Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 24, 2025, 18:08 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces making significant breakthroughs across multiple fronts. The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is complete, and Russian troops have captured the town center with Ukrainian forces fully retreating. The situation in Pokrovsk is dire, with Russian forces advancing to within 5-7 kilometers of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and intensifying efforts to encircle the city, having captured Kotlyno (Dmytrovo) and mine No. 2, severing the penultimate railway line to the city. In Chasiv Yar, Russian forces have captured about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district, having cleared the forest area south of the Novyi microdistrict and advanced another 800 meters. The basements and workshops of the refractory plant have been completely cleared.

Russian forces have made significant gains in other parts of the Donetsk region, capturing most of Kurakhove and advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk, liberating extensive territories. Ukrainian defenses in Toretsk have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control, as Russian forces have entered Petrivka and are pushing Ukrainian troops out. In the Luhansk region, Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanovka, advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic, having also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka and taken control of a forest area between the settlements, continuing to advance towards Hrekivka.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian units. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity reported across multiple regions and confirmed attacks deep inside Russian territory, including a recent attack on Kharkiv. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast. There are new reports of drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia region.

Geopolitical developments add further complexity, with newly elected US President Donald Trump threatening additional sanctions on Russia while seeking China's assistance in ending the war. Slovak Parliament Vice-Speaker Tibor Gaspar suggests a shifting European approach to the Ukrainian issue. NATO is assembling a flotilla near Estonia to protect underwater cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea.

Major Updates

Velyka Novosilka

Complete Encirclement and Capture: Russian forces have fully encircled and captured Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian troops have reportedly retreated from the settlement entirely. Russian assault units have entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold.
Evacuation Efforts: While reports indicated an organized evacuation of Ukrainian forces, it appears that regular infantry units from the 110th Mechanized Brigade were left to "hold the line" without adequate support.
Continued Fighting: Despite the encirclement, fighting continues on the outskirts. Russian forces are using artillery and airstrikes, including guided bombs, to target Ukrainian positions.
New Russian Advances: Russian forces have reportedly entered several surrounding settlements, including Dmytriv, Urozhaine, Novosergiyivka, Slovyanka, and Yasenove.
Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian troops have hacked the defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Velyka Novosilka.
Russian troops are clearing buildings, basements, and strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Velyka Novosilka.
Video evidence shows that Russian assault groups are advancing in Velyka Novosilka, with some Ukrainian soldiers surrendering while others remain in strongholds.
Russian forces report that they have expanded their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
Russian forces report that they have advanced beyond Nadiya and are moving towards the border of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka.
The 4th Mechanized Battalion of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi is actively using drones to target Russian positions and personnel.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian troops and equipment near Velyka Novosilka.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have defeated Ukrainian HIMARS in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
"Гром" reportedly eliminates the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Pokrovsk.
Tank crews of the "Гром" battalion of the Altai 35th brigade of the Central Military District are reportedly destroying the enemy's defenses on a daily basis, supporting the offensive of the "Струна" battalion of the "Center" group of troops in the Pokrovsk direction.
"Иди и смотри" reports that the garrison of ВСУ in Velyka Novosilka is in an operational encirclement.
The only remaining key outpost of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the South Donetsk direction is doomed - fighting is already underway on the outskirts of Velyka Novosilka, according to military correspondent Oleksandr Kots.
In Uspenivka, fierce battles continue for control of the settlement, with the northeastern part under Russian control. Ukrainian forces are attempting to counterattack to the south and in the direction of Novovasylivka.
New: Video evidence shows the flag of the assault detachment of the 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces being raised in the central part of Velyka Novosilka.

Pokrovsk

Russian Advance: Russian troops are advancing towards the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka road and are now within 5-7 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, intensifying efforts to encircle this strategically vital city. Russian forces are advancing in the direction of the Pavlograd-Krasnoarmeysk highway along the forest belts, expanding their control of the territory. The highway is logistically important for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as it connects two groups.
Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west, but the city is under threat of encirclement.
Heavy Shelling: Heavy shelling is reported in Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk), with Russian artillery and airstrikes destroying Ukrainian positions and a stabilization point, causing significant casualties.
Logistical Challenges: Reports indicate potential operational cessation of the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine.
Russian forces are advancing south of Udachny and fighting for the railway station. Less than 4 km remain to the border of Dnipropetrovsk region.
In the Zverevo area, there are fierce battles, with Russian forces bypassing enemy lines and continuing to advance towards Krasnoarmeysk.
Despite the resistance of the Ukrainian forces, Russian forces continue to develop an offensive in the direction of Zelenoe Pole and Vodyanoe Vtoroe.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to prevent the loss of Pokrovsk, but the speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies the city is under threat of encirclement.
Video evidence shows Russian forces from the 35th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade engaging Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk, including the destruction of a German Leopard tank.
On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes of varying intensity, with Ukrainian forces repelling attacks near several settlements. Five clashes are ongoing.
Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are reported as 335 military personnel killed and wounded, three vehicles destroyed, and one antenna of a UAV, with two additional vehicles significantly damaged.
The city hospital of Pokrovsk is being relocated to Kryvyi Rih.
A video shows multiple missile trails and reports that Russian forces are conducting powerful strikes on Pokrovsk throughout the day, while simultaneously advancing and encircling the city.
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.
A photo message shows that "liberated" Pokrovsk now looks like this.
Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces abandoned Pokrovsk, according to Mash.
The liberation of Vozdvyzhenka and the severing of key supply lines significantly impede Ukrainian resupply and reinforcement.
Russian DRGs are reportedly operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka.
Russian forces have cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk.
New: Video evidence shows the "Otrazhnye" massively burning NATO equipment and infantry of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, advancing on Pokrovsk.

Chasiv Yar

Russian Advances: Russian forces are approaching the western outskirts from the north side of the railway and have captured about half of the city's urban area. They are fighting in the Severnyi district and have cleared the forest area south of the Novyi microdistrict.
Ukrainian Defense: The 18th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard and the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" are actively engaging Russian forces.
Continued Fighting: Video evidence shows ongoing battles near a refractory plant, with a group of Ukrainian soldiers reportedly trapped in a "fire pocket."
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.
A message from "Дневник Десантника" reports that Russian forces continue to advance in Chasiv Yar, with the 200th Brigade clearing the "Десятый" microdistrict and advancing in the "Новосеверный" microdistrict.
New: Russian units are actively trying to break into the rear of the enemy grouping in the center of Chasiv Yar.
New: Despite significant losses, the enemy continues to hold positions, but the Russian forces are conducting active maneuvers from the north, putting pressure on its defenses.
New: In the area of the railway station, the advance of Russian troops to the south is recorded.
New: At the same time, the clearing of the Novoseverny microdistrict continues.
New: Despite incoming information about the complete capture of this sector, scattered enemy units are attempting to regain lost ground. However, these actions do not have a significant impact on the operational and combat situation - the Russian forces continue to hold the initiative and consolidate their positions.
New: Tactical maneuvers of Russian units pose a threat to enemy positions, which are already in an unfavorable position.
New: The development of success in the northern and southern parts of the city leads to the destabilization of the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and, in the future, to a forced retreat.
New: In the near future, active attempts by the enemy to stabilize the front are expected, however, the current dynamics indicate its gradual displacement from its positions.

Other Key Locations in Donetsk Region

Kurakhove: Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces. Active combat operations are reported, with Russian forces advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk. Russian forces are advancing near Shevchenko and Dachnoe.
Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with Russian forces entering Petrivka.
Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone.
Zverevo: Fighting continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces back.
Solene: Reportedly liberated by Russian forces.
Uspenivka: Russian forces are engaged in battles near Uspenivka.
Russian forces are advancing near Uspenovka and Yasenevoe, and are also fighting for control of Nadezhdinka.
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.

Luhansk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanovka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They have also made gains near Makiivka, Terny, and Yampolivka.
Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
Russian forces are advancing near Makeevka.
Russian forces report that they have expanded their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
Russian forces report that they have advanced beyond Nadiya and are moving towards the border of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka.

Kursk Region

Intense Fighting: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory. Heavy fighting continues, with Ukrainian forces launching constant counterattacks.
Drone Warfare: Extensive use of drones by both sides, with reports of Ukrainian drones recording bodies of North Korean and Russian troops.
Casualties: British intelligence reports approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers killed in the region. Russian forces report significant Ukrainian losses in personnel and equipment.
Russian Advances: Russian forces report the capture of several settlements, including Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Malaya Loknya, and progress in Kurilovka.
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.
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 evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian BMP with an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Video evidence shows Russian airborne forces destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
New video evidence from Colonelcassad shows Ussuri paratroopers displaying captured trophies, including a US-made 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and the restoration of a captured Ukrainian BMP-2 in the border areas of the Kursk region.
Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes.
A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, 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.
Another American Abrams tank was destroyed in the Viktorivka area of the Kursk region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense showed footage of a burning tank, which was put out of action by a direct hit by a Lancet loitering munition.
According to the ministry, the losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction since the beginning of hostilities have reached 54,460 people. Up to 320 tanks were destroyed.
In the past day alone, the Russian Armed Forces destroyed more than 190 militants, 3 tanks, 3 armored personnel carriers, 5 armored vehicles, an M777 howitzer, 2 mortars, an electronic warfare station, 6 UAV control points and a warehouse of ammunition of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
An FPV drone pilot of the Sever Group of Forces destroyed a Baba Yaga heavy UAV of the AFU in Kursk region border area.
Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian tank with a Lancet loitering munition in the Kursk region.
New: After the Russian offensive actions, the enemy suffered heavy losses near Malaya Loknya.
New: Two enemy groups with a total number of 60 people were evacuated. Initially, these were two companies.
New: In the area of Sudzha, the enemy is transferring elite units of the Special Operations Forces from the Sumy region, the Ukrainians are trying to avoid losing control over this tactically important city for them.
New: Russian forces are bypassing Sudzha from the south, fighting is going on near Kurilovka.
New: Russian aviation struck with FAB-3000 in the north-eastern part of Sudzha and the northern outskirts of Goncharovka, where the enemy concentrated not only manpower, but also weapons and armored vehicles.

Kharkiv Region

Russian troops destroyed another tank of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the border area of the Kharkiv region.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast.
A Russian drone reportedly attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv, injuring one person.
An explosion was heard in Kharkiv. The governor of the region, Sinegubov, reports a drone attack in the private sector of the Osnovyansky district of Kharkiv. No casualties have been reported.
The Kharkiv region was under intense attack from Russian forces yesterday, with FAB munitions used against military targets in Kharkiv, Kupiansk, and the broader Kupiansk area.
On the Kharkiv direction, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian units twice in the areas of Vovchansk and Tykhy.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Hlushkivka, Shyykivka, and Borivsk Andriyivka.
At the Kharkiv axis, clashes were reported near Vovchansk and Tykhy.
At the Kupyansk axis, clashes were reported near Dvorichna, Petropavlivka, Lozova, Kutkivka, and Nova Kruhlyakivka.
Russian forces have liberated Zapadnoye in the Kharkiv region.
A Russian drone, likely a "Molniya", reportedly attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv.
One person has been reported injured due to the drone attack.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, and that the city of Borova in the Kharkiv region is under threat of a guided aerial bomb (KAB) attack.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region.
Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts.
A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community due to a Russian attack.
Kupiansk is under renewed heavy shelling, with reports of deteriorating security conditions.
The enemy is using various weapons, including drones and multiple rocket launchers.
The morning attack involved a "Molniya-2" drone targeting a Ukrainian police vehicle, injuring three officers.
A civilian car was also hit, injuring a 64-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man.
The city is under constant shelling, with no regard for the rules of war.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Russian forces are using guided aerial bombs (KAB) to attack targets in the Kharkiv region.
Video evidence shows a Russian drone attack on the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv.
New: Russian forces struck an infrastructure facility in Kharkiv with drones.

Zaporizhzhia Region

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.
A high-speed target is reported in the direction of Zaporizhzhia from the east.
Another high-speed target is reported in the direction of Pivdenne.
The air alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been canceled.
New: Any road in the Zaporizhzhia direction is under constant surveillance by Ukrainian drones.

Sumy

In Sumy, Russian troops struck a Ukrainian deployment site, killing 18 and wounding 30.

Geopolitical Developments

US-Russia Relations: US President Donald Trump threatens new sanctions against Russia if Putin refuses to negotiate, while also calling on China to help end the war.
Potential Trump-Putin Meeting: Reports suggest Trump is planning a conversation with Putin after his inauguration to discuss a personal meeting aimed at stopping the war.
Shifting European Approach: Slovak Parliament Vice-Speaker indicates a changing European approach to Ukraine, accusing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte of using Russia as a scare tactic.
NATO Activity: A NATO flotilla is assembling near Estonia to protect Baltic Sea infrastructure.
Zelenskyy-Herzog Meeting: Presidents Zelenskyy and Herzog discuss Ukrainian-Israeli cooperation, focusing on security challenges.
Russian Readiness for Negotiations: Putin expresses Russia's readiness for negotiations but points to obstacles posed by the Ukrainian government and external sponsors.
Head of the EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas invited the new US Secretary of State to a meeting with EU representatives.
Trump should urge Kyiv to remove all obstacles to deals, and not make threats against the Russian Federation regarding negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine. This was stated to TASS by Leonid Slutsky.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The topic of discussion was important issues in the development of Chinese-American relations.
US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly instructed to organize a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the inauguration.
Trump has reportedly instructed his aides to arrange a phone call with Putin within a few days after taking office as US President, according to CNN.
The purpose of the call is reportedly to discuss a personal meeting in the coming months to try to stop the war in Ukraine.
The report notes that during his election campaign, Trump promised to end the conflict within one day after taking office.
However, on the eve of

Situation Report