Archived operational intelligence briefing
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, including Kazan and Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 93 out of 141 drones overnight, with 47 drones not reaching their targets. A new video from "Шеф Hayabusa" shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian troops attempting to land on islands in the Kherson 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. Positional fighting is reported near Sudzha and Uspenovka. 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.
Intense Fighting: There are reports of an impending decisive battle for the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region. In the Kursk region, Russian forces maintain the initiative, the past day was characterized by attacking actions of Russian troops. The “North” troop group reports reaching the approaches to the Nikolsky farm and the village of Kurilovka. At the same time, the Ukrainian forces concentrated manpower and equipment in Sudzha and Martynovka. It is also reported about strikes by "Lancers" and missile weapons on concentrations of Ukrainian forces in the border areas of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, on units of the 80th Air Assault Brigade, 41st Mechanized Brigade, and the Center for Special Operations Forces "South". Noteworthy is the information about the strike on the accumulation of Spanish-speaking foreign mercenaries. "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z" reports that enemy groups attempted to infiltrate from Cherkasskoye Porechnoye but were repelled by artillery fire. Enemy reserves are reportedly being brought into Lebedevka and Sverdlikovo, and the use of "Baba Yaga" agricultural drones for reconnaissance is mentioned. Over 350 enemy personnel, including special operations forces, have reportedly arrived in the region.
Heavy Losses: Ukrainian forces have reportedly suffered heavy losses, with estimates of up to 48,000 casualties.
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 from the "TASS" Telegram channel shows a Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducting strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel in the Kursk border area. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the operation. Video evidence of a captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle (based on the M113) in the Kursk region. The video claims that the vehicle was captured by Russian forces, repaired, and put into service. The vehicle reportedly belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment of the US Army. 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. Video evidence from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold. Video from "STERNENKO" shows Ukrainian forces from the Flying Skull drone unit targeting Russian positions in the Kursk region. At least 9 Russian soldiers were targeted, and 5 golf carts were hit.
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. A medic from the "Chestnut" unit saved 300 soldiers during the fighting in the Kursk region. Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area. Video from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z" shows a Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
Significant Casualties: 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. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost 90 EW stations. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Ukrainian forces lost more than 280 people and two tanks in the Kursk region during the day. Video evidence of the Russian Ministry of Defense showcasing the work of the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system, which reportedly nullifies enemy attempts to hide from thermobaric munitions. The video features the TOS-2 "Tosochka" in service with the Group of Forces "Vostok," targeting Ukrainian Armed Forces positions near Velyka Novosilka. The soldiers praise the new vehicle for its accuracy, range, and maneuverability. A video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows a captured Ukrainian soldier in the Kursk region stating that his unit requested evacuation but was denied by their command. The soldier claims they lost half their personnel and were eventually captured. "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" reports that a Ukrainian soldier was killed in the Kursk region by a trap similar to those used by Vietnamese partisans against American troops. The message highlights the effectiveness of such traps and the ongoing conflict in the region.
Disrupting Evacuation: Russian forces are reportedly disrupting a Ukrainian evacuation in the Kursk region.
New Report: In Russkoe Porechnoe, Russian soldiers found the mutilated bodies of elderly people with their hands tied, bruises and gunshot wounds in the basement.
New Report: Video evidence shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
New Report: Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region.
New Report: Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
New Report: The message states that the operation to neutralize the enemy in the Kursk region continues.
New Report: A Ukrainian counterattack involving about 50 units of equipment was repelled by Ukrainian forces near Viktorivka.
New Report: Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
New Report: 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.
New Report: Special Forces soldiers destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk direction, capturing several Ukrainian soldiers. The captured soldiers are from the 57th and 82nd Brigades.
New Report: Night Operations: Russian forces targeted the Sumy Oblast with airstrikes and Geran drones.
New Report: Positional fighting near Sudzha and Uspenovka: Reports of positional fighting near Sudzha and Uspenovka, with Russian forces reportedly crossing the Snagost River and advancing about 1 km.
New Report: A Russian airstrike targeted a boarding school in Sudzha where civilians were sheltering, resulting in one death.
New Report: Capture of two North Korean soldiers:** Ukrainian sources report that two North Korean soldiers have been captured in the Kursk region and taken to Kyiv. Video evidence allegedly shows the bodies of approximately 20 North Korean soldiers. Ukrainian forces also report repelling an attack by North Korean soldiers.
New Report: Reinforcement of Kositsa:** The enemy is attempting to reinforce the defense of Kositsa with additional equipment and personnel.
New Report: Russian advance in Sudzha area:** 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.
New Report: Cleanup of Pogrebki and assault on Makhnovka:** The cleanup of Pogrebki continues on the southern flank, while paratroopers continue their assault on Makhnovka.
New Report: Liberation of Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Novoivanovka:** The pro-Ukrainian analytical resource Deep State has acknowledged the liberation of Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Novoivanovka by Russian forces.
New Report: Russian advances on western and northern flanks:** Russian forces have advanced on the western and northern flanks in the Kursk region, penetrating up to 4 kilometers deep on a 10-kilometer wide front.
New Report: 10-kilometer breakthrough:** Russian forces have made a powerful 10-kilometer breakthrough on the Kursk front, liberating Alexandria after previously taking Leonidovo, and Novoivanovka, and Kruglenkoye.
New Report: Makhnovka:** Heavy fighting continues, with both sides present. There are unconfirmed reports of Russian forces clearing Makhnovka, but full control has not been established. Video evidence shows Russian airborne forces destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
New Report: Artillery & Drones:** Russian artillery and drone operations are proving effective. Russian forces are using larger groups (20-30 people) for assaults instead of smaller groups.
New Report: Intense Fighting:** Intense fighting is reported in multiple 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.
New Report: Renewed Russian Offensive:** Russian forces have resumed offensive operations, with advances near Novaya Sorochina, between Guyevo and Kurilovka, and in the forested areas of the Sudzha border region.
New Report: Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive:** The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses (estimated up to 48,000 casualties). The intensity of the fighting in the Kursk region is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka. Ukrainian forces reportedly attempted five counterattacks, all of which were repelled. Russian forces have regained territory and are making advances in the Sudzha area. A German Leopard 2A6 tank was destroyed in the Kursk region. In the Kursk region, the enemy has transferred personnel from the 82nd Air Assault Brigade to the northern section of the front in the area of the settlement of Pogrebki, reports the Sever group of troops. From the march, reinforcements of the enemy on two BMPs and two APCs engaged in battle, but were destroyed. On the whole, heavy counter-battles continue in the region, the enemy is conducting an organized defense.
New Report: Russian forces have cleared the area south of Zelenyi Shlyakh.
New Report: Video evidence of a Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicle driving down a muddy track through a field in foggy conditions. It is shot from a drone's perspective. We see the vehicle from behind as it travels along the track. The camera follows the vehicle closely, eventually getting very close and even showing the interior of the vehicle, which has sustained damage.
New Report: Video evidence from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold.
New Report: "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" details the situation in the Kursk region as of the morning of 2025-01-17. Key points include:
New Report: Active fighting is taking place in the area of Sudzha.
New Report: A new message from the Telegram channel "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" reports on the situation in the Kursk region as of the morning of January 18. The message states that there have been no changes along the front line. Ukrainian forces are reportedly trying to increase their personnel on positions under their control in order to hold them and stop the advance of Russian troops. In areas where Ukrainian forces are losing positions, attempts are being made to send in reserves with equipment, but these attempts are reportedly unsuccessful in 90% of cases. Ukrainian forces are also reportedly continuing to mine all known routes of advance for Russian equipment and assault groups using octocopters. The message also notes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are continuing to engineer all positions near each settlement, indicating that the Ukrainian command intends to hold each village to the last man. The message also mentions that groups from the 73rd Special Operations Center are being used on some sections of the front, but their presence only slightly slows down the advance of Russian troops. The message concludes by stating that weather conditions, such as frequent fog and poor visibility, are causing more inconvenience for both sides, especially in conducting reconnaissance, as it becomes difficult to use drones.
New Report: 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.
New Report: The “North” troop group reports reaching the approaches to the Nikolsky farm and the village of Kurilovka.
New Report: 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.
The situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with Russian forces continuing their offensive operations across multiple fronts. The capture of Vremivka and the encirclement of Velyka Novosilka represent a significant tactical setback for Ukrainian
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