Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 25, 2025, 13:08 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts. The Donetsk region continues to be the focal point of intense fighting, with significant developments around Velyka Novosilka, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar. Russian forces are making significant advances near Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar, consolidating their positions and capturing key infrastructure. In Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces control over 90% of the settlement, including the city center, and have liquidated the "southern cauldron". The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature of the conflict, with extensive activity reported across multiple regions. Ukrainian forces are actively targeting Russian military assets and infrastructure with drones, while Russian forces continue to utilize drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

• Velyka Novosilka:

  • Russian forces have completed the encirclement and liquidated the "southern cauldron" of Velyka Novosilka.
  • Ukrainian troops are blocked to the north and south, with the only remaining escape route on foot towards Blahodatne now cut off.
  • Russian forces, specifically the 40th Guards Brigade, are continuing to advance, supported by artillery, drones, and other means.
  • Russian forces control over 90% of Velyka Novosilka, including the city center.
  • Remnants of Ukrainian forces have retreated to the northwest outskirts.
  • Battles continue on the outskirts of Andriivka and the positions of the 2nd and western part of the 1st defense lines of the Velyka Novosilka fortified area.
  • Ukrainian forces are fiercely counterattacking.
  • South of the river, Russian assault units entered the northern part of Dachne.
  • The situation for Ukrainian forces in the settlement has significantly deteriorated.
  • In the area of Zelenivka-Ulakly, there is ongoing counter-fighting.
  • In the southern part of Zelenivka, Russian forces hold positions.
  • Southeast of Kostyantynopil, Russian units are attacking in the direction of the settlement, attempting to gain a foothold on the outskirts.
  • In Velyka Novosilka, Russian assault units cleared the southern part of the settlement.
  • Ukrainian forces are being pushed out of the center in a northwesterly direction.
  • Small groups of Ukrainian soldiers are trying to escape across the fields beyond the river.
  • They are being destroyed by all available means.

• Pokrovsk:

  • Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of Pokrovsk and continuing their advance.
  • Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west.
  • Heavy fighting is reported in Udachne.
  • Following the liberation of Baranivka, Russian forces are clearing positions on the opposite high bank of the river.
  • Fighting continues west of Vodyanoye Vtoroye.
  • Russian forces have liberated Baranivka and are within 5-7 km of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
  • The liberation of Vozdvyzhenka and the severing of key supply lines significantly impede Ukrainian resupply and reinforcement.
  • Russian forces have advanced along forested areas southwest of Slavyanka.
  • Fighting continues south of Petropavlivka and Shevchenko, moving towards Andriivka.
  • Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are estimated to be over 94,000 killed.
  • Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying Russian armored vehicles in the Pokrovsk area.
  • Russian forces are complicating Ukrainian logistics north of Pokrovsk. FPV drones are reportedly active in Rodynske, near the T-05-15 highway.
  • Ukrainian military sources indicate Russian forces are advancing on both sides of Pokrovsk to cut off supply routes and encircle the city.
  • "Гром" reportedly eliminates the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Pokrovsk.

• Chasiv Yar:

  • Russian forces continue to advance, dislodging Ukrainian forces and controlling approximately 20% of the refractory plant.
  • They have 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.
  • The basements and workshops of the refractory plant have been completely cleared.
  • Russian forces are approaching the western outskirts of the city from the north side of the railway.

• Kurakhove:

  • Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyne.
  • Active combat operations are reported, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
  • Russian forces are advancing from Kurakhove towards Dnipropetrovsk, liberating extensive territories.
  • They have reportedly advanced in the southern part of Nov আন্দ্রিভকা and occupied several forest strips south of Ukrainka.
  • Ukrainian forces are reportedly attempting to counterattack near Zelenivka and Andriivka to prevent the "pocket" from closing.

• 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.
  • In the Krymske area, Russian forces advanced 400 meters, reaching new positions on the northern outskirts of the settlement.

• Kramatorsk:

  • A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk.

• Zverevo:

  • The fighting in Zverevo continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully.

• Solone:

  • Reportedly liberated by Russian forces.

• Uspenivka:

  • Russian forces are engaged in battles near Uspenivka, advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

• Dachne:

  • A video shows the successful use of an FPV drone by the 238th Artillery Brigade against a group of Ukrainian forces in Dachne.

Luhansk Region

• Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanivka, advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
• They have also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka, taking control of a forest area between the settlements and 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.
• North of Kupiansk on the right bank of the Oskil River, units of the "West" group have liberated the settlement of Zakhidne.
• Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.

Kursk Region

• The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units.
• Russian forces report the capture of Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya.
• Russian forces report that an attempted Ukrainian counterattack to retake Kruhlenke failed.
• Russian forces report that they are finishing taking the remaining Ukrainian positions in Kurylivka.
• Russian forces report that Nikolayevo-Daryino is under their control, and airborne troops are advancing further into Ukrainian territory.
• Russian forces report that there is heavy fighting in Makhnivka.
• In the area of Kruhlenke/Viktorivka, Russian assault units have entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces have inflicted damage in the Kursk region amounting to 750 billion rubles.
• 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.
• From the beginning of the day, there were 15 combat clashes in the Kursk direction. All attacks have already been repulsed.
• In the area of Kruhlenke/Viktorivka, Russian assault units have entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold.
• Russian forces, specifically Ussuri paratroopers, have reportedly fully liberated Nikolayevo-Daryino.
• Russian naval infantry are reportedly continuing to engage Ukrainian forces in Kurylivka and its surroundings.
• Ukrainian forces are reportedly increasing their presence in the Sudzha border area.
• Video evidence shows an armored group of the special forces "Akhmat" repelling a Ukrainian counterattack and advancing near Sudzha.
• Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing trophies in liberated Russkoye Porechnoye.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces have inflicted damage in the Kursk region amounting to 750 billion rubles.
• A coordination council has been created in the Kursk region to address the problems of residents in the border areas.
• Ukrainian servicemen of the "Chernomorskaya Sech" battalion are accused of committing terrorist acts in the Kursk region.
• "Два майора" reports that a team of drone operators called "Moisei" is operating in the Kursk region.
• Video evidence shows operators from the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group using FPV drones to target and destroy a Ukrainian self-propelled artillery unit near the Sukhyi Yaly River.
• 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 Yuzhne in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces successfully employed a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.
• "Colonelcassad" details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region. Russian forces are advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.
• Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region.
• A Russian Ka-52M helicopter conducted strikes on Ukrainian armor and personnel in the Kursk border area.
• Video evidence shows Russian troops using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
• Video evidence shows that Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions. Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region. Video details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye. Video shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction. Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target in the Kursk region border area. Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region. New video shows a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces striking a concentration of Ukrainian equipment and personnel in the border area of Kursk region. A medic from the "Chestnut" unit saved 300 soldiers during the fighting in the Kursk region. Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area. Video shows a Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region. New video shows Ukrainian soldiers interrogating a captured North Korean soldier in the Kursk region using Google Translate. An update from the Russian Ministry of Defense states that Russian forces repelled a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region. Russian forces report that an attempted Ukrainian counterattack to retake Kruhlenke failed. Russian forces report that they are finishing taking the remaining Ukrainian positions in Kurylivka. Russian forces report that Nikolayevo-Daryino is under their control and that airborne troops are advancing further into Ukrainian territory. Russian forces report that there is heavy fighting in Makhnivka. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region. The drone was reportedly part of a group of 39 "Baba Yaga" drones that have been destroyed in the area since January 1st. A Lancet loitering munition destroyed a tank of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk border area. The Sever Group of Forces engaged formations of a tank brigade, a heavy mechanized brigade, four mechanized brigades, two air assault brigades, a marine brigade, and three territorial defense brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near several settlements. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware near several settlements. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU lost more than 210 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, five armored fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, an artillery gun, and a mortar. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, 232 infantry fighting vehicles, 174 armored personnel carriers, 1,572 armored fighting vehicles, 1,508 motor vehicles, 377 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 93 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, eight armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. Video evidence confirms the complete liberation of Nikolayevo-Daryino. Russian forces report the capture of Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya and Ukrainian forces counterattacking. Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor. A new statement suggests that Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold their occupied portion of the Kursk region for 100 days. The intensity of the fighting is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
• A Russian Lancet loitering munition targeted a US-supplied M1 Abrams tank near Viktorivka.
• Video evidence shows the 61st Steppe Brigade using drones to destroy a Russian assault group near the Kursk region.
• North Korea has announced an increase in military spending for 2025.
• The acting governor of the Kursk region met with refugees from areas occupied by Ukrainian forces.
• Russian forces, supported by artillery and FPV drones, destroyed a Ukrainian BMP-2 in the Kursk region.
• Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region.
• Battles are ongoing near Pohrebky, with the 34th Brigade continuing to destroy enemy equipment and personnel.
• Nikolayevo-Daryino has been cleared, with the enemy making careless and unsuccessful counterattacks.
• In the area of Sudzha, the enemy is transferring elite units of the Special Operations Forces from the Sumy region.
• Russian forces are bypassing Sudzha from the south, fighting is going on near Kurylivka.
• Russian aviation struck with FAB-3000 in the north-eastern part of Sudzha and the northern outskirts of Honcharivka.
• Reports indicate that over 360 Ukrainian troops were killed in the Kursk region in the past 24 hours, with five surrendering.

Kharkiv Region

• Drone Attacks:

  • One drone is approaching Balakliya.
  • The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Kharkiv is under threat from a Russian drone approaching from the northeast and from another approaching from the south.
  • The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
  • The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region.
  • A third strike on Kharkiv was reported by the mayor, targeting the Kyivskyi district.
  • Ukrainian authorities confirm another strike in the Kyivskyi district, with no reported casualties.
  • A fire broke out at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone attack. Power and water supply issues are reported in some areas of the city.

• Russian Advance:

  • Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorichna.
  • They have occupied the forest near Zapadne and advanced significantly in the center of Dvurichna.
  • On the right bank of the Oskol, Russian forces are continuing to push through Ukrainian defenses, expanding their control zone towards the western part of Dvurichna in the direction of Sahunivka.
  • Fighting continues in the area of Zelenyi Hai, with Ukrainian forces 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.

• Kupiansk:

  • Is under renewed heavy shelling, with reports of deteriorating security conditions.
  • Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk and have taken the initiative.
  • The Ukrainian Armed Forces are reportedly suffering heavy losses.

Other Regions

• Drone Movements:

  • 5 drones are flying over the Berislav district towards Bereznehovate.
  • 1 drone flew over Pokrov in a northerly direction.
  • 2 drones are flying over Pavlograd in a northerly direction.
  • 6 drones are in the Kremenchug region, heading northwest.
  • 2 drones are circling near Cherkasy.
  • 1 drone is moving from the Kharkiv region to the Dnipropetrovsk region, and 1 to the Poltava region.
  • 3 drones are moving from the Sumy region to the Poltava region.
  • Groups of drones are moving along the border of the Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions, heading northwest.
  • Drones are in the east of the Mykolaiv region, heading northwest.
  • Drones are in the north of the Dnipropetrovsk region, heading west.
  • Drones are in the northeast of the Dnipropetrovsk region, heading north.
  • Drones are in the west of the Kharkiv region, heading west.
  • Drones are in the south and center of the Poltava region, heading north.
  • Drones are in the west of the Poltava region, heading west.
  • Drones are in the north of the Sumy region, heading south.
  • Drones are in the east of the Cherkasy region, heading north.
  • Drones are on the border of the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, heading north.
  • Drones are in the northeast of the Dnipropetrovsk region, heading north.
  • Drones are in the Nikopol area, heading towards Kryvyi Rih.
  • Several groups of attack UAVs are moving through the Sumy region towards the Chernihiv region.
  • Drone security is reported in Moscow, Tambov, Tula, Rostov, Kursk, Bryansk, Lipetsk, Ryazan regions, and occupied Crimea.
  • The Ukrainian Air Force reports that 15 drones did not reach their targets and were "lost on location."
  • Ukrainian forces report repelling a drone attack in the Rostov region.

• A man was wounded after a submunition detonated in Horlivka, Donetsk People's Republic.

• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian howitzer with a Lancet loitering munition near Konstantinivka.

• An enemy aircraft-type UAV was detected and destroyed by air defense forces of the Russian Ministry of Defense over the Bryansk region.

• Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with two X-59/69 missiles and 61 drones. The Ukrainian Air Force reports shooting down two X-59/69 guided missiles, 46 Shahed drones, and other types of drones in various regions.

• Three Ukrainian drones were shot down over Belgorod Oblast.

• Ukrainian forces report shooting down a Russian drone carrying a battery with a sticker from the Czech Republic's Air Reconnaissance unit, confirming Czech military support for Ukraine.

• Ukrainian forces report receiving 260 more drones, totaling 139,197 FPV drones.

• Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.

• Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting and destroying a hidden NATO armored vehicle during an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.

• Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region.

• Video details the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region, with Russian forces advancing in Nikolaevo-Daryino, Makhnovka, and Russkoye Porechnoye.

• Video shows the 155th brigade of the Russian marines destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.

• Video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots engaging a target in the Kursk region border area.

• Video evidence shows a Russian drone operator targeting a Ukrainian armored vehicle in the Kursk region.

• New video shows a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces striking a concentration of Ukrainian equipment and personnel in the border area of Kursk region.

• Video of a Russian Su-34 bomber destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area.

• Video shows a Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.

• Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region. The drone was reportedly part of a group of 39 "Baba Yaga" drones that have been destroyed in the area since January 1st.

• A Lancet loitering munition destroyed a tank of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk border area.

• In Aleshki, Kherson Oblast, the enemy carried out remote mining of the settlement throughout yesterday and last night. As a result of the detonation of explosives, 12 civilians have already died, including children.

• Kots reports a fire at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone strike, with power outages reported in local social media.

• Butusov Plus shares a video of the 3rd Assault Brigade artillerymen celebrating the New Year on their positions, highlighting their continuous operations regardless of holidays.

• Footage of the 3rd Assault Brigade's operations is provided, showcasing their use of the 2S1 Gvozdika SPG and emphasizing the importance of artillery in the conflict.

• "Operativnyi ZSU" reports that Bukovinian paratroopers destroyed a unit of Russian marines from the 155th Separate Marine Brigade in the Kursk region. The video shows the 82nd Separate Airborne Assault Bukovinian Brigade in action.

• The "Voin DV" Telegram channel reports on the ongoing liberation of Velyka Novosilka by the "Vostok" group, sharing footage of the 40th Guards Brigade's advance. The video highlights the use of RSZO, drones, and other means to destroy enemy positions.

• The "Voin DV" Telegram channel also shares footage of the 11th Guards Air Assault Brigade's aviation operating in the Konstantinopol area.

• "Tsaplienko" reports on a drone attack on Kharkiv, with impacts reported and potential power and water supply issues.

• Footage of the aftermath of the drone attack on Kharkiv is shared, showing a large plume of smoke.

• The Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are still present over Kharkiv.

• The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that air defense forces shot down 11 enemy drones over the Black Sea near the coast of Crimea.

• Sternenko reports that Kharkiv is under attack by Russian "Molniya" strike UAVs, detailing their capabilities and suggesting countermeasures, including REB, video jamming, and FPV interceptors.

• A photo of a downed drone on a makeshift launch ramp is shared.

• "Astra" reports that the Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant of Rostec was attacked in the Moscow region during yesterday's massive attack on the Russian Federation. A drone crashed into a production building but did not explode.

• A photo of the Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant is shared.

• "Tsaplienko" shares a video of the successful repulse of an attack by the 5th Special Purpose Center of the National Guard "Omega," showing the destruction of several units of Russian equipment, including "Akhmat" armored vehicles.

• RBC-Ukraine reports that Ukraine can quickly establish gas transit from Azerbaijan, according to Zelensky, who spoke with the President of Azerbaijan in Davos.

• "Colonelcassad" shares a photo from the shelling of Aleshki, where at least three people were killed by cluster munitions and remote mining systems.

• "Alex Parker Returns" shares a photo of Biden, claiming he is now officially a Mason and a member of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina.

• The Ukrainian Air Force reports the activity of enemy tactical aviation in the north-eastern direction.

• "Sever.Realii" reports that Zelensky, commenting on the suspension of US aid programs, stated that military aid to Ukraine has not been stopped.

• "Operativnyi ZSU" shares a video of the SBU playing a "Squid Game" with drone operators, claiming that 468 occupiers were eliminated in a week.

• "Alex Parker Returns" shares a video claiming that a ceasefire or peace is expected around January 25th.

• "Tsaplienko" shares a video of the transfer of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

• "Tsaplienko" shares photos of drone fragments that attacked Kharkiv today.

• "Kadyrov_95" shares a video of the "Vakha" battalion of the "AKHMAT" special forces, together with the SKAD 607 "Gorets," conducting a successful operation in the Kharkiv direction, destroying enemy equipment and personnel.

• The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shares photos and information about training sessions on international humanitarian law for sergeants, organized with the support of the "Geneva Call."

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic and volatile. Russian forces continue to make significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Velyka Novosilka, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar. The encirclement of Velyka Novosilka is a major strategic development, further weakening the Ukrainian position in the south. Ukrainian defenses are under immense strain, and the situation in Toretsk is also deteriorating rapidly.

Drone warfare continues to be a defining feature of the conflict, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. The increased use of FPV drones by Ukrainian forces is notable, as is the reported targeting of Russian infrastructure deep inside Russia. The drone attacks on Kharkiv and the reported presence of drones over other regions underscore the persistent threat posed by these weapons. The downing of multiple drones, including those carrying Czech-supplied batteries and those targeting Belgorod Oblast and the Black Sea near Crimea, highlights the ongoing air defense efforts by both sides.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian units. The reported presence of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in the region adds another dimension to the conflict, although the numbers reported vary significantly.

The political and economic situation is also evolving, with the US State Department's order to halt most foreign aid for 90 days potentially impacting military aid to Ukraine. However, Zelensky's statement that military aid has not been stopped provides some reassurance. The reported discussions between Ukraine and Azerbaijan regarding gas transit indicate efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russia.

The reported meeting between the "Rybar" project leadership and the Prime Minister of Iraq suggests efforts to strengthen ties between Russia and Iraq, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and information technology. This development could have broader geopolitical implications, potentially impacting the regional balance of power.

The destruction of a rare Swedish Bgbv 90 armored recovery vehicle and the reported re-arrest of a former Ukrainian general accused of losing territory highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian forces. The reported re-organization of the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade into an assault brigade of unmanned systems and the transfer of the 414th Separate Assault Drone Battalion to the Ukrainian Navy's Marine Corps indicate ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving nature of the conflict, with a focus on drone warfare and naval operations.

The reported meeting between the acting governor of the Kursk region and refugees from areas occupied by Ukrainian forces highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict. The reported killing of civilians in Aleshki due to remote mining further underscores the devastating impact of the war on the civilian population.

The reported training of Ukrainian sergeants on international humanitarian law, with the support of the "Geneva Call," is a positive development, indicating a commitment to minimizing civilian harm and adhering to the rules of war.

Overall, the situation in Ukraine remains highly fluid and unpredictable. The continued Russian advances, the intensification of drone warfare, the evolving political and economic landscape, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis all contribute to a complex and challenging environment. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of the conflict.