Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 25, 2025, 22:08 UTC
Strategic Overview
The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts and achieving significant breakthroughs. The Donetsk region is the focal point of intense fighting, with major developments around Velyka Novosilka, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces have completed the encirclement and liquidated the "southern cauldron." Ukrainian troops are blocked to the north and south, with their only remaining escape route on foot towards Blagodatnoye now cut off. Russian forces control over 70% of the settlement and have raised their flag over the city hospital. Remnants of Ukrainian forces have retreated to the northwest outskirts. Reports indicate Ukrainian forces are trapped and attempting to evacuate.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of the city and continuing their advance. They have severed the penultimate railway line to the city. Heavy fighting continues, with reports of a motorized rifle attack on the Novovasylivka - Novoelizavetovka line and ongoing battles in multiple settlements. Russian forces are reportedly forcibly evacuating children from Pokrovsk. Ukrainian losses in this direction are estimated to be over 94,000 killed.
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. The basements and workshops of the refractory plant have been completely cleared.
Kurakhove: Most of the city has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno. Active combat operations are reported, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control.
Kursk Region: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units. Heavy fighting is reported in multiple areas. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity reported. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces successfully employing a "Stugna-P" ATGM system against enemy vehicles in the region. A medic from the "Chestnut" unit saved 300 soldiers during the fighting in the region. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces 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 the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces' 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.
Drone Warfare: Remains a dominant feature, with Ukrainian forces actively targeting Russian military assets and infrastructure. Extensive drone movements are reported across multiple regions. Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with two X-59/69 missiles and 61 drones. Ukrainian Air Force reports shooting down two X-59/69 guided missiles, 46 Shahed drones, and other types of drones in various regions. Ukrainian air defenses are active, with reports of drones moving through multiple regions, including Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Poltava, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Odesa.
Key Developments
Donetsk Region
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces have completed the encirclement and liquidated the "southern cauldron."
Ukrainian troops are blocked to the north and south, with the only remaining escape route on foot towards Blagodatnoye now cut off.
Russian forces are using Grad MLRS to target the city at night.
The distance between advancing Russian units is reported to be between 2.2 and 3.7 km.
Russian forces control over 70% of Velyka Novosilka.
Russian forces have raised their flag in Velyka Novosilka over the city hospital.
Remnants of Ukrainian forces have retreated to the northwest outskirts.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly surrounded, and efforts are being made to evacuate them.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of Pokrovsk and continuing their advance.
They have severed the penultimate railway line to the city.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to bypass Pokrovsk from the west.
The speaker of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia" denies the city is under threat of encirclement.
Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian drone communication equipment in Pokrovsk.
"Azov" forces are reportedly conducting counterattacks in the Pokrovsk direction.
Heavy fighting continues, with reports of a motorized rifle attack on the Novovasylivka - Novoelizavetovka line.
Fighting is ongoing in the areas of Shevchenko, Udachne, Baranivka, Kotlyne, Zverevo, Uspenivka, Slovyanka, and Petropavlivka.
Russian forces are reportedly forcibly evacuating children from Pokrovsk.
West of Volkovo and north of Solenoye, Russian forces have reportedly advanced 3.6 km.
Heavy fighting is reported in Udachnoye.
Following the liberation of Baranovka, Russian forces are clearing positions on the opposite high bank of the river.
Fighting continues west of Vodyanoye Vtoroye.
Russian forces have liberated Baranovka 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.
Ukrainian forces are attempting to use drones to target Russian troops in a ruined structure.
Russian forces have advanced along forested areas southwest of Slavyanka.
Fighting continues south of Petrovpavlovka and Shevchenko, moving towards Andriivka.
Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are estimated to be over 94,000 killed.
Russian forces are complicating Ukrainian logistics north of Pokrovsk.
Ukrainian military sources indicate Russian forces are advancing on both sides of Pokrovsk.
Positional fighting is ongoing near Krasnoarmeisk, with Russian forces advancing 700 meters north of Kotlino.
Russian forces have reportedly entered Andriivka and are pushing Ukrainian troops out.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces repelling a Russian attack on Yelyzavetivka from Vozdvyzhenka.
Operators from the 9th Brigade of the 51st Guards Army successfully destroyed a Ukrainian tank and a pickup truck with personnel using drones.
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.
Video evidence shows the "Otrazhnye" massively burning NATO equipment and infantry of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, advancing on 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.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian drone operators from the "Rarog" battalion of the 24th Mechanized Brigade targeting Russian positions near Chasiv Yar.
In Chasiv Yar, Russian forces are focusing their efforts on the area with high-rise buildings.
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.
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.
Russian units are actively trying to break into the rear of the enemy grouping in the center of Chasiv Yar.
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.
In the area of the railway station, the advance of Russian troops to the south is recorded.
At the same time, the clearing of the Novoseverny microdistrict continues.
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.
Tactical maneuvers of Russian units pose a threat to enemy positions, which are already in an unfavorable position.
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.
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.
Kurakhove
Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno.
Active combat operations are reported, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
Russian forces are advancing from Kurakhove towards Dnipropetrovsk.
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 Zelenovka and Andreevka.
Northeast of the liberated Kurakhove, Russian forces are conducting raids near Andriivka.
Positional fighting is reported in the Kurakhove - Dachne area.
On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled.
Russian forces have initiated fighting in Andriivka, northwest of Kurakhove.
Russian forces targeted and destroyed communication relays and antennas in the Kurakhove area with FPV drones.
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.
Toretsk
Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control.
In the Krymske area, Russian forces advanced 400 meters.
Near Dzerzhinsk, Russian forces have expanded their control by 1.5 km west of Novgorodsky (New York).
Kramatorsk
A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk.
Other
Zverevo: The fighting continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully.
Solene: Reportedly liberated by Russian forces.
Uspenivka: Russian forces are engaged in battles near Uspenivka, advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Dachnoe: A video shows the successful use of an FPV drone by the 238th Artillery Brigade against a group of Ukrainian forces in Dachnoe.
Dzerzhinsk: Operators of the 132 brigade targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian tank using a drone.
Luhansk Region
Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanovka, advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
They have also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka.
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.
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.
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 Kruglенькое failed.
Russian forces report that they are finishing taking the remaining Ukrainian positions in Kurilovka.
Russian forces report that Nikolaevo-Daryino is under their control, and airborne troops are advancing further into Ukrainian territory.
Russian forces report that there is heavy fighting in Makhnovka.
In the area of Kruhlenke/Viktorivka, Russian assault units have entered Viktorivka and are attempting to establish a foothold.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have inflicted damage in the Kursk region amounting to 750 billion rubles.
Commissions are beginning work to assess the destruction of residential buildings in the border areas.
About 1,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed in the region while fighting against Ukraine.
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.
Russian forces, specifically Ussuri paratroopers, have reportedly fully liberated Nikolayevo-Daryino.
Russian naval infantry are reportedly continuing to engage Ukrainian forces in Kurilovka and its surroundings.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly increasing their presence in the Sudzha border area.
Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing trophies in liberated Russkoye Porechnoye.
Ukrainian servicemen of the "Chernomorskaya Sech" battalion are accused of committing terrorist acts in the Kursk region.
A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer.
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.
Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region.
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.
Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky.
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.
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 Pogrebki.
Video evidence shows the effective work of the "Vinokur" drone operator from the Kursk direction, destroying a Ukrainian soldier.
Video evidence shows the destruction of another American Bradley fighting vehicle in the Kursk region.
Video evidence shows "Prince Vandal" destroying NATO equipment and Ukrainian forces on the Kursk front using fiber-optic KVN drones.
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces are conducting combat operations in the region, including ambushes, sabotage, and raids.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a Russian BUK-M3 air defense system in the Kursk region.
Kharkiv Region
Drone Attacks: One drone is approaching Balakliia. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Kharkiv is under threat from a Russian drone approaching from the northeast. 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. One drone is flying from the Kharkiv region towards Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions.
Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya. They have occupied the forest near Zapadnoye and advanced significantly in the center of Dvurichna.
On the right bank of the Oskol, Russian forces are continuing to push through Ukrainian defenses, expanding their control zone towards the western part of Dvurichna in the direction of Sagunivka.
Fighting continues in the area of Zelenyi Hai.
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.
Renewed heavy shelling reported in Kupyansk.
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:
Reports of drone movements across multiple oblasts, including Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Kherson, Kursk, Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, Voronezh, Saratov, and Lipetsk Oblasts.
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.
Six drones flew over the Berislav district towards Bereznegovatoe.
Two drones are flying over Nikopol in a northerly direction.
Three drones are west of Kamianske, heading west.
One drone is west of Poltava, heading west.
One drone is flying from the Poltava region into the Sumy region.
One drone is approaching Kharkiv.
One drone is at the intersection of Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
One drone has flown past Sumy in a westerly direction.
One drone is flying over the island of Zmeiny towards Kiliya.
Seven drones are in the area of Yelanets, heading northwest.
Two drones are east of Kropyvnytskyi, heading west.
Two drones are approaching Dnipro (city).
One drone is east of Cherkasy, heading southeast.
One drone is approaching Poltava.
One drone has flown past Kharkiv towards Balakliia.
One drone is at the intersection of Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
One drone has flown past Sumy in a westerly direction.
Drones are moving through the north of Cherkasy region towards Kyiv region.
New groups of drones are reported to be moving from the south, through Kherson Oblast towards Mykolaiv Oblast.
A drone is reported on the south of Poltava region, heading towards Dnipropetrovsk region.
Shahed drones are reported to be moving through Mykolaiv region towards Kirovohrad region.
Several groups of "Shahed" drones are heading from Chernihiv region towards Brovary/Kyiv.
A drone is approaching Brovary.
A drone is flying from Kirovohrad Oblast towards Uman Raion, Cherkasy Oblast.
Three drones are flying north of Cherkasy towards the southwest.
A drone has flown past Kyiv towards Fastiv.
A drone is circling east of Brovary.
A drone is flying from Chernihiv Oblast towards Brovary.
Two drones are flying towards or through Chernihiv.
Three drones flew past Novyi Buh towards Kirovohrad Oblast.
A drone is flying through the south of the Kyiv region toward the Vinnytsia region.
A drone is flying past Boryspil toward Kyiv.
Drones are in the northern part of Mykolaiv region, heading west/northwest.
Drones are in the southern and eastern parts of Kirovohrad region, heading west.
Drones are in the eastern part of Cherkasy region, heading south.
A drone is heading towards Dnipro from the south.
A drone is heading towards Poltava from the north.
A drone is in the central part of Kharkiv region, heading west.
A drone is in the southeastern part of Chernihiv region, heading southwest.
A drone is west of Sumy, heading west.
A drone is in the Kiliya district of Odesa region, heading west.
Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with two X-59/69 missiles and 61 drones. Ukrainian Air Force reports shooting down two X-59/69 guided missiles, 46 Shahed drones, and other types of drones in various regions. 15 enemy drones were lost without negative consequences.
In Hlevakha, Kyiv region, Russian forces reportedly struck the territory of the 10th Aviation Repair and Training Center (ARUS) with UAVs, damaging hangars and equipment used for UAV maintenance and testing.
Explosions were reported in Kherson.
Russian forces struck the railway station in Sumy where enemy defense industry products were manufactured and stored.
A shooting incident occurred in Cherkasy, with the perpetrator detained.
In Odesa, freed Ukrainian sailors, previously held captive by Yemeni Houthis, were reunited with their families.
An explosion was heard in Dnipro.
Political/Economic Situation
US Aid Suspension: The US State Department has issued an order to halt most foreign aid for 90 days. This likely includes military aid to Ukraine, Jordan, and Taiwan. Aid to Israel and Egypt will continue. The order was issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump confirmed that he has frozen the provision of US aid to other countries.
Ukrainian Military Re-evaluation Deadline Extended: The deadline for re-evaluation of Ukrainian citizens with limited military fitness will be extended. Over 1 million people have not yet been re-evaluated.
Syria-Russia Relations: Syria has terminated all agreements with Russia regarding the lease of the port of Tartus. Russian equipment is being removed from the port. The new leader of Syria congratulated Trump on the start of his work as President of the United States.
Zelensky's Statement on Drone Components: President Zelensky stated that the Shahed drones used in recent attacks on Brovary and Hlevakha were produced in Russia but rely on foreign components. He called for a complete cutoff of these supplies to stop Russian aggression.
Russia-Immigration: Russia has tightened the rules for obtaining temporary residence permits and residency permits to combat fictitious marriages and paternity for the purpose of obtaining immigration status.
Hamas Leader Killed: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was reportedly killed in action in the Gaza Strip while fighting alongside his troops.
USAID representatives have been instructed to halt all projects related to Ukraine, including support for schools and healthcare.
A correspondent for "Voice of America," citing Pentagon sources, reports that the State Department's decree does not apply to military aid for Ukraine.
Donald Trump, in a telephone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, insisted on acquiring Greenland. 90% of Danes do not want to sell Greenland to Trump.
Trump has appointed a new Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth is one of the youngest Secretaries of Defense in history and has been critical of aid to Ukraine. He has also praised Putin as a "good authoritarian leader." This appointment could signal a significant shift in US foreign policy.
North Korea has announced an increase in military spending for 2025, despite a slight decrease in the proportion of the budget allocated to defense.
The governor of the Samara region in Russia expressed hope that Gazprom would replace private players as the region's gas operator. This could indicate a move towards greater state control over the energy sector in Russia.
The mayor of Lviv announced that several airports in Ukraine would begin operating this year. This could have significant implications for the conflict, as it would allow for the faster and more efficient transport of troops, supplies, and equipment.
Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for four Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This is the second hostage exchange to take place recently.
Hamas has released four Israeli hostages, all of whom are IDF soldiers. They were reportedly captured on October 7, 2023.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 11 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Black Sea near the coast of Crimea.
Zelensky stated that Trump could end the war between Russia and Ukraine faster than others due to his strength, sanctions, and the strength of the US economy. He acknowledged that Putin does not want this, so it will not happen quickly.
According to the Central Election Commission, voter turnout in the early voting for the presidential elections in Belarus was 41.81%.
A poll shows that 68% of Russians support the inclusion of patriotic songs in the school curriculum, while 24% oppose it and 8% are undecided.
Two Russians are accused of attacking a military airfield and carrying out acts of sabotage. They allegedly received instructions from Ukrainian intelligence via messengers.
Elon Musk appeared at a rally of the far-right AfD party in Germany, praising German culture and suggesting that the upcoming elections in Germany could determine the fate of Europe or even the world.
The leader of the French "Patriots" party, Florian Philippot, stated that Zelensky should forget about negotiations with Russia and that his fate is to flee to Miami.
Hungary will agree to extend EU sanctions against Russia for 12 months instead of 6, but only if the issue is not raised again during this period.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused the US and NATO of provoking Russia into a nuclear conflict and stated that Russia is ready to respond to such actions.
The US State Department, commenting on Trump's statement about acquiring Greenland, said that the US has no plans to purchase the island.
The US and Mexico may send thousands of troops and equipment to the border, according to The Washington Post. Some units have already been notified of their potential involvement.
Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov should resign, according to Anastasia Radina, head of the Verkhovna Rada's anti-corruption committee. She accused him of violating the law, failing to fulfill more than half of the ministry's contracts, and destroying the country's trust in the Ministry of Defense.
Zelensky stated that the ban on negotiations with Putin applies to all Ukrainians except the President of Ukraine, because he is Jewish.
The CIA has shifted its position to favor the lab leak theory for the origins of COVID-19, which could have massive geopolitical implications.
The Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Russia has invited two Portuguese professors to work under a program for supporters of "Russian traditional values."
Elon Musk expressed his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Hungary's Siyarto called Tusk an "agent of Soros" after his threats to Orban, emphasizing that the Hungarian government plays "for the Hungarian team."
Fico accused Ukraine of organizing protests in Slovakia, claiming that a third of the participants are Ukrainians.
The Senate has approved Kristi Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. She has previously stated that providing aid to Kyiv is a strategic mistake and has spoken negatively about sanctions against Russia.
The EU and US will contribute to a just peace in Ukraine, according to the Italian Foreign Minister. He stated, "We are enemies of Russia if we say that Russia must respect international law. We are not at war with Russia, but we are defending Ukraine's right to be an independent state."
Brigadier General Yuriy Halushkin, former commander of the operational-tactical management "Kharkiv," appealed to President Zelensky in court, stating he is ready to return to the front as an ordinary soldier.
The Federal Tax Service of Russia has blocked the bank account of the "Patriot" military park due to non-compliance with documentation requirements.
Tucker Carlson believes that Western Europe intends to commit suicide, citing the Nord Stream sabotage and the German economy's destruction.
Russia is increasingly dependent on North Korean ammunition, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.
90% of Danes do not want to sell Greenland to Trump, according to a poll.
Russian assault units need support, specifically Mavic drones and generators, according to a fundraising campaign.
A rat caused a power outage in Abakan, Russia, by damaging electrical equipment.
Many American drone companies are diversifying their supply chains due to risks associated with dependence on China, according to the Wall Street Journal.
About 100,000 people demonstrated in Berlin against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, according to Bild.
Since the beginning of the day, there have been 159 combat clashes. The enemy launched 32 air strikes using 59 KABs, over 650 kamikaze drone strikes, and over 4,000 attacks on Ukrainian positions and populated areas using various types of weapons.
In Cherkasy, a shooting incident occurred with reports of injuries. Police and medical personnel are on the scene. The perpetrator has been detained.
The CIA has reportedly changed its stance on the origins of COVID-19, now leaning towards the theory of a lab leak from a Chinese laboratory in Wuhan, according to the New York Times.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that since the beginning of the day, there have been 159 combat clashes. Russian forces launched 32 air strikes using 59 KABs, over 650 kamikaze drone strikes, and over 4,000
