Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 22, 2025, 01:38 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 impacting Ukrainian logistics and defenses. The situation in Toretsk is particularly dire for Ukrainian forces, with the city almost entirely under Russian control. The encirclement of Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka is a significant threat, with Russian forces making substantial advances. Ukrainian counteroffensives in the Kursk region have stalled, with Russian forces making a 10-kilometer breakthrough and capturing several settlements, including Nikolayevo-Daryino. Drone warfare is intensifying, with reports of drone attacks across various regions, including deep inside Russian territory. Notably, Smolensk is under a sustained drone attack, with reports of an attack on an aviation plant and oil depot. Ukrainian forces report striking a Russian command post in Volnovakha. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that over the past day, air defense systems intercepted 17 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in various regions, including LPR, DPR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, and three Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula. A new report indicates that Russian forces have liberated the settlement of Volkovo in the DPR. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Borova in the Kharkiv region is under threat of a guided aerial bomb (KAB) attack, and repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones on the south-west of Chernihiv region (north-west course), on the west of Cherkasy region (south course), on the east of Mykolaiv region (north-west course), and on the border of the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson region (south-east course). There are reports of one drone on the north of Kyiv region, one drone near Shepetivka, and one drone flying towards Novyi Buh. Ukrainian forces have reportedly pushed Russian troops out of positions near Shevchenko and Uspenivka. Russian forces have reportedly advanced in Velyka Novosilka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Slovyanka, and Sribne. Reports show fires in Mykolaiv and Grozny. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Zhytomyr is under a drone attack from the north.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. Russian forces have entered Petrivka and are pushing Ukrainian troops out. Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka. Three combat clashes are still ongoing. Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine. Video evidence shows a sniper pair from the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade simultaneously killing two Russian infantrymen near Toretsk.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of the city and 5-7 km from the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, intensifying efforts to encircle this strategically vital city. Russian DRGs are reportedly operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka. Russian forces have cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces report making efforts to prevent the loss of Pokrovsk. 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. Russian forces are conducting powerful strikes on Pokrovsk throughout the day, while simultaneously advancing and encircling the city. Reports indicate the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" may cease operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have defeated Ukrainian HIMARS in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. A video shows multiple missile trails and reports that Russian forces are conducting powerful strikes on Pokrovsk throughout the day, while simultaneously advancing and encircling the city. Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near Pokrovsk.
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. 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. Reports of fighting near Kurakhovo and Andriivka. A video from the "People's Militia of the DPR" shows the destruction of a Ukrainian mortar crew in Dachne by a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer, using a "Krasnopol" guided projectile.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are intensifying their offensive to encircle the city, establishing positions in the northeast and southeast. Ukrainian sources indicate Russian forces are within 1.5 km of closing a cauldron around the city. The last road supplying the city is practically under Russian control, and Russian forces are completing the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka. On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian forces attacked 19 times near Velyka Novosilka. The situation 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. Russian forces report advances in Dmytriv, Urozhaine, Novosergiyivka, Slovyanka, and Yasenove. The "Colonelcassad" Telegram channel reports that Russian forces from the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade conducted a successful assault on an enemy stronghold near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces report destroying a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces in the area.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces have captured 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. 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. Video evidence shows Russian forces continuing to advance in Chasiv Yar, dislodging the enemy from their positions. Tactical successes are reported, with the 200th Brigade pushing the enemy out of the "Десятый" microdistrict and currently liberating the "Новосеверный" microdistrict. Airborne troops are pushing out enemy forces west of the 3rd workshop of the refractory plant. The basements and workshops of the refractory plant in Chasiv Yar, which had come under the control of the Russian military, have been completely cleared, according to a Russian soldier with the call sign "Chukcha." He also noted that "currently, soldiers of the 98th Airborne Division are developing their success, actively advancing also in the residential areas to the southwest of the plant."
Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone, with Russian forces reportedly using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions. The number of casualties has increased to eight, including two children. Reports indicate the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk is partially without power due to an emergency shutdown, potentially affecting water supply in various parts of the city.
Zaporizhzhia: A drone was reported to be flying towards Zaporizhzhia from Dnipropetrovsk. An air raid alert has been announced in the Zaporizhzhia region. A Ukrainian FPV drone reportedly targeted and destroyed a Russian TOR-M2 air defense system in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Other Areas: 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 shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian communication antenna and personnel in the Svatove-Kupyansk direction with a "KUB" guided munition. A TASS report states that a Russian strike on the "Luch" design bureau in Kyiv may have eliminated foreign specialists servicing HIMARS MLRS. The fighting in Zverevo continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have liberated the settlement of Volkovo in the DPR. Ukrainian forces have reportedly pushed Russian troops out of positions near Shevchenko and Uspenivka. Russian forces have reportedly advanced in Velyka Novosilka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Slovyanka, and Sribne.

Kursk Region

Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, resulting in heavy losses.
Russian Advances: Russian forces have liberated several settlements and are advancing in the Sudzha area, reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. Positional fighting is reported near Sudzha and Uspenovka. Russian forces report capturing Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. Russian forces launched a new attack near Nikolskoye, advancing over 1.5 km. Russian forces report that Nikolayevo-Daryino has been retaken.
Intense Fighting: Reports indicate an impending decisive battle, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. Active fighting is ongoing. 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.
Heavy Losses: Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses, with estimates of up to 48,000 casualties. Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has reportedly lost 90 EW stations.
Drone Warfare: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
North Korean Involvement: 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. A message from "STERNENKO" reports that North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region have killed 5 Russian marines and fled. An image from "STERNENKO" shows a wanted poster for three North Korean soldiers accused of killing five Russian marines in the Kursk region on January 13, 2025. Ukrainian paratroopers report the capture of a North Korean soldier.

Kharkiv Region

Clashes and Airstrikes: Clashes have been reported along the Kharkiv axis, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes at Veterynarne, Hlushkivka, Shyykivka, and Borivsk Andriyivka. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones in the western and central parts of Kharkiv region, heading west. Drones are also reported north of Kharkiv, heading west, and on the border of Kharkiv and Poltava regions, heading west.
Drone Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. A Russian drone, likely a "Molniya", reportedly attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv. One person has been reported injured due to the drone attack.
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.
Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly reduced the distance to Ukrainian positions in Petrovske (Hrekivka) to 2km. Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area and in Dvurichna. They have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya, occupied the forest near Zapadnoye, and advanced significantly in the center of Dvurichna. Several dozen civilians reportedly remain in the frontline zone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian forces report burning a Russian T-80 tank in the Kharkiv region. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces from the 3rd Assault Brigade destroying enemy positions and equipment in the Kharkiv region.
New Report: The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Borova in the Kharkiv region is under threat of a guided aerial bomb (KAB) attack. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Ivanovka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They have also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka and have taken control of a forest area between the settlements, continuing to advance towards Hrekivka. Russian forces have expanded their control zone to Belohorivka on the Krasnolimanske direction. Fighting is ongoing on its outskirts. They are also advancing northwest of Ivanivka towards Kolodyazne. 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. 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. 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. Russian forces are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka.
Borova Direction: 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.
Encirclement Attempt: Russian forces are reportedly attempting to encircle a Ukrainian grouping near Nadiia.
New Report: Russian forces have dislodged Ukrainian units from a strategic height near Makiivka in the LPR.
New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that units of the "West" group have liberated Novoyehorivka in the LPR.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Activity: Reports of numerous drone attacks across various regions. New groups of attack drones are reported, with specific movements and directions. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a drone in Sumy region, heading south. Ukrainian forces used drones to attack oil refineries in Saratov, Kazan, Engels and military and energy facilities in Bryansk and Rostov. A map of air raid alerts shows that air raid alerts are active across almost all of Ukraine. Updated data from the Air Force on the movement of "Shaheds": enemy UAVs are recorded over Kyiv, course - south, drones were seen in the central part of Chernihiv region, course - south-west, "Shaheds" are in Sumy region, course - south-west, on the border of Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, course - west, over the Kremenchug reservoir, course - south, in the central part of Kharkiv region, course - west, in the northern and eastern parts of Mykolaiv region, course - west, on the border of Mykolaiv and Odessa regions, course - north-west. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones: in the northern part of Zhytomyr region heading west, in the southern part of Vinnytsia region heading west, in the northeastern part of Chernihiv region heading east, in the northern part of Cherkasy region heading southwest, in the northern part of Poltava region heading west, and moving from Sumy region towards Chernihiv region. New reports indicate drone movements in Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk regions. One drone is approaching Rivne, another is near Sloviansk, and three are in the Poltava region. There are reports of one drone flying from the Belotserkovsky district into the Vinnitsa region, one drone near Akhtyrka, two new drones moving west through the Kupyansky district, and four new drones moving from the Berislavsky district towards Novy Bug. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones: in the southern part of the Kiev region towards Vinnitsa, from Sumy region towards Poltava, in the northern part of Poltava region in a westerly direction, in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Kharkov region in a westerly direction, in the northern part of Kherson region in the direction of Nikolaev/Dnepropetrovsk. One drone is reported flying near Balovnoe, one is flying near Bereznegovatoe, two are flying near Krivoy Rog, one is flying near Pereyaslav, and one is flying north of Kupyansk. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones from Mykolaiv region towards Odesa, in the eastern part of Kyiv region with a western course, in the northern part of Poltava region with a western course, on the border of Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad regions with a northern course, in the eastern part of Kharkiv region constantly changing course, and south of Zaporizhzhia with a south-western course. Video evidence shows the moment of today's drone arrivals at an oil depot in the Voronezh region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones on the south-west of Chernihiv region (north-west course), on the west of Cherkasy region (south course), on the east of Mykolaiv region (north-west course), and on the border of the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson region (south-east course). There are reports of one drone on the north of Kyiv region, one drone near Shepetivka, and one drone flying towards Novyi Buh. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that there are currently enemy attack drones in the north of Zhytomyr region, heading west, and in the south of Kirovohrad region, heading northeast. A new report indicates a drone is approaching Zhytomyr from the north.
New Drone Technology: Reports indicate that Russian forces are increasingly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, which are more resistant to electronic warfare. A video from "Kotsnews" shows an M113 attempting to evade a drone with a fiber-optic connection. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces from the 4th Mechanized Battalion of the Presidential Brigade destroying Russian equipment with drones.
Smolensk Under Attack: Multiple sources report a series of explosions in Smolensk, with at least seven powerful explosions reported. Preliminary reports indicate the target is the Yartsevo oil refinery. Russian air defenses are reportedly active. One drone allegedly hit the roof of a residential building, with no reported casualties. There are new reports of a series of explosions in Smolensk. At least 5 explosions were reported. Air defense systems are actively operating in the area. Reports of power and water outages in several buildings in Smolensk following the drone attack. A fire was reported at a military factory in Smolensk. Pro-Ukrainian sources claim the attacks in Smolensk are going according to plan. In Smolensk, the attack of the UAV was repulsed. There is damage to the roof of residential buildings after the fall of downed drones. There were no reports of casualties. Debris from a downed drone has been found in a residential area of Smolensk. Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked the Smolensk Aviation Plant, which manufactures military aircraft, including Su-25 attack aircraft. A video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows Ukrainian drones attacking the Smolensk airfield overnight, with Russian air defenses targeting apartment buildings. The caption notes that the Smolensk Aviation Plant produces and modernizes military aircraft, including Su-25 attack aircraft, and provides maintenance for outdated models. The plant also cooperates with other defense enterprises in the production of modern aviation systems. Explosions and air defense activity were reported in the Saratov region.
New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that over the past day, air defense systems intercepted 17 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in various regions, including LPR, DPR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that air defense forces shot down three Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the strike on the oil depot in the Voronezh region and the aircraft factory in the Smolensk region.
New Report: Russian forces report a drone attack on Mykolaiv, with seven drones reportedly targeting a high-rise building. Ukrainian air defenses are reportedly active in the Zhytomyr region.

Geopolitical Developments

The US State Department claims that new sanctions against Russia are more effective than recognizing it as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament compared Biden and Zelensky to "dying horses."
Only Putin and Trump can resolve the Ukrainian issue, stated the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Andrei Danko.
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.
Zelensky began copying Trump, according to Le Monde.
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.
President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino, states that the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will remain under Panamanian control.
Zelensky met with the speaker of the Lithuanian parliament to discuss continued support for Ukraine, the preparation of a new EU sanctions package, the strengthening of military-technical cooperation, and joint projects in the defense industry. Zelensky also noted Lithuania's leadership in advocating for Ukraine on its path to the European Union and NATO.
Ukrainian forces report a successful strike on a Russian TOR-M2 air defense system using an FPV drone.
Supporters of Donald Trump gathered near the Capitol to show their support. The center of Washington is cordoned off by police and the National Guard.
Donald Trump has stated his intention to pardon many of those convicted for participating in the storming of the Capitol.
The US Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
Trump will cancel the freeze on the supply of powerful bombs to Israel, according to media reports.
Zelensky is ready for a deal to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, said Donald Trump.
Marco Rubio stated that Ukraine and Russia must "give up something" to end the war.
Senator Marco Rubio was officially approved as head of the US State Department.
Donald Trump said he plans to meet with Vladimir Putin, but did not specify a date.
Donald Trump said the US has a right to half of TikTok.
Donald Trump signed a decree to create a structure in the US headed by Elon Musk to improve the efficiency of the government.
Donald Trump, in the Oval Office, told reporters that he plans to meet with Vladimir Putin after the relevant negotiations are established, adding that the process is already underway. He also expressed his intention to achieve an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war. Recalling his statements as a presidential candidate that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, Trump noted that he still has half a day to achieve the goal. A video from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows Trump stating that he has half a day left to stop the war, but he believes it will take six months. He also mentions that he will have a phone call with Putin soon and that sanctions against Russia will likely remain until the conflict is resolved.
Trump signed a law to stop aid to foreign countries for 90 days. This law also affects Ukraine.
Trump signed a decree to abolish birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
Donald Trump began the first day of his presidency by signing decrees on energy, immigration policy, and national security, canceling a number of decisions of the Joe Biden administration. These documents do not require the approval of Congress, so they can be quickly implemented. Among Trump's first presidential decrees are the introduction of a state of emergency in the US energy sector, the decision for the US to again withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the pardon of those convicted for the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, the unblocking of the social network TikTok for 75 days, and the creation of the "Department of Government Efficiency" headed by Trump adviser Elon Musk.
The US has officially exited the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement.
French President Macron stated that the conflict in Ukraine will not end in the near future and that Europe must be at the negotiating table. He also called for increased recruitment of volunteers into the French army.
Russia expects that Trump and the leadership of Panama, during discussions, will respect the current international legal regime of the Panama Canal, stated Ryabkov to TASS. Russia assumes that the international legal regime of the Panama Canal is clearly defined in the 1977 agreement between the USA and Panama, Ryabkov noted.
The flag above the US Embassy in Moscow was raised by order of Trump. Previously, it was lowered in memory of Jimmy Carter by order of Biden. Video: Pavel Tsukanov/TASS.
Trump has suspended US aid to other countries for 90 days to conduct checks to determine whether they are in line with his political goals. It is unclear which aid this applies to, as funding for many programs has already been approved by Congress and the money is required to be spent. "No further US foreign aid will be provided in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the US President," Trump said.
Armenia has no intention of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as participation in the organization provides economic benefits, stated the Speaker of the Parliament, Alen Simonyan.
BRICS is strong enough to withstand the threats of the new US President, stated the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia. In an interview with the Jakarta Post, Tolchenov noted that Russia is already cooperating with China and India in the field of settlements in national currencies and is negotiating with Indonesia on this issue. Moscow also hopes that Indonesia, which recently joined BRICS, will take the same firm position in resisting external pressure. Earlier, Donald Trump expressed his intention to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS member states in case of the creation of a single currency or a complete transition to national currencies. However, according to the Russian ambassador, the group members do not intend to abandon the dollar and do not pay attention to such threats.
Putin and Xi Jinping held a video conference. This is their second contact in the last few days.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reports that Russia and China have reached an unprecedented level of relations and are ready to cooperate to create a more just multipolar world order.
Negotiations between Putin and Xi Jinping are ongoing, Peskov told TASS.
Lavrov will meet with the State Duma Committee on International Affairs before the government hour with the participation of the Minister, stated the head of the committee, Leonid Slutsky, to TASS.
The State Duma is considering imposing harsher penalties for extremism, with criminal liability potentially applying even for first-time offenses committed online, possibly leading to up to five years in prison.
The Russian Ministry of Justice's proposal to toughen penalties for "extremism" has been approved by the government commission.
The US is preparing to deploy nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time in 15 years, according to The Telegraph.
Lavrov is visiting Armenia.
US President Trump signed a decree to reinstate the death penalty at the federal level in the US and ordered all states to be provided with a sufficient amount of the drug for lethal injections.
On the US border, migrants are no longer allowed to enter. Immediately after taking the oath, Donald Trump ordered the shutdown of the CBP One border crossing application, which allowed migrants to legally enter the United States and obtain work permits. One million people used this application.
A bill will be submitted to the State Duma on the priority of hiring wives of mobilized individuals for state organizations and maintaining their positions during downsizing.
Syria has terminated the agreement with Russia regarding the port of Tartus.
Orbán has called on the EU to lift sanctions against Russia, arguing that they are only harming the EU.
A large fire is reported in Grozny, at the "Poisk" shopping center in the "Berkat" market. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Changes compared to the previous 6 hours

Donetsk Region: Continued fighting in Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka. New reports of fighting near Kurakhove and Andriivka. Continued fighting in Zverevo. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have defeated Ukrainian HIMARS in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. The basements and workshops of the refractory plant in Chasiv Yar have been completely cleared. Russian forces have liberated the settlement of Volkovo in the DPR. Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces have reportedly pushed Russian troops out of positions near Shevchenko and Uspenivka. Russian forces have reportedly advanced in Velyka Novosilka, near Vozdvyzhenka, Slovyanka, and Sribne.
Kursk Region: Continued Russian advances and new video evidence of fighting. Reports of Ukrainian drone strikes and casualties. A new Russian attack near Nikolskoye resulted in an advance of over 1.5 km. Nikolayevo-Daryino has been retaken by Russian forces.
Luhansk Region: Further Russian advances reported. The Russian army is expanding its bridgeheads on the right bank of the Zherebets River in Ivanovka and on the right bank of the Oskol River in Dvurichna. Russian units are also advancing near Terny on the left bank of the Zherebets. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that units of the "West" group have liberated Novoyehorivka in the LPR.
Kharkiv Region: New report of a threat of a guided aerial bomb (KAB) attack on Borova. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region. A Russian drone, likely a "Molniya", reportedly attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv. One person was injured. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces from the 3rd Assault Brigade destroying enemy positions and equipment in the Kharkiv region.
Drone Warfare: Continued widespread drone activity, with new reports of drones in various regions. New reports on the movement of "Shahed" drones. Smolensk is under a sustained drone attack, with multiple explosions reported and air defenses active. New reports of a series of explosions, power and water outages, and a fire at a military factory in Smolensk. New reports indicate drone movements in Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk regions. There are reports of one drone flying from the Belotserkovsky district into the Vinnitsa region, one drone near Akhtyrka, two new drones moving west through the Kupyansky district, and four new drones moving from the Berislavsky district towards Novy Bug. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones: in the southern part of the Kiev region towards Vinnitsa, from Sumy region towards Poltava, in the northern part of Poltava region in a westerly direction, in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Kharkov region in a westerly direction, in the northern part of Kherson region in the direction of Nikolaev/Dnepropetrovsk. One drone is reported flying near Balovnoe, one is flying near Bereznegovatoe, two are flying near Krivoy Rog, one is flying near Pereyaslav, and one is flying north of Kupyansk. Debris from a downed drone has been found in a residential area of Smolensk. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones from Mykolaiv region towards Odesa, in the eastern part of Kyiv region with a western course, in the northern part of Poltava region with a western course, on the border of Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad regions with a northern course, in the eastern part of Kharkiv region constantly changing course, and south of Zaporizhzhia with a south-western course. Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked the Smolensk Aviation Plant. A video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows Ukrainian drones attacking the Smolensk airfield overnight, with Russian air defenses targeting apartment buildings. The caption notes that the Smolensk Aviation Plant produces and modernizes military aircraft, including Su-25 attack aircraft, and provides maintenance for outdated models. The plant also cooperates with other defense enterprises in the production of modern aviation systems. Explosions and air defense activity were reported in the Saratov region. New report that Russian air defenses destroyed three Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea near Crimea. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the strike on the oil depot in the Voronezh region and the aircraft factory in the Smolensk region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones on the south-west of Chernihiv region (north-west course), on the west of Cherkasy region (south course), on the east of Mykolaiv region (north-west course), and on the border of the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson region (south-east course). There are reports of one drone on the north of Kyiv region, one drone near Shepetivka, and one drone flying towards Novyi Buh. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that there are currently enemy attack drones in the north of Zhytomyr region, heading west, and in the south of Kirovohrad region, heading northeast. A new report indicates a drone is approaching Zhytomyr from the north.
Geopolitical Developments: New statements from the US State Department, the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, and the President of Panama. Zelensky met with the speaker of the Lithuanian parliament. Reports of Trump supporters gathering near the Capitol and Trump's intention to pardon those convicted for the Capitol riot. The US Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Reports that Trump will

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