Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 23, 2025, 12:38 UTC
Strategic Overview
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts. In the Donetsk region, the encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is nearing completion, with Ukrainian forces in the southern part completely surrounded. The situation in Toretsk remains critical. Russian forces are advancing on Pokrovsk, reportedly within 10 kilometers of the city. In the Luhansk region, Russian forces have captured Ivanovka, Novoyehorivka, and Zakhidne, forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and advancing, supported by North Korean soldiers. Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with extensive use by both sides. The geopolitical landscape is complex, with potential meetings between Trump and Putin adding uncertainty.
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
Velyka Novosilka:
Russian forces have effectively cut the town in half, with the southern part completely encircled.
Ukrainian troops are trapped, unable to retreat northward.
Russian units control the right-bank part of the city and are advancing towards the center.
Over 150 Ukrainian soldiers from the 110th Mechanized Brigade have been killed.
The only escape route for remnants of the 110th Brigade south of the Shaitanka River is on foot via Azovskaya Street towards Blagodatnoye.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent complete encirclement by focusing on positions north and south of Novy Komar.
Russian forces are within 1.5 km of encircling Velyka Novosilka.
Fighting on the outskirts; assault continues.
Russian forces are squeezing remnants of the 110th Mechanized Brigade trapped between rivers.
Ukrainian positions have been destroyed due to intensified shelling.
Russian forces from the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade assaulted an enemy stronghold.
Ukrainian forces are using drones for defense; no reports of mass retreat.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using mortars, "Baba Yaga" drones, and tanks to destroy Russian forces and equipment.
Video evidence of Russian 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade using FPV drones to target Ukrainian artillery near Sukhyi Yaly River.
Russian 37th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade destroyed a Ukrainian BMP north of Velyka Novosilka.
Video evidence of a Russian drone attack on a Ukrainian BMP north of Velyka Novosilka.
Clashes reported near Vremivka, Kostyantynopil, and Velyka Novosilka.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian troops.
Russian forces are 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.
Russian forces reportedly 2200 meters from complete encirclement.
Video evidence shows multiple explosions in a rural area near the city.
Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault.
Russian forces conducted a double strike on Ukrainian vehicles near the city.
Video evidence shows the mass destruction of armored vehicles and enemy infantry near the boiler room.
Ukrainian forces are in a critical situation, surrounded on three sides and trying to reach safe territories, leaving behind their equipment.
New: The situation in Velyka Novosilka is critical, with Ukrainian units surrounded on three sides and attempting to reach safer territories while abandoning equipment.
New: Video evidence shows the work of "Iskavodov" from the 381st Artillery Regiment of the 150th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, targeting and destroying a British L-119 howitzer near Velyka Novosilka.
New: Video evidence shows Russian forces from the "Vostok" group destroying a Ukrainian command post near Velyka Novosilka. Over 150 Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly killed, and the remaining forces are trapped.
Pokrovsk:
Russian forces are advancing, reportedly within 10 kilometers of the city and 5-7 km from the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Heavy fighting is reported in Udachnoye and west of Vodyanoye Vtoroye.
Russian forces have liberated Solene.
Russian forces liberated Baranovka.
Following the liberation of Baranovka, Russian forces are clearing positions on the opposite high bank of the river.
Heavy fighting is reported in Udachnoye.
West of Volkovo and north of Solenoye, Russian forces have reportedly advanced 3.6 km, encompassing the entire "pocket."
Russian forces have reportedly begun fighting in Zverevo.
"Гром" eliminates the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Pokrovsk.
Russian MoD claims to have defeated Ukrainian HIMARS in Krasnoarmeysk direction.
City hospital being relocated to Kryvyi Rih.
Ukrainian forces making efforts to prevent loss, but speaker denies encirclement threat.
Russian forces cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk.
Ukrainian command abandoned Pokrovsk.
Fighting for Baranovka beginning.
Situation north of Ivanivka deteriorating.
Retreating Ukrainian forces blew up Belitskaya mine.
16 Ukrainian soldiers from 151st Mechanized Brigade captured.
Russian 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaged Ukrainian positions, including destruction of a German Leopard tank.
Speaker of "Khortytsia" denies Pokrovsk is under threat of encirclement.
Ukrainian losses reported as 335 military personnel killed and wounded.
Russian drone destroyed a Ukrainian M113 APC.
Loss of control over mine No. 2 of the Pokrovskoe ShU.
Success of Russian troops in Kotlyno and Udachny.
Video of missile trails; Russian forces conducting powerful strikes while advancing and encircling the city.
Photo message of "liberated" Pokrovsk.
Reports of "Metinvest" potentially ceasing operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine.
Ukrainian losses: 335 military personnel, three vehicles destroyed, one UAV antenna.
28 clashes initiated by Russian forces, Ukrainian forces repelling attacks.
Ukrainian forces attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west.
Video evidence of Russian 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions.
Russian DRGs operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka.
Russian forces within 5-7 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Russian forces advanced 3.6 km west of Volkovo and north of Solenoye.
Russian forces reportedly forcibly evacuating children from Pokrovsk.
Fighting in Zverevo.
Assault troops captured a ventilation shaft of a mine west of Kotlyne.
Fighting in areas of Shevchenko, Udachne, Baranivka, Kotlyne, Zverevo, Uspenivka, Slovyanka, and Petropavlivka.
Reports of a motorized rifle attack on Novovasylivka - Novoelizavetovka line.
Heavy fighting continues.
New: Video evidence shows Russian forces using a drone to target a Ukrainian armored pickup truck in the Kursk region.
New: Bійці роти матеріального забезпечення 1-го окремого штурмового батальону «Да Вінчі» need help near Pokrovsk.
New: Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region.
Chasiv Yar:
Russian forces have captured about half of the city, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district.
Russian forces report advances in the northern part and battles for a multi-story building near a refractory plant.
"Colonelcassad" shows fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant; progress in nearby forest.
10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shows destruction of Russian forces north of Vesele.
"Дневник Десантника" reports control zone expansion to Belohorivka; fighting on outskirts.
Advances northwest of Ivanivka towards Kolodyazne.
Cauldron forming; advances in urban area and south, east of Stupochki.
Clashes with no significant changes.
Fighting shifted to "Novoseverny" microdistrict after liberation of Refractory Plant.
Heavy fighting for residential areas to the south.
Video evidence of Russian forces advancing, dislodging enemy.
200th Brigade pushing enemy out of "Десятый" microdistrict, liberating "Новосеверный" microdistrict.
Airborne troops pushing out enemy forces west of 3rd workshop of refractory plant.
Video of fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant; progress in forest.
Ukrainian soldiers trapped in "fire pocket" near refractory plant.
Russian forces control about 20% of refractory plant territory.
Video evidence shows Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar.
Russian forces have almost completely liberated Solenoye and are continuing to fight for Udachnoye and in the Kotlino area.
Video evidence shows the 18th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard targeting Russian infantry in the central part of Chasiv Yar.
Heavy fighting continues.
Tank crews of 63rd Brigade attacked Russian positions in Serebryansky forest.
New: Video evidence shows operators of FPV drones of the Russian Armed Forces attacking enemy shelters on the Kherson direction.
New: 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.
New: Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting a building in Zaporizhzhia with four missiles.
New: Video evidence shows operators of FPV drones of the Russian Armed Forces attacking enemy shelters on the Kherson direction.
New: Video evidence shows homemade munitions being produced in field workshops by Russian engineers from the "SSO Byzantium".
Kurakhove:
Most of Kurakhove is captured; fighting for strongholds near Hryshyno.
Battles along forest belts north and northeast of Sukhoi Yaly.
Fighting for Dachnoye to the southwest.
Russian assault units captured new positions north of Kurakhove sludge dumps.
Positional fighting in Kurakhove - Dachne area.
Video evidence of Russian forces targeting communication relays and antennas with FPV drones.
Video evidence of FPV drones with fiber optics destroying a Leopard tank and a stronghold.
Russian forces advancing up to 700 meters on the northern flank.
Active combat operations near Kurakhovo and Andriivka.
Ukrainian forces stormed a Russian position, captured soldiers.
Successful strike on Ukrainian armored vehicle south of Dachne.
Russian forces targeting communication relays and antennas.
Video evidence of destruction of a Ukrainian howitzer near Dachne.
Active combat operations near Kurakhove.
Fierce battles near several settlements; 14 enemy attacks repelled.
Video evidence of Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer destroying a Ukrainian M119 howitzer near Dachne.
Liquidation of a Ukrainian mortar crew in Dachne by a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer.
New: Video evidence shows the work of "Iskavodov" from the 381st Artillery Regiment of the 150th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, targeting and destroying a British L-119 howitzer near Kurakhove.
Toretsk:
Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except "Toreskaya" mine.
19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka; 3 ongoing.
Russian forces entered Petrivka, pushing out Ukrainian troops.
Ukrainian defenses nearly collapsed; less than 15% of city under control.
Clashes near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka.
Video of a Ukrainian sniper team killing two Russian soldiers.
Video evidence of "protective blankets" being ineffective against drones.
In Petrivka, they advanced 600 meters.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced 300 meters, taking control of the Toretska mine.
Dzerzhinsk:
Russian forces reportedly captured most of the mining complex and part of Krymske.
Kramatorsk:
Clashes near Chasiv Yar and Fedorivka.
City partially without power, potentially affecting water supply.
Powerful explosion in industrial zone.
Casualties increased to eight, including two children.
Russian forces using "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions.
Zverevo:
Fighting in landings near city dump to the northwest.
Russian aviation launched strikes with guided bombs.
Ukrainian defenses built around mine waste heaps.
Fighting continues, Russian forces pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully.
Donetsk:
Explosion in Lidiivka, windows blown out.
Loud drone sound reported.
Explosions in Kirovsky district, at least ten counted.
Russian forces shelled Donetsk region 23 times, using 69 munitions.
Other:
Russian forces report advances in Dmytriv, Urozhaine, Novosergiyivka, Slovyanka, and Yasenove.
Zaporizhzhia Region
Ukrainian forces strengthening positions with foreign mercenaries and equipment.
Air raid alert declared.
Ukrainian forces shelling Tokmak with MLRS.
Two wounded from Russian attack.
Infrastructure damage in Ukrainian-controlled areas.
10 reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure; no civilian casualties.
10 MLRS attacks and 154 artillery strikes.
264 UAV attacks on various settlements.
434 strikes on 9 settlements overnight; six airstrikes on Novoandriivka and Novodanylivka.
Enemy hit court building in Vasilyevka.
Russian pilots struck at enemy positions near Temirovka.
F-16s spotted flying in Zaporizhzhia direction, likely training flights.
Clashes 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.
Russian tactical aviation launched guided aerial bombs on the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The air raid alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been lifted.
An air raid alert has been declared in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In Zaporizhzhia, the number of victims from the night attack has increased to 45.
New: Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting a building in Zaporizhzhia with four missiles.
New: The number of victims from the night attack in Zaporizhzhia has increased to 46, with 22 hospitalized, including a two-month-old boy in stable condition.
Kursk Region
Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive:
Ukrainian counteroffensive stalled, heavy losses reported.
Russian forces regained territory, 10-kilometer breakthrough, liberated several settlements.
Statement suggests Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold occupied portion for 100 days.
Russian operation to neutralize Ukrainian forces reportedly begun.
Fighting intensity compared to Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
"North" troop group reports reaching approaches to Nikolsky farm and Kurilovka.
Ukrainian forces concentrated manpower and equipment in Sudzha and Martynovka.
Strikes by "Lancers" and missile weapons on concentrations of Ukrainian forces.
Strike on accumulation of Spanish-speaking foreign mercenaries.
Heavy fighting continues near Nikolsky, Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya, Ukrainian counterattacks.
As a result of heavy losses in the Kursk region, the enemy withdrew two companies from the 17th Tank Brigade and the 92nd Assault Brigade from the Nikolsky and Nikolaevsky directions. Before the withdrawal, these units had only 10 and 50 combat-ready personnel, respectively. However, the enemy command is preparing for a new wave of attacks, particularly in the direction of Martynovka, and has deployed special forces from the National Guard to the front lines.
From the beginning of the day, there were 15 combat clashes in the Kursk direction; all attacks have already been repulsed. The enemy launched ten air strikes using 15 KABs and carried out more than 300 shellings.
Russian motorized rifle units have demonstrated captured Western-made weapons from the liberated village of Russkoe Porechnoe.
About 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region while fighting against Ukraine.
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 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.
Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
Video evidence shows Russian FPV drones, equipped with fiber optics, destroying a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold.
Video evidence shows Russian forces using drones to hunt Ukrainian infantry near Kupyansk.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
Video evidence shows the effective work of anti-tank marines in Kurshina. The calculation of the Javelin operators took out three enemy tanks and four BMD-4 units of the enemy armored group in two days.
Video evidence shows a group of operators from the FPV GВ "North" chasing an enemy tank in the Kursk border area. After several accurate hits, the heavy equipment caught fire along with the crew.
Ukrainian border guards reportedly captured a Russian soldier using drones near the border with the Sumy region.
Lancet loitering munition destroyed a tank of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Video evidence shows a tank of the Russian Armed Forces being targeted and destroyed by Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region.
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.
Video evidence shows Russian forces using a drone to target and destroy a Ukrainian armored pickup truck in the Kursk region.
Drone Warfare:
Extensive drone activity; both sides using drones for reconnaissance and attacks.
Video evidence of Russian FPV drone striking Ukrainian group near Makhnovka.
Destroyed armored "Буханка" reported.
FPV drone of Russian group "Sever" destroyed US-made Bradley BMP.
Video evidence of operators chasing an enemy tank.
Video evidence of anti-tank marines taking out three enemy tanks and four BMD-4 units.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
Video evidence of Russian "Lancet" drone targeting Ukrainian M-113 APC near Yuzhnoye.
Ukrainian border guards struck a Russian drone launch site in Vovchansk.
Video evidence of Russian drone operator targeting Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" but missing.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones with shotguns.
Video evidence of Russian FPV drones targeting Ukrainian positions and vehicles.
Video evidence of Russian FPV drones with fiber optics destroying a Leopard tank and a stronghold.
Video evidence of Russian forces using drones to hunt Ukrainian infantry near Kupyansk.
Video of a Russian "Lancet" drone striking a Ukrainian M113 APC near the border.
Video of Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
Video of a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle.
Video of fighting near Glubokoye.
Video of electronic warfare specialists detecting and shooting down Ukrainian UAVs.
Ukrainian forces used drones to record bodies of North Korean and Russian troops.
Russian troops used an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group near Makhnovka.
Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" in the region.
Successful Russian "Lancet" operator targeted a Ukrainian M-113 APC near Yuzhnoye.
Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation".
Successful Russian "Lancet" operator targeted a Ukrainian M-113 APC near Yuzhnoye.
Russian forces employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles.
Russian drone targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka.
FPV drone of Russian group "Sever" destroyed a US-made Bradley BMP.
Russian Su-34 bomber destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold.
"Colonelcassad" shows 155th brigade destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment.
Movement of enemy equipment; some destroyed.
Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian armored vehicle.
Ukrainian tank destroyed by a Russian drone.
Russian MoD shows electronic warfare specialists detecting and shooting down UAVs.
"WarGonzo" shows a special report on a Russian armored group.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold with a Su-34 bomber.
Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian armored vehicle.
Ukrainian forces employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles.
Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Russian soldier won a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier.
Footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses.
155th brigade destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Malaya Loknya.
Russian Su-34 bomber destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold.
Captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle.
Russian "Lancet" drone struck a Ukrainian M113 APC.
Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
"Black Swan" unit shows fighting near Glubokoye.
"Mediazona" confirmed deaths of lieutenant colonels in a missile strike on Lgov.
Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducted strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel.
Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold.
Drone operator preparing a "Baba Yaga" drone for an attack.
Video evidence of Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group.
Video evidence of a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation".
Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator targeting a Ukrainian M-113 APC.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses.
Ukrainian forces from 73rd Naval Special Operations Center conducting operations.
Operators destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults.
Video of a separate guards airborne assault brigade using a fiber-optic drone to destroy enemy combat vehicles.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops.
Video evidence of Russian airborne forces destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
Active fighting in the area of Sudzha.
Ukrainian forces trying to increase personnel to hold positions.
Attempts to send in reserves unsuccessful in 90% of cases.
Ukrainian forces mining all known routes of advance.
Ukrainian command intends to hold each village.
Groups from 73rd Special Operations Center used, but only slightly slowing Russian advance.
Frequent fog and poor visibility causing inconvenience.
Active combat operations in the area of Sudzha, with a Ukrainian attack on the Viktorivka - Nikolsky line.
Video evidence of a captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle.
Video evidence of Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group.
Video evidence of a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation".
Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator targeting a Ukrainian M-113 APC.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
Video shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions.
Video evidence of a Russian "Lancet" drone striking a Ukrainian M113 APC.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles.
Video evidence of a Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicle driving down a muddy track through a field in foggy conditions.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP with a Lancet loitering munition.
Video evidence of a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle.
Video evidence of Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system.
Video details the ongoing fighting in the region.
Video shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment.
Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle.
Video shows a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber striking a concentration of Ukrainian equipment and personnel.
Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold.
Video shows a Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold.
Video shows Ukrainian soldiers interrogating a captured North Korean soldier.
Update from the Russian Ministry of Defense states that Russian forces repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory.
Russian forces report an attempted Ukrainian counterattack to retake Kruglенькое failed.
Russian forces report finishing taking the remaining Ukrainian positions in Kurilovka.
Russian forces report Nikolaevo-Daryino is under their control, airborne troops advancing.
Russian forces report heavy fighting in Makhnovka.
Video evidence of Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle.
Warriors of the UA_REG TEAM continue to destroy the enemy in the Kursk region. The video shows a compilation of hits from 1 truck, 10 cars, an ATV, an armored fighting vehicle, and more.
New: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying Russian military vehicles and equipment in the Kursk region, including a truck, 10 cars, an ATV, and an armored fighting vehicle.
New: A video from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel shows an FPV drone targeting a mortar position near the Antonovsky Bridge.
New: Video evidence shows an American-made "Abrams" tank being destroyed by a Russian "Lancet" drone near Viktorivka.
New: Video evidence shows the aftermath of a Russian strike on a Ukrainian dugout.
New: Video evidence shows Russian FPV drones targeting and destroying Ukrainian military equipment, including a tank and an armored personnel carrier.
Other:
Russian forces established a flag on the southern outskirts of Nikolaevo-Daryino, knocked Ukrainian forces out of western approaches of Malaya Loknya.
Commissions beginning work to assess destruction in border area.
Captured Ukrainian soldier stated he joined to surrender to Russia.
Commissions are beginning work to assess the destruction in the border area of the Kursk region.
A captured Ukrainian soldier in the Kursk region stated that he joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces to surrender to Russia.
The damage in the Kursk region from Ukrainian attacks is estimated at over 750 billion rubles, with 21% of the territory affected by the fighting.
New: Video evidence shows the interrogation of a captured Russian soldier who surrendered after being cornered by Ukrainian drones.
New: "Архангел Спецназа" Telegram channel announced a fundraising campaign to purchase another "Буханка" vehicle for a Russian airborne unit.
New: The Republic of Buryatia is reportedly ready to supply large batches of the "Courier" ground robotic complex (НРТК) to the troops, which is capable of autonomous fire.
North Korean Involvement:
Message from "STERNENKO" reports North Korean soldiers killed 5 Russian marines and fled.
Image shows a wanted poster for three North Korean soldiers.
Video evidence of Ukrainian soldiers capturing a North Korean soldier.
Kharkiv Region
Clashes and Airstrikes: Clashes have been reported along the Kharkiv axis, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes at Veterynarne. On the Kharkiv direction, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian units twice in the areas of Vovchansk and Tykhy.
Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. The new report details that in Sumy, Russian troops struck a Ukrainian deployment site, killing 18 and wounding 30.
Ukrainian forces report burning a Russian T-80 tank in the Kharkiv region
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.
OTU "Luhansk" reports that during January 4-8, 2025, Ukrainian Defense Forces observed enemy activity near the Siverskyi Donets canal pipes. The enemy used dense fog and limited visibility for covert movement through the pipes to a collector near Kalynivka, close to Chasiv Yar. Over 100 occupiers were observed moving over four days in January. They reportedly set up in the collector for future assault operations towards Chasiv Yar. On January 9, an airstrike was carried out on the enemy's location, likely causing up to 100 casualties. No movement was observed near the pipes or collector for two days after the strike. On January 21, the occupiers set fire to the collector, likely to hide the destruction of such a large number of personnel and avoid evacuation measures. The smoke and fire lasted for about five hours.
New: 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.
Drone Warfare
Extensive drone activity is reported, with both sides using drones for reconnaissance and attacks. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops. Video evidence shows various drone operations, including a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle and a Ukrainian tank being destroyed by a Russian drone. Electronic warfare specialists are also active, detecting and shooting down Ukrainian UAVs.
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.
Geopolitical Developments
The Polish President Andrzej Duda stated in an interview with CNBC that a complete victory for Ukraine in the armed conflict with Russia is unimaginable.
New: A message from the "Оперативний ЗСУ" Telegram channel quotes the head of the German Foreign Ministry as saying that if Russia continues to advance, "we do not know where they will stop." She also suggests that after Trump takes office, a new situation may arise that could lead to further actions by Putin.
New: The Ukrainian news agency RBC reports that Donald Trump gave his first television interview as the 47th President of the United States. In the interview, he reiterated that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if he were president. He also hinted at the possible prosecution of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
New: The "Janus Putkonen - Uutisia ja kuulumisia - SÄHKEET/TIEDOTTEET (MV-Lehti & Verkkomedia)" Telegram channel posted a message stating that "Ukraine's loss is Finland's loss," indicating a clear defeat.
