Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 22, 2025

Key Military Developments

Donetsk Region

• Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are intensifying efforts to encircle Velyka Novosilka, establishing positions in the northeast and southeast of the city. Ukrainian military sources indicate Russian forces are within 1.5 km of closing a cauldron around Velyka Novosilka. The last road supplying the city is reportedly under Russian control. Russian forces are attacking in the area of the milk factory, gas station, dormitory, and airfield. Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent the encirclement of Velyka Novosilka by avoiding direct urban combat and focusing on improving their positions north and south of Novy Komar. 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. Ukrainian forces are reportedly attempting to block Velyka Novosilka and are using armored vehicles in their attacks. "Иди и смотри" reports that the garrison of ВСУ in Velyka Novosilka is in an operational encirclement. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 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 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. 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. "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. 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. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian troops near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces are reportedly within 3 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and have cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova. On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian forces attacked 19 times near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces conducted airstrikes with guided bombs near several settlements. Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Velyka Novosilka and five other settlements in the Donetsk region. Colonelcassad reports that there will be good news from Velyka Novosilka tonight. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting a Russian ammunition depot near Velyka Novosilka. The depot explodes after being hit. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles near Velyka Novosilka. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting a Russian ammunition depot near Velyka Novosilka. The depot explodes after being hit. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles near Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces report that the only way in and out of Velyka Novosilka is on foot, while military correspondent Oleksandr Kots reports that the only remaining key outpost of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the South Donetsk direction is "doomed". New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" reports that the enemy is fleeing Velyka Novosilka and that strikes are being carried out on the crossing with personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The message also states that the cleanup of the neighborhoods is currently underway.
• Pokrovsk Direction: Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, having reportedly reached the outskirts and are now less than 10 kilometers from the city. They are 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. Ukrainian MP Marianna Bezugla claims that Russian forces have entered Pokrovsk. However, this claim is disputed by other Ukrainian sources, including the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia," which states that fierce battles are ongoing on the outskirts but denies Russian presence in the city. Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaged Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, including the destruction of a German Leopard tank. 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. 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. The Ukrainian General Staff reports 189 combat clashes in the past 24 hours, with 89 of them in the Pokrovsk direction. The Southern grouping of forces destroyed a command post of a Ukrainian mechanized brigade. Russian forces are reportedly within 3 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and have cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova. 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. A Russian drone destroyed a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near Pokrovsk. On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes of varying intensity, with Ukrainian forces. Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near Pokrovsk.
• 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 Chasiv 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. A group of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly become trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. 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. Russian forces have made significant advances in the urban area, capturing about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district. They have also gained control of the fourth section of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant. Tank crews of the 63rd Brigade reportedly attacked Russian positions in the Serebryansky forest. Russian forces report significant advances in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, as well as ongoing battles for a multi-story building near a 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. 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 message from "Дневник Десантника" reports that Russian forces continue to advance in Chasiv Yar, with the 200th Brigade clearing the "Десятый" microdistrict and advancing in the "Новосеверный" microdistrict. Clashes continue near Chasiv Yar with no significant changes. In Chasiv Yar, after the liberation of the Refractory Plant, the fighting shifted to the "Novoseverny" microdistrict. To the south, heavy fighting continues for residential areas. New message from "Дневник Десантника" reports that south of the Novyi microdistrict in the forest area on the territory of the Mir and Bunker children's camp, Russian forces dislodged the enemy from the buildings and eliminated an enemy group. The message also reports that Russian forces cleared the forest area and advanced another 800 meters. Near the Dniprovskyi pond in Chasov Yar, Russian artillerymen from the "Grad" MLRS engaged enemy positions.
• Kurakhove: On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. 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.
• Other Areas: Russian forces report that they have entered Dmytriv and are advancing to the west and north of the settlement, as well as having severed the railway line and highway. They also claim to have entered Urozhaine and Novosergiyivka and to have liberated Slovyanka and Yasenove. 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.

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 several settlements and are advancing in the Sudzha area, reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. Positional fighting is reported near Sudzha and Uspenovka.
• Intense Fighting: Reports indicate an impending decisive battle, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. Active fighting is ongoing.
• Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. 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 of an FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroying a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of the Kursk region. Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area. Video from "Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction. Movement of Enemy Equipment in Kursk Oblast: From 6 AM until the time of this report, there has been a significant movement of various enemy equipment in Kursk Oblast. Some of this equipment has been destroyed. Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region. Video evidence shows a Ukrainian tank being destroyed by a Russian drone in the Kursk region. Video evidence from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows electronic warfare specialists of a separate motorized infantry brigade of the "Sever" group detecting and shooting down Ukrainian UAVs in the Kursk region border area. Video evidence from "WarGonzo" shows a special report on a Russian armored group called "Pressa" operating in the Kursk region. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
• Other: Terrible consequences of enemy aggression in the Kursk region: commissions begin work to assess the destruction in the border area. In the Kursk region, commissions are starting to work on assessing the degree of destruction of residential buildings in the border areas affected by attacks and the invasion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This applies to those settlements that were not included in the list of non-commission issuance of certificates to residents. The Ministry of Defense provided the first list of 158 settlements where commissions can go. At least 16 of them (in 4 districts) have houses destroyed or damaged as a result of the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the governor of the Kursk region reports. Calculation of FPV drones of the Rubikon center destroyed the Ukrainian self-propelled guns in the Kursk direction.

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.
• Drone Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
• Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community due to a Russian attack.

Luhansk Region

• Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Ivanovka near Terny 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. On the Lyman direction, Russian invaders attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 16 times near several settlements. Two combat clashes are ongoing. Enemy aircraft struck with unguided rockets at Zelenyi Hai. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Zarichne. Russian forces report expanding their control zone on the right bank of the Zherebets River and advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They report advances beyond Nadiya towards the border with the Kharkiv region and northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area and moving towards Hrekivka.
• Borova Direction (New): Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai, covering an area up to 3.85 km wide and 2.35 km deep.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Activity: Reports of numerous drones across various regions. New groups of attack drones are reported, with specific movements and directions. Ukrainian forces used drones to attack oil refineries in Saratov, Kazan, Engels and military and energy facilities in Bryansk and Rostov. 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. New reports indicate drone movements in the Kharkiv region with a course towards Dnipropetrovsk region. A new group of attack drones is reported in the south of Kharkiv region with a southwesterly direction.
• New Drone Technology: Reports indicate that Russian forces are increasingly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, which are more resistant to electronic warfare.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• High-ranking British officers believe that ending the fighting will help Russia increase its military power. They believe that the only good solution would be to provide maximum military assistance to Ukraine without any restrictions and to inflict a complete defeat on Russia.
• 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. New report from "РБК-Україна" states that Germany and France will not reduce their support for Ukraine, according to Scholz. New report from "Zelenskiy / Official" states that during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andriy Plenkovich, Zelensky thanked him for supporting the Ukrainian people and their independence. They discussed security cooperation and further interaction in the defense sphere. Strengthening Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield and strengthening Ukraine's position are extremely important for achieving a just and lasting peace.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts. The Donetsk region remains the focal point of intense fighting, with Russian forces making incremental gains around Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka. The stalled Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region and the ongoing drone warfare, including attacks deep inside Russia, further complicate the situation. The potential meeting between Trump and Putin adds another layer of uncertainty to the conflict's future. Ukrainian forces continue to resist, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops and equipment, but the overall situation remains challenging. The reported Ukrainian losses of 1690 personnel, 10 tanks, 42 armored vehicles, 19 artillery systems, 3 air defense systems, 153 UAVs, 87 vehicles, and 6 units of special equipment highlight the intensity of the fighting. The reported destruction of Ukrainian air defense systems (two Buk-M3 and two Tor-M2) in the south is also a significant development.

The new reports of drone movements, especially in the Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, and Sumy regions, indicate a continued threat to these areas. The Ukrainian Air Force's alerts highlight the ongoing danger posed by these drones. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, as reported by South Korean intelligence and Ukrainian sources, adds a new dimension to the conflict, suggesting a potential expansion of foreign involvement on the Russian side. The geopolitical developments, particularly the comments from the Slovak Parliament's Vice-Speaker, highlight the

Here are the major updates on the military situation from the article:

• Donetsk Region:
  • Russian forces are intensifying efforts to encircle Velyka Novosilka, with reports indicating they are within 1.5 km of achieving this.
  • Fighting continues on the outskirts of Velyka Novosilka.
  • Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent the encirclement by avoiding urban combat and focusing on positions north and south of Novy Komar.
  • The only way in and out of Velyka Novosilka is reportedly on foot.
  • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian troops near Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russian forces are attacking in the area of the milk factory, gas station, dormitory and airfield near Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russian forces are reportedly within 3 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and have cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro, specifically the road through Mezhova.
  • On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian forces attacked 19 times near Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russian forces conducted airstrikes with guided bombs near several settlements.
  • Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Velyka Novosilka and five other settlements in the Donetsk region.
  • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting a Russian ammunition depot near Velyka Novosilka.
  • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles near Velyka Novosilka.
  • Ukrainian forces report that the only way in and out of Velyka Novosilka is on foot, while military correspondent Oleksandr Kots reports that the only remaining key outpost of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the South Donetsk direction is "doomed".
  • New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА" reports that the enemy is fleeing Velyka Novosilka and that strikes are being carried out on the crossing with personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
  • Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, having reportedly reached the outskirts and are now less than 10 kilometers from the city.
  • They are 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.
  • Ukrainian MP Marianna Bezugla claims that Russian forces have entered Pokrovsk. However, this claim is disputed by other Ukrainian sources.
  • Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaged Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, including the destruction of a German Leopard tank.
  • From the Pokrovsk direction, there are reports of the success of Russian troops in Kotlyno and Udachny.
  • Enemy resources recognize the loss of control over mine No. 2 of the Pokrovskoe ShU.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Russian DRGs are reportedly operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka.
  • Russian forces have cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk.
  • The Ukrainian General Staff reports 189 combat clashes in the past 24 hours, with 89 of them in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near Pokrovsk.
  • Heavy fighting continues in Chasiv Yar, 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.
  • 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.
  • 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