Key Military Developments in Ukraine: January 19, 2025
Donetsk Region
Encirclement Threat to Pokrovsk: Russian forces continue their offensive, aiming to encircle Pokrovsk, a strategically vital city. They've captured Kotlyne and are battling in Udachne's eastern sector, nearing "Mine #1". Capturing Pokrovsk would severely disrupt Ukrainian logistics and defenses.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces report continued offensives to liberate Velyka Novosilka, with positions established in the city's northeast and southeast. Ukrainian military sources indicate Russian forces are within 1.5 km of closing a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka. The last road supplying Velyka Novosilka is practically under Russian control, and Russian forces are completing the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka, forming a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka.
Other Advances: Russian forces are pressing towards Pokrovsk, with fighting near Udachne, Kotlyne, and Novosergievka. They're reportedly within 3 km of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast's administrative border and have severed one of two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova. Russian forces have reportedly liberated Vozdvyzhenka.
Chasiv Yar: Clashes continue near Chasiv Yar, with no significant changes reported.
Toretsk: Russian forces are reportedly fighting for the Toretska mine. They have entered Petrivka from the direction of Shcherbynivka. Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine.
Explosions in Kyiv: Missile strikes have caused fires and damage in Kyiv'sShevchenkivskyi and Desnianskyi districts, resulting in at least four deaths and several injuries. Damage to a non-residential building, windows of a residential building, and a water main, causing water outages in some areas. The Lukianivska metro station has been closed due to damage.
Explosions in Kryvyi Rih: Reports indicate a series of missile strikes targeting Kryvyi Rih. The exact number of missiles and casualties is still being clarified. The number of wounded has risen to 5.
Explosions in Zaporizhzhia: Explosions have been reported in Zaporizhzhia, with reports of an infrastructure object being hit. The number of wounded has now risen to 10.
Kurakhove: Russian forces control most of Kurakhove, with 16 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly surrendering. DeepState has officially acknowledged the loss of Kurakhove for Ukrainian forces.
Kursk Region
Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, incurring heavy losses.
Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have regained territory, advancing in the Sudzha area with a 10-kilometer breakthrough. They have reached the outskirts of Kositsa. Ukrainian forces attempted a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Malaya Loknya and Viktorovka but were defeated.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting persists in various locations, including Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, Novaya Sorochina, and the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka. Active fighting is taking place in the area of Sudzha.
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. The Russian MoD reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces 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 the Kursk region, Ukrainian 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.
Drone Warfare: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles. A German Leopard 2A6 tank was destroyed. Russian forces are using FPV drones to destroy US-made Bradley BMPs and Ukrainian BMPs in the border area. They are also targeting Ukrainian D-30 howitzers near Makhnovka. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian BMP with an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
Russian MoD Report (Jan 19): Russian forces repelled an attempted Ukrainian invasion. The Sever Group of Forces engaged various Ukrainian units near multiple settlements. Two enemy counter-attacks were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near numerous settlements.
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.
Makhnovka: Heavy fighting continues, with both sides present.
Confirmed Russian Airstrikes: Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters to conduct airstrikes.
Casualties: "Mediazona" confirmed the deaths of at least three lieutenant colonels in a missile strike on Lgov, Kursk region, on December 30th.
Reports from various sources: detail 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.
Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region.
Reports of an impending decisive battle for the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area.
In the Kursk region, heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, the Armed Forces of Russia are approaching Malaya Loknya, and the enemy is counterattacking.
From the beginning of the day, there were 15 combat clashes in the Kursk direction; all attacks have already been repulsed. The enemy launched ten air strikes using 15 KABs and carried out more than 300 shellings.
Luhansk Region
Russian Advances: Russian forces report expansion of their control zone on the right bank of the Zherebets River and advancement 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. They are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka.
Lyman Direction: Russian invaders attacked Ukrainian positions 16 times near various settlements. Two combat clashes are ongoing. In the Krasnolimansk direction, a Ukrainian unit attempted to retake lost positions near Kolodezi but was defeated. Active hostilities are ongoing in the area of Kolodezi. A Ukrainian armored group attempted to attack Russian positions but was repelled by artillery fire.
Kharkiv Region
Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova and in Dvurichna.
Capture of Kalinovo: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the capture of 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 shows Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers.
In the Kharkiv region, a Russian soldier reportedly destroyed a group of 8 Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers with mines.
Drone Warfare
Extensive Activity: Drone warfare remains prominent, with widespread activity across multiple regions.
Confirmed Attack in Engels: A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, is 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 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: 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 targeting a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier. 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. Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer, 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 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. Video evidence shows Russian forces successfully capturing Ukrainian fortifications. 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 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 showing Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers.
New Video Evidence: New video evidence 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 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 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 shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Video evidence 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 showing Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers. A new video 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. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian BMP with an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
Multiple reports indicate a significant increase in drone activity around Kyiv, Boryspil, Brovary, and Vyshhorod. Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging these drones. The Ukrainian Air Force has issued warnings for Kyiv, Boryspil, and Brovary due to the threat of hostile drones. One drone is confirmed to be flying past Boryspil towards Kyiv, another is approaching Brovary, and a third is flying towards Vyshhorod.
Russian air defense forces and electronic warfare systems reportedly destroyed five more drones in the Tula region.
Ukraine attacked a fuel depot in the Tula region, causing a fire. The attack was carried out by drones from the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR). The fuel depot is used to supply fuel to the Russian occupation army.
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.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
Air raid alerts have been issued for Kyiv and other regions due to the threat of drone and missile attacks.
Explosions were heard in Kharkiv, likely outside the city.
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.
Power outages are likely to occur.
Air raid alert is active across all of Ukraine.
7 TU-22M3 and 6 TU-95ms bombers are in the air. X-22 missiles are flying through the Kharkiv region towards the Dnipropetrovsk region. There is also a threat of ballistic missiles from the Voronezh and Belgorod regions.
Some TU-22M3 bombers have begun landing at the Dyagilevo airbase.
There is an increased threat to Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, and Cherkasy oblasts.
Kalibr missiles have been launched from the Anapa area, expected to reach Ukrainian territory around 06:50 UTC.
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 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 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.
South Korea will offer Ukraine to take captured soldiers from the DPRK, if the DPRK citizens themselves express the corresponding desire.
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.
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."
Only Putin and Trump can resolve the Ukrainian issue, stated the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Andrei Danko, in an interview with TASS.
The 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.
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.
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.
Hamas has reportedly handed over three hostages to the Red Cross in central Gaza, according to the Times of Israel. These hostages are now being transported to Israeli forces.
A senior Trump national security advisor, Mike Waltz, stated that Hamas would never govern Gaza and that the US would support Israel in whatever it needed to do if Hamas refused the deal.
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 Israeli Army confirmed that the Red Cross had informed it of the release of three Israeli hostages in Gaza, and that they had been transferred to the Israeli military and were on their way for medical examination.
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.
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.
Donald Trump will reportedly unblock TikTok on January 20th.
New Developments
Kursk Region: A video has emerged showing Ukrainian soldiers interrogating a captured North Korean soldier in the Kursk region using Google Translate. This suggests the possibility of North Korean involvement in the conflict, although it could be an isolated incident or misinformation. The Russian MoD reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces 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 the Kursk region, Ukrainian 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.
Technological Warfare: Ukrainian forces are reportedly using drones to drop munitions on Russian positions in forests, indicating a continued reliance on and adaptation of drone warfare tactics.
Geopolitical Developments:
US President-elect Donald Trump has stated he will unblock TikTok on January 20th, potentially signaling a shift in US policy towards the platform.
A senior Trump national security advisor, Mike Waltz, stated that Hamas will never govern Gaza and that the US will support Israel in whatever it needs to do if Hamas refuses the hostage deal.
Reports indicate that the Israeli army is withdrawing equipment and troops from Rafah in southern Gaza following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The agreement involves a prisoner exchange, a 42-day ceasefire, and humanitarian aid provisions. However, the situation remains fragile.
Casualties: The Russian MoD reports significant Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region, including over 210 troops, various vehicles, and equipment in the past 24 hours. Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, Ukrainian losses are claimed to be over 52,870 troops and a substantial amount of military hardware.
Vozdvyzhenka Liberated: Russian forces have reportedly liberated Vozdvyzhenka in the Donetsk People's Republic. This further indicates a Russian advance in the Donetsk region.
Air Raid Alert in Zaporizhzhia: An air raid alert has been declared in the Zaporizhzhia region, with reports of a high-speed target in the area. This suggests a potential missile or drone threat.
Updated Situation
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic. Russian forces are making significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Pokrovsk, Velyka Novosilka, and Toretsk. In the Kursk region, a stalled Ukrainian counteroffensive has allowed Russian forces to regain territory and make a 10-kilometer breakthrough. Intense fighting continues in multiple locations, with both sides employing drones extensively. The emergence of a video showing the interrogation of a captured North Korean soldier in the Kursk region raises questions about potential North Korean involvement.
Geopolitically, the situation is also evolving. The impending inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump and his reported intention to unblock TikTok, along with statements from his national security advisor on the Israel-Hamas conflict, could signal shifts in US policy with potential ramifications for the conflict in Ukraine. The reported ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas adds another
