Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 23, 2025, 06:38 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 hampering Ukrainian logistics and defenses. The capture of Vremivka is a significant development, effectively cutting off Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novosilka and creating a cauldron. A Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, resulting in heavy losses, while Russian forces have regained territory and are advancing in the Sudzha area. In the Luhansk region, Russian forces have made significant gains, capturing Ivanovka, Novoyehorivka and advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity across multiple regions and confirmed attacks deep inside Russian territory. The situation in Zaporizhzhia is particularly concerning, with repeated attacks and reports of people trapped under rubble and an increasing number of wounded, currently at 24. A 47-year-old man was killed in the attacks. Russian forces have reportedly begun an operation to neutralize Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. About a platoon of Ukrainian forces are reportedly trapped near Chasiv Yar due to Russian advances. A new report indicates that Russian forces have captured Baranovka.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Velyka Novosilka: The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is nearing completion, with Russian forces blocking Ukrainian troops in the northern and southern parts of the city and nearly dividing the garrison in two. All roads are reportedly under Russian fire control. This marks a significant strategic loss for Ukraine, as Velyka Novosilka is a major stronghold in southern Donetsk. 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. The distance between advancing Russian units is reported to be between 2.2 and 3.7 km, indicating that the pocket is completely under fire control by Russian forces. The only way in and out of Velyka Novosilka is on foot. Russian forces are reportedly 2200 meters from completely encircling the town.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, having reportedly reached the outskirts and are now less than 10 kilometers from the city. Heavy fighting continues, with reports of a motorized rifle attack on the Novovasylivka - Novoelizavetovka line. Fighting is ongoing in the areas of Shevchenko, Udachne, Baranivka, Kotlyne, Zverevo, Uspenivka, Slovyanka, and Petropavlivka. Russian assault troops have reportedly captured a ventilation shaft of a mine west of Kotlyne. Russian forces have reportedly begun fighting in Zverevo. Russian forces are reportedly forcibly evacuating children from Pokrovsk. West of Volkovo and north of Solenoye, Russian forces have reportedly 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.
Chasiv Yar: Heavy fighting continues, with Russian forces reportedly seizing the initiative and pushing Ukrainian troops back. Russian forces have almost completely liberated Solenoye and are continuing to fight for Udachnoye and in the Kotlino area. Video evidence shows Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. The basements and workshops of the refractory plant in Chasiv Yar have been completely cleared. 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.
Kurakhove: Fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Active combat operations are reported near Kurakhove.
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.
Dzerzhinsk: Russian forces reportedly captured most of the mining complex and part of Krymske.
Other: Russian forces report advances in Dmytriv, Urozhaine, Novosergiyivka, Slovyanka, and Yasenove.

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. A new statement suggests that Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold their occupied portion of the Kursk region for 100 days. Russian forces have reportedly begun an operation to neutralize Ukrainian forces in the region.
Drone Warfare: Extensive drone activity is reported, with both sides using drones for reconnaissance and attacks. Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka. A destroyed armored "Буханка" called "Коналю-2963" was reported in the Kursk region. Depending on the design, the armor of this van protected either only from pistol bullets and hunting rifles (2nd class), or from 5.45 and 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles with a PS bullet (3rd class). This is not an MRAP, but still noticeably better than a regular "Буханка" or any other civilian unarmored vehicle, which are now increasingly appearing on the front line. An FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroyed a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of the Kursk region.
Other: Russian forces have established a flag on the southern outskirts of Nikolaevo-Daryino and have knocked Ukrainian forces out of the western approaches of Malaya Loknya. Commissions are beginning work to assess the destruction in the border area of the Kursk region. About 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region while fighting against Ukraine. Russian motorized rifle units have demonstrated captured Western-made weapons from the liberated village of Russkoe Porechnoe. 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.
New Russian Advances: In the area of Kruhlenke/Viktorivka, Russian assault units have entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold. Offensive actions are being conducted towards the settlement of Nikolske.

Kharkiv Region

Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleg Sinegubov, reported a threat of enemy drone attacks across the Kharkiv region, with reports of explosions and air defense activity.
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 repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region. One drone is approaching Balakliia.
Russian Advances: Ukrainian forces have reportedly been trapped by Russian forces near Nova Kruhliakivka. Russian forces have reportedly destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove and initiated battles in Bohuslavka. In the Kharkiv region, a Russian soldier reportedly destroyed a group of 8 Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers with mines.

Luhansk Region

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.
Russian Advances: North of Kupiansk on the right bank of the Oskil River, units of the "West" group have liberated the settlement of Zakhidne, with a wedge into the enemy's defenses measuring 4.5 km in depth from the Oskil River to the west. 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. Assault troops of the "Azov" Brigade (recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in the Russian Federation) and artillerymen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are trying to recapture the liberated Nadiya in the LPR, - Marochko. Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. If Ukrainian forces do not retreat, they will be surrounded. Positional fighting is reported in the Krasnyi Lyman - Ivanivka area. Russian forces have reportedly expanded their control zone on the western bank of the Zherebets River near Ivanivka by up to 2 km.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Activity: The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones in various regions, including Chernihiv, Poltava, and Sumy. New drone threats are also reported for Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr oblasts. Reports of explosions in Ryazan and Kazan, Russia, due to drone attacks and air defense activity. Video evidence shows operators of FPV drones of the Russian Armed Forces attacking enemy shelters on the Kherson direction. In the Luhansk region, the production of UAVs from trophy equipment has been mastered, the head of the center "Warriors of the Archangel Michael" with the call sign Doc said. Four Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down over Belgorod overnight. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 26 "Shahed" drones over the Sumi region overnight. One drone was shot down over the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 2 "Shahed" drones over the Mykolaiv Oblast.
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.
New Drone Activity: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a drone in the Dnipropetrovsk region heading towards Zaporizhzhia. A drone has been reported in the south of Chernihiv region, heading south. Drones are also reported in Poltava region, heading west. Reports of drones on the outskirts of Kyiv and moving through Kyiv oblast. An air raid alert has been issued in Kyiv, indicating a potential threat to the capital. Reports of drones on the outskirts of Kyiv and moving through Kyiv oblast. Russian "Geran-2" drones attacked Mykolaiv last night. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that a drone is moving through Chernihiv region towards Kyiv.
Drone as a Weapon: Russian forces are reportedly attaching "hawk claws" to drones to hunt enemy drones. These drones are equipped with spokes that pierce enemy copters. In good weather, Russian operators can reportedly destroy up to a dozen Ukrainian drones.

Zaporizhzhia

Continued Attacks: Zaporizhzhia has been subjected to repeated attacks, with at least four explosions reported. Video evidence shows the aftermath of a nighttime enemy strike on Zaporizhzhia. A residential building was hit by a Russian missile. In the evening the enemy attacked Zaporizhzhia with 7 "Shahed" drones, damaging an energy facility. During the cleanup, the enemy launched 4 missile strikes. 21,000 subscribers in Zaporizhzhia were left without power, including critical infrastructure facilities such as boiler houses, healthcare facilities, administrative buildings, and social protection buildings.
Casualties: There are preliminary reports of people trapped under rubble, with emergency services responding. The number of wounded from previous attacks has risen to 24. Five people are in critical condition, and five are in moderate condition, including two emergency services personnel. Others will be treated on an outpatient basis. Among the injured is a two-month-old child who has been taken to the hospital. A 47-year-old man was killed in the attacks. The number of casualties has increased to 24.
Enerhodar: The satellite city of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Enerhodar, was attacked by four drones, targeting civilian infrastructure.

Geopolitical Developments

US-Russia Relations: Newly elected US President Donald Trump stated he will impose additional sanctions on Russia if Putin does not agree to peace talks. He also called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help end the war in Ukraine and confirmed his intention to speak with Putin soon. Trump also stated that he will leave the investigation into Joe Biden to the discretion of the US Congress.
Potential Trump-Putin Meeting: US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly instructed to organize a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the inauguration. Reports suggest a potential phone call between Putin and Trump after January 20th and a possible face-to-face meeting in the spring, without Zelensky's participation.
Shifting European Approach to Ukraine: Slovak Parliament Vice-Speaker Tibor Gaspar stated that Europe's approach to the Ukrainian issue is changing and that the coming weeks will be decisive. Gaspar accused NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of using Russia as a scare tactic for Europeans.
New Sanctions Against Russia: The new US president, Donald Trump, has allowed for new sanctions against Russia if Putin refuses to negotiate. He also called on Xi Jinping to help end the war, stating, "He hasn't done much for this. He has a lot... of power, just like we have a lot of power. I said, 'You have to solve this.' We discussed it." When asked about further military aid to Ukraine, Trump said he would consider this issue and stressed that the EU should increase its contribution to the level of the US.
The US National Security Council has reportedly sent home dozens of officials responsible for Ukraine, Iran, and North Korea, suspending them from their duties, according to the Washington Post.
Ukrainian authorities expect the fighting to end this year, according to an interview with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, on the Polish radio station RMF FM.
Donald Trump is preparing to send 10,000 troops to the US-Mexico border, according to The Washington Post.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to visit Panama next week amid Trump's statements about control over the Panama Canal, Bloomberg reports.
The seized firearms during the search of the house of former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov are legal and officially registered in his name. This was stated in an interview with a TASS correspondent by one of his defenders, Denis Baluev.
New US Appointments: The agent who defended Trump during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, Sean Curran, has been appointed head of the Secret Service, as announced by the US president on his Truth Social page.

Other Developments

New Technology: The Republic of Buryatia is ready to supply large batches of the "Courier" ground robotic complex (НРТК) to the troops, which is capable of autonomous fire. This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister of Buryatia, Ivan Alheev.
New Messages: A Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has resulted in the death of a 47-year-old man, with 24 people wounded, including a two-month-old infant. Russian forces are reportedly forcibly evacuating children from Pokrovsk.

Changes from Previous Situation

Luhansk Region: Russian forces have captured Novoyehorivka. Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. North of Kupiansk on the right bank of the Oskil River, units of the "West" group have liberated the settlement of Zakhidne, with a wedge into the enemy's defenses measuring 4.5 km in depth from the Oskil River to the west.
Zaporizhzhia Attacks: New attacks have been reported in Zaporizhzhia, with at least four explosions and preliminary reports of people trapped under rubble. The number of wounded has increased to 24, including four emergency services personnel. Updated reports indicate five people are in critical condition, and five are in moderate condition, including two emergency services personnel. Others will be treated on an outpatient basis. A two-month-old child is among the injured. A 47-year-old man was killed in the attacks. In the evening the enemy attacked Zaporizhzhia with 7 "Shahed" drones, damaging an energy facility. During the cleanup, the enemy launched 4 missile strikes. 21,000 subscribers in Zaporizhzhia were left without power, including critical infrastructure facilities such as boiler houses, healthcare facilities, administrative buildings, and social protection buildings.
Drone Warfare: New information about Russian use of captured and modified Ukrainian drones in the Luhansk region. Ukrainian Air Force reports drone activity in Chernihiv region heading towards Kyiv. A new tactic of using drones with "hawk claws" to hunt enemy drones has been reported. Four Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down over Belgorod overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that a drone is moving through Chernihiv region towards Kyiv.
Geopolitical Developments: US Secretary of State plans to visit Panama. Information about the legality of firearms seized from former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov. Donald Trump will leave the investigation into Joe Biden to the discretion of the US Congress. A new US Secret Service head has been appointed.
New Technology: The Republic of Buryatia is ready to supply large batches of the "Courier" ground robotic complex (НРТК) to the troops, which is capable of autonomous fire. This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister of Buryatia, Ivan Alheev.
New Military Updates: Reports of heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews destroying strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region.
New Russian Advances: In the area of Kruhlenke/Viktorivka, Russian assault units have entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold. Offensive actions are being conducted towards the settlement of Nikolske. Ukrainian forces have reportedly been trapped by Russian forces near Nova Kruhliakivka. West of Volkovo and north of Solenoye, Russian forces have reportedly 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.
New Messages: A Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has resulted in the death of a 47-year-old man, with 24 people wounded, including a two-month-old infant. An air raid alert has been issued in Kyiv, indicating a potential threat to the capital. Reports of drones on the outskirts of Kyiv and moving through Kyiv oblast. Russian forces are reportedly forcibly evacuating children from Pokrovsk. The only way in and out of Velyka Novosilka is on foot. Russian forces are reportedly 2200 meters from completely encircling the town. Russian forces have reportedly advanced 300 meters, taking control of the Toretska mine. In Petrivka, they advanced 600 meters. Russian forces reportedly captured most of the mining complex and part of Krymske near Dzerzhinsk. An FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroyed a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of 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. Ukrainian forces report burning a Russian T-80 tank in the Kharkiv region. Ballistic missiles were reportedly launched from the Belgorod region towards the Kharkiv region. Russian forces have reportedly destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove and initiated battles in Bohuslavka. In the Kharkiv region, a Russian soldier reportedly destroyed a group of 8 Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers with mines. One drone is approaching Balakliia. Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
New Report from "Рыбарь": Russian forces carried out strikes on enemy targets in Zaporizhzhia, with explosions also reported in Kramatorsk and Pavlograd. In the Kursk region, Russian assault units entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold, with offensive actions towards Nikolsky. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are reportedly reinforcing their presence in the Sudzha border area. North of Kupyansk, Russian forces liberated Zapadnoe in the Kharkiv region. Fighting continues in the Pokrovsk direction, with Russian forces capturing a ventilation shaft of a mine west of Kotlyno. In Velyka Novosilka, the Ukrainian garrison is reportedly trapped, with the distance between advancing Russian units ranging from 2.2 to 3.7 km. Ukrainian forces attacked the satellite city of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Enerhodar, with four drones. In the Belgorod region, residents are being evacuated from the village of Terezovka. Several settlements and enterprises were attacked by Ukrainian drones. In the Donetsk People's Republic, one person was killed and seven were injured due to enemy shelling.
Video Analysis: A video from the "Два майора" Telegram channel shows thermal imaging footage of a built-up area, highlighting recent activity and potential targets. The footage suggests ongoing surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Another video from the same channel shows a targeted strike on a building in a heavily damaged urban environment, indicating the use of precision munitions and possibly aimed at eliminating a defensive position. A video from the "Два майора" Telegram channel depicts a soldier, callsign "Mark" from the 132nd Brigade, 51st Army, manually deploying an anti-tank mine. The video highlights the soldier's bravery and successful execution of his mission despite being under enemy fire.
New Report from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны": The report details a significant advance by Russian forces in the Kupyansk direction, specifically near Dvurechnaya. The Ukrainian military analysts are cited, indicating that Dvurechnaya has practically been taken by Russian forces, and there is a dangerous situation developing for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). The report highlights the strategic importance of the area and the potential threat to Kupyansk if Russian forces manage to consolidate their positions. The report also includes a visual representation of the military situation on a map, showing the areas under the control of Russian and Ukrainian forces, as well as the direction of offensive actions.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains dynamic and challenging for Ukrainian forces. The continued Russian advances, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk region, coupled with the ongoing drone warfare and geopolitical tensions, suggest that the conflict is far from over. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of the conflict, with both sides likely to adapt their strategies in response to the evolving situation on the ground. The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is a major setback for Ukraine and could have significant implications for the future of the conflict in the Donetsk region. The new reports of drone movements towards Poltava and Sumy regions indicate a potential escalation in drone attacks, requiring increased vigilance and air defense readiness. The new report of a drone over Zaporizhzhia further emphasizes the immediate threat to the city and the need for heightened air defense measures. The new geopolitical developments, particularly the actions taken by the US National Security Council and the statement from Ukrainian authorities about ending the fighting this year, add further complexity to the situation and could potentially impact the future course of the conflict. The report of North Korean casualties in the Kursk region highlights the international dimension of the conflict and the potential for further escalation. The new geopolitical developments involving Trump's actions regarding the Houthis and the US-Mexico border, as well as his statement about Biden, add further complexity to the situation and could potentially impact the future course of the conflict in Ukraine. The latest announcement regarding Trump's plan to deploy 10,000 troops to the US-Mexico border further underscores the potential shift in US priorities and resources, which could have significant implications for Ukraine. The reduction in Japan-Russia trade turnover adds another layer to the economic and geopolitical pressures on Russia, potentially affecting its ability to sustain the conflict in Ukraine. The new reports of drone movements in Sumy and Chernihiv regions, as well as the south of Sumy region, indicate a continued and widespread drone threat across multiple regions, requiring ongoing vigilance and air defense readiness. The Ukrainian Air Force's alerts underscore the ongoing danger and the need for constant monitoring. The new allegations of corruption within the Ukrainian military could further damage morale and potentially impact recruitment efforts. The explosion in Zaporizhzhia highlights the continued threat to the city and the need for heightened security measures. The repeated attacks on Zaporizhzhia and reports of people trapped under rubble underscore the severity of the situation and the urgent need for defensive measures and humanitarian assistance. The new information about Russian use of captured and modified Ukrainian drones in Luhansk region indicates a tactical adaptation by Russian forces, potentially increasing the threat to Ukrainian troops. The planned visit of the US Secretary of State to Panama amid Trump's statements about control over the Panama Canal adds another layer to the geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict. The information about the legality of firearms seized from former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov provides a minor update on a peripheral issue. The air raid alerts being lifted in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia is a positive development, but the situation remains tense. The report of 212 bodies being recovered from under the rubble in Gaza is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The introduction of the "Courier" ground robotic complex by Russia represents a significant technological advancement in the conflict. The deployment of these autonomous systems could mark a shift in the tactics and strategies employed on the battlefield, potentially increasing the effectiveness of Russian operations while reducing the risk to personnel. The new tactic of using drones with "hawk claws" to hunt enemy drones demonstrates the ongoing innovation and adaptation in drone warfare. This development highlights the increasing importance of counter-drone measures and the potential for an escalation in the use of drones as weapons. The appointment of Sean Curran as head of the Secret Service is a minor geopolitical development that is unlikely to have a direct impact on the conflict in Ukraine. The report from the Fighterbomber Telegram channel, showing a helicopter flying over a landscape at sunrise or sunset, is likely intended to boost morale and project an image of strength. However, it does not provide any significant new information about the military situation. The latest reports from the "Два майора" Telegram channel provide a detailed overview of the current military situation across multiple fronts. The continued Russian advances in the Kursk and Kharkiv regions, particularly the reported entry into Viktorivka and the liberation of Zakhidne, represent significant tactical victories for Russia. The situation in Velyka Novosilka remains critical for Ukrainian forces, with the encirclement nearing completion and the pocket completely under fire control by Russian forces. The attacks on Enerhodar and the ongoing fighting in the Donetsk region further underscore the intensity of the conflict. The reported casualties in the Donetsk People's Republic highlight the human cost of the fighting. The new video evidence of the aftermath of the attack on Zaporizhzhia further emphasizes the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The reports of Ukrainian forces being trapped near Nova Kruhliakivka in the Kharkiv region indicate a significant development in the ongoing fighting. This could potentially lead to a further loss of territory for Ukraine and a shift in the balance of power in the region. The appointment of Sean Curran as the head of the US Secret Service is a significant development in US politics, but it is unlikely to have a direct impact on the conflict in Ukraine. The new video from the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold near Kurakhovo. This development highlights the increasing use of advanced drone technology by Russian forces and the potential for these systems to inflict significant damage on Ukrainian armor. The new video from the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel shows Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, using drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. This video, if authentic, provides further evidence of North Korean involvement in the conflict and the potential for an escalation of the fighting. The new report from the "Два майора" Telegram channel, detailing the forced evacuation of children from Pokrovsk by Ukrainian authorities, is a significant development. This action suggests that Ukrainian forces are anticipating further Russian advances in the area and are taking steps to protect civilians. The report also highlights the potential for increased fighting in the Pokrovsk region in the near future. The new reports from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine provide a detailed overview of the current military situation across multiple fronts. The high number of combat clashes and enemy losses reported in the Pokrovsk direction underscore the intensity of the fighting in this area. The reported use of guided aerial bombs (KAB) by Russian forces highlights the ongoing threat to Ukrainian troops and infrastructure. The reported losses of Russian personnel and equipment, if accurate, indicate that Ukrainian forces are continuing to inflict significant damage on the enemy. The new report from the "🇺🇦 Запорізька обласна військова адміністрація 🇺🇦" Telegram channel details the aftermath of a Russian attack on a residential area in Zaporizhzhia. The death of a 47-year-old man and the injuries to 16 people, including a two-month-old infant, underscore the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. The images of damaged buildings and emergency responders highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The new video from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel shows Russian forces using drones to mine territory in the Zaporizhzhia region during nighttime. This tactic highlights the ongoing efforts by Russian forces to impede Ukrainian troop movements and reinforce their defensive positions. The reported successful strike on a Ukrainian deployment site in Sumy, resulting in 18 deaths and 30 wounded, indicates the continued threat to Ukrainian forces in the region. The new report from the "НгП раZVедка" Telegram channel, showing a soldier with a rifle and night vision goggles, highlights the ongoing fighting and the use of advanced equipment by Russian forces. The soldier's statement about targeting enemy personnel underscores the intensity of the conflict and the potential for further casualties. The new report from the STERNENKO Telegram channel, detailing the casualties from a Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, further emphasizes the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. The death of a man and the injuries to 16 people, including a two-month-old infant, highlight the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians in the region. The new video from the "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" Telegram channel, showing a Russian soldier allegedly executing six surrendering Ukrainian soldiers, is a deeply disturbing development. If confirmed, this act would constitute a grave violation of international law and a war crime. The video highlights the brutality of the conflict and the need for accountability for such actions. The new report from the "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel, stating that Britain is urging its private agents not to cooperate with Russia, indicates the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict. The threat of imprisonment for those who work with "hostile states" underscores the high stakes of the conflict and the potential for further escalation. The new report from the TASS news agency, stating that a resident of the Altai Territory has been sentenced to five years in prison for providing information about objects in the region to Ukraine, highlights the ongoing efforts by Russian authorities to crack down on perceived internal threats. The report also underscores the potential consequences for individuals who are accused of collaborating with Ukraine. The new report from Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the Kryvyi Rih military administration, provides an update on the situation in the region. The absence of shelling in the Kryvyi Rih district and the reported drone attacks in the Nikopol district indicate the varied nature of the conflict across different areas. The planned explosions in the quarries near Kryvyi Rih highlight the ongoing industrial activity in the region despite the conflict. The new report from the "РБК-Україна" Telegram channel, stating that the number of wounded from the attack on Zaporizhzhia has increased to 24, further underscores the severity of the situation. The fact that a two-month-old child is among the injured highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on the most vulnerable members of the population. The new report from the WarGonzo Telegram channel provides a detailed overview of the current military situation across multiple fronts. The continued fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region, the ongoing assault on Velyka Novosilka, and the intense battles in the Donetsk and Chasiv Yar directions underscore the widespread nature of the conflict. The reported use of long-range weapons by both sides highlights the potential for further escalation and the need for continued vigilance. The new images from the WarGonzo Telegram channel, depicting the military situation on various fronts, provide a visual representation of the ongoing conflict. The maps show the areas of control, the direction of offensive actions, and the locations of clashes and artillery strikes. These images underscore the complexity of the situation and the dynamic nature of the fighting. The new report from the "Басурин о главном" Telegram channel, expressing disapproval of US President Donald Trump's statements and actions, highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and the US. The criticism of Trump's perceived arrogance and the assertion of Russia's independence underscore the deep divisions between the two countries. The new messages from the "КМВА (Київська міська військова адміністрація)" and "РБК-Україна" Telegram channels,

Situation Report