Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 24, 2025, 13:08 UTC
Strategic Overview
The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces continuing their offensive across multiple fronts. The Donetsk region is the focal point of intense fighting, particularly around Velyka Novosilka, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and reportedly capturing several settlements, including Nikolayevo-Daryino. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity reported across multiple regions, including a massive Ukrainian drone attack targeting various regions within Russia. The sheer number of drones intercepted (170 according to Russian sources) indicates the scale of this tactic. The attacks targeted energy and industrial infrastructure, including the Ryazan oil refinery and the "Kremniy El" microelectronics plant in Bryansk, indicating an attempt to disrupt Russian logistics and morale. Reports of temporary restrictions at multiple airports across Russia due to drone activity further underscore the widespread nature of this threat.
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
- Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces have solidified their encirclement, reportedly raising the Russian flag in the center of the town. Ukrainian troops are blocked in the north and south, with escape routes cut off and the Ukrainian command acknowledging the risk of an operational encirclement. The situation for Ukrainian forces is described as worse than in Vuhledar. Russian forces are within 1.5 km of complete encirclement. The encirclement is confirmed as complete. All roads are under Russian fire control. The garrison is effectively cut in half, with Russian forces controlling positions along the banks of the Mokrye Yaly and Kashlagach rivers.
- Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of the city and continuing their advance, consolidating positions after capturing Kotlyno (Dmytrovo) and mine No. 2, and severing the penultimate railway line to the city. Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west. Reports of success in Kotlyno and Udachny indicate a plan to cover the city from the southwest. The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies the city is under threat of encirclement. South of Udachny, Russian forces are less than 4km from the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, potentially opening up a route to Novopavlivka from the northeast. Successful development of this advance could lead to the operational encirclement of Novopavlivka.
- Chasiv Yar: Russian forces continue to advance, dislodging Ukrainian forces and controlling approximately 20% of the refractory plant. They have also gained control of the fourth section of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant and captured about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district. 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: Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno. Active combat operations are reported, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Clashes were reported near Vremivka, Kostyantynopil, and Velyka Novosilka.
- Toretsk: 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.
- Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk. Russian forces reportedly using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions.
- Zverevo: The fighting in Zverevo continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully.
- Solene: Reportedly liberated by Russian forces.
- Uspenivka: Russian forces are engaged in battles near Uspenivka, advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Luhansk Region
- Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanovka, advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They have also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka and have taken control of a forest area between the settlements, continuing to advance towards Hrekivka.
- Borova Direction: Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai.
- Russian forces are advancing on the western bank of the Zherebets River near Makiivka, Ivanivka, and Novosadove.
Kursk Region
- The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units. A U.S.-made Abrams tank was reportedly rendered inoperable by a Russian Lancet loitering munition near Viktorovka. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity reported across multiple regions.
- Heavy fighting continues in the Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces launching constant counterattacks, slowing Russian progress.
- Russian forces report the capture of Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces have inflicted damage in the Kursk region amounting to 750 billion rubles.
- 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.
- About 1,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed in the region while fighting against Ukraine.
- British intelligence reports that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the Kursk region.
Kharkiv Region
- Drone Attacks: One drone is approaching Balakliia. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Kharkiv is under threat from a Russian drone approaching from the northeast. New drone groups are reported on the east and in the central part of the Kharkiv region, with a western/southwestern course.
- Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya, occupied the forest near Zapadnoye, and advanced significantly in the center of Dvurichna.
- On the right bank of the Oskol, Russian forces are continuing to push through Ukrainian defenses and are expanding their control zone towards the western part of Dvurichna in the direction of Sagunivka.
- Fighting continues in the area of Zelenyi Hai, where Ukrainian forces are attempting to improve their tactical position by attacking from Borova Andriivka.
- 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.
Zaporizhzhia Region
- F-16s were spotted flying in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
- A drone was reported flying towards Zaporizhzhia from Dnipropetrovsk. An air raid alert has been reissued for the region. The number of wounded from a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to two.
- Ukrainian forces report using drones to hunt Russian infantry near Kupyansk.
- Ukrainian forces from the 141st Mechanized Brigade are targeting enemy positions in the Zaporizhzhia region with drones.
Drone Warfare
- Extensive Activity: New reports indicate drone movements in several regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk. Ukrainian forces report repelling a drone attack in the Rostov region. New drone threats are reported in Mykolaiv. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are moving in the Mykolaiv region from the south. There are reports of two drones flying over the city of Mykolaiv. There are also reports of two drones approaching the city of Mykolaiv from the direction of Bolshaya Korenikha. The city of Chernomorsk and the city of Odessa are under threat from an enemy drone approaching from the south. Massive drone attacks targeted multiple regions in Russia, including Moscow, Tula, Rostov, Lipetsk, Bryansk, Kursk, Saratov, Ryazan, Belgorod, and Crimea. Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted and destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 78 out of 110 drones launched by Russian forces overnight, with 31 drones classified as "decoys." Ukrainian forces used drones to attack oil refineries in Saratov, Kazan, Engels and military and energy facilities in Bryansk and Rostov.
- Successful Ukrainian Drone Strikes: Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted oil refineries and industrial facilities deep inside Russia, including successful strikes on the Ryazan refinery, a Ryazan oil pumping station, and the "Kreminy El" microelectronics plant in Bryansk. Ukrainian drones attacked an oil refinery in Almetyevsk, causing a fire. Ukrainian drones attacked the Almetyevsk head oil pumping station of "Transneft". Confirmed damage to the oil refinery and a residential building in Ryazan following drone attacks. The situation at the Ryazan oil refinery is reportedly "under control." Multiple videos show fires and explosions at the refinery. Reports of an attack on the "Kremniy El" microelectronics factory in Bryansk, which produces components for the Russian military-industrial complex. A video purports to show the attack. The "Kremniy El" factory in Bryansk was reportedly hit by a drone attack, with video footage of the incident circulating online. Reports suggest that drones are again attacking the oil depot in Engels. The city of Saratov is reportedly on high alert.
- New Drone Technology: Russia is reportedly using a new drone-kamikaze called "Mikrob," with AI capabilities. Russia is reportedly using a new drone-kamikaze called "KUB-2".
- Moscow Region: Confirmed reports of drone attacks, with several drones shot down. Airports have implemented restrictions, but these have now been lifted. The threat of an aerial attack has been lifted in Ramenskoye, near Moscow.
- Saratov Region: An air alert has been declared due to the threat of drone attacks. Drones are reportedly attacking Engels.
- 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.
- Air Raid Alerts in Ukraine: A map shows air raid alerts across most of central, eastern, and southern Ukraine, including Kyiv. An air raid alert has been declared in Kyiv due to the threat of drones.
- Drone Operations in the Donetsk Region: Operators from the 9th Brigade of the 51st Guards Army successfully destroyed a Ukrainian tank and a pickup truck with personnel using drones.
- Explosions in Kyiv: Explosions were heard in Kyiv.
- Engels Under Drone Attack: The city of Engels is reportedly under drone attack, with air defense systems in operation.
- Drone Movements: 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.
- An aviation repair plant in Borisoglebsk, Voronezh region, was damaged as a result of a UAV attack.
Geopolitical Developments
- Former US President Trump has threatened to use $330 billion of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine in purchasing American weapons. However, the editor of The Telegraph stated that this is just speculation. He also called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help end the war in Ukraine.
- The US is preparing to deploy nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time in 15 years.
- European allies are pushing for US involvement in peacekeeping in Ukraine, with Zelensky requesting a direct US presence.
- A Republican congressman proposed a resolution to amend the US Constitution, allowing Trump to run for a third term.
- The German Ambassador to Russia announced that Berlin would not participate in the Victory Parade in Moscow.
- Trump's administration does not intend to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the end of the conflict.
- Bloomberg reports that European allies agree that the US should provide troops for any future peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Orban demands Ukraine restore Russian gas transit to continue EU sanctions against Russia.
- Israeli Foreign Ministry has indicated a possibility of transferring captured Russian weaponry to Ukraine.
- The Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament compared Biden and Zelensky to "dying horses" and stated only Putin and Trump can resolve the Ukrainian issue.
- Zelensky began copying Trump, according to Le Monde.
- The US Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
- Trump will cancel the freeze on the supply of powerful bombs to Israel, according to media reports.
- Marco Rubio stated that Ukraine and Russia must "give up something" to end the war.
- Donald Trump said he plans to meet with Vladimir Putin, but did not specify a date.
- Donald Trump said the US has a right to half of TikTok.
- Donald Trump signed a decree to create a structure in the US headed by Elon Musk to improve the efficiency of the government.
- Donald Trump expressed his intention to achieve an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
- Trump signed a law to stop aid to foreign countries for 90 days. This law also affects Ukraine.
- Trump signed a decree to abolish birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
- The US has officially exited the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement.
- French President Macron stated that the conflict in Ukraine will not end in the near future and that Europe must be at the negotiating table.
- Zelensky stated that US peacekeepers should be sent to Ukraine.
- Zelensky said he is confident that Xi Jinping can push Putin to peace.
- A Republican congressman proposed amending the US Constitution to allow Trump to serve a third term.
- Putin is ready for a conversation with Trump, according to Peskov.
- The Polish Foreign Minister has stated that Putin must earn a meeting with Trump, and that he is not the same Putin Trump knew during his first term.
- Moscow expects a prompt positive decision from the US on the agreement for the appointment of a new Russian ambassador, according to Sergey Ryabkov.
- John Ratcliffe has officially taken office as the new head of the CIA.
- Two Patriot air defense batteries from Germany have taken up duty near Rzeszów, Poland. Germany also plans to send Eurofighter jets to Romania for eight months.
- Preparation for direct negotiations between "Putin" and US President Donald Trump on a possible truce in the war between Russia and Ukraine is the only topic of discussion within the Politburo.
- Part of the Russian leadership put forward a claim to the "Russian city of Narva" on the agenda of the negotiations.
- Representatives of the Politburo were told that Trump intends to block all opportunities for Russia to bypass sanctions and "put an end to the gray fleet" that transports Russian oil products.
- A telephone conversation between "Putin" and Trump could take place in the next three days.
- The agreement on Ukraine was not reached because Zelensky wanted to fight.
- Trump administration does not intend to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the end of the conflict.
- China has reiterated its position in favor of dialogue on Ukraine, as stated by the press secretary of the Chinese Embassy in the US, Liu Pengyu, in response to Trump's comments on expecting Beijing's assistance in resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
Humanitarian Situation
- Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
- Ukrainian blogger Anna Zhuk (Anet) tragically died in a car accident on the Kyiv-Kharkiv-Dovzhansky highway.
New Developments Since Last Report
- Ukrainian blogger Anna Zhuk (Anet) tragically died in a car accident on the Kyiv-Kharkiv-Dovzhansky highway.
- Medvedev stated that about 450,000 people signed a contract for service in the Russian Armed Forces in 2024, and more than 40,000 became volunteers.
- An aviation repair plant in Borisoglebsk, Voronezh region, was damaged as a result of a UAV attack.
- Gazprom announced its intention to raise gas tariffs from 65 rubles to 170 per cubic meter.
- In the first half of 2024, Gazprom suffered a net loss of 480.6 billion rubles.
- A U.S.-made Abrams tank was rendered inoperable by a Russian Lancet loitering munition near Viktorovka of Kursk region.
- A Russian assault trooper repelled an enemy strike drone with the butt of his rifle.
- The Hermitage was evacuated due to a security threat.
- Europe has become heavily dependent on LNG, having abandoned pipeline gas from Russia.
- The Ukrainian Air Force showcased the 160th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade in Odesa.
- 757 bodies of fallen Ukrainian defenders were returned to Ukraine.
- A former customs officer in the Lviv region was charged with illicit enrichment.
- The National Center "Russia" is launching its own podcast.
- Two batteries of Patriot air defense systems from Germany have taken up duty near Rzeszów, Poland.
- A Franco-German tank manufacturer KNDS Deutschland, which produces Leopard 2 tanks, has opened a joint venture in Ukraine for the maintenance and repair of military equipment.
- Military police units found a cache filled with enemy weapons in the DPR.
- A serviceman from Primorye was removed from the election.
- 250 new drones were delivered to the Ukrainian army.
- Bodies of 757 fallen defenders were returned to Ukraine.
- British intelligence reported that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the Kursk region.
- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated that the conflict in Ukraine cannot be resolved in 100 days without realism in the United States.
- Ufa airport lifted restrictions on receiving and sending aircraft.
- The deputy director of a municipal enterprise in Dnipro was exposed for embezzling over 9 million hryvnias.
- Trump's meeting with Grossi may take place in the first half of February, possibly in Moscow.
- 49 bodies of Russian soldiers were exchanged for 757 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers.
- Zelensky congratulated the employees of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine on their professional day.
- The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting expanded the list of banned sites of the aggressor state, including Baskino, Filmix, and HD REZKA.
- The speaker of the Russian-language pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel "Shef Hayabusa" posted a video mocking the Russian news about the drone attack.
- A video was released showing a Ukrainian soldier shooting six captured Ukrainians and complaining about the lack of payments for injuries.
- A video was released showing a Russian Su-34 striking Ukrainian armored vehicles and soldiers on the border of the Kursk region at night.
- A video surfaced showing the immediate aftermath of yesterday's Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, resulting in one death and 54 injuries, including a two-month-old child, rescuers, and energy workers. Residential areas and infrastructure were damaged. 17 people remain hospitalized in moderate condition.
- Reports indicate that Ukrainian commanders are chaining their soldiers, leaving them to die, with bodies found chained by Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. Documents of one of the deceased soldiers, Iven Y.S. from the 470th separate infantry battalion 144 opbr, unit 4984, were discovered.
- A video shows a German Leopard 2A4 tank on fire near Krasnoarmeysk.
- Germany officially stated they would not attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025. Moscow responded that they were not invited.
- The liberation of Timofeevka in the DPR reportedly allows for a quicker encirclement of Krasnoarmeysk from the east and shortens the path to Dimitrov, according to Russian sources.
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of deceased soldiers, with Ukraine receiving 757 bodies and Russia receiving 49.
- A Ukrainian political technologist suggested that Trump could potentially influence North Korea to cease support for Russia, citing Trump's previous negotiations with Kim Jong-un.
- Reports indicate that military technicians servicing IRIS-T systems are being transferred to the infantry, according to MP Goncharenko.
- The cleanup of oil spills from tankers in the Azov Sea has been completed in the Slavyansk district of the Krasnodar region.
- A video was released showing the aftermath of a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, including rescue operations.
Updated Situation
The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts. The Donetsk region remains the focal point of intense fighting, with Russian forces making incremental gains around Pokrovsk, Velyka Novosilka, and Chasiv Yar. The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is now complete, increasing pressure on Ukrainian forces in the area. The stalled Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region and the ongoing drone warfare, including attacks deep inside Russia, further complicate the situation. The potential meeting between Trump and Putin, and the ongoing negotiations regarding a possible truce, add another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with continued civilian casualties and displacement. The return of 757 bodies of fallen Ukrainian defenders underscores the human cost of the conflict. The ongoing drone warfare, particularly the successful Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, demonstrates a significant escalation and showcases Ukraine's ability to disrupt Russian logistics and infrastructure. The reported use of new drone technology by Russia, such as the AI-equipped "Mikrob" drone, highlights the evolving nature of the conflict. The geopolitical situation is increasingly complex, with potential shifts in US policy under a possible Trump administration and continued negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean troops, as reported by British intelligence, adds another dimension to the conflict, with significant casualties reported among DPRK forces. The economic impact of the war is also evident, with Gazprom announcing significant losses and plans to raise gas tariffs, while Ukraine continues to rely on international aid and volunteer efforts to support its military. The reported discussions about a possible truce and the involvement of international actors like Trump and the UN suggest that diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are ongoing, but face significant obstacles. The new reports of drone movements, especially in the Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, and Sumy regions, indicate a continued threat to these areas. The Ukrainian Air Force's alerts highlight the ongoing danger posed by these drones. The new reports about Putin's conversation with Xi Jinping and his potential meeting with Trump, as well as China's invitation to Putin to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan, are significant geopolitical developments. The new statements from Ukrainian officials about potential territorial losses and upcoming talks with the Trump team underscore the urgency and uncertainty facing Ukraine. The reported repelling of a major Russian assault in the Kursk region by Ukrainian forces, particularly the 47th Mechanized Brigade and the 82nd Airborne Assault Brigade, is a significant tactical victory for Ukraine. This successful defense, involving the destruction of numerous enemy vehicles and personnel, demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukrainian forces in utilizing combined arms tactics, particularly the integration of artillery, infantry, and drones. The renewed heavy shelling of Kupiansk and the reported worsening security situation there are concerning developments. The use of various weapons, including drones and multiple rocket launchers, highlights the intensity of the Russian attacks in the area. The new reports of drone attacks in Ryazan, Kursk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Engels, and even the Moscow region indicate a significant escalation in Ukrainian drone warfare capabilities and a potential shift in strategy to target locations deeper inside Russia. The confirmation of drone attacks in the Moscow region, along with restrictions at major airports, represents a significant escalation and demonstrates the expanding reach of Ukrainian drone warfare. The fire at the Ryazan oil refinery and reports of attacks in the Bryansk and Engels regions further emphasize the widespread nature of the drone campaign. The reported attack on the "Kremniy El" microelectronics factory in Bryansk, which produces components for the Russian military-industrial complex, highlights Ukraine's continued efforts to target strategic assets deep inside Russia. The successful use of drones by Russian forces in the Donetsk region to destroy a Ukrainian tank and a pickup truck with personnel demonstrates the continued importance of drone warfare on the battlefield. The explosions heard in Kyiv and the reported drone attack on Engels further highlight the intensification of the conflict and the widespread use of drones by both sides. China's reiteration of its position in favor of dialogue on Ukraine, in response to Trump's comments, adds another dimension to the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict. The damage to the aviation repair plant in Borisoglebsk and the reports of Ukrainian commanders chaining their soldiers are new developments that require further investigation and verification. The exchange of bodies between Russia and Ukraine, with a significant disparity in numbers, highlights the human cost of the conflict and the ongoing negotiations between the two sides. The video of the burning Leopard 2A4 tank near Krasnoarmeysk, if confirmed, would represent another loss of Western-supplied equipment for Ukraine.
Recommendations
- Reinforce Pokrovsk and Toretsk: Deploy additional troops, anti-tank weapons, and air defense systems to Pokrovsk and Toretsk to counter the Russian advance. Prioritize the defense of Pokrovsk to prevent further Russian advances in the Donetsk region. Given the unconfirmed reports of a Russian victory in Toretsk, a thorough assessment of the situation on the ground is needed before determining the appropriate course of action. If Toretsk has indeed fallen, focus should shift to reinforcing Pokrovsk and establishing new defensive lines. Given the critical situation in Velyka Novosilka, with the encirclement now complete, the focus should be on mitigating further losses and extracting any remaining forces if possible.
- Enhance Counter-Drone Capabilities: Prioritize the deployment of advanced counter-drone systems and develop tactics to mitigate the effectiveness of Russian FPV drones, including the new fiber-optic-controlled drones. Deploy additional air defense systems and early warning radars to detect and intercept incoming drones in Sumy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts. Deploy advanced counter-drone systems and electronic warfare capabilities to neutralize Russian drones, particularly in the Donetsk, Kursk, and Kharkiv regions. Prioritize the protection of critical infrastructure and military assets. Deploy additional air defense systems and early warning radars to detect and intercept incoming drones. Protect critical infrastructure and population centers in these regions. Continuously monitor drone movements, particularly the reported movements in Poltava, Cherkasy, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Uman, Fastiv, and Brovary regions. Deploy rapid response units to intercept drones and protect vulnerable areas. Develop strategies to counter drone attacks on Russian territory and protect Ukrainian territory from similar attacks. This may involve deploying additional air defense systems, improving early warning capabilities, and enhancing electronic warfare capabilities to jam or intercept incoming drones. Given the continued drone activity across multiple regions in Ukraine and the new attacks on Engels, maintain a high level of readiness and ensure that air defense systems are operational and prepared to engage incoming drones. Enhance cooperation with international partners and seek their assistance in developing counter-drone technologies and strategies. Maintain vigilance and continue to monitor drone activity across all regions. Ensure that air defense systems are on high alert and prepared to engage incoming drones. Deploy additional air defense systems and early warning radars to detect and intercept incoming drones. Issue public alerts and ensure that civilians are aware of the threat and know how to respond. Pay close attention to North Korea's missile tests and assess their potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine. Coordinate with South Korea and other allies to monitor the situation and develop appropriate responses. Develop a comprehensive strategy to counter this threat. This could involve diplomatic efforts to prevent the transfer of these drones to Russia, as well as enhancing Ukraine's own drone and counter-drone capabilities. Reinforce defenses around the city and the industrial facility. Deploy additional air defense systems, improve early warning capabilities, and enhance electronic warfare capabilities to jam or intercept incoming drones. Develop strategies to counter these attacks and protect civilian air travel. This may involve deploying additional air defense systems around airports, improving early warning capabilities, and enhancing electronic warfare capabilities to jam or intercept incoming drones.
- Secure Critical Infrastructure: Enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities and gas storage facilities, to prevent potential catastrophic incidents. Enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities and gas storage facilities, to prevent potential catastrophic incidents. Conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to the Ryazan oil refinery, the residential building, and the "Kremniy El" factory in Bryansk. Provide assistance to affected civilians and repair critical infrastructure. Enhance air defenses in these regions to prevent further attacks.
- Strengthen International Support: Seek further military and financial assistance from international partners to sustain the war effort. Emphasize the need for advanced weapons systems, including long-range missiles, air defense systems, and counter-drone technology. Continue to engage with international partners, particularly the US and EU, to secure additional military and financial aid. Emphasize the need for advanced weaponry, including long-range strike capabilities and air defense systems, to counter Russian advances and drone attacks. Work with countries to develop a coordinated strategy for reducing reliance on Russian energy. Explore alternative sources of gas and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Share information about the drone attacks with international partners.
- Counter Russian Information Operations: Counter Russian disinformation and propaganda efforts by providing accurate and timely information to the public. Counter Russian disinformation and propaganda campaigns by providing accurate and timely information about the situation on the ground. Highlight Ukrainian successes and Russian losses to maintain morale and international support. Address the claim of Ukrainian drones targeting Putin's motorcade, either confirming or debunking it with credible information.
- Address the Situation in Kursk: Given the significant losses and stalled counteroffensive, reassess the strategy in the Kursk region. Consider redeploying forces to more critical areas if necessary.
- Verify North Korean Involvement: Investigate the reports of captured North Korean soldiers and gather intelligence on the extent of North Korean involvement in the conflict. Investigate the reports of captured North Korean soldiers and gather intelligence on the extent of North Korean involvement in the conflict.
- Prepare for Increased Missile Attacks: Enhance air defense systems and early warning capabilities to counter the threat of Russian ballistic and cruise missile attacks.
- Address the Psychological Impact on Children: Develop programs and initiatives to address the psychological impact of the conflict on children, particularly in areas close to the front lines.
- Exploit Russian Weaknesses: Capitalize on any internal disagreements or conflicting narratives within Russian media, as well as the reported issues with Russian logistics and vehicle maintenance.
- Counter New Russian Tactics in Kursk: Given the reported shift in Russian tactics to using larger groups for assaults in the Kursk region, adjust Ukrainian defenses accordingly. Deploy additional infantry units, anti-tank weapons, and machine gun nests to counter these massed attacks. Utilize artillery and HIMARS to target troop concentrations and disrupt Russian advances.
- Stabilize the Front: Address the issues highlighted regarding the difficulties in stabilizing the front. Improve coordination between units, particularly the newly formed brigades, and ensure that defensive positions are strategically advantageous.
- Protect Civilian Infrastructure: Given the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure, enhance measures to protect these areas. Deploy additional air defense systems around major cities and critical infrastructure to mitigate the impact of Russian airstrikes and drone attacks.
- Increase Diplomatic Efforts: Continue engaging with international partners to secure additional military and financial aid. Highlight the need for advanced weaponry, particularly air defense systems, to counter Russian air superiority and protect civilian populations. Increase diplomatic efforts to highlight the complexities of the conflict and the need for a balanced approach.
- Enhance Reconnaissance and Intelligence: Improve reconnaissance capabilities to better anticipate Russian movements and intentions. Utilize drones and other surveillance technologies to monitor enemy positions and movements, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions.
- Address Logistical Challenges: Ensure that supply lines remain open and secure, particularly for fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies. Address the reported issues with vehicle maintenance and repair.
- Address the Desertion Crisis: Investigate the reasons behind the high desertion rates and take immediate steps to address the underlying issues. This may involve improving conditions for soldiers, addressing morale problems, and ensuring effective leadership.
- Improve Communication and Training: Address the captured soldier's concerns about poor communication and training within the Ukrainian military. Implement measures to improve communication channels and provide better training to soldiers, particularly new recruits.
- Prepare for Further Drone Attacks: Given the continued drone activity across multiple regions in Ukraine and the new attacks on Engels, maintain a high level of readiness and ensure that air defense systems are operational and prepared to engage incoming drones. Given the declared air alerts and reported drone attacks in the Saratov and Engels regions, deploy additional air defense systems and early warning radars to detect and intercept incoming drones. Protect critical infrastructure and population centers in these regions. Strengthen air defenses around the capital. Deploy additional air defense systems and utilize electronic warfare to counter the drone threat. Ensure the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure.
- Enhance Cooperation with International Partners: Share information about the drone attacks with international partners and seek their assistance in developing counter-drone technologies and strategies.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Increase diplomatic efforts to highlight the complexities of the conflict and the need for a balanced approach.
- Monitor and Respond to Drone Activity: Maintain vigilance and continue to monitor drone activity across all regions. Ensure that air defense systems are on high alert and prepared to engage incoming drones.
- Address the Drone Threat in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Dnipropetrovsk: Deploy additional air defense systems and early warning radars to detect and intercept incoming drones. Issue public alerts and ensure that civilians are aware of the threat and know how to respond.
- Monitor North Korean Missile Tests: Pay close attention to North Korea's missile tests and assess their potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine. Coordinate with South Korea and other allies to monitor the situation and develop appropriate responses.
- Assess US Political Developments: Analyze the potential implications of the proposed bill to "buy Greenland" and its impact on US foreign policy and strategic interests. Consider how this move might affect US-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Develop a Strategy to Counter Iran's Drone Capabilities: Given the reported advancements in Iran's drone technology, develop a comprehensive strategy