of Russian soldiers.
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, but it has since been lifted in most regions except for Chernihiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv. Ukrainian Air Force reports missile threat to Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.
Reports of fighting near Kurakhovo and Andriivka: Ongoing active combat operations in the vicinity of Kurakhovo and Andriivka. Successful strike on a Ukrainian armored vehicle south of Dachne after being targeted by a Russian FPV drone.
Powerful explosion in Kramatorsk: Reports of a powerful explosion in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk, with a large plume of smoke visible. The number of wounded from the attack has risen to 4. The number of casualties from the Kramatorsk strike has increased to eight, including two children.
Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded from a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to two.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with heavy losses reported. The intensity of the fighting in the Kursk region is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations, making advances near Novaya Sorochina, between Guyevo and Kurilovka, and in the Sudzha border region. Russian forces have made a significant breakthrough, liberating Alexandria, Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye, advancing up to 4 kilometers deep on a 10-kilometer wide front.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in multiple locations, including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
Makhnovka: Heavy fighting continues, with both sides present.
Sudzha Area: Russian forces are advancing, with reports of an infantry unit attacking Russkoye Porechnoye and reaching advanced positions near Kositsa. Russian forces have captured Russkoye Porechnoye and are currently assaulting Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
Casualties: Significant Ukrainian losses are reported, with over 350 personnel lost during the day and over 50,000 since the beginning of hostilities, according to Russian sources. 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.
Drone Warfare: 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. 40 Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed by air defense forces in the Kursk region overnight. Drone attacks are reported in Voronezh, Kursk, Saratov, and Lipetsk Oblasts.
New: Terrible consequences of enemy aggression in the Kursk region: commissions begin work to assess the destruction in the border area. In the Kursk region, commissions are starting to work on assessing the degree of destruction of residential buildings in the border areas affected by attacks and the invasion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This applies to those settlements that were not included in the list of non-commission issuance of certificates to residents. The Ministry of Defense provided the first list of 158 settlements where commissions can go. At least 16 of them (in 4 districts) have houses destroyed or damaged as a result of the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the governor of the Kursk region reports.
New: Calculation of FPV drones of the Rubikon center destroyed the Ukrainian self-propelled guns in the Kursk direction.
New: Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk Region Stalled: Reports indicate the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with significant casualties reported. This suggests a major setback for Ukrainian forces and a potential shift in momentum in favor of Russia in this area.
Alleged presence of Wagner Group: A video promoting recruitment for the Wagner Group has been circulated, offering high salaries and benefits for service in Ukraine and Africa.

Kharkiv Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova and in Dvurichna.
Capture of Kalinovo: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Russian forces have captured Kalinovo near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian Counterattack: An attempted Ukrainian counterattack in the Staritsa area was unsuccessful.
Russian forces have reportedly destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove and initiated battles in Bohuslavka.
Drone Warfare: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
New: The 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is reportedly engaging Russian forces on the outskirts of Kharkiv.
Guided Aerial Bomb Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Russian forces are using guided aerial bombs (KAB) to attack targets in the Kharkiv region.
Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly reduced the distance to Ukrainian positions in Petrovske (Hrekivka) to 2km.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces are making progress in Ivanovka and are attempting to capture heights near Terny. They are also storming Zahryzove.
Fighting in Lyman direction: Fighting has commenced in the Lyman direction.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced towards Kolodezi from Ivanivka on the Lyman axis.
Russian forces are advancing towards Lyman from the bridgehead on the right bank of the Zherebets River, having infiltrated Ukrainian positions near Kolodezi.
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 are advancing near Makeevka, according to pro-Russian sources.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported, with both sides using drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
Confirmed Attack in Engels: A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, has been confirmed. The oil depot has been burning for 5 days.
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, including Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Kherson, Kursk, Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, Voronezh, Saratov, and Lipetsk Oblasts.
Drone Attack on Almetyevsk: Ukrainian drones attacked the Almetyevsk head oil pumping station of "Transneft".
27 Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down overnight: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 27 Ukrainian drones were shot down over four regions of the Russian Federation during the night.
New: In the Rostov region, 16 Ukrainian drones were destroyed by air defense forces.
New: Soldiers of the 108th Air Assault Brigade shared footage of their work in the Zaporizhzhia region.
New: City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast.
New: Explosions were reported in Cherkasy and its outskirts.
New: Reports of Ukrainian air defense systems operating in the Kyiv region due to enemy drones.
New: A new video from the Telegram channel "Colonelcassad" shows a Russian "Lancet" loitering munition destroying a Ukrainian self-propelled howitzer near Vozdvyzhenka.
Air Defense Engagements: Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones, with reports of activity near Kyiv and successful interceptions. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 60 out of 94 drones overnight, with 34 classified as decoys. 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 air defense forces shot down 4 "Shahed" drones over Mykolaiv Oblast overnight. Debris from one of the downed drones damaged several houses in Voznesensk. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 2 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight. 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. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
Drone attack on Tula Oblast: The Tula region is reportedly under a massive attack by Ukrainian drones. Air defenses are active, and preliminary reports indicate that aerial targets have been destroyed. There are no reports of casualties. The new messages detail a battle in Tula Oblast, with the Russian army repelling an enemy attack in Aleksin. 17 drones have been confirmed to have been shot down over Tula Oblast, according to the regional governor. A fire broke out in a military hospital in Tula, Russia, with reports of 57 people evacuated. The cause is unknown, but some sources suggest an electrical fault. There are conflicting reports on whether the building is a hospital or a clinic.
Iran's Drone Capabilities: A video from the "Colonelcassad" Telegram channel showcases a large number of Iranian drones, reportedly with a range of over 2000 km and stealth capabilities.
Drone Attack on Kazan Confirmed: A drone attack on Kazan has been confirmed, with reports of a large fire near the "Kazan Orgsintez" plant. The plant is a major producer of high-strength plastics. The attack reportedly targeted a liquefied gas base.
New Drone Launch System: ZALA has introduced a new compact and lightweight launch system for the "Lancet" series, specifically for the largest type, "Product 51". This system can be carried by a single operator and deployed in under a minute. It has been tested in combat and is in serial production.
Drone Attack on Saratov: Ukrainian drones attacked industrial enterprises in Saratov, causing damage.
Alleged Attempted Poisoning near Yaroslavl: The FSB claims to have prevented an attempt to poison employees of a defense enterprise in the Yaroslavl region.
Drone Attack on Compressor Station: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Ukrainian drones attacked the "Russkaya" compressor station, which supplies gas via the "Turkish Stream" pipeline.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued in multiple regions, including Kyiv, due to the threat of Russian drones and long-range bombers. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging these threats.
Report of Ukrainian drone attack on "Turkish Stream" infrastructure: The "Diary of the Paratrooper" Telegram channel reports that Ukrainian forces are continuing to attack the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline infrastructure in Anapa and Novorossiysk with drones. This, if confirmed, represents a significant escalation, targeting critical infrastructure that supplies gas to Europe.
Report of Ukrainian ATACMS strike on Russian chemical plant: Open-source information suggests that Ukrainian forces used ATACMS missiles to target the Bryansk chemical plant in Seltso. The plant's primary activity is the production of weapons and ammunition, making it a legitimate military target. The distance of about 120 km from the border is within the range of ATACMS missiles.

Missile Attacks

The Ukrainian Air Force reports a missile threat in areas where an air raid alert has been declared.
Ballistic missiles continue their movement south in the Kharkiv region.
Enemy bombers are approaching the launch lines.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports ballistic missiles from the Belgorod region towards the Kharkiv region.
There is a threat of ballistic missiles from the Belgorod and Voronezh regions.
A group of missiles is reported in the Sumy region, moving southwest.
Pryluki is under threat.
Ballistic missiles are reported to be heading towards Pryluki.
X-101 missiles are reported in the north.
A missile is reported to be heading from the south towards Kryvyi Rih.
Several Kalibr missiles are flying towards Novyi Buh/Kazanka, likely further into the Kirovohrad region.
A group of missiles is heading from the Kherson region to the Mykolaiv region.
A group of missiles is reported in the north of the Sumy region, moving south.
Cruise missiles have been reported via Shostka towards Konotop, likely from Tu-95ms.
A cruise missile (KR) is reported from the north of the Sumy region heading towards the Chernihiv region.
New: The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of UAVs in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast towards the west and in Kirovohrad Oblast towards the east. They urge people to take shelter.

Geopolitical Developments

The EU is preparing new sanctions against Russia.
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.
The US has threatened China with "significant consequences" for aiding Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
New: South Korea will offer Ukraine to take captured soldiers from the DPRK, if the DPRK citizens themselves express the corresponding desire.
New: The US State Department claims that new sanctions against Russia are more effective than recognizing it as a state sponsor of terrorism. They cite the impact of sanctions on Russia's energy sector, including the halting of tankers worldwide.
New: The Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament compared Biden and Zelensky to "dying horses," stating that "We have a proverb about a horse that buries itself even more when it dies. We saw this in the example of US President Joe Biden's decisions when he decided to pardon his son and allowed the use of missiles [for strikes deep into Russia]. This is how Zelensky behaves now. He understands that this situation will not last long."
New: Only Putin and Trump can resolve the Ukrainian issue, stated the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Andrei Danko, in an interview with TASS.
New: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany criticized the government of Scholz for blocking additional aid to Ukraine.
New: Representatives of Israel, Hamas, the USA, and Qatar have officially signed an agreement in Doha on the exchange of hostages for prisoners and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
NATO Drone Deployment: NATO plans to deploy a fleet of drones in the Baltic Sea and reinforce its military presence in the region.
Zelenskyy's Statement on Troop Numbers: President Zelenskyy provided updated figures on Ukrainian and Russian troop numbers, highlighting the numerical advantage of Russian forces in concentrated areas.

Other Developments

There is one enemy ship in the Black Sea, which is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles with a total volley of up to 4 missiles. There are no enemy ships in the Azov Sea. In the Mediterranean Sea, there are 7 enemy ships, 2 of which are carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles with a total volley of up to 22 missiles.
New: Romanian mercenaries were reportedly killed in Kiliya, Odesa region.
New: France conducted military exercises to prepare for the deployment of its armed forces in Ukraine, according to Intelligence Online. The exercises, named Persee, involved 3200 troops and were held in an area with topography similar to the bend of the Dnieper River north of Kyiv. The exercises focused on the use of tactical drones and electronic warfare.
New: Ukrainian forces capture a group of Russian soldiers on the Dnipropetrovsk direction. The soldiers are from the 102nd Regiment of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division. The video shows the captured soldiers being interrogated by Ukrainian forces. This capture indicates a potential breakthrough or successful ambush by Ukrainian forces in the area.
New: Ukrainian border guards report destroying a Russian armored personnel carrier north of Sumy. This indicates continued fighting in the region and successful Ukrainian counterattacks.
New: The Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" of businessman Rinat Akhmetov may completely stop after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine management, according to a political technologist who previously worked in Ukraine.
New: Another group of volunteers departed from Grozny International Airport to the special military operation zone.
New: Users of Apple devices are experiencing problems with eSIM functionality, potentially causing virtual SIM cards and devices to malfunction. The issue may be related to outdated eSIM controllers in iPhones or incorrect operator software.
New: The Morpas Service has begun the first stage of pumping fuel oil from a tanker near Cape Panagia, according to the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.
New: Britain will consider the possibility of deploying military bases in Ukraine, according to a declaration.
New: A bus carrying Russian tourists was involved in an accident in Sri Lanka. The driver was killed, and about 19 tourists were injured.
New: A resident of Sevastopol was detained for collecting data on air defense and fleet facilities for Ukrainian military intelligence, according to the FSB.
New: A resident of Khabarovsk was detained for allegedly collecting information for Ukrainian intelligence.
New: The EU overturned a new border law and did not allow the opening of the eastern border. Now they are demanding to change the already established alcohol law.
New: Sales of antidepressants in Russia have increased again. In the first 11 months of 2024, sales increased by 16.8% compared to the previous year, reaching 16.1 million packages. Sales in 2024 are even higher than in 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine began. Over the eight months of 2024, Russians spent 13.5 billion rubles on antidepressants, 31.9% more than the previous year. The increase in spending is due to higher drug prices.
New: During the past day, 141 combat clashes occurred. The enemy launched 3 missile strikes and 35 airstrikes, used 2 missiles, and dropped 60 guided aerial bombs. In addition, they carried out about 5,000 attacks, including 116 from multiple launch rocket systems, and used 2,670 kamikaze drones.
New: In the Kharkiv region, as a result of a Molniya-1 UAV hitting the roadway, 5 cars were damaged. Three men aged 44, 46, and 48 were injured.
New: In the past day, the losses of the Russian occupiers amounted to 1,670 people. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed 12 tanks, 13 armored fighting vehicles, 4 artillery systems, 63 operational-tactical UAVs, 124 vehicles, and two units of special equipment of the occupiers.
New: Video evidence of 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.
New: Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
New: 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.
New: Special Forces soldiers destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk direction, capturing several Ukrainian soldiers.
New: "Colonelcassad" reports on the situation in the Kursk region as of January 14, 2025.
New: Ukrainian border guards use drones to destroy a Russian armored vehicle north of Sumy.
New: 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.
New: Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
New: Report on captured soldiers: The video features captured soldiers from various units, including the 83rd and 810th Brigades, suggesting these units have been heavily engaged in the Kursk region.
New: Disrupting Evacuation: Russian forces are reportedly disrupting a Ukrainian evacuation in the Kursk region.
New: Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region: Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade.
New: Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions: Video of an FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroying a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of the Kursk region.
100-Year Partnership Agreement: Ukraine and the UK signed an agreement for a 100-year partnership, focusing on military cooperation, particularly in maritime security in the Baltic, Black, and Azov Seas, as well as scientific and technological partnerships.
UN Security Council Meeting: The UN Security Council met regarding Ukraine, underscoring the continued international attention on the conflict.
Zelensky's Meeting in Warsaw: President Zelensky met with the Ukrainian community in Warsaw, highlighting the importance of international support.
Western Weaponry: Reports confirm that approximately 70% of the weapons used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces come from Western partners.
Alleged Statement by Duma Defense Committee Head: The head of the Duma Defense Committee, Kartapolov, reportedly stated that there will be no general mobilization in the Russian Federation.
Prisoner Exchange in Gaza: While not directly related to Ukraine, a prisoner exchange deal in Gaza highlights the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and potential for further instability.
Propaganda and Disinformation: Various videos and statements are being used for propaganda purposes by both sides, including claims of successful attacks, captures of enemy soldiers, and alleged issues within the opposing military's command structure.
Airports Closed: The airports of Penza, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Saratov are closed due to drone attacks.
Explosions near Vasylkiv Airfield: Explosions have been reported near the Vasylkiv airfield in the Kyiv region.
Alleged Attempted Poisoning near Yaroslavl: The FSB claims to have prevented an attempt to poison employees of a defense enterprise in the Yaroslavl region.
Drone Attack on Compressor Station: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Ukrainian drones attacked the "Russkaya" compressor station, which supplies gas via the "Turkish Stream" pipeline.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued in multiple regions, including Kyiv, due to the threat of Russian drones and long-range bombers. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging these threats.
Report of Ukrainian drone attack on "Turkish Stream" infrastructure: The "Diary of the Paratrooper" Telegram channel reports that Ukrainian forces are continuing to attack the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline infrastructure in Anapa and Novorossiysk with drones. This, if confirmed, represents a significant escalation, targeting critical infrastructure that supplies gas to Europe.
Report of Ukrainian ATACMS strike on Russian chemical plant: Open-source information suggests that Ukrainian forces used ATACMS missiles to target the Bryansk chemical plant in Seltso. The plant's primary activity is the production of weapons and ammunition, making it a legitimate military target. The distance of about 120 km from the border is within the range of ATACMS missiles.
Ukraine plans to produce chips: Ukraine plans to produce its own chips, requiring $1 billion for this purpose. The plan is to produce chips of sizes 180, 130, and 110 nanometers. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a strategy for digital development and innovation until 2030. The main goals are to compete with China, the USA, and Europe in the field of chips for the defense, agricultural, and automotive sectors.
Friendly fire incident: A friendly fire incident occurred where a Russian Mi-8 helicopter was shot down. An investigation is ongoing, with questions about the responsibility of the operational duty officer and the procedures followed by the air defense crew.
Foreign fighters in Ukraine: Interviews with foreign fighters from Norway and Denmark who are fighting for Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia direction. They emphasize their motivation to defend Ukraine and counter the Russian narrative of fighting against NATO.
Drone attacks: Reports of drone attacks on various locations, including a fire at a power plant in California and the evacuation of nearby areas.
Air defense operations: Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down a significant number of drones, with some drones not reaching their targets and others being classified as decoys.
Propaganda and disinformation: Various videos and statements are being used for propaganda purposes by both sides, including claims of successful attacks, captures of enemy soldiers, and alleged issues within the opposing military's command structure.
Airports Closed: The airports of Penza, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Saratov are closed due to drone attacks.
Explosions near Vasylkiv Airfield: Explosions have been reported near the Vasylkiv airfield in the Kyiv region.
Alleged Attempted Poisoning near Yaroslavl: The FSB claims to have prevented an attempt to poison employees of a defense enterprise in the Yaroslavl region.
Drone Attack on Compressor Station: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Ukrainian drones attacked the "Russkaya" compressor station, which supplies gas via the "Turkish Stream" pipeline.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued in multiple regions, including Kyiv, due to the threat of Russian drones and long-range bombers. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging these threats.
Report of Ukrainian drone attack on "Turkish Stream" infrastructure: The "Diary of the Paratrooper" Telegram channel reports that Ukrainian forces are continuing to attack the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline infrastructure in Anapa and Novorossiysk with drones. This, if confirmed, represents a significant escalation, targeting critical infrastructure that supplies gas to Europe.
Report of Ukrainian ATACMS strike on Russian chemical plant: Open-source information suggests that Ukrainian forces used ATACMS missiles to target the Bryansk chemical plant in Seltso. The plant's primary activity

Situation Report