Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 23, 2025
Strategic Overview
The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces continuing their offensive across multiple fronts.
Donetsk Region: The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is nearing completion, with Russian forces reportedly blocking Ukrainian units in the northern and southern parts of the city. The situation in Pokrovsk remains serious, with Russian forces reportedly within 10 kilometers of the city and continuing their advance. Heavy fighting continues in Chasiv Yar, with Russian forces making further advances. Russian forces have also made gains in the Luhansk region, capturing Zakhidne.
Luhansk Region: 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. 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.
Kursk Region: The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units that had previously broken through.
Drone Warfare: Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity reported, including the introduction of a new Russian drone, the "Mikrob," with AI capabilities. The Ukrainian Air Force reports drone movements in several regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk. New reports indicate drone movements in Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk regions. New reports indicate 5 drones are flying past Bashtanka towards the Voznesensky district, 1 drone flew past Kryvyi Rih into the Kirovohrad region, 1 drone over Kropyvnytskyi, 2 drones in the Kamensky area, 7 drones in the Kremenchug district in a northwesterly direction, 4 drones circling in the Kupyansk area, 2 drones north of Lozova, Kharkiv region, in a westerly direction, 3 drones heading towards/through Nizhyn, 3 drones from Sumy region flying to Chernihiv region, 1 drone in the north of Poltava region in a westerly direction, 1 new drone from the Black Sea in the direction of Fontanka. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are moving in the Mykolaiv region from the south. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the following drone movements: south of Sumy Oblast (westward course), west and southeast of Chernihiv Oblast (west/southwest course), center of Poltava Oblast (northeast course), west of Kirovohrad Oblast (south course), north and southeast of Kyiv Oblast (west/south course), north of Donetsk Oblast (west/east course), and Odesa Oblast (east course, towards Chornomorsk). 1 drone is reported south of Uman, 2 in the north of Kyiv Oblast (westward course), 3 passing through Pereiaslav (southwest course), 1 moving from Kharkiv to Poltava Oblast, and 1 moving from Sumy to Chernihiv Oblast.
Geopolitical Developments: Geopolitical developments, including potential shifts in US policy under Trump and internal Ukrainian issues, add further complexity.
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
Velyka Novosilka:
Russian forces are within 1.5 km of complete encirclement.
Ukrainian forces are blocked in the northern and southern parts, with escape routes cut off.
The "Vostok" group is using all means to attack the blocked enemy.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
Russian forces are reportedly organizing an evacuation of Ukrainian forces from Velyka Novosilka. The report suggests that while the Russian forces are attempting to facilitate a withdrawal, they are also facing challenges in maintaining communication, supplies, and evacuation routes due to the ongoing fighting. It also suggests that the Ukrainian 1st Presidential Brigade of the National Guard is being prioritized for evacuation, while regular infantry units from the 110th Mechanized Brigade are left to "hold the line" without adequate support.
Video evidence shows drone operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade targeting Russian troops in the vicinity of the Sukhi Yali River.
Pokrovsk:
Russian forces are reportedly less than 10 kilometers from the city.
Video evidence shows Russian forces using a drone to target a Ukrainian armored pickup truck in the Kursk region.
Bійці роти матеріального забезпечення 1-го окремого штурмового батальону «Да Вінчі» need help near Pokrovsk.
Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west.
"Azov" forces are reportedly conducting counterattacks in the Pokrovsk direction, described as more like raids before retreating without securing positions.
Russian artillery is heavily shelling Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk).
Video evidence shows Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk.
Reports of the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" potentially ceasing operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine.
Operators of the "Pulstron" complex of the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces report successfully targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel.
Chasiv Yar:
Russian forces have cleared the forest area south of the Novyi microdistrict and advanced another 800 meters.
Russian artillerymen from the "Grad" MLRS engaged enemy positions near the Dniprovskyi pond.
Colonelcassad reports that Russian forces have almost completely liberated Solenoye and are continuing to fight for Udachnoye and in the Kotlino area.
Video evidence shows operators of FPV drones of the Russian Armed Forces attacking enemy shelters on the Kherson direction.
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.
Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting a building in Zaporizhzhia with four missiles.
Video evidence shows homemade munitions being produced in field workshops by Russian engineers from the "SSO Byzantium".
Colonelcassad" shows Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. They are also making progress in a nearby forest.
Reports of Russian forces making significant advances in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and engaging in battles for a multi-story building near a refractory plant.
The 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" shows the destruction of Russian forces, including four dozen "motorpikes" who launched an assault north of Vesele.
"Дневник Десантника" reports that Russian forces have expanded their control zone to Belohorivka on the Krasnolimanske direction. Fighting is ongoing on its outskirts. They are also advancing northwest of Ivanivka towards Kolodyazne.
On the Chasiv Yar direction, a cauldron is forming. Russian forces are advancing not only in the Chasiv Yar urban area but also to the south, east of Stupochki.
Clashes continue near Chasiv Yar with no significant changes.
In Chasov Yar, after the liberation of the Refractory Plant, the fighting shifted to the "Novoseverny" microdistrict. To the south, heavy fighting continues for residential areas.
Video evidence shows Russian forces continuing to advance in Chasiv Yar, dislodging the enemy from their positions.
Tactical successes are reported, with the 200th Brigade pushing the enemy out of the "Десятый" microdistrict and currently liberating the "Новосеверный" microdistrict. Airborne troops are pushing out enemy forces west of the 3rd workshop of the refractory plant.
Video shows Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. They are also making progress in a nearby forest.
A group of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly become trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant.
Russian forces now control approximately 20% of the territory of the refractory plant.
Video evidence shows fighters from the "Española" brigade, alongside the 98th Airborne Division and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade, engaging in combat in Chasiv Yar.
Video evidence shows the 18th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard targeting Russian infantry in the central part of Chasiv Yar.
Kurakhove:
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.
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.
Positional fighting is reported in the Kurakhove - Dachne area. Russian assault units reportedly captured new positions north of the Kurakhove sludge dumps, advancing 1.5 km west along the Dachne - Yantarne line.
Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno.
Northwest of the liberated Kurakhovo, Russian forces are leveling the front line on the Petropavlovka-Shevchenko section. To the southwest, Russian units are fighting for Dachnoye. There are battles along the forest belts north and northeast of Sukhoi Yaly.
Russian forces targeted and destroyed communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones.
Active combat operations reported near Kurakhovo.
Successful strike on a Ukrainian armored vehicle south of Dachne after being targeted by a Russian FPV drone.
Ukrainian forces successfully stormed a Russian position near Kurakhove and captured several Russian soldiers. The operation was carried out by the 79th Separate Air Assault Tauride Brigade.
Ongoing active combat operations in the vicinity of Kurakhovo and Andriivka.
Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian howitzer near Dachne.
Reports of fighting near Kurakhove and Andriivka.
Russian forces are engaging in active combat near Kurakhovo, specifically south of Petropavlivka, with a reported advance of up to 700 meters on the northern flank of Kurakhovo.
New video evidence shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold.
Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting and destroying communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones. This action is described as a priority for disrupting Ukrainian communications.
Video evidence shows a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M119 howitzer near Dachne with a "Krasnopol" guided projectile.
Video evidence from the People's Militia of the DPR shows the liquidation of a Ukrainian mortar crew in Dachne by a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer, using a "Krasnopol" guided projectile.
Russian forces continue clearing operations in liberated territory and report destroying a group of Ukrainian forces during a retreat using drones.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces have taken control of dominant heights near Kurakhove, putting Ukrainian troops in an unfavorable position in the lowlands.
Toretsk:
No new major updates.
Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control.
Russian forces have entered Petrivka and are pushing Ukrainian troops out.
Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka. Three combat clashes are still ongoing.
Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine.
Video evidence shows a sniper pair from the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 32nd Separate Mechanized Brigade simultaneously killing two Russian infantrymen near Toretsk.
A new video shows a Ukrainian sniper team reportedly killing two Russian soldiers near Toretsk.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced 300 meters, taking control of the Toretska mine.
In Petrivka, they advanced 600 meters.
Video evidence shows the 2nd Mechanized Battalion fighting on the ruins of Toretsk, engaging in close-quarters combat.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly losing control of the city.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to target Russian troops.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Totem" unit of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade, successfully targeted a Russian soldier in an armored Niva vehicle with a drone.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced another 300 meters and taken control of the Toretska mine, with fighting ongoing in the central part of the mine.
In Petrivka, Russian forces advanced 600 meters, with fighting ongoing in the central part of the settlement.
Dzerzhinsk:
No new major updates.
Russian forces reportedly captured most of the mining complex and part of Krymske.
Kramatorsk:
A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk. The number of casualties from the Kramatorsk strike has increased to eight, including two children.
Reports of the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk being partially without power due to an emergency shutdown, potentially affecting water supply in various parts of the city.
At the Kramatorsk axis, clashes were reported near Chasiv Yar and Fedorivka.
Zverevo:
No new major updates.
Donetsk:
Explosions were reported in the Kirovsky district of Donetsk, with at least ten explosions counted. A loud drone sound was also reported. Another explosion was reported in Lidiivka (Donetsk region), with windows blown out in one house.
Other:
No new major updates.
Zaporizhzhia Region
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.
Video evidence shows Russian forces targeting a building in Zaporizhzhia with four missiles.
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.
The number of wounded from a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to two.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly shelling Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region using MLRS, according to Russian sources.
An air raid alert has been declared in the Zaporizhzhia region.
On the Zaporozhye front, the Ukrainian forces continue to strengthen their positions through foreign mercenaries and the transfer of equipment, which becomes a priority target for Russian artillery, drones, and aircraft.
Russian pilots struck at enemy positions in the area of Temirovka.
The enemy at the same time hit the court building in Vasilyevka with artillery.
Overnight, Russian forces launched 434 strikes on 9 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region. Six airstrikes targeted Novoandriivka and Novodanylivka. 264 UAV attacks were reported on Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Novodarivka, and Charivne. Additionally, 10 MLRS attacks hit Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, and Novodarivka, and 154 artillery strikes targeted Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, Huliaipilske, and Novodarivka. Ten reports of damage to residential buildings and infrastructure were received, with no civilian casualties reported.
F-16s were spotted flying in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Last week, two F-16 fighter jets were observed in the south of the Ukrainian-occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region. The planes flew towards the Pology district, turned around, and flew back. The exact take-off area is unknown. However, there are only a few airfields capable of accommodating F-16s. Most likely, the route was as follows: F-16s were previously transferred from Poland to an airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk or Lutsk. From there, they could have moved to Ozerny in the Zhytomyr region or Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region. Vasylkiv, by the way, is one of the first airfields modernized for American aircraft. From there, they could easily fly to the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, practice flight routes, use several jump bases, and simulate strikes on Russian cities. Until now, F-16s have rarely been seen in eastern Ukraine. Previously, they were regularly observed in western Ukraine, occasionally flying into the Myrhorod area. Last week, they were active in Zaporizhzhia. And, most likely, these were training flights to practice the scenario of their use in combat. Since the transfer of the fighters, they have not been used for their intended purpose.
At the Orikhiv axis, clashes were reported near Kamyanske.
Video evidence shows Russian forces using drones to destroy Ukrainian positions and equipment on the Zaporizhzhia front. A generator and a suspected Javelin anti-tank missile system were among the targets destroyed.
A drone was reported flying towards Zaporizhzhia from Dnipropetrovsk, but an air raid alert has been lifted.
An air raid alert has been reissued for the Zaporizhzhia region.
The "Poprvse" group of the 3rd Special Forces Regiment reports precision strikes against Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Kursk Region
Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive:
Russian forces are continuing an operation to neutralize an enemy group that broke into the territory.
The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of a tank brigade, a heavy mechanized brigade, four mechanized brigades, two air assault brigades, a marine brigade, and three territorial defense brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near several settlements.
Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near several settlements.
Over the past 24 hours, the AFU lost more than 210 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, five armored fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, an artillery gun, and a mortar.
Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, 232 infantry fighting vehicles, 174 armored personnel carriers, 1,572 armored fighting vehicles, 1,508 motor vehicles, 377 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 93 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, eight armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.
The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.
Heavy fighting continues in the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces launching constant counterattacks, slowing Russian progress. Despite this, Russian forces are advancing near Nikolaevo-Daryino. Russian forces maintain the initiative, the past day was characterized by attacking actions of Russian troops.
The “North” troop group reports reaching the approaches to the Nikolsky farm and the village of Kurilovka. At the same time, the Ukrainian forces concentrated manpower and equipment in Sudzha and Martynovka. It is also reported about strikes by "Lancers" and missile weapons on concentrations of Ukrainian forces in the border areas of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, on units of the 80th Air Assault Brigade, 41st Mechanized Brigade, and the Center for Special Operations Forces "South". Noteworthy is the information about the strike on the accumulation of Spanish-speaking foreign mercenaries.
In the Kursk region, heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, the Armed Forces of Russia are approaching Malaya Loknya, and the enemy is counterattacking.
Video evidence confirms the complete liberation of Nikolayevo-Daryino.
Russian forces report the capture of Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya.
Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya and Ukrainian forces counterattacking.
Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
Drone Warfare:
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 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.
A video from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel shows an FPV drone targeting a mortar position near the Antonovsky Bridge.
Video evidence shows an American-made "Abrams" tank being destroyed by a Russian "Lancet" drone near Viktorivka.
Video evidence shows the aftermath of a Russian strike on a Ukrainian dugout.
Video evidence shows Russian FPV drones targeting and destroying Ukrainian military equipment, including a tank and an armored personnel carrier.
Ukrainian forces used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
South Korean intelligence reports that 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region.
Russian troops used an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
A successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
A successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
Russian forces successfully employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.
A North Korean soldier evicted two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
A Russian drone targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region.
An FPV drone of the Russian group of troops "Sever" destroyed a US-made Bradley BMP in the border area of the Kursk region.
A Russian Su-34 bomber destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
"Colonelcassad" shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Movement of Enemy Equipment in Kursk Oblast: From 6 AM until the time of this report, there has been a significant movement of various enemy equipment in Kursk Oblast. Some of this equipment has been destroyed.
A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region.
A Ukrainian tank was destroyed by a Russian drone in the Kursk region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense shows electronic warfare specialists of a separate motorized infantry brigade of the "Sever" group detecting and shooting down Ukrainian UAVs in the Kursk region border area.
"WarGonzo" shows a special report on a Russian armored group called "Pressa" operating in the Kursk region.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region.
There is video evidence of captured Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces successfully employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.
"Colonelcassad" details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.
A Russian soldier won a hand-to-hand fight against a Ukrainian soldier, who subsequently detonated a grenade, killing himself.
"БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region.
A North Korean soldier evicted two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka.
A Russian Su-34 bomber destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.
There is video evidence of a captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle (based on the M113) in the Kursk region.
A Russian "Lancet" drone struck a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near the border in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
The "Black Swan" unit of the 255th Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces shows fighting near Glubokoye in the Kursk region.
"Mediazona" confirmed the deaths of at least three lieutenant colonels in a missile strike on Lgov, Kursk region, on December 30th.
A Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducted strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel in the Kursk border area.
A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
"Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" shows a drone operator with the callsign "Moses" preparing a "Baba Yaga" drone for an attack in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeting a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
Video from "БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС" shows footage of Russian soldiers suffering losses in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the Kursk region, collecting data on Russian and North Korean troops.
Operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers who were advancing on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation.
In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults.
A new video from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel shows a separate guards airborne assault brigade using a fiber-optic drone called "Князь Вандал" to destroy enemy combat vehicles in the Kursk region. According to the channel, the drone's fiber-optic technology makes it immune to enemy electronic warfare.
New video evidence shows Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, using drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Video evidence shows Russian airborne forces destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
Active fighting is taking place in the area of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces are reportedly trying to increase their personnel on positions under their control in order to hold them and stop the advance of Russian troops. In areas where Ukrainian forces are losing positions, attempts are being made to send in reserves with equipment, but these attempts are reportedly unsuccessful in 90% of cases. Ukrainian forces are also reportedly continuing to mine all known routes of advance for Russian equipment and assault groups using octocopters. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are continuing to engineer all positions near each settlement, indicating that the Ukrainian command intends to hold each village to the last man. Groups from the 73rd Special Operations Center are being used on some sections of the front, but their presence only slightly slows down the advance of Russian troops. Weather conditions, such as frequent fog and poor visibility, are causing more inconvenience for both sides, especially in conducting reconnaissance, as it becomes difficult to use drones.
Active combat operations are taking place in the area of Sudzha on 2025-01-16, with a Ukrainian attack on the Viktorivka - Nikolsky line.
The “North” troop group reports reaching the approaches to the Nikolsky farm and the village of Kurilovka.
In the Kursk region, heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, the Armed Forces of Russia are approaching Malaya Loknya, and the enemy is counterattacking.
New video evidence shows a Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducting strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel in the Kursk border area. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the operation.
Video evidence of a captured US M-577 command and staff vehicle (based on the M113) in the Kursk region. The video claims that the vehicle was captured by Russian forces, repaired, and put into service. The vehicle reportedly belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment of the US Army.
Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region, but the operator misses the target.
Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeting a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
Video shows Ukrainian forces from the Flying Skull drone unit targeting Russian positions in the Kursk region. At least 9 Russian soldiers were targeted, and 5 golf carts were hit.
Video evidence of a Russian "Lancet" drone striking a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near the border in the Kursk region. The video shows the drone targeting the vehicle as Ukrainian troops attempt to board it, resulting in a direct hit and likely destruction of the vehicle.
Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
Video evidence shows a Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicle driving down a muddy track through a field in foggy conditions. It is shot from a drone's perspective. We see the vehicle from behind as it travels along the track. The camera follows the vehicle closely, eventually getting very close and even showing the interior of the vehicle, which has sustained damage.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP with a Lancet loitering munition in the Kursk region.
In the Kursk region, Russian fighters captured two Ukrainian fascists who, on the orders of the command, killed a peaceful resident in one of the villages. During the interrogation, it turned out that the junta command gave the order to destroy the Russian-speaking civilian population.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. The video claims that the operation is being carried out by the 30th "Moscow" regiment on the Sudzhan direction.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.
Video details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Video shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
