Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 19, 2025, 15:38 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces maintaining offensive momentum across multiple fronts. Intense fighting is concentrated in the Donetsk region, particularly around Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.

Russian forces have made significant gains, capturing Kotlyne and continuing their encirclement of Pokrovsk. They also report the destruction of a command post of a Ukrainian mechanized brigade. A Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, resulting in heavy losses. Russian forces have regained territory and are advancing in the Sudzha area, making a 10-kilometer breakthrough. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are preparing for a decisive battle in the Kursk region, concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area.

In the Luhansk region, Russian forces have made significant gains, capturing Ivanovka and advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They are also attempting to encircle a Ukrainian grouping near Nadiia. Russian forces report that they have expanded their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River.

Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity across multiple regions, confirmed attacks deep inside Russian territory, and new technology being employed. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the threat of using KAB bombs in the Sumy region. Ukrainian air defenses 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.

A new threat has emerged with reports of a missile flying through the Sumy region and towards Poltava. Guided aviation missiles are reported to be heading towards Lebedyn and Poltava. An air raid alert has been declared in the Zaporizhzhia region but has since been lifted. Air raid alerts have also been declared and lifted in Kyiv. The threat of ballistic missiles has been removed.

US President-elect Donald Trump's reported intention to visit China could have far-reaching implications for the conflict in Ukraine. Access to TikTok in the US has been blocked. There are reports that TikTok may be allowed to operate in Russia again. Trump has also stated that he will issue an order on January 20 to postpone the ban on TikTok in the US.

The Israeli army has begun withdrawing equipment and troops from the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. An agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages has come into effect. Israel is to release 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages. A first exchange is scheduled for today at 4 PM local time. Hamas demands that Israeli aviation leave the airspace of Gaza. IDF forces are gradually leaving the territory of the Palestinian enclave. The agreement includes a 42-day ceasefire, the withdrawal of IDF troops from densely populated areas along the border of Gaza, the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for 1110 Palestinian prisoners, the unblocking of the border between Egypt and Gaza, the daily delivery of 600 trucks with humanitarian aid, and the opening of the Rafah checkpoint for the movement of civilians after the release of all Israeli women and children. Israel is also obligated to assist in the restoration of critical infrastructure. The agreement is considered fragile, and there are concerns that Israel may find a reason to resume hostilities.

The humanitarian situation in Kursk region is difficult. In Russkoye Porechnoye, the Investigative Committee of Russia claims that the bodies of 7 civilians killed by Ukrainian forces have been found. The oil depot in Liski, Voronezh Oblast, continues to burn for the fourth day.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Encirclement of Pokrovsk: Russian forces are continuing their offensive to encircle Pokrovsk, a strategically important city in the Donetsk region. They have captured Kotlyne and are engaged in heavy fighting in the eastern part of Udachne and towards "Mine #1" near Udachne. The capture of Pokrovsk would be a major victory for Russian forces, significantly disrupting Ukrainian logistics and defenses in the region.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces report that they are continuing their offensive to liberate Velyka Novosilka, having established positions on the northeastern and southeastern parts of the city. Ukrainian military sources report that Russian forces are 1.5 km from closing a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka.
Other Advances: Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, with fighting reported near Udachne, Kotlyne, and Novosergievka. They are reportedly within 3 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and have cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova.
Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues near Chasiv Yar, with no significant changes reported.
Toretsk: Russian forces report fighting for the Toretska mine, but the overall situation in Toretsk remains unclear.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, resulting in heavy losses.
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have regained territory and are advancing in the Sudzha area, making a 10-kilometer breakthrough. Ukrainian forces attempted to conduct a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Malaya Loknya and Viktorovka but were defeated.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting continues in multiple locations, including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
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.
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 of a Russian "Lancet" drone striking a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near the border in the Kursk region. The video shows the drone targeting the vehicle as Ukrainian troops attempt to board it, resulting in a direct hit and likely destruction of the vehicle. This highlights the continued use of drones for precision strikes against enemy equipment and the vulnerability of troops during movement. Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. This highlights the ongoing fighting in the region and the use of drones for close air support. Video evidence from the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. The video claims that the operation is being carried out by the 30th "Moscow" regiment on the Sudzhan direction. This highlights the use of drones for reconnaissance and targeting in support of offensive operations. Video evidence from the "Black Swan" unit of the 255th Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces shows fighting near Glubokoye in the Kursk region. Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target in the Kursk region border area. 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 19): The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces repelled an attempt by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. The Russian Armed Forces are continuing an operation to neutralize an enemy group that broke into the territory of the Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of a tank brigade, a heavy mechanized brigade, four mechanized brigades, two air assault brigades, a marine brigade, and three territorial defense brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Bondarevka, Guyevo, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Sverdlikovo, and Sudzha. Two enemy counter-attacks were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near Viktorovka, Vladimirovka, Zaoleshenka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Oleshnya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Zhuravka, and Yunakovka in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU lost more than 210 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, five armored fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, an artillery gun, and a mortar. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, 232 infantry fighting vehicles, 174 armored personnel carriers, 1,572 armored fighting vehicles, 1,508 motor vehicles, 377 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 93 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, eight armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.
New Video Evidence: New video evidence from the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shows the destruction of Russian forces near Siversk.
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.
Makhnovka: Heavy fighting continues, with both sides present.
Confirmed Russian Airstrikes: 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.
Video Evidence of Russian Operations: A new video shows Russian forces from the 144th Motorized Rifle Division operating in the Krasnolimansk direction.
Casualties: "Mediazona" confirmed the deaths of at least three lieutenant colonels in a missile strike on Lgov, Kursk region, on December 30th.
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.
Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows specialists of a search and rescue team accompanying helicopter crews in the border areas of the Kursk region.
A new video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows a Su-34 fighter-bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces striking a concentration of Ukrainian equipment and personnel in the border area of Kursk region.
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.
Video from "Colonelcassad" details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region.
Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces report that they have expanded their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They report that they have advanced beyond Nadiya and are moving towards the border of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Kharkiv region. Russian forces are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka.
Lyman Direction: On the Lyman direction, Russian invaders attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 16 times near the settlements of Kopanky, Novoserhiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Makiivka, Kolodiazi, Terny, and Hryhorivka. Two combat clashes are ongoing. In the Krasnolimansk direction, a Ukrainian unit attempted to retake lost positions near Kolodezi but was defeated by the 144th Motorized Rifle Division.

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.
Drone Warfare: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region. A video from the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel shows Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Activity: Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity across multiple regions.
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.
Drone Warfare: Continued reports of drone attacks and drone warfare in various regions, including a video from the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel showing Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers.
New Video Evidence: New video evidence from the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shows the destruction of Russian forces near Siversk. New video evidence of a Russian "Lancet" drone striking a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near the border in the Kursk region. Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. Video evidence from the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Video evidence from the "Black Swan" unit of the 255th Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces shows fighting near Glubokoye in the Kursk region. Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target in the Kursk region border area. Video from the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel shows Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers.
Drone Warfare: Continued reports of drone attacks and drone warfare in various regions.
New Video Evidence: New video evidence from the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shows the destruction of Russian forces near Siversk. New video evidence of a Russian "Lancet" drone striking a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near the border in the Kursk region. Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. Video evidence from the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Video evidence from the "Black Swan" unit of the 255th Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces shows fighting near Glubokoye in the Kursk region. Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target in the Kursk region border area.
Drone Warfare: Continued reports of drone attacks and drone warfare in various regions, including a video from the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel showing Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers. A new video from the Telegram channel "Архангел Спецназа" shows a drone attack on a Ukrainian firing position near a road. The video also shows that injured Ukrainian soldiers were left behind after the attack.

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.
New Missile Threat: Reports of a new guided aviation missile heading towards Lebedyn and Poltava.
Missile Strikes in Kryvyi Rih:

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.
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.
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.
UK-Ukraine Agreement: The UK announced it will send Ukrainian cadets to the UK to learn from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, indicating a focus on training and knowledge transfer. 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.
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.
The Iranian President stated that the US seeks unipolarity and control over the entire world, which does not suit Russia and Iran. He also stated that it is unimaginable for a country like Russia to be in a situation where others make decisions for it.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico intends to veto further EU financial assistance to Ukraine due to Zelensky's refusal to discuss the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, according to the Slovak portal Pravda.
Diplomatic Developments: The Iranian President did not rule out the possibility of full military cooperation with Russia in the future. Slovak Prime Minister Fico intends to veto further EU financial assistance to Ukraine. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Syrskyi discussed the situation on the front and the needs of the Armed Forces with his Canadian counterpart.
Diplomatic Developments: The Iranian President did not rule out the possibility of full military cooperation with Russia in the future. Slovak Prime Minister Fico intends to veto further EU financial assistance to Ukraine. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Syrskyi discussed the situation on the front and the needs of the Armed Forces with his Canadian counterpart.
Ceasefire in Gaza: A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has come into effect, with the first exchange of prisoners scheduled for today. The International Red Cross has confirmed that it has received three Israeli hostages from Hamas.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Reports indicate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid provisions. However, the situation remains fragile.
Slovak Prime Minister threatens to veto further financial aid to Ukraine.

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

Situation Report