Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 22, 2025, 14:08 UTC
Key Military Developments
Donetsk Region
Svatove-Kremenna Direction: Russian forces advanced on three fronts, extending control near Terny and securing new positions near Yampolivka. Clashes were reported near Kopanky, Terny, and Kolodyazi. 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. They also 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. Russian forces have continued to expand their bridgehead on the western bank of the Zherebets River in the direction of Kolodezi.
Velyka Novosilka: The assault continues, with Russian troops engaged in combat on the outskirts. Ukrainian forces are using drones for defense. Despite the risk of encirclement, there are no reports of mass retreat. Russian forces are reportedly within 1.5 km of encircling Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent encirclement by avoiding urban combat and focusing on positions north and south of Novy Komar. Video evidence shows operators from the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group using FPV drones to target a Ukrainian self-propelled artillery unit near the Sukhyi Yaly River and to destroy another unit in the same area. "Воин DV" reports that Russian forces are continuing their offensive to liberate Velyka Novosilka, having established positions on the northeastern and southeastern parts of the city. Video evidence 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 shows Ukrainian forces using mortars, "Baba Yaga" drones, and tanks to destroy Russian forces and equipment. Video evidence 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. "Воин DV" Telegram channel shows drone operators of the 37th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 36th Army of the "Vostok" group destroying a Ukrainian BMP, which was reportedly carrying ammunition, north of Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian soldiers managed to escape into trenches, but drones were used to target them. On the Novopavlivka axis, clashes were reported near Vremivka, Kostyantynopil, and Velyka Novosilka. A new video shows fighters from Yakutia with the callsigns Amga and Gorets, who evacuated civilians from Vremivka under fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Colonelcassad reports that there will be good news from Velyka Novosilka tonight. Ukrainian forces report that the only way in and out of Velyka Novosilka is on foot. Russian forces are reportedly 2200 meters from completely encircling the town. Video evidence shows a Russian drone attack on a Ukrainian BMP north of Velyka Novosilka. The BMP was reportedly carrying ammunition, which detonated after the strike. The Ukrainian soldiers managed to escape into nearby trenches before being targeted by drones. A new report from "Воин DV" indicates that Russian forces are organizing an evacuation of Ukrainian forces from Velyka Novosilka. The report suggests that while the Russian forces are attempting to facilitate a withdrawal, they are also facing challenges in maintaining communication, supplies, and evacuation routes due to the ongoing fighting. It also suggests that the Ukrainian 1st Presidential Brigade of the National Guard is being prioritized for evacuation, while regular infantry units from the 110th Mechanized Brigade are left to "hold the line" without adequate support. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian troops near Velyka Novosilka, with Russian forces approximately 4.5 km from the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Russian forces are attacking in the area of the milk factory, gas station, dormitory and airfield. Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces conducted a double strike on Ukrainian vehicles near Velyka Novosilka. Video evidence shows drone operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade targeting Russian troops in the vicinity of the Sukhi Yali River.
Chasiv Yar: Heavy fighting continues, with Russian forces reportedly seizing the initiative and pushing Ukrainian troops back. Russian forces have captured about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district. Tank crews of the 63rd Brigade reportedly attacked Russian positions in the Serebryansky forest. Russian forces report advances in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, as well as ongoing battles for a multi-story building near a refractory plant. "Colonelcassad" shows Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. They are also making progress in a nearby forest. Reports of Russian forces making significant advances in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and engaging in battles for a multi-story building near a refractory plant. The 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shows the destruction of Russian forces, including four dozen "motorpikes" who launched an assault north of Vesele. "Дневник Десантника" reports that 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. On the Chasiv Yar direction, a cauldron is forming. Russian forces are advancing not only in the Chasiv Yar urban area but also to the south, east of Stupochki. 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. 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. Video shows Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. They are also making progress in a nearby forest. 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 fighters from the "Española" brigade, alongside the 98th Airborne Division and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade, engaging in combat in Chasiv Yar.
Pokrovsk Direction: A Russian drone destroyed a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near 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. 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. Enemy resources recognize the loss of control over mine No. 2 of the Pokrovskoe ShU. Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaged 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. Reports of the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" potentially ceasing operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine. On the right flank of the Pokrovsk sector of the front, units of the "Center" group of forces continue their powerful offensive, advancing south and west of Vozdvizhenka in the direction of Elizavetovka. Fighting for Baranovka is beginning. On the left flank of the offensive near Pokrovsk, the Russian Armed Forces continue to drive out the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Kotlyno, Udachnoye, Zverevo, Uspenovka, Slavyanka, and Petropavlovka. Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces abandoned Pokrovsk, according to Mash. The liberation of Vozdvyzhenka and the severing of key supply lines significantly impede Ukrainian resupply and reinforcement. Russian DRGs are reportedly operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka. Russian forces have cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces are making efforts to prevent the loss of Pokrovsk, but the speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies the city is under threat of encirclement. 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. 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 Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk. Reports of the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" potentially ceasing operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine. A photo message shows that "liberated" Pokrovsk now looks like this. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have defeated Ukrainian HIMARS in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. "Гром" reportedly eliminates the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Pokrovsk. Tank crews of the "Гром" battalion of the Altai 35th brigade of the Central Military District are reportedly destroying the enemy's defenses on a daily basis, supporting the offensive of the "Струна" battalion of the "Center" group of troops in the Pokrovsk direction. New messages indicate that west of Volkovo and north of Solenoye, Russian forces have advanced 3.6 km, encompassing the entire "pocket." Heavy fighting is reported in Udachnoye. Following the liberation of Baranovka, Russian forces are clearing positions on the opposite high bank of the river, from where the enemy had controlled the village. Fighting continues west of Vodyanoye Vtoroye. Russian forces have liberated Baranovka. Russian artillery is heavily shelling Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). Video evidence shows Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west through small villages and forest belts, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian logistics. "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. In the Donetsk region, the area of Dmytrovo (Kotlyno) – Udachne is a focus of Russian operations, with assaults continuing towards a mine and factory, and attacks towards Hryshyno and Serhiivka. Fighting is ongoing in the center of Udachne, and south of Udachne, Russian units are advancing towards Novoserhiivka.
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. Russian forces targeted and destroyed communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones. Active combat operations reported near Kurakhovo. Successful strike on a Ukrainian armored vehicle south of Dachne after being targeted by a Russian FPV drone. Ukrainian forces successfully stormed a Russian position near Kurakhove and captured several Russian soldiers. The operation was carried out by the 79th Separate Air Assault Tauride Brigade. Ongoing active combat operations in the vicinity of Kurakhovo and Andriivka. Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian howitzer near Dachne. Reports of fighting near Kurakhove and Andriivka. 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. New video evidence shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold. Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting and destroying communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones. This action is described as a priority for disrupting Ukrainian communications. 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. Russian forces continue clearing operations in liberated territory and report destroying a group of Ukrainian forces during a retreat using drones.
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. Reports of the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk being partially without power due to an emergency shutdown, potentially affecting water supply in various parts of the city. At the Kramatorsk axis, clashes were reported near Chasiv Yar and Fedorivka.
Zaporizhzhia Region: Infrastructure damage was reported in Ukrainian-controlled areas of the Zaporizhzhia region. The number of wounded from a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to two. Ukrainian forces are reportedly shelling Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region using MLRS, according to Russian sources. An air raid alert has been declared in the Zaporizhzhia region. 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 enemy at the same time hit the court building in Vasilyevka with artillery. Overnight, Russian forces launched 434 strikes on 9 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region. Six airstrikes targeted Novoandriivka and Novodanylivka. 264 UAV attacks were reported on Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Novodarivka, and Charivne. Additionally, 10 MLRS attacks hit Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, and Novodarivka, and 154 artillery strikes targeted Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, Huliaipilske, and Novodarivka. Ten reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure were received, with no civilian casualties reported. F-16s were spotted flying in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Last week, two F-16 fighter jets were observed in the south of the Ukrainian-occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region. The planes flew towards the Pology district, turned around, and flew back. The exact take-off area is unknown. However, there are only a few airfields capable of accommodating F-16s. Most likely, the route was as follows: F-16s were previously transferred from Poland to an airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk or Lutsk. From there, they could have moved to Ozerny in the Zhytomyr region or Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region. Vasylkiv, by the way, is one of the first airfields modernized for American aircraft. From there, they could easily fly to the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, practice flight routes, use several jump bases, and simulate strikes on Russian cities. Until now, F-16s have rarely been seen in eastern Ukraine. Previously, they were regularly observed in western Ukraine, occasionally flying into the Myrhorod area. Last week, they were active in Zaporizhzhia. And, most likely, these were training flights to practice the scenario of their use in combat. Since the transfer of the fighters, they have not been used for their intended purpose. At the Orikhiv axis, clashes were reported near Kamyanske. Video evidence shows Russian forces using drones to destroy Ukrainian positions and equipment on the Zaporizhzhia front. A generator and a suspected Javelin anti-tank missile system were among the targets destroyed. A drone was reported flying towards Zaporizhzhia from Dnipropetrovsk, but an air raid alert has been lifted. An air raid alert has been reissued for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Toretsk: On the Toretsk axis, clashes were reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka. 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. A new video shows a Ukrainian sniper team reportedly killing two Russian soldiers near Toretsk. Russian forces have reportedly advanced 300 meters, taking control of the Toretska mine. In Petrivka, they advanced 600 meters. Video evidence shows the 2nd Mechanized Battalion fighting on the ruins of Toretsk, engaging in close-quarters combat. Ukrainian forces are reportedly losing control of the city. Ukrainian forces are using drones to target Russian troops. Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Totem" unit of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, successfully targeted a Russian soldier in an armored Niva vehicle with a drone. Russian forces have reportedly advanced another 300 meters and taken control of the Toretska mine, with fighting ongoing in the central part of the mine. In Petrivka, Russian forces advanced 600 meters, with fighting ongoing in the central part of the settlement.
Dzerzhinsk - Russian forces reportedly captured most of the mining complex and part of Krymske.
Kursk Region
Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting continues in the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces launching constant counterattacks, slowing Russian progress. Despite this, Russian forces are advancing near Nikolaevo-Daryino. 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. 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. Video evidence confirms the complete liberation of Nikolayevo-Daryino. Russian forces report the capture of Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya and Ukrainian forces counterattacking. Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
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. Russian troops used an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka. A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region. A successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye. Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region. A successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region. Russian forces successfully employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region. A North Korean soldier evicted two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka. A Russian drone targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region. An FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroyed a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of the Kursk region. A Russian Su-34 bomber destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area. "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. A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region. A Ukrainian tank was destroyed by a Russian drone in the Kursk region. 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. "WarGonzo" shows a special report on a Russian armored group called "Pressa" operating in the Kursk region. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber. A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region. There is video evidence of captured Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces successfully employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region. "Colonelcassad" details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye. A Russian soldier won a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself. "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region. A North Korean soldier evicted two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka. A Russian Su-34 bomber destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area. There is video evidence of a captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle (based on the M113) in the Kursk region. A Russian "Lancet" drone struck a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near the border in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. The "Black Swan" unit of the 255th Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces shows fighting near Glubokoye in the Kursk region. "Mediazona" confirmed the deaths of at least three lieutenant colonels in a missile strike on Lgov, Kursk region, on December 30th. A Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducted strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel in the Kursk border area. A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region. "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows a drone operator with the callsign "Moses" preparing a "Baba Yaga" drone for an attack 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 that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the Kursk region, collecting data on Russian and North Korean troops. Operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers who were advancing on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults. A new video from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel shows a separate guards airborne assault brigade using a fiber-optic drone called "Князь Вандал" to destroy enemy combat vehicles in the Kursk region. According to the channel, the drone's fiber-optic technology makes it immune to enemy electronic warfare. New video evidence shows Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, using drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. 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. New 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 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 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. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP with a Lancet loitering munition in the Kursk region. In the Kursk region, Russian fighters captured two Ukrainian fascists who, on the orders of the command, killed a peaceful resident in one of the villages. During the interrogation, it turned out that the junta command gave the order to destroy the Russian-speaking civilian population. 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. Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region. New video shows a Russian 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. New video shows Ukrainian soldiers interrogating a captured North Korean soldier in the Kursk region using Google Translate. An update from the Russian Ministry of Defense states that Russian forces repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. Russian forces report that an attempted Ukrainian counterattack to retake Kruglенькое failed. Russian forces report that they are finishing taking the remaining Ukrainian positions in Kurilovka. Russian forces report that Nikolaevo-Daryino is under their control and that airborne troops are advancing further into Ukrainian territory. Russian forces report that there is heavy fighting in Makhnovka. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region. The drone was reportedly part of a group of 39 "Baba Yaga" drones that have been destroyed in the area since January 1st. A Lancet loitering munition destroyed a tank of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk border area. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to clear an area of Russian soldiers near Glubokoye. Ukrainian forces, particularly the 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" in collaboration with the 82nd Airborne Assault Brigade, repelled a major mechanized assault by Russian forces in the region. A video shows drone footage of multiple explosions in a rural area, with the "Smuglyanka" unit reportedly adjusting strikes and guiding pilots. Russian forces report finding the mutilated bodies of elderly people in Russkoe Porechnoe. A new message from "DeepState" reports that Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, specifically the 8th Regiment, along with other units, engaged in an 8-hour battle against North Korean troops near the village of Kruglенькое in the Kursk region. The report states that the Ukrainian forces were outnumbered but managed to repel the North Korean attack, inflicting significant casualties. The Ukrainian forces eventually withdrew using two Humvees after expending two-thirds of their ammunition. This report highlights the intensity of the fighting in the Kursk region and the involvement of North Korean troops.
Kharkiv Region
Kharkiv and Kupiansk: The Kharkiv region was under intense attack from Russian forces yesterday, with FAB munitions used against military targets in Kharkiv, Kupiansk, and the broader Kupiansk area. On the Kharkiv direction, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian units twice in the areas of Vovchansk and Tykhy. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Hlushkivka, Shyykivka, and Borivsk Andriyivka. At the Kharkiv axis, clashes were reported near Vovchansk and Tykhy. At the Kupyansk axis, clashes were reported near Dvorichna, Petropavlivka, Lozova, Kutkivka, and Nova Kruhlyakivka. Russian forces have liberated Zapadnoye in the Kharkiv region.
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. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, and that
