Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 17, 2025, 12:23 UTC
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
Fall of Kurakhove: Russian forces maintain control over most of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces holding the western part. 16 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered near Kurakhovo. Video evidence shows Ukrainian soldiers thanking Russian forces after surrendering.
Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Russian assault groups have infiltrated Ukrainian formations. Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine. A military hospital in Toretsk is reportedly on fire. Ukrainian forces are using a captured T-80 tank in the defense of Toretsk.
Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk. They have reportedly cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova. They are advancing towards Udachne, reportedly entering the settlement, and towards Kotlyno and Novoserhiivka. Fighting continues for Lysivka and Sukhyi Yar. Russian forces are attacking the outskirts of Dmytriv (Myrnohrad) and expanding their control near the road junction of Yelyzavetivka - Nova Poltavka - Tarasivka - Baranivka. The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies that Pokrovsk is under threat of encirclement. Russian forces have advanced to within 6.5 km of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border and are less than 10 kilometers from Pokrovsk itself. Video evidence shows Russian forces engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, including the destruction of a German Leopard tank and the capture of a Ukrainian stronghold. 16 Ukrainian soldiers from the 151st Mechanized Brigade were captured in the Pokrovsk direction.
Settlements Captured: The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed the capture of Shevchenko, Yantarne, and Peschanoye. Russian forces have also captured Slavyanka.
Other Advances: Russian forces report further gains near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka. An attack near Malinivka resulted in an advance exceeding 2.5 km towards a road junction on the Krasnoarmiisk-Konstantinovka highway. On the Lyman axis, Russian forces have advanced towards Kolodezi from Ivanivka. Russian forces are advancing near Baranovka, Kalinovo, and Vozdvyzhenka.
Intense Fighting: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 166 combat clashes in the past 24 hours, nearly half of which are in the Pokrovsk direction. Battles are ongoing for Kotlyno and Udachne, with Russian forces advancing south of Udachne and attacking Ukrainian positions to the east.
Chasiv Yar: A group of Ukrainian soldiers is reportedly trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar, with Russian forces controlling about 20% of the plant's territory. Russian forces are reportedly attacking Ukrainian positions in the area using artillery. The refractory plant has reportedly been fully captured by Russian forces.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are encircling Velyka Novosilka, aiming to complete the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka and form a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka. The settlement is reported to be close to falling.
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. Russian forces are advancing in the fields between Uspenivka and Nadezhdinka, having taken Yasenovoye and bypassed Novoandreevka from the south. They are also advancing towards Novosergievka from the west of Solonoye.
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 destroying a Russian BTR-82A, two infantry fighting vehicles, and a T-72 tank using FPV drones.
Ukrainian Strikes: The Ukrainian General Staff reports successful high-precision strikes on command posts of the 8th and 2nd Guards Combined Arms Armies of the Russian Federation in Khartsyzk and Novohrodivka, Donetsk Oblast.
Airspace Closure: The highway between Horlivka and Yasynuvata has been temporarily closed to traffic due to continuous attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Explosion in Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk. The number of casualties from the Kramatorsk strike has increased to eight, including two children. Video evidence shows Russian forces using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions.
Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded from a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to two. Ukrainian forces are reportedly shelling Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region using MLRS.
Kursk Region
Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses. Ukrainian forces are reportedly withdrawing from the region.
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations, making advances near Novaya Sorochina, between Guyevo and Kurilovka, and in the Sudzha border region. They have achieved a significant breakthrough, liberating Alexandria, Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye, advancing up to 4 kilometers deep on a 10-kilometer wide front. 63.2% of the territory initially occupied by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region has been liberated.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in multiple locations, including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka. A lull in fighting is reported in Staraya/Novaya Sorochina and Pogrebki.
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. They are consolidating their positions in Russkoe Porechnoye and preparing for an advance on Kositsa.
Casualties: Significant Ukrainian losses are reported, with over 350 personnel lost during the day. Russian sources claim over 52,450 Ukrainian losses since the beginning of hostilities. Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade. The Russian MoD claims Ukrainian losses in January have exceeded 5,600 troops and 570 units of military equipment.
North Korean Soldiers: Ukrainian sources report that two North Korean soldiers have been captured in the Kursk region. Video evidence allegedly shows the bodies of approximately 20 North Korean soldiers. South Korean intelligence reports that 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region. The total estimated losses among North Korean troops in the region are around 3,000, with 300 killed and 2,700 wounded.
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. Video evidence shows Russian forces using an FPV drone to destroy a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area.
Russian MoD Report (Jan 17): The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that they have repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Berdin and inflicted significant losses. The operation to neutralize AFU units is ongoing. Video evidence shows a Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducting strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel in the Kursk border area.
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.
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.
Russian forces are expanding their control zone along the Svatove-Kupyansk highway by up to 400 meters.
Clashes and Airstrikes: Clashes have been reported along the Kharkiv axis, and Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Veterynarne.
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. ZALA has introduced a new compact and lightweight launch system for the "Lancet" series, specifically for the largest type, "Product 51".
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.
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 Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 33 out of 50 drones launched by Russian forces on the night of January 17, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drone Strikes: 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. Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka. 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. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones. Video evidence shows Russian FPV drone operators targeting Ukrainian positions and vehicles in various locations. Ukrainian forces targeted and damaged a Russian T-80 tank with a drone. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces from the 141st Mechanized Brigade targeting enemy positions in the Zaporizhzhia region with drones. Video evidence shows Russian FPV drones, equipped with fiber optics, destroying a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold. Video evidence shows Russian forces using drones to hunt Ukrainian infantry near Kupyansk. Video evidence shows Russian forces successfully capturing Ukrainian fortifications near Pokrovsk. Reports indicate that Russian forces are using drones to drop explosives on Ukrainian positions in the forests.
Drone Shootdown: The 11th Brigade of the National Guard, specifically the "Samosud" crew, reportedly shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance drone over Mykolaiv. Ukrainian forces report shooting down 3 Russian Zala reconnaissance drones. A Ukrainian drone reportedly shot down an enemy drone using a dropped munition, a claimed first in the history of warfare.
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.
Ukrainian forces report that on the night of January 17, 2025, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with two "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles.
Reports of repeated ballistic missile launches towards Kryvyi Rih. Four deaths and three injuries have been reported in Kryvyi Rih due to the Russian missile strikes. The attacks damaged an educational institution and residential buildings. 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. The number of casualties from the Kramatorsk strike has increased to eight, including two children. 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. The number of casualties has been updated to four dead and five wounded in Kryvyi Rih. Two five-story buildings were damaged in the attack, with a fire breaking out in one of them. An additional unused building was also damaged. The new information about the situation in Kryvyi Rih indicates that the number of wounded has increased to six.
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.
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.
Report on 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.
US-China Tensions: The US has threatened China with "significant consequences" for aiding Russia.
Croatian Presidential Election: Pro-Russian incumbent Zoran Milanović reportedly won the Croatian presidential election with 77.70% of the vote.
German Party's Stance: The 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 Ukraine.
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.
Report on Potential Hostage Release Deal in Gaza: The Times of Israel reports on a potential deal to release hostages held in Gaza, with negotiations involving Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar. Hamas has reportedly presented new demands that Israel finds unacceptable. A peace agreement between Israel and Hamas has been signed.
Diplomatic: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia is ready to discuss security guarantees for the country currently called Ukraine, but the Eurasian context will be paramount in any agreements. Lavrov also criticized Germany and Japan for their subservience to the US.
Report on Polish Stance on Sending Troops to Ukraine: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that Poland is not currently prepared to send troops to Ukraine.
The Slovak opposition plans to announce a vote of no confidence in the government of Robert Fico.
Iranian President Arrives in Moscow: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Moscow for an official visit. A comprehensive strategic partnership agreement is expected to be signed. New messages indicate that Putin believes the new agreement will enhance cooperation between Russia and Iran in all areas. The two countries are also reportedly discussing international issues, with Russia expressing a desire for these consultations.
EU Reportedly Buying Record Volumes of Russian Gas: Despite the suspension of pipeline supplies, Europe is reportedly purchasing record volumes of Russian LNG, according to Politico.
US State Department: New sanctions against Russia are more effective than recognizing it as a state sponsor of terrorism.
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."
Only Putin and Trump can resolve the Ukrainian issue, stated the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Andrei Danko.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany: Criticized the government of Scholz for blocking additional aid to Ukraine.
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.
A TASS report states that Biden will not block TikTok in the US, and the fate of the video service will be decided by the Trump administration.
A report from Kotsnews highlights that the Telegraph reported that Sir Kier Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are discussing sending British and French peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.
A TASS report states that an agreement between Russia and Iran includes aspects of defense and security.
A TASS report states that Orban believes that once the conflict in Ukraine is over, sanctions against Russia will be "thrown out the window" and the West will establish normal relations with Russia.
A TASS report states that over 580 foreign mercenaries fighting on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been placed on the international wanted list.
A report from STERNENKO states that the boxer Lomachenko invested in the business of a person close to Putin.
Zelensky began copying Trump, according to Le Monde.
Russian diplomats reportedly infiltrated a closed area of the British Parliament.
Iran is reportedly close to approving a free trade agreement with the EAEU.
Peskov stated that Moscow views negatively the statement by Kyiv and London about cooperation in the Azov Sea, as it is an internal sea of Russia.
Peskov stated that there can be no fundamental changes in US sanctions policy towards Russia under Trump and that there is no need to indulge in excessive expectations.
Peskov stated that the results of the VTsIOM poll confirm that Putin enjoys enormous support from the Russian population.
Peskov stated that successes in the special operation zone are an important factor in the inspiration of Russians.
Hamas has announced the resolution of all disagreements with Israel regarding the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
New: Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Ukraine no longer exists without Western financial support and that its accession to the EU would pose a significant threat to the European economy and agriculture. This statement further highlights the divisions within the EU regarding support for Ukraine and could complicate efforts to provide continued financial and military aid.
New: The Ukrainian President's Office announced that a day of mourning will be held in Kryvyi Rih on January 20th to commemorate the victims of the recent missile strike. This underscores the human cost of the conflict and the impact on the civilian population.
New: Reports indicate that the EU may use a Belgian decree from 1944 to circumvent a potential Hungarian veto on extending sanctions against Russia. This highlights the EU's determination to maintain pressure on Russia despite internal disagreements. The decree would allow the blocking of asset withdrawals from the country, potentially affecting the 190 billion euros in frozen Russian assets held in the Belgian depository Euroclear. This development could have significant implications for the future of sanctions and the EU's relationship with both Russia and Hungary.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that 6 Iskander missiles were used in the attack on the military training center in Kryvyi Rih. This confirms the use of ballistic missiles in the strike and indicates the potential for significant damage and casualties.
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.
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.
Airports Closed: The airports of Penza, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Saratov are closed due to drone attacks. The airport of Vladikavkaz is closed due to the threat of 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.
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.
Personnel: Ukrainian MP Marianna Bezuglaya reported personnel from the Air Force are being transferred to the infantry.
Industrial Sabotage: Ukrainian forces confirmed a strike on a chemical plant in Bryansk, Russia.
Attempted Poisoning: Reports of an attempted poisoning of employees at a defense enterprise in the Yaroslavl region.
Oil Refinery Strike: Ukrainian forces conducted a strike on the Saratov oil refinery, causing a fire. A fire also broke out at a Lukoil oil refinery in the Volgograd region of Russia.
Fire at Electrical Substation in Kyiv: A fire has broken out at an electrical substation on Khreshchatyk Street in central Kyiv.
North Korean Missile Test: South Korean military reports that North Korea has launched several suspected short-range ballistic missiles.
US Political Developments: Allies of US President-elect Donald Trump have submitted a bill to "buy Greenland," titled "Make Greenland Again."
Confirmed Russian Airstrikes in Kursk Region: The new video from the Russian Ministry of Defense confirms that Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters to conduct airstrikes in the Kursk region.
Iran's Enhanced Drone Capabilities: The video showcasing Iran's large and diverse drone arsenal, with a reported range of over 2000 km and stealth capabilities, is a significant development.
Video Evidence of Russian Operations in Krasnolimansk Direction: A new video shows Russian forces from the 144th Motorized Rifle Division operating in the Krasnolimansk direction.
Development of Computerized Fire Control System: The "Kalashnikov" concern has reportedly developed a computerized fire control system with a scope for small arms.
Resettlement of Ukrainian Citizens in Russia: The Khabarovsk regional police have issued housing certificates to 22 Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Russia for permanent residence.
Continued Drone Attacks on Russian Territory: Ukrainian drones continue to target Russian territory, with reports of 14 drones being shot down in the Rostov region and another drone being destroyed over Tula Oblast.
Nighttime "Geranium" Drones over Kharkiv Region: A video shows nighttime "Geranium" drones operating over the Kharkiv region.
Temporary Flight Restrictions in Multiple Russian Airports: Rosaviatsia reports that temporary restrictions on the arrival and departure of aircraft have been introduced at the airports of Kazan, Kaluga, Saratov, and Tambov.
Distance Learning in Saratov Schools: The governor of Saratov has announced that classes in Saratov schools will be held remotely due to the threat of drone attacks.
Arrest of South Korean President: The former president of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, has been arrested.
Ukrainian Military Aid: Germany has updated its list of military aid provided to Ukraine, including 20 MRAP vehicles, 600 attack drones, and various reconnaissance drones. The list also includes future deliveries of BMP Marder, APCs, MRAPs, and RCH 155 howitzers.
Casualty Reports: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 170 combat clashes over the past day, with significant enemy losses: 1,580 personnel, 13 tanks, 22 armored fighting vehicles, 52 artillery systems, 2 air defense systems, 107 operational-tactical UAVs, and 204 vehicles.
Russian Media Report: The Russian publication "Военкор Котенок" reports on a new missile strike targeting military airfields and energy facilities in multiple regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, and Kirovohrad. Successful strikes are claimed, particularly on a military facility in Sambir, Lviv region.
Ukrainian Air Force Report: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian tactical aviation in the eastern direction, with a threat of the use of aviation weapons for frontline areas.
Alleged Bribery Attempt by Ukrainian Intelligence: The FSB claims that Ukrainian military intelligence offered $1 million to Russian soldiers to abandon their positions near Horlivka. The FSB claims to have thwarted these plans and used the $100,000 advance payment to purchase equipment for Russian units.
Damage in Kirovohrad Region: Ukrainian authorities report damage to windows of several residential buildings in the Kirovohrad region as a result of a downed drone.
Daily Minute of Silence in Ukraine: Ukraine holds a daily minute of silence at 9:00 AM to honor those killed in the war.
Fundraising Campaign for Ukrainian Forces: A fundraising campaign is underway to purchase field cots for several Ukrainian units, including the 109th Brigade, 143rd Brigade, and the 1st Assault Battalion. The goal is to raise 572,000 hryvnias.
Damage to Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure: Ukrainian authorities confirm that energy infrastructure was targeted in the recent attacks, with emergency power outages implemented in six regions.
Air Raid Alerts Lifted in Most of Ukraine: Air raid alerts have been lifted in most regions of Ukraine, except for Zaporizhzhia.
Reports from WarGonzo, FSB, and "Дневник Десантника" confirm the Ukrainian attempt to bribe Russian soldiers near Horlivka. The FSB claims to have thwarted the plan, using the $100,000 advance payment to purchase equipment for Russian units.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced that relatives of those missing in special circumstances can now receive a deferment from mobilization. They need to obtain an extract from the Unified Register of Persons Missing in Special Circumstances.
Emergency power outages are being lifted in several regions of Ukraine, including Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, and Poltava.
Internet Disruptions in Russia: Damage to a main cable in Tatarstan has led to internet speed reductions for 3.8 million Russians in 21 regions.
New Honorary Titles for Russian Cities: Putin awarded the title of "City of Labor Valor" to seven Russian cities.
The New York Times reported earlier that US intelligence warned the White House about Russian special services' plans to plant explosives on cargo planes bound for the US and Canada.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Russia planned terror attacks on aircraft of various airlines around the world.
The US has imposed sanctions on about 250 individuals and legal entities for their ties to Russia, according to Secretary of State Blinken.
The US Treasury also imposed sanctions on "Voentorg" and "Barnaul Transmash," which produces engines for BMPs.
South Korea will offer Ukraine to take captured soldiers from the DPRK, if the DPRK citizens themselves express the corresponding desire.
Romanian mercenaries were reportedly killed in Kiliya, Odesa region.
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
A report from "Сливочный каприз" details active combat operations in the area of Sudzha on 2025-01-16, with a Ukrainian attack on the Viktorivka - Nikolsky line.
A report from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" details the situation in the Kursk region as of the morning of 2025-01-17. Key points include:
Russian forces are slowly pushing Ukrainian forces out of the forests near Kruglенькое towards Viktorivka and Nikolaevka.
A lull in fighting is reported in Staraya/Novaya Sorochina and Pogrebki, with Russian forces shifting their focus to Kruglенькое due to its proximity to hills that provide a better view of the Viktorivka – Staraya Sorochina line.
Russian forces are consolidating their positions in Russkoe Porechnoye and preparing for an advance on Kositsa.
Ukrainian forces have reinforced their positions near Makhnovka/Kolmakov, but Russian artillery and FPV drones have targeted these reinforcements.
Ukrainian forces report that 30,000 "heavy bomber" drones were manufactured last year. These drones can carry up to 20 kg of explosives and destroy enemy equipment and fortifications up to 10 km from the front line.
Oil Depot Fire in Voronezh Oblast: The fire at the oil depot in the Voronezh region continues, with no reported casualties. Governor Gusev confirmed that there is no threat of the fire spreading.
Allegations Against Alexei Navalny's Lawyers: Three of Alexei Navalny's lawyers have been sentenced, with the harshest sentence of 5.5 years in prison given to Vadim Kobzev. They are accused of maintaining communication between Navalny and the FBK (Anti-Corruption Foundation).