Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 17, 2025

Donetsk Region

Fall of Kurakhove: Russian forces maintain control over most of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces holding the western part. Video evidence from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel shows Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered near Kurakhove thanking Russian forces.
Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Russian assault groups have infiltrated Ukrainian formations. Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine. Ukrainian forces are using a captured T-80 tank to defend the city.
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. 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. The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies that Pokrovsk is under threat of encirclement.
New Battles: Fighting is ongoing for Promin (Luch), Myrolyubivka, and along the T 0504 road near Yelyzavetivka, Vodyane Druhe, Tarasivka, and Baranivka. Battles are ongoing for Kotlyno and Udachne, with Russian forces advancing south of Udachne and attacking Ukrainian positions to the east.
Settlements Captured: The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed the capture of Shevchenko, Yantarne, Slavyanka and Peschanoye.
Ukrainka and Slavyanka Liberated: Russian forces liberated Ukrainka and Slavyanka. This allows them to expand their control zone to the northwest of the Kurakhovo reservoir and advance towards Yaseneve, Sribne, Bohdanivka and Troitske.
Other Advances: Russian forces report further gains near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, 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. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 118 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to resolutely repulse the enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, inflicting fire damage on them. The invaders launched one missile and 33 air strikes on the territory of Ukraine, used 44 missiles and dropped 46 guided aerial bombs. In addition, they used more than 900 kamikaze drones for the attack and carried out more than 4,400 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas.
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.
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. Video evidence shows the liberation of Vremivka. The new messages confirm that Russian forces have liberated Vremivka. The capture of this town means the western road to Velyka Novosilka is effectively cut off, and Ukrainian forces are now surrounded, with the remaining corridor under fire control.
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.
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.
Missile Strike on Kryvyi Rih: Russian forces conducted a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, reportedly targeting a military training center with 6 Iskander missiles, according to the Russian MoD. Ukrainian authorities report four deaths and seven injuries, with damage to an educational institution and residential buildings.

Dnipropetrovsk Region

Battles: 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.
Missile Strike on Kryvyi Rih: Russian forces conducted a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, reportedly targeting a military training center with 6 Iskander missiles, according to the Russian MoD. Ukrainian authorities report four deaths and six injuries, with damage to an educational institution and residential buildings.

Zaporizhzhia Region

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.
Drone Activity: Soldiers of the 108th Air Assault Brigade shared footage of their work in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses.
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.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in multiple locations, including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka. Russian forces report that they have cleared Berdin of Ukrainian forces and that Ukrainian forces are retreating to the forests. Russian forces are continuing their offensive near Leonidovo, advancing towards Viktorivka and Nikolsky. Fighting is ongoing near Zamostye, with Russian forces attempting to reach the outskirts of Sudzha.
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. Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade.
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.
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. Video evidence shows Russian forces using drones to target Ukrainian positions and equipment in the Kursk region, including the destruction of a Ukrainian self-propelled gun and a pickup truck.
Disrupting Evacuation: Russian forces are reportedly disrupting a Ukrainian evacuation in the region.
POWs: Two Ukrainian soldiers surrendered to Russian forces.

Kharkiv Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova and in Dvurichna. They are advancing south of Kupyansk, potentially cutting off Ukrainian retreat routes.
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.
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. Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
Fighting in Lyman direction: Fighting has commenced in the Lyman direction.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka. 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.
Drone Shootdown: The 11th Brigade of the National Guard, specifically the "Samosud" crew, reportedly shot down a Russian Zala reconnaissance drone over Mykolaiv.

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.

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.
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. 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.
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.
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. Video footage shows the signing of the agreement. Putin called the agreement a "breakthrough".
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.
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.
Zelensky began copying Trump, according to Le Monde.
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.
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.
The EU may use a Belgian decree from 1944 to circumvent a potential Hungarian veto on extending sanctions against Russia.
UK-Ukraine Agreement: The UK announced it will send Ukrainian cadets to the UK to learn from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This agreement, along with the previously signed 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, signifies a long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine.
US-China Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump. Both Trump and Xi stated that they would make an effort to make the world more peaceful and secure.
Slovakia: Zelensky met with Slovak parliamentarians, expressing gratitude for the Slovak people's support and readiness for open dialogue on energy security and geopolitical certainty.
G7: Accused the Kremlin of global disinformation and influence through RT propaganda.

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.
Western Weaponry: Reports confirm that approximately 70% of the weapons used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces come from Western partners.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile and unfavorable for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces maintain offensive momentum, making significant gains in the Donetsk region, particularly around Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka. The situation in Toretsk is critical, with Russian troops reportedly infiltrating Ukrainian defensive lines and controlling most of the city. The capture of Vremivka is a significant development, effectively cutting off Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novosilka and creating a cauldron. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with heavy fighting and significant losses. Russian forces are advancing in the Sudzha area and have made a 10-kilometer breakthrough. In Luhansk, 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 of the conflict, with extensive activity across multiple regions and confirmed attacks deep inside Russian territory. The ongoing drone attacks and the threat of further missile strikes highlight the continued intensity of the conflict. The new reports of drone activity and air defense operations in Kyiv Oblast, along with the air raid alert in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicate that the tempo of strikes remains high.

The diplomatic and political developments, including the reported demands from Putin regarding Ukraine's neutrality, Zelensky's statements regarding the percentage of Western weaponry used by Ukrainian forces, and the UN Security Council meeting, underscore the complex geopolitical context of the conflict. The new messages confirm the significant role of Western-supplied weaponry in Ukraine's defense. The meeting of the UN Security Council regarding Ukraine underscores the continued international attention on the conflict and the potential for further diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

The new messages do significantly alter the overall strategic assessment and reinforce the ongoing trends:

Continued Russian Pressure: The reports confirm the Russian focus on encircling Pokrovsk and disrupting Ukrainian logistics. The capture of Vremivka and the encirclement of Velyka Novosilka are major tactical victories for Russian forces.
Intensified Drone Warfare: The increased use of drones highlights the evolving nature of drone warfare and the challenges faced by both sides in countering these threats.
Attacks Deep Inside Russia: The confirmed drone attack on the oil depot in Voronezh Oblast and the reports of attacks on oil refineries in Almetyevsk and industrial enterprises in Saratov demonstrate Ukraine's continued ability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
Persistent Air Threat: The reports of drone activity and air defense operations underscore the persistent threat of air attacks across Ukraine.
Geopolitical Maneuvering: The reports on Putin's demands and the UN Security Council meeting highlight the ongoing diplomatic and political maneuvering surrounding the conflict.
Significant Escalation: The Russian Ministry of Defense's statement regarding the retaliatory strike on Ukraine's gas-energy infrastructure marks a significant escalation in the conflict.
Propaganda and Disinformation: The statement by the Deputy Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia could be interpreted as an attempt to sow discord among Ukraine's allies and undermine support for Kyiv.
Corruption within the Russian Military: The report from the Russian Audit Chamber regarding the misappropriation of funds allocated for the construction of naval bases underscores the issue of corruption within the Russian military.

The overall situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The coming days and weeks will likely be crucial in determining the course of the conflict, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. The continued intensification of drone warfare and the threat of further missile and air strikes pose significant challenges to Ukrainian defenses. The targeting of critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, adds another dimension to the conflict and could have significant implications for Ukraine's economy and civilian population. The signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran, along with the confirmation of defense and security aspects in the agreement, is a major geopolitical development with potential ramifications for the conflict in Ukraine and the broader Middle East. The alleged involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, if confirmed, could indicate a broadening of the conflict. The new video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian positions in the Kursk region further emphasizes the importance of drone warfare in this conflict. The reported capture of Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces in the Kursk region indicates ongoing fighting and potential intelligence gains for Russia. The new messages about the capture of Ukrainian soldiers and the destruction of Ukrainian equipment provide further evidence of the intensity of the fighting in the Kursk region. The new video evidence of Russian forces targeting Ukrainian positions with drones in the Kursk region highlights the ongoing use of drone warfare in this conflict. The new message about the number of drones shot down by Ukrainian air defenses provides further insight into the scale of the drone warfare in this conflict. The new message about the Ukrainian General Staff's report on the situation at the front provides further confirmation of the intensity of the fighting, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction. The new video evidence of Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian tank and capturing a stronghold near Pokrovsk highlights the ongoing fighting in the area. The new message about the Ukrainian attempt to bribe Russian soldiers near Horlivka is a significant development, if true, and could indicate a new level of desperation on the part of Ukrainian forces.

Situation Report