Archived operational intelligence briefing
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. Russian forces have achieved substantial gains, notably the complete encirclement of Ukrainian forces in the southern part of Velyka Novosilka and advances near Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar.
A massive drone attack targeted multiple regions in Russia, including Moscow, Tula, Rostov, Lipetsk, Bryansk, Kursk, Saratov, Ryazan, Belgorod, and Crimea. The attack caused disruption and damage to critical infrastructure, such as the oil refinery near Ryazan and industrial facilities in Bryansk and Engels. The Ryazan oil refinery has been confirmed as a target of the drone attack. Airports in Ufa, Penza, Saratov, Ulyanovsk, and Samara have introduced restrictions, further indicating the widespread impact of the drone campaign.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones in several regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk. New reports indicate drone movements in Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk regions. One drone is approaching Rivne, another is near Sloviansk, and three are in the Poltava region. There are reports of one drone flying from the Belotserkovsky district into the Vinnitsa region, one drone near Akhtyrka, two new drones moving west through the Kupyansky district, and four new drones moving from the Berislavsky district towards Novy Bug. New reports indicate 5 drones are flying past Bashtanka towards the Voznesensky district, 1 drone flew past Kryvyi Rih into the Kirovohrad region, 1 drone over Kropyvnytskyi, 2 drones in the Kamensky area, 7 drones in the Kremenchug district in a northwesterly direction, 4 drones circling in the Kupyansk area, 2 drones north of Lozova, Kharkiv region, in a westerly direction, 3 drones heading towards/through Nizhyn, 3 drones from Sumy region flying to Chernihiv region, 1 drone in the north of Poltava region in a westerly direction, 1 new drone from the Black Sea in the direction of Fontanka.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are moving in the Mykolaiv region from the south. 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. New reports indicate that drones have been shot down over the Leningrad Oblast. Reports indicate drone activity in the Lviv region, with Ukrainian air defenses engaged. The threat of enemy drones in the region has been declared over. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 78 out of 110 drones launched by Russian forces overnight. 31 drones were classified as "decoys" and did not reach their targets. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 4 "Shahed" drones over Mykolaiv Oblast overnight. Debris from one of the downed drones damaged several houses in Voznesensk. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 2 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 33 out of 50 drones launched by Russian forces on the night of January 17, 2025. In the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv, drone debris caused minor damage to a building's facade, with no reported casualties. Drone debris fell in the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv, causing minor damage to a building's facade. The new messages detail a battle in Tula Oblast, with the Russian army repelling an enemy attack in Aleksin. 17 drones have been confirmed to have been shot down over Tula Oblast, according to the regional governor. A fire broke out in a military hospital in Tula, Russia, with reports of 57 people evacuated. A drone attack on Kazan has been confirmed, with reports of a large fire near the "Kazan Orgsintez" plant. The plant is a major producer of high-strength plastics. The attack reportedly targeted a liquefied gas base. Drones attacked a fuel depot and a gunpowder factory in the Tambov and Voronezh regions overnight. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 27 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight. Russian forces attacked the Poltava region overnight using drones. The falling debris from the downed drones damaged energy infrastructure. 301 households and 22 legal consumers are currently without power. Ukrainian drones attacked the Almetyevsk head oil pumping station of "Transneft". In Mykolaiv, an enemy drone is approaching from the northeast. The city of Mykolaiv is under threat from a drone approaching from the south. In Kryvyi Rih, an enemy drone is approaching from the north.
Zhytomyr Oblast is under threat of a drone attack from the northeast. A Russian drone is reported to be approaching Bila Tserkva (Kyiv Oblast) from the east. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the following drone movements: south of Sumy Oblast (westward course), west and southeast of Chernihiv Oblast (west/southwest course), center of Poltava Oblast (northeast course), west of Kirovohrad Oblast (south course), north and southeast of Kyiv Oblast (west/south course), north of Donetsk Oblast (west/east course), and Odesa Oblast (east course, towards Chornomorsk). 1 drone is reported south of Uman, 2 in the north of Kyiv Oblast (westward course), 3 passing through Pereiaslav (southwest course), 1 moving from Kharkiv to Poltava Oblast, and 1 moving from Sumy to Chernihiv Oblast. Explosions were reported in the Kirovsky district of Donetsk, with at least ten explosions counted. A loud drone sound was also reported. Another explosion was reported in Lidiivka (Donetsk region), with windows blown out in one house. In Sumy, an enemy drone is approaching from the northeast. The city of Sumy is under threat from a drone approaching from the south. In Kharkiv, an enemy drone is approaching from the northeast. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a drone in Sumy region, heading south. A map of air raid alerts shows that air raid alerts are active across almost all of Ukraine. Updated data from the Air Force on the movement of "Shaheds": enemy UAVs are recorded over Kyiv, course - south, drones were seen in the central part of Chernihiv region, course - south-west, "Shaheds" are in Sumy region, course - south-west, on the border of Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, course - west, over the Kremenchug reservoir, course - south, in the central part of Kharkiv region, course - west, in the northern and eastern parts of Mykolaiv region, course - west, on the border of Mykolaiv and Odessa regions, course - north-west. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region. All 4 enemy drones were shot down in the Lviv region.
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Velyka Novosilka: The city is now completely cut in two, with Ukrainian forces in the southern part fully encircled. Russian forces have taken control of the right-bank part of the city and are advancing towards the center, methodically clearing the northern, eastern, and southern areas. Video evidence confirms the beginning of the liberation of Velyka Novosilka by the "Vostok" group. The raising of the Russian flag in the center of the settlement signifies a major symbolic victory. A Ukrainian officer from the 61st Brigade has publicly addressed soldiers of the 110th Brigade, who are encircled in Velyka Novosilka, urging them to either surrender or flee. The "Vostok" group is reportedly using all available means to attack the blocked enemy. The garrison in Velyka Novosilka is almost divided in two. Russian forces have reached the Ukrainian street from Pervomaiskaya street and are fighting between Shkolnaya and Gagarina streets. Russian forces hold positions along the banks of the Mokrye Yaly and Kashlagach rivers. The escape route for Ukrainian forces is not physically blocked but is under fire control and limited by the Mokrye Yaly river. The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is nearing completion. All roads are reportedly under Russian fire control. Part of the Ukrainian forces defending Velyka Novosilka is effectively in operational encirclement. The situation for the Ukrainian forces is developing even worse than it was in Vuhledar. Video evidence shows Russian TOS targeting Ukrainian positions in Velyka Novosilka. Video evidence shows multiple explosions in a rural area near the city. Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault. Video evidence shows the mass destruction of armored vehicles and enemy infantry near the boiler room. The city is reportedly in a "semi-encirclement." Russian forces from the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade conducted a successful assault on an enemy stronghold near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces are squeezing the remnants of the 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which are trapped between the Kashlagach and Mokrye Yaly rivers. Video evidence shows the work of Russian "Solntsepyok" systems on Ukrainian positions in Velyka Novosilka. The Ukrainian command has acknowledged the risk of an operational encirclement of Velyka Novosilka. The 110th Mechanized Brigade and attached units are in an operational encirclement. The situation is further complicated by the fact that evacuation of the wounded is impossible, leading to increased losses. The command is urged to make a decision regarding the defense of this area. After the occupation of Neskuchne and Vremivka, the enemy has concentrated its attention on the village in recent days and has launched active assault operations to capture it. The enemy has quite a flexible operational space for conducting offensive actions, and having accumulated resources for this, it is implementing them from different points of the settlement. The most active enemy infantry is crawling on the eastern outskirts of the village and, unfortunately, has had some success in advancing. The enemy has been accumulating manpower for these maneuvers for a fairly long period of time, building fortifications to entrench themselves there, and now is constantly exerting pressure, using the occupied positions. Pressure continues on the southern outskirts of Velyka Novosilka, as well as from the side of Vremivka on the western side of Velyka Novosilka. The infantry is recorded in different parts of the settlement, which is carrying out assault operations in groups of, on average, 10 people. For reinforcement, the Russians have fire support in the form of equipment, aviation, in particular, helicopters, as well as artillery, mortars, drones. The Defense Forces are making every effort to prevent the enemy from advancing and occupying the village, but it is difficult to do this under pressure from virtually all sides. How events will develop will show, and we hope that the tactical situation that has developed around Velyka Novosilka will not become the reason for senseless losses of personnel of the Ukrainian military. It is already impossible to change it - it is too late.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces are approaching the western outskirts of the city from the north side of the railway, indicating significant progress in their offensive. There are ongoing штурмовые actions by Russian troops, and tactical successes. Video evidence shows the 18th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard targeting Russian infantry in the central part of Chasiv Yar. Heavy fighting continues, with Russian forces reportedly seizing the initiative and pushing Ukrainian troops back. South of the Novyi microdistrict in the forest area on the territory of the Mir and Bunker children's camp, Russian forces dislodged the enemy from the buildings and eliminated an enemy group. Russian forces cleared the forest area and advanced another 800 meters. Near the Dniprovskyi pond in Chasov Yar, Russian artillerymen from the "Grad" MLRS engaged enemy positions. Russian forces have almost completely liberated Solenoye and are continuing to fight for Udachnoye and in the Kotlino area. Russian forces fighting for a high-rise building near a refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. Reports of Russian forces making significant advances in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and engaging in battles for a multi-story building near a refractory plant. Russian forces have reportedly advanced 500 meters in the center of Chasiv Yar. About half of the city's urban area is under Russian control. A group of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly become trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant. 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. The 18th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard targeted Russian infantry in the central part of Chasiv Yar. The "Rodnya" Battalion is reporting from within Chasiv Yar, indicating ongoing fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces. The battalion's current focus is on securing the flanks to the north and south of the city rather than immediate urban clearing operations. The main events are now unfolding in Velyka Novosilka, where the defense has transitioned into a phase of agony, in Dzerzhinsk, where our forces are gradually pushing the defense at the mine, and in Chasiv Yar, where the battles for the high-rise quarter are of key importance. The enemy may lose these three major settlements quite soon.
Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk): Russian troops are advancing towards the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka road near the interchange and Baranovka. Southwest of Pokrovsk, Russian forces continue their efforts to encircle the city, with heavy fighting reported near Kotlyno. Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, having reportedly reached the outskirts and are now less than 10 kilometers from the city. "Otvazhnye" forces are reportedly continuing their offensive towards Pokrovsk, destroying NATO equipment and Ukrainian infantry. Russian forces are engaged in active combat operations near Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk), with reports of a motorized rifle attack on the Novovasylivka - Novoelizavetovka line. Russian forces reportedly advanced more than 1.5 km north of Novoelizavetovka on the southern flank of Krasnoarmiisk. Russian forces have reportedly advanced in Zverevo and towards the western outskirts of Pershe Travnia (Leontovychi). Fighting continues in Udachne and near Dmytrovo (Kotlyne), with Ukrainian counterattacks repelled. Russian forces are also advancing towards Novosergievka and have made progress in Lysivka. Russian forces have also attacked in the direction of Sukhyi Yar, Promin, Myrolyubivka, near Yelyzavetivka, and north of Hrodivka. Fighting continues near Baranivka and Zelene Pole. The city hospital is being relocated to Kryvyi Rih. Russian forces are consolidating positions after capturing Kotlyno (Dmytrovo) and mine No. 2. They are within 5-7 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, intensifying efforts to encircle this strategically vital city. 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. Heavy shelling is reported in Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk). Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west. On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes, with Ukrainian forces repelling attacks near several settlements. Five clashes are ongoing. Ukrainian losses are reported as 335 military personnel killed and wounded, three vehicles destroyed, and one antenna of a UAV, with two additional vehicles significantly damaged. Reports of the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" potentially ceasing operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine. Russian forces are conducting powerful strikes on Pokrovsk throughout the day, while simultaneously advancing and encircling the city. Ukrainian President Zelensky dedicated the day to working in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy is concentrating its main efforts and conducting active offensive operations. There are ongoing fierce battles on the Pokrovsk front, with 45 enemy attacks since the beginning of the day, 35 of which have been repelled by Ukrainian defenders. Video evidence shows paratroopers of the 79th Brigade dismantling enemy armored vehicles in the Pokrovsk area. Video evidence shows "Otvazhnye" forces massively burning NATO equipment and infantry of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, advancing on Pokrovsk. The footage shows the effective combat work of the fighters of the "Center" group for January 22 to destroy NATO and other military equipment, weapons, infantry and positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during active offensive operations in the Pokrovsk direction.
Uspenivka: Russian forces are engaged in battles near Uspenivka, advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Solene: The settlement has been reportedly liberated by Russian forces.
Kurakhove: Northeast of the liberated Kurakhove, Russian forces are conducting raids near Andriivka. To the west and northwest, Russian forces are applying pressure, but their activity has decreased in the past few days, likely due to rotations and regrouping. Positional fighting is reported in the Kurakhove - Dachne area. Russian assault units reportedly captured new positions north of the Kurakhove sludge dumps, advancing 1.5 km west along the Dachne - Yantarne line. On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Clashes were reported near Vremivka, Kostyantynopil, and Velyka Novosilka. Active combat operations are reported near Kurakhove. Most of Kurakhove is under Russian control, with fighting ongoing near Hryshyno and for strongholds. Russian forces are engaging in active combat near Kurakhovo, with a reported advance of up to 700 meters on the northern flank. Reports of fighting near Kurakhove and Andriivka. Positional fighting is reported in the Kurakhove - Dachne area. Russian assault units reportedly captured new positions north of the Kurakhove sludge dumps, advancing 1.5 km west along the Dachne - Yantarne line. Active combat operations are ongoing in the vicinity of Kurakhovo and Andriivka. Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian mortar crew in Dachne by a Russian 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer, using a "Krasnopol" guided projectile.
Dachnoe: A video shows the successful use of an FPV drone by the 238th Artillery Brigade against a group of Ukrainian forces in Dachnoe, in support of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division's offensive in the Kurakhove direction.
Zverevo: The fighting continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully. Ukrainian defenses are built around mine waste heaps. Russian aviation launched strikes with guided bombs against these positions and drone control points. Fighting is ongoing in the landings near the city dump to the northwest. The fighting in Zverevo continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully. Ukrainian defenses are built around mine waste heaps. Russian aviation launched strikes with guided bombs against these positions and drone control points. Fighting is ongoing in the landings near the city dump to the northwest.
Donetsk: Russian forces shelled the Donetsk region 23 times in the past 24 hours, using 69 munitions. Russian forces shelled the Donetsk region 23 times in the past 24 hours, using 69 munitions.
Kramatorsk: The city experienced a powerful explosion in the industrial zone, with the number of casualties rising to eight. Power outages are also reported, potentially affecting water supply in various parts of the city. Russian forces reportedly using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions. The city experienced a powerful explosion in the industrial zone, with the number of casualties rising to eight. Power outages are also reported, potentially affecting water supply in various parts of the city. Russian forces reportedly using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions.
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. Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka. Three combat clashes are still ongoing. Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine. Russian forces have reportedly advanced 300 meters, taking control of the Toretska mine. In Petrivka, they advanced 600 meters. Russian forces are consolidating positions on strategically important sections near Dzerzhinsk after a coordinated offensive supported by air power, artillery, and drones. Control over the mine dumps of the Fomikha and No. 12 mines has been established, hindering the enemy's defensive capabilities. Despite futile attempts by the enemy to hold the line in Krymske, significant territorial and personnel losses are reported. The last line of defense for the enemy remains at the Toretskaya mine. Six streets in Krymske remain under enemy control.
Other: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of guided aerial bombs (KAB) in the direction of Kostiantynivka and Slovyansk. A TASS report states that a Russian strike on the "Luch" design bureau in Kyiv may have eliminated foreign specialists servicing HIMARS MLRS. Photos show the detention of a lawyer accused of recruiting agents for Russian intelligence. The fighting in Zverevo continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully. Ukrainian defenses are built around mine waste heaps. Russian aviation launched strikes with guided bombs against these positions and drone control points. Fighting is ongoing in the landings near the city dump to the northwest. Russian forces shelled the Donetsk region 23 times in the past 24 hours, using 69 munitions. Explosions were reported in the Kirovsky district of Donetsk, with at least ten explosions counted. A loud drone sound was also reported. Another explosion was reported in Lidiivka (Donetsk region), with windows blown out in one house. The defense operation in Novovasylivka has ended, and the village is now occupied by Russian forces. The 59th Motorized Brigade held the defense for over a month in difficult conditions, and for the last two weeks in full encirclement.
Russian Advances: Russian forces have advanced towards Sverdlikovo and cleared several forest belts near Kurilovka, demonstrating continued progress in the region. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, resulting in heavy losses estimated at up to 48,000. The intensity of the fighting is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka. Russian forces have liberated several settlements, including Nikolayevo-Daryino, and are advancing in the Sudzha area, reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. Russian forces report the capture of Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. Heavy fighting continues near Nikolsky. Positional fighting is reported near Sudzha and Uspenovka. Ongoing active fighting is reported, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor. Reports indicate an impending decisive battle.
Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops. Electronic warfare specialists are also active, detecting and shooting down Ukrainian UAVs. A successful strike by the "Biker's team" on a Russian position in the Kursk region is reported, with the destruction of "Molniya" kamikaze drones. Video evidence shows a drone operator of the Russian Guard destroying a Ukrainian 2S1 "Gvozdika" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces report shooting down a Russian drone in the Kursk region.
North Korean Involvement: South Korean intelligence reports 300 North Korean soldiers killed. Ukrainian forces report the capture of a North Korean soldier. A message from "STERNENKO" reports that North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region have killed 5 Russian marines and fled. An image from "STERNENKO" shows a wanted poster for three North Korean soldiers accused of killing five Russian marines. Western officials cited by the BBC report that about 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region while fighting against Ukraine. As of mid-January, North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region reportedly suffered around 4,000 casualties, including both killed and wounded.
Other: Russian forces report finding the mutilated bodies of elderly people in Russkoe Porechnoe. 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. A captured Ukrainian soldier in the Kursk region stated that he joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces to surrender to Russia. In the Kursk region, for the first time, a Russian soldier was convicted of looting. The verdict was handed down on January 15, but the punishment is unknown.
Balakleysky District: Explosions were reported in the Balakleysky district on the previous evening and night.
Kharkov District: Russian forces carried out strikes in Podvorki and Solonitsevka.
Izium: The outskirts of Izium are reportedly under heavy shelling, with the Ukrainian army turning the outskirts into a defensive line. An incident in Izium involving an আটকে পড়া munition on a tree resulted in an explosion, injuring six people.
Drone Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. A Russian drone reportedly attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv, injuring one person. One drone is approaching Balakliia. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones in the western and central parts of Kharkiv region, heading west. Drones are also reported north of Kharkiv, heading west, and on the border of Kharkiv and Poltava regions, heading west. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Kharkiv is under threat from a Russian drone approaching from the northeast. A new group of Russian drones is reported in the east of Kharkiv Oblast, with a west/southwest course. Clashes are reported along the Kharkiv axis, with Russian airstrikes targeting several settlements and Veterynarne, Hlushkivka, Shyykivka, and Borivsk Andriyivka.
Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community. Explosions are reported in the Kharkiv area, likely outside the city. 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. The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleg Sinegubov, reported a threat of enemy drone attacks across the Kharkiv region, with reports of explosions and air defense activity. Two police officers were injured in Osinovo due to a drone attack. Debris from a Russian Shahed drone was found in the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv. Another strike was recorded outside the city. An explosion was heard in Kharkiv.
Russian Advance: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova and in Dvurichna. They have reportedly reduced the distance to Ukrainian positions in Petrovske (Hrekivka) to 2km. They 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.
Kupiansk: is under renewed heavy shelling, with deteriorating security conditions. Several dozen civilians reportedly remain in the frontline zone near Kupyansk.
Guided Aerial Bombs: have been launched towards Zolochiv.
New Drone Groups: reported on the east and in the central part of the Kharkiv region, with a western/southwestern course. Russian forces launched guided aerial bombs on the north of Kharkiv Oblast. A guided aerial bomb (KAB) was reported in the direction of Staryi Saltiv (Kharkiv Oblast). 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.
Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Ivanovka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They have also advanced northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area and moving towards Hrekivka. Russian assault teams have advanced in Petropavlivka, destroying several Ukrainian strongholds. Russian forces have dislodged Ukrainian units from a strategic height near Makiivka in the LPR. Russian forces have reportedly taken the heights behind Makiivka (LPR). They also report advances beyond Nadiya towards the border with the Kharkiv region and have expanded their control zone to Belohorivka on the Krasnolimanske direction. Fighting is ongoing on its outskirts. They are also advancing northwest of Ivanivka towards Kolodyazne. 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.
Borova Direction: Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai.
Encirclement Attempt: Russian forces are reportedly attempting to encircle a Ukrainian grouping near Nadiia.
Positional Fighting: Positional fighting is reported in the Krasnyi Lyman - Ivanivka area. Russian forces have reportedly expanded their control zone on the western bank of the Zherebets River near Ivanivka.
Massive Drone Attacks: A massive drone attack 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 sources suggest the number could be as high as 150-180, calling it the most massive drone attack since the beginning of the war.
Ryazan Oil Refinery: A fire continues at an oil refinery near Ryazan following a drone attack. The attack is also reported to have targeted the nearby Novo-Ryazanskaya thermal power plant.
Kremniy Plant (Bryansk): Ukrainian drones attacked the "Kremniy" plant in Bryansk. This marks the fourth attack on the plant. The plant produces microelectronics for various weapons, including "Pantsir" air defense systems, "Iskander" missiles, radar systems, electronic warfare systems, and Russian drones.
Engels Oil Refinery: An oil refinery in Engels was also targeted by drones, with locals reporting at least seven explosions in the sky.
Lviv Region: Reports indicate drone activity in the Lviv region, with Ukrainian air defenses engaged. Three "Shahed" drones were reported to be heading towards Lviv. One drone is approaching Starokonstantinov. Three drones are approaching Starokonstantinov one by one. The threat of enemy drones in the region has been declared over.
Ufa, Penza, Saratov, Ulyanovsk, and Samara Airports: Temporary restrictions on the reception and release of aircraft were introduced at the airports in Ufa, Penza, Saratov, Ulyanovsk, and Samara. These restrictions have now been lifted.
Zhytomyr Region: Explosions were reported in the Zhytomyr region.
Kyiv Region: During the night, Russian forces attacked the Kyiv region with drones, resulting in the deaths of two people in a private home that caught fire from falling debris. Another attack in a different area caused a fire in an apartment building, killing one person. Two people were injured in total. The number of casualties has been updated to three.
Air Defense Engagements: Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones, with reports of activity near Kyiv and successful interceptions. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 60 out of 94 drones overnight, with 34 classified as decoys. Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 78 out of 110 drones launched by Russian forces overnight. 31 drones were classified as "decoys" and did not reach their targets. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 4 "Shahed" drones over Mykolaiv Oblast overnight. Debris from one of the downed drones damaged several houses in Voznesensk. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 2 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 33 out of 50 drones launched by Russian forces on the night of January 17, 2025. The "Zapad" Grouping of Russian forces destroyed three Starlink satellite communication stations and 13 Ukrainian drone control points in one day. Operators of the "OMEGA" Central Special Forces successfully targeted and eliminated 2 Zala and 3 Supercam Russian reconnaissance UAVs. 5 Russian reconnaissance drones have been shot down. The drones were reportedly shot
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