Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 20, 2025, 00:38 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 captured several key locations, severely hampering Ukrainian logistics and defenses. The capture of Vremivka is a significant development, effectively cutting off Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novosilka and creating a cauldron. A Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, resulting in heavy losses, while Russian forces have regained territory and are advancing 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. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity across multiple regions and confirmed attacks deep inside Russian territory. The Ukrainian Air Force reports new drone activity, specifically on the borders of Sumy, Chernihiv, and Poltava oblasts, moving southwest. Additional drone movements are reported in southeastern Poltava towards Dnipropetrovsk and in the north and south of Kharkiv region, heading south. New drone threats are also reported for Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr oblasts.
Changes from Previous Situation
New Drone Activity:
One drone is reported on the border of Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr oblasts, heading west towards Khmelnytskyi.
One drone has moved from Kirovohrad oblast to Cherkasy oblast.
Twelve drones have flown past Pryluky in a southwesterly direction.
Two drones are reported to be heading towards or flying over Kremenchuk.
One drone is approaching Kharkiv from the west.
One drone is north of Poltava, heading southeast.
One drone is in the north of Poltava oblast, heading west.
Two drones are over Konotop.
One drone has flown past Okhtyrka, heading west.
One drone is reported near Boryspil, heading towards the city.
One drone is reported to be approaching Starokostiantyniv in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Air Raid Alerts:
An air raid alert has been declared in Kyiv.
An air raid alert has been declared across Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The air raid alert in Kyiv has been cancelled.
Ballistic Missile Threat: A ballistic missile threat has been issued from the northeast. Shostka is reportedly under ballistic missile fire.
Fast-Moving Target: A fast-moving target has been reported in Chernihiv oblast.
New Video Evidence: A new video from Colonelcassad shows a damaged Russian T-90M tank that reportedly survived multiple attacks, including mines, FPV drones, and drone-dropped munitions. The tank is burnt but not destroyed.
Statements by US President-elect Donald Trump: Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine, prevent World War III, declassify documents on the assassinations of Kennedy and King, appoint Elon Musk to head the Efficiency Department, create a US "Iron Dome" missile defense system, and stop illegal immigration.
Statements by Slovak Parliament Vice-Speaker Tibor Gaspar: Gaspar accused NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of using Russia as a scare tactic for Europeans.
Reactions to Israel-Hamas Agreement: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Image Analysis:
An image of an air raid alert map of Ukraine shows widespread alerts across the country, particularly in the east, south, and north.
An image celebrating the anniversary of the Russian Interior Ministry's Office Management Service indirectly highlights the importance of administrative functions in supporting military operations.
Images of damaged Russian tanks highlight the intensity of the fighting and the challenges faced by both sides.
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
Intense Fighting: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 176 combat clashes in the past 24 hours, with almost half of them in the Pokrovsk direction. The intensity of combat remains high, with 180 clashes reported in the latest update, including 88 in the Pokrovsk direction alone.
Toretsk: The situation in Toretsk is dire, with Ukrainian defenses nearly collapsed and less than 15% of the city remaining under Ukrainian control. Russian forces have reportedly entered Petrivka from the direction of Shcherbynivka and are pushing Ukrainian troops out of the settlement. On the Toretsk direction, Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka. Three combat clashes are still ongoing.
Pokrovsk Strategic Threat: Russian forces are intensifying efforts to encircle Pokrovsk, a strategically vital city. The liberation of Vozdvyzhenka and the severing of the highway between Dmytriv (Myrnohrad) and Konstantinovka, alongside the cutting of the railway line between Dnipropetrovsk and Pokrovsk, significantly impede Ukrainian resupply and reinforcement. The advance towards Udachne and assault operations towards Zverevo from Peschanoye further compound the threat. Russian DRGs are reportedly operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka, near the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border. Russian forces have cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk and the exit to the remaining "gut" Pokrovsk - Belozerskoye - Dubovo, after taking control of two stations west of Pokrovsk. The main line Donetsk - Pokrovsk - Chaplino - Sinelnikovo - Dnipropetrovsk has been cut off. Ukrainian forces are making efforts to prevent the loss of Pokrovsk. The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies that Pokrovsk is under threat of encirclement.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, having reportedly reached the outskirts and are now less than 10 kilometers from the city and within 5-7 km from the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Intense fighting continues for Lysivka and Sukhyi Yar, with Russian forces attempting to cut off access to Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Video evidence shows Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, including the destruction of a German Leopard tank. On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes of varying intensity, with Ukrainian forces repelling attacks near several settlements. Five clashes are ongoing. Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are reported as 335 military personnel killed and wounded, three vehicles destroyed, and one antenna of a UAV, with two additional vehicles significantly damaged. The city hospital of Pokrovsk is being relocated to Kryvyi Rih.
Kurakhove: Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno, a mine, and a mine control center. Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting and destroying communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones. On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Russian forces are engaging in active combat near Kurakhovo, specifically south of Petropavlivka, with a reported advance of up to 700 meters on the northern flank of Kurakhovo. Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian howitzer near Dachne.
Velyka Novosilka Encirclement: Russian forces are intensifying their offensive to encircle Velyka Novosilka, establishing positions 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 the city is practically under Russian control, and Russian forces are completing the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka, forming a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces are attacking in the area of the milk factory, gas station, dormitory and airfield. On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian forces attacked 19 times near Velyka Novosilka. The situation for the Ukrainian forces is described as extremely difficult, with Russian forces closing in from three directions. Russian forces are approximately 4.5 km from the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region. The new messages detail a double strike on Ukrainian vehicles near Velyka Novosilka.
Other Advances: Russian forces report that they have entered Dmytriv and are advancing to the west and north of the settlement, as well as having severed the railway line and highway that Ukrainian forces used to supply their troops in Krasnoarmiisk. They also claim to have entered Urozhaine and Novosergiyivka and to have liberated Slovyanka and Yasenove. Significant advances are reported in Kotlyne, Udachne, and near Novoandriivka, Sukhyi Yar, Vremivka, and Velyka Novosilka. The advance in Velyka Novosilka is particularly significant, with reports of a breakthrough from the east and north, advancing towards the center. Russian forces have broken through the defense and entered the first streets of Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces are attacking in the area of the Velyka Novosilka milk factory, gas station, dormitory and airfield. On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian forces attacked 17 times near Velyka Novosilka. Battles are ongoing. Russian forces conducted airstrikes with guided bombs near several settlements.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces have made significant advances in the urban area, capturing about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district. They have also gained control of the fourth section of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant. Clashes continue near Chasiv Yar with no significant changes. A group of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly become trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant. Russian forces now control approximately 20% of the territory of the refractory plant. Urban warfare is ongoing, with the enemy attempting to advance on the industrial complex.
Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk, with Russian forces reportedly using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions. Reports of a powerful explosion in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk, with a large plume of smoke visible. The number of casualties from the Kramatorsk strike has increased to eight, including two children.
Consolidation and Expansion of Russian Control:
Battles are ongoing for Kotlyne and Udachne, with Russian forces advancing south of Udachne and attacking Ukrainian positions to the east.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to counterattack near Shevchenko.
Fighting is ongoing for Lysivka and Sukhyi Yar, with slow progress reported.
Russian forces are attacking the outskirts of Dmytriv (Myrnohrad).
Russian forces are expanding their control near the road junction of Yelyzavetivka - Nova Poltavka - Tarasivka - Baranivka.
Russian forces are attacking Andriivka from Shevchenko and Petropavlivka, and have occupied the banks north of the Volchya and Orlova rivers.
Russian forces are fighting on the southeastern outskirts of Dachne and advancing north of Yantarnoye and near Zelenovka.
Russian forces have made significant advances towards the Dnipropetrovsk region and have entered Dachne, further tightening the "Kurakhovsky pocket."
Russian forces have reportedly forded the right tributary of the Solena River in Zverevo and occupied new positions on the banks of the Utyatnyk pond.
DeepState reports that Russian forces have occupied Pishchane, Sloviyanka, and Yasenove, and have made advances near Novoandriivka, Dachne, Kotlyne, Zvirove, Vremivka, and Chasiv Yar.
Russian forces report that they have entered the settlements of Urozhaine and Novosergiyivka, and having liberated Slovyanka and Yasenove.
Video evidence shows that Russian forces targeted Ukrainian military equipment near Pokrovsk, including a German Leopard tank, an American M119 howitzer, and a mortar.
Russian forces advanced to within 2300 meters of Udachne.
Russian forces are advancing in the direction of Udachne and in the northern part of the Kryvulya gully towards Kotlyno. They are also breaking through defenses near Zverevo and to the west.
Further north, Russian forces have advanced towards Chunyshino and Novopavlivka from Zelene and Dacne.
Video evidence shows Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, including the destruction of a German Leopard tank.
Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are reported as 340 military personnel killed and wounded, two tanks, 10 vehicles, one mortar, an electronic warfare system, two armored fighting vehicles, and one armored reconnaissance vehicle were also destroyed. In addition, two tanks, five vehicles, and three Russian guns were damaged.
The city hospital of Pokrovsk is being relocated to Kryvyi Rih.
Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting and destroying communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones.
Battles are ongoing. Russian forces conducted airstrikes with guided bombs near several settlements.
New reports indicate that 16 Ukrainian soldiers from the 151st Mechanized Brigade have been captured on the Pokrovsk direction.
Retreating Ukrainian forces blew up the Belitskaya mine in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
North of Ivanivka, the situation is deteriorating.
Russian forces conducted airstrikes with guided bombs near several settlements.
Video evidence shows a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M119 howitzer near Dachne with a "Krasnopol" guided projectile.
Video evidence from the People's Militia of the DPR shows the liquidation of a Ukrainian mortar crew in Dachne by a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer, using a "Krasnopol" guided projectile.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian communication antenna and personnel in the Svatove-Kupyansk direction with a "KUB" guided munition.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone targeting a Russian position in Engels.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone attack on a Ukrainian target in the Kherson direction.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian position.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone attack on a Ukrainian target in the Kherson direction.
Video from "Воин DV" shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian position.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone attack targeting a building in a rural area.
Video evidence from the "Воин DV" Telegram channel shows operators from the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group using FPV drones to target and destroy a Ukrainian self-propelled artillery unit near the Sukhyi Yaly River.
Video evidence from the "Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦" Telegram channel shows Ukrainian forces using mortars, "Baba Yaga" drones, and tanks to destroy Russian forces and equipment.
Video evidence from Colonelcassad shows snipers of the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group conducting a night hunt for enemy personnel in one of the areas of the South Donetsk direction.
The new messages report that Russian forces are continuing their assault on Dachne and are preparing a strike force on Ulakly. Ukrainian forces are reportedly not withdrawing, despite their last normal road being under fire. "Azov" forces are reportedly conducting counterattacks in the Pokrovsk direction, described as more like raids before retreating without securing positions. Fighting continues near Uspenivka, Udachne, and Kotlyno, with some progress reported near Myrnohrad from Mykolaivka.
Kursk Region
Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, resulting in heavy losses. Russian forces have regained territory, making a 10-kilometer breakthrough and liberating several settlements.
Russian Advances: Russian forces have liberated Alexandria, Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye, and are advancing in the Sudzha area, reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. They have also cleared the area south of Zelenyi Shlyakh. Positional fighting is reported near Sudzha and Uspenovka, with Russian forces reportedly crossing the Snagost River and advancing about 1 km. Russian forces are advancing in the Sudzha area, 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. The cleanup of Pogrebki continues on the southern flank, while paratroopers continue their assault on Makhnovka. Russian forces report that they have captured Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. 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.
Intense Fighting: There are reports of an impending decisive battle for the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. Intense fighting is reported in multiple locations. Active fighting is ongoing in the Sudzha area. Reports indicate a slow push by Russian forces near Kruglенькое, a lull in fighting in Staraya/Novaya Sorochina and Pogrebki, a massive repelled Russian assault near Viktorivka, and an impending decisive battle for the 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.
Heavy Losses: Ukrainian forces have reportedly suffered heavy losses, with estimates of up to 48,000 casualties. The intensity of the fighting is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. South Korean intelligence reports that 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region. Video evidence of a captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle (based on the M113) 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 a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region, but the operator misses the target. 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 that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
New Russian Airstrikes: 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. Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes. A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
New Video Evidence: New video evidence from Colonelcassad shows Ussuri paratroopers displaying captured trophies, including a US-made 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and the restoration of a captured Ukrainian BMP-2 in the border areas of the Kursk region. This highlights the ongoing conflict in the region and the capture of Western-supplied equipment.
Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive and Renewed Russian Advance: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has been met with heavy losses and has stalled. Russian forces have regained territory, achieving a 10-kilometer breakthrough in the Sudzha area, liberating Alexandria, Leonidovo, Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye, and reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. Ukrainian forces attempted a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Malaya Loknya and Viktorovka but were defeated.
Sudzha Area Focus: Russian forces are advancing, reportedly attacking Russkoye Porechnoye with an infantry unit and reaching advanced positions near Kositsa. Russian forces have captured Russkoye Porechnoye and are assaulting Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Russian forces report that they have captured Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. 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.
Significant Casualties: Significant Ukrainian losses are reported, with over 350 personnel lost during the day. Russian sources claim over 52,450 Ukrainian losses since hostilities began. 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. A new video has emerged showing Ukrainian soldiers interrogating a captured North Korean soldier in the Kursk region using Google Translate. 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. 26 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered after a failed counterattack, according to Russian sources. Almost 30 Ukrainian paratroopers were captured after a failed counterattack in Volchansk. Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner. South Korean intelligence reports that 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region of Russia. The total estimated losses among North Korean troops in the region are around 3,000, with 300 killed and 2,700 wounded. 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. Ukrainian airborne troops captured 27 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region, including officers, sergeants, and soldiers from various units. The Ukrainian side claims the soldiers surrendered voluntarily.
Confirmed Russian Airstrikes: Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes. A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
New Tactics: Reports indicate that Russian forces are using a new tactic of deploying a soldier as bait to lure in Ukrainian FPV drones.
Other: Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region.
Terrible consequences of enemy aggression in the Kursk region: commissions begin work to assess the destruction in the border area. In the Kursk region, commissions are starting to work on assessing the degree of destruction of residential buildings in the border areas affected by attacks and the invasion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This applies to those settlements that were not included in the list of non-commission issuance of certificates to residents. The Ministry of Defense provided the first list of 158 settlements where commissions can go. At least 16 of them (in 4 districts) have houses destroyed or damaged as a result of the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the governor of the Kursk region reports.
Calculation of FPV drones of the Rubikon center destroyed the Ukrainian self-propelled guns in the Kursk direction.
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.
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 from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses 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 a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
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 forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.
Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
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.
New video evidence from Colonelcassad shows Ussuri paratroopers displaying captured trophies, including a US-made 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and the restoration of a captured Ukrainian BMP-2 in the border areas of the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region.
Video of an FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroying a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of the Kursk region.
Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Movement of Enemy Equipment in Kursk Oblast: From 6 AM until the time of this report, there has been a significant movement of various enemy equipment in Kursk Oblast. Some of this equipment has been destroyed.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows a Ukrainian tank being destroyed by a Russian drone in the Kursk region.
Video evidence from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows electronic warfare specialists of a separate motorized infantry brigade of the "Sever" group detecting and shooting down Ukrainian UAVs in the Kursk region border area.
Video evidence from "WarGonzo" shows a special report on a Russian armored group called "Pressa" operating in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region.
Kharkiv Region
Clashes and Airstrikes: Clashes have been reported along the Kharkiv axis, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes at Veterynarne. On the Kharkiv direction, Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Hlushkivka, Shyykivka, and Borivsk Andriyivka.
Drone Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community due to a Russian attack. The new messages report explosions in the Kharkiv area, likely outside the city.
Russian Advances and Claims: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova and in Dvurichna. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the capture of Kalinovo near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian Counterattack: Limited Success: An attempted Ukrainian counterattack in the Staritsa area was unsuccessful.
Guided Aerial Bomb Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports Russian use of guided aerial bombs (KAB) in the region. A Russian guided aerial bomb attack on Zolochiv, Bohodukhiv district, Kharkiv region, resulted in the injury of one person.
Luhansk Region
Russian Advances: Russian forces are developing success in Ivanovka, attempting to capture heights near Terny and storming Zahryzove.
Fighting in Lyman direction: Fighting has commenced in the Lyman direction.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced towards Kolodezi from Ivanivka on the Lyman axis.
Russian forces are advancing towards Lyman from the bridgehead on the right bank of the Zherebets River, having infiltrated Ukrainian positions near Kolodezi.
Russian forces have captured Ivanovka near Terny, marking a significant advance.
Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
Russian forces are advancing near Makeevka, according to pro-Russian sources.
North-West of Makiivka: Russian forces have advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka and have taken control of a forest area between the settlements. They continue to advance towards Hrekivka.
Nadiya: Assault troops of the "Azov" Brigade (recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in the Russian Federation) and artillerymen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are trying to recapture the liberated Nadiya in the LPR, - Marochko.
Borova Direction (New): Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai, covering an area up to 3.85 km wide and 2.35 km deep.
Drone Warfare
Extensive Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported, with both sides using drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones.
Confirmed Attack in Engels: A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, has been confirmed. The fire at the oil depot is intensifying, with reports of new explosions and a state of emergency declared. The oil depot in Engels 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. The "Zapad" Grouping of Russian forces destroyed three Starlink satellite communication stations and 13 Ukrainian drone control points in one day.
Drone attack on Tula Oblast: The Tula region is reportedly under a massive attack by Ukrainian drones. Air defenses are active, and preliminary reports indicate that aerial targets have been destroyed. There are no reports of casualties. The new messages detail a battle in Tula Oblast, with the Russian army repelling an enemy attack in Aleksin. 17 drones have been confirmed to have been shot down over Tula Oblast, according to the regional governor. A fire broke out in a military hospital in Tula, Russia, with reports of 57 people evacuated. The cause is unknown, but some sources suggest an electrical fault. There are conflicting reports on whether the building is a hospital or a clinic.
Iran's Drone Capabilities: A video from the "Colonelcassad" Telegram channel showcases a large number of Iranian drones, reportedly with a range of over 2000 km and stealth capabilities.
Drone Attack on Kazan Confirmed: A drone attack on Kazan has been confirmed, with reports of a large fire near the "Kazan Orgsintez" plant. The plant is a major producer of high-strength plastics. The attack reportedly targeted a liquefied gas base.
Alleged Attempted Poisoning near Yaroslavl: The FSB claims to have prevented an attempt to poison employees of a defense enterprise in the Yaroslavl region.
