Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 20, 2025, 12:08 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 assessed as a significant development, effectively cutting off Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novosilka and creating a cauldron. Ukrainian sources report that Velyka Novosilka has fallen. 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 Novoyehorivka, and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. Russian forces are forming a pincer movement to encircle Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity across multiple regions. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 93 out of 141 drones overnight, with 47 drones not reaching their targets. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the threat of using KAB bombs in the Sumy region. A new guided aviation missile was reported to be heading towards Lebedyn and Poltava. Air raid alerts were declared in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia region before being lifted. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed that an operation is underway to neutralize an enemy group that broke into the territory of the Kursk region.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Intense Fighting: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 189 combat clashes in the past 24 hours, with 89 of them in the Pokrovsk direction.
Toretsk: The situation in Toretsk is dire, with Ukrainian defenses nearly collapsed and less than 15% of the city remaining under Ukrainian control. On the Toretsk direction, Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka.
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. The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies that Pokrovsk is under threat of encirclement. From the Pokrovsk direction, there are reports of the success of Russian troops in Kotlyno and Udachny, which indicates the implementation of the plan to cover the city from the southwest. Russian forces are consolidating their positions after capturing Kotlyno (Dmytrovo) and mine No. 2, repelling counterattacks in the Kotlyno - Zverevo area, and engaging in battles for strongholds in nearby landings. Russian artillery is heavily shelling Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). The main pressure is currently on Udachne, with ongoing battles in the city center, near the railway station, and towards Novoserhiivka. Kotlyne has been captured and that the encirclement of Pokrovsk continues.
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. Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are reported as 335 military personnel killed and wounded.
Kurakhove: Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno. On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Northwest of the liberated Kurakhovo, Russian forces are leveling the front line on the Petropavlovka-Shevchenko section. To the southwest, Russian units are fighting for Dachnoye. There are battles along the forest belts north and northeast of Sukhoi Yaly.
Velyka Novosilka Encirclement: Russian forces are intensifying their offensive to encircle Velyka Novosilka, establishing positions in the city's northeast and southeast. 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. The new messages detail a double strike on Ukrainian vehicles near Velyka Novosilka. Two Ukrainian soldiers reportedly surrendered near Velyka Novosilka. To the north of the liberated Vremivka, Russian troops are storming Velikaya (Bolshaya) Novoselka from the north, east, and southeast. The fall of the enemy garrison, deprived of logistics and supplies, has become a matter of time. On the Zaporozhye front, the Ukrainian forces continue to strengthen their positions through foreign mercenaries and the transfer of equipment, which becomes a priority target for Russian artillery, drones, and aircraft. Russian pilots struck at enemy positions in the area of Temirovka. The only remaining key outpost of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the South Donetsk direction is doomed - fighting is already underway on the outskirts of Velyka Novosilka, according to military correspondent Oleksandr Kots. In Uspenivka, fierce battles continue for control of the settlement, with the northeastern part under Russian control. Ukrainian forces are attempting to counterattack to the south and in the direction of Novovasylivka. Russian forces are continuing their offensive to liberate Velyka Novosilka, having established positions on the northeastern and southeastern parts of the city.
Other Advances: Russian forces report significant advances 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. Further south, Russian forces are attacking westward and fighting for control of the T 0515 road from the Petropavlivka - Slovyanka area.
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. Clashes continue near Chasiv Yar with no significant changes. In Chasov Yar, after the liberation of the Refractory Plant, the fighting shifted to the "Novoseverny" microdistrict. To the south, heavy fighting continues for residential areas.
Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk. 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. Ukrainian forces are attempting to counterattack near Shevchenko. Fighting is ongoing for Lysivka and Sukhyi Yar. 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. Russian forces have made significant advances towards the Dnipropetrovsk region and have entered Dachne, further tightening the "Kurakhovsky pocket." 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. In Russkoe Porechnoe, Russian soldiers found the mutilated bodies of elderly people with their hands tied, bruises and gunshot wounds in the basement. Video evidence shows a Russian soldier winning a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself. Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region. Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka. A Ukrainian counterattack involving about 50 units of equipment was repelled by Ukrainian forces near Viktorivka. 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. Night Operations: Russian forces targeted the Sumy Oblast with airstrikes and Geran drones. A Russian airstrike targeted a boarding school in Sudzha where civilians were sheltering, resulting in one death. Reinforcement of Kositsa: The enemy is attempting to reinforce the defense of Kositsa with additional equipment and personnel. 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. Active fighting is taking place in the area of Sudzha. 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 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. 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. 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. Active combat operations are taking place in the area of Sudzha on 2025-01-16, with a Ukrainian attack on the Viktorivka - Nikolsky line. The “North” troop group reports reaching the approaches to the Nikolsky farm and the village of Kurilovka. 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.
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 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 shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold. Video 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. 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. 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. The video claims that the operation is being carried out by the 30th "Moscow" regiment on the Sudzhan direction. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region. Video details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye. Video shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction. Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target in the Kursk region border area.
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 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. A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the Kursk region by a trap similar to those used by Vietnamese partisans against American troops. "Mediazona" confirmed the deaths of at least three lieutenant colonels in a missile strike on Lgov, Kursk region, on December 30th. The strike targeted the location of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division. Among the dead are the chief of communications of the 76th Airborne Division Valery Tereshchenko, the commander of the 656th separate engineering battalion Pavel Maletsky, and the chief of the chemical, radiation, and biological protection service of the division Alexei Seliverstov. Major Ali Tsurov, who served as deputy chief of staff, was also killed in the strike. A report from the Russian Ministry of Defense states 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. 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 on the Kursk direction. Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 53,000 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, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 90 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.
Disrupting Evacuation: Russian forces are reportedly disrupting a Ukrainian evacuation in the Kursk region.
New Report: The message states that the operation to neutralize the enemy in the Kursk region continues.
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: 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: 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: 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.
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.
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 shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold.
New Report: Russian forces are slowly pushing Ukrainian forces out of the forests near Kruglенькое towards Viktorivka and Nikolaevka.
New Report: 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.
New Report: Russian forces are consolidating their positions in Russkoe Porechnoye and preparing for an advance on Kositsa.
New Report: Ukrainian forces have reinforced their positions near Makhnovka/Kolmakov, but Russian artillery and FPV drones have targeted these reinforcements.
New Report: Active fighting is taking place in the area of Sudzha.
New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost 94 EW stations.
New Report: North Korean soldiers reportedly executed Ukrainian soldiers who were surrendering, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal citing a notebook from a North Korean officer.
New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost 94 EW stations.
New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost 95 EW stations.

Kharkiv Region

Clashes and Airstrikes: Clashes have been reported along the Kharkiv axis, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes at Veterynarne. On the Kharkiv direction, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian units twice in the areas of Vovchansk and Tykhy.
Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. The new report details that in Sumy, Russian troops struck a Ukrainian deployment site, killing 18 and wounding 30.
New Report: Ukrainian forces report burning a Russian T-80 tank in the Kharkiv region.
New Report: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
New Report: On the Kupiansk direction, the aggressor carried out offensive actions in the areas of the settlements of Kindrashivka, Zahryzove, Topoli, and Petropavlivka, where Ukrainian defenders stopped five enemy attacks.
New Report: The Ukrainian Air Force reports missile threat to Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. The new messages confirm continued and intensified Russian missile attacks, specifically targeting Kryvyi Rih with repeated ballistic missile launches. The attacks damaged an educational institution and residential buildings. This development underscores the persistent threat to Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, even those located relatively far from the front lines. The air raid alert in effect for Kryvyi Rih indicates the imminent danger and the need for the civilian population to take shelter. The targeting of a city like Kryvyi Rih, a major industrial center, could have significant economic and strategic implications, potentially disrupting industrial production and impacting Ukraine's overall war effort. The repeated nature of the attacks suggests a deliberate attempt to overwhelm air defenses and inflict maximum damage.
New Report: Ballistic missiles were reportedly launched from the Belgorod region towards the Kharkiv region.
New Report: Russian forces have reportedly destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove and initiated battles in Bohuslavka.
New Report: In the Kharkiv region, a Russian soldier reportedly destroyed a group of 8 Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers with mines.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Ivanovka near Terny and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. On the Lyman direction, Russian invaders attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 16 times near several settlements.
Borova Direction (New): Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai.
Heavy Losses: Russian military expert Andrey Marochko claims that Russian forces have eliminated 7,100 Ukrainian soldiers and foreign mercenaries in the Luhansk People's Republic over the past week.
New Report: Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
New Report: Russian forces are advancing near Makeevka, according to pro-Russian sources.
New Report: 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.
New Report: Russian forces report that they have advanced beyond Nadiya and are moving towards the border of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Kharkiv region.
New Report: Russian forces are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka.
New Report: 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.
New Report: Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. If Ukrainian forces do not retreat, they will be surrounded.

Geopolitical Developments

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.

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.

New Developments

Kursk Region:
- The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost 95 EW stations.
Luhansk Region:
- Russian forces have captured Novoyehorivka.
- Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. If Ukrainian forces do not retreat, they will be surrounded.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile and unfavorable for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces continue to maintain the offensive initiative, particularly in the Donetsk region, where they are making significant advances towards Pokrovsk and have captured key areas like Kurakhove. The situation in Toretsk remains critical for Ukrainian forces, with Russian forces controlling the majority of the city. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with heavy losses reported. Russian forces have made a significant breakthrough near **Sudz

Situation Report