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Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-01-24 04:10:36Z
1 year ago
Previous (2025-01-24 03:39:05Z)

Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 24, 2025, 04:08 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with Russian forces continuing to advance across multiple fronts, particularly in the Donetsk region. The situation in Velyka Novosilka is critical, with the encirclement now complete and Ukrainian forces facing a dire situation. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature of the conflict, with extensive activity across multiple regions, including new reports of drone movements near Kyiv and continued attacks deep inside Russian territory. Airports in Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Penza, Samara, Saratov, and Ufa have introduced restrictions. Russian forces have made advances near Dvurichna, depriving Ukrainian forces of advantageous lines and positions.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

  • Velyka Novosilka: The encirclement is complete, with all roads under Russian fire control. Ukrainian forces are effectively cut in half, with no way in or out except on foot. Russian forces have advanced significantly, pushing Ukrainian troops back and controlling positions along the banks of the Mokrye Yaly and Kashlagach rivers.
  • Pokrovsk: Russian forces continue to advance, now within 10 kilometers of the city. Reports indicate a plan to cover the city from the southwest, with successes in Kotlyno and Udachny.
  • Chasiv Yar: Heavy fighting continues, with Russian forces making significant advances. They have reportedly captured about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district. Russian forces have cleared the forest area south of the Novyi microdistrict and advanced another 800 meters.
  • Kurakhove: Active combat operations are reported, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Clashes were reported near Vremivka, Kostyantynopil, and Velyka Novosilka. Video evidence shows Russian forces using FPV drones equipped with fiber optics to destroy a Ukrainian Leopard tank and a stronghold.
  • Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses are reportedly collapsing, with Russian forces making advances in the area.
  • New Advances: Russian forces have made progress near Dachne, Udachne, Novoelizavetivka, Makiivka, Tabaivka, and Zapadne.
  • Solene: Video evidence indicates fighting during the liberation of the settlement.

Kursk Region

  • Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: Heavy losses for Ukrainian forces are reported, with a 10-kilometer Russian breakthrough. Russian forces have liberated several settlements. There are unconfirmed reports that Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold their portion of the Kursk region for 100 days.
  • Drone Warfare: Continued reports of drone attacks in the region. Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle. Video evidence shows Russian operators of FPV-drones destroying a Ukrainian M101A1 howitzer in the border area of the Kursk region.
  • Casualties: About 1,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed in the region while fighting against Ukraine.
  • Commissions to Assess Destruction: Commissions are beginning work to assess the destruction of residential buildings in the border areas affected by attacks and the invasion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Kharkiv Region

  • Drone Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
  • Explosions: Reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community due to a Russian attack.
  • Russian Advances near Dvurichna: Russian forces have advanced near Dvurichna, depriving Ukrainian forces of advantageous lines and positions.

Luhansk Region

  • Russian Advances: Russian forces captured Ivanovka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.

Drone Warfare

  • Extensive Activity: Drone warfare remains a dominant feature of the conflict. Ukrainian drones are targeting regions deep inside Russia, including Moscow, Ryazan, Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Engels, Saratov, Tatarstan, and Samara Oblast.
  • Moscow Region: Confirmed reports of drone attacks, with several drones shot down. Six drones were reportedly shot down over Podolsk, Kolomna, Shchyolkovo, Ramenskoye, and Troitsky administrative districts.
  • Ryazan: Confirmed damage to the oil refinery and a residential building following drone attacks.
  • Saratov Region: An air alert has been declared due to the threat of drone attacks. Drones are reportedly attacking Engels. Restrictions were introduced at the airports of Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Penza, Samara, and Saratov. Air defense forces have liquidated UAVs in the Saratov region.
  • Bryansk: Reports of an attack on the "Kremniy El" microelectronics factory, which produces components for the Russian military-industrial complex.
  • Ukrainian Drone Movements: Several groups of Shahed drones are moving from Poltava region towards Cherkasy region. Drones are moving through the north of Cherkasy region towards Kyiv region. New groups of drones are reported to be moving from the south, through Kherson Oblast towards Mykolaiv Oblast. A drone is reported on the south of Poltava region, heading towards Dnipropetrovsk region. Shahed drones are reported to be moving through Mykolaiv region towards Kirovohrad region. Several groups of "Shahed" drones are heading from Chernihiv region towards Brovary/Kyiv. A drone is approaching Brovary. A drone is flying from Kirovohrad Oblast towards Uman Raion, Cherkasy Oblast. Three drones are flying north of Cherkasy towards the southwest. A drone has flown past Kyiv towards Fastiv. A drone is circling east of Brovary. A drone is flying from Chernihiv Oblast towards Brovary. Two drones are flying towards or through Chernihiv. Three drones flew past Novyi Buh towards Kirovohrad Oblast. A drone is flying through the south of the Kyiv region toward the Vinnytsia region. A drone is flying past Boryspil toward Kyiv. Four drones are reported west of Kyiv, flying towards Zhytomyr Oblast. Two drones are in the north of Vinnytsia Oblast, heading west. Three drones are flying near Uman towards Vinnytsia Oblast. One drone is approaching Zhytomyr. One drone is approaching Starokostiantyniv. One drone is reported to be approaching Starokonstantinov. One drone is approaching Lviv from the direction of Peremyshlyany. One drone is flying in the Busk area towards Lviv. Three drones are approaching Lviv. Seven drones were destroyed in the north of the Rostov region.

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, announcing the end of the air raid alert in Kyiv, provide a brief moment of respite for the city's residents. However, the continued threat of air attacks underscores the ongoing danger faced by civilians in the capital. The new video and message from the "Дневник Десантника" Telegram channel, detailing the use of drones to mine territory in the Zaporizhzhia region and reporting on Russian strikes in the area, highlight the ongoing fighting and the use of advanced technology in the conflict. The reported difficulties faced by Ukrainian forces in the region underscore the challenges they face in countering Russian advances. The new images from the "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" Telegram channel, showing the aftermath of the attack on a residential building in Zaporizhzhia, provide further evidence of the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. The images of damaged buildings and the report of 14 people wounded, including a two-month-old infant, underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians. The new video from the "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" Telegram channel, showing the aftermath of the attack on a residential building in Zaporizhzhia, further emphasizes the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. The images of the destroyed building and the report of 14 people wounded, including a two-month-old infant, underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians. The new video from the TASS news agency, reporting on the destruction of a temporary deployment point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Chernihiv region by the Russian National Guard, highlights the ongoing fighting in the north of Ukraine. The video underscores the continued use of force by both sides and the potential for further escalation. The new report from the "Север.Реалии" Telegram channel, stating that Igor Strelkov's request for release from prison was denied due to a negative assessment, provides an update on the legal situation of the former leader of pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk. The report highlights the ongoing consequences for individuals involved in the conflict and the potential for further legal action. The new report and images from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine provide a detailed overview of the military situation as of 08:00 on January 23, 2025. The report highlights the continued intensity of the fighting, with 115 combat clashes recorded in the past 24 hours. The extensive use of air and artillery strikes by Russian forces, as well as the significant number of drone attacks, underscores the ongoing threat to Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure. The reported losses of Russian personnel and equipment, if accurate, indicate that Ukrainian forces are continuing to inflict significant damage. The new message from the "Донбасс Сегодня" Telegram channel, reporting on the deaths of two civilians and injuries to 10 others in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) over the past 24 hours, highlights the continued human cost of the conflict in the region. The reported damage to residential buildings and infrastructure further underscores the devastating impact of the fighting on civilian populations. The new messages provide several important updates to the current situation.

Key Updates

  • Drone Attacks in Lviv Region: New reports of drone activity in the Lviv region, with Ukrainian air defenses engaged. Three "Shahed" drones are reported to be heading towards Lviv.
  • Airports in Ufa: Temporary restrictions on the reception and release of aircraft were introduced at the airport in Ufa.
  • Massive Drone Attacks: A new report from the "Два майора" Telegram channel details a massive drone attack on multiple regions in Russia, including Moscow, Tula, Rostov, Lipetsk, Bryansk, Kursk, Saratov, Ryazan, Belgorod, and Crimea. The report highlights the downing of drones over various cities and the ongoing fire at an oil refinery near Ryazan. The report also mentions attacks on the "Kremniy" plant in Bryansk and an oil refinery in Engels.
  • Russian Advances in Kursk and Donetsk Regions: In the Kursk region, Russian forces have reportedly advanced towards Sverdlikovo and cleared several forest belts near Kurilovka. In Chasiv Yar, Russian forces are reportedly reaching the western outskirts of the city from the north side of the railway. East of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), Russian forces are advancing towards the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka road. Southwest of Pokrovsk, Russian forces are continuing their efforts to encircle the city. Russian forces are also engaged in battles near Uspenivka. The settlement of Solene has reportedly been liberated.
  • Situation in Velyka Novosilka: The city is reportedly cut in two, with Ukrainian forces in the southern part completely surrounded. Russian forces are reportedly in full control of the right-bank part of the city and are advancing towards the center.
  • Zaporizhzhia Front: Russian forces are reportedly targeting Ukrainian supply infrastructure in Orikhiv with drones and artillery.
  • Belgorod Region Attacks: Multiple attacks reported in the Belgorod region, including a drone attack on a residential building in Hraivoron and shelling in several villages. An FPV drone attacked a car on the Oktyabrsky-Malinovka road, injuring a man.
  • Explosions in Zhytomyr Region: Explosions were reported in the Zhytomyr region.
  • New Drone Movements: Reports of drones flying in the Lviv region towards Lviv. Three drones are approaching Starokonstantinov one by one.

Updated Assessment

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic and unfavorable for Ukrainian forces. The continued Russian advances in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, particularly the complete encirclement of Ukrainian forces in the southern part of Velyka Novosilka and the advances near Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar, represent significant tactical victories for Russia. The liberation of Solene further consolidates Russian control in the Donetsk region.

The massive drone attacks across multiple regions in Russia, including the ongoing fire at an oil refinery near Ryazan and the attacks on industrial facilities in Bryansk and Engels, demonstrate Ukraine's continued capability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. The introduction of restrictions at the airport in Ufa further indicates the widespread impact of the drone attacks.

The reported Ukrainian drone activity in the Lviv region, with three "Shahed" drones approaching the city, highlights the continued threat to western Ukraine and the need for ongoing vigilance and air defense readiness.

The geopolitical situation remains complex, with the new report from Sergei Shoigu on the necessity of the Union State's security concept adding another layer to the ongoing tensions.

Overall, the new information suggests that the conflict in Ukraine is intensifying, with increased pressure on Ukrainian forces and a potential shift in the balance of power in favor of Russia. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of the conflict.

Previous (2025-01-24 03:39:05Z)

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