Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine

Strategic Overview

As of January 28, 2025, the military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces making significant advances, particularly in the Donetsk region. The encirclement and capture of Velyka Novosilka is a major strategic and symbolic victory for Russian forces, with video evidence showing Russian artillery targeting Ukrainian strongholds within the settlement. Intense fighting continues around Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Kurakhove. Ukrainian defenses in Toretsk have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with extensive activity reported across multiple regions, including a new attack on Odesa causing damage to residential buildings. Ukrainian forces are actively targeting Russian military assets and infrastructure, while Russian forces continue to utilize drones for reconnaissance and targeted strikes. The use of drones by both sides has intensified, with a reported 100 drones launched by Russia overnight, targeting multiple Ukrainian oblasts. Russian forces have captured Dvorichna in the Kharkiv region and are storming Kupyansk. The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed the liberation of Dvorichna. Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces are intensely shelling Kupyansk with guided aerial bombs, damaging at least four private houses and power lines. Russian forces liberated the village of Tabaivka in the Kharkiv region. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the capture of Tabaivka.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces have completed the encirclement and captured the city. Russian forces control over 90% of Velyka Novosilka east of the Kashlahach River. Ukrainian forces are using "Vampire" and "Baba Yaga" drones to try to stop the Russian advance. The capture of Velyka Novosilka opens up opportunities for Russian forces to advance towards Bohatyr and the remaining part of the Donetsk People's Republic south of the Vovcha River.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of Pokrovsk and continuing their advance. The most intense fighting is near Yelyzavetivka and Vodyane Druhe, with 48 assault actions reported, indicating a major Russian offensive. Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are estimated to be over 94,000 killed. Russian forces are blocking the ability of Ukrainian forces to supply near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), according to Pushilin. Russian forces are completing the assault on Kotlyno, threatening the left flank of the Pokrovsk sector of the front. A captured soldier from the 153rd Brigade trained by the US 1st Cavalry Division in Germany was taken prisoner by Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front. He revealed details about his training and the execution of civilians by Ukrainian forces.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces continue to advance, controlling approximately 20% of the refractory plant and about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district. Fighting continues in the Sievernyi district. Russian forces are approaching the western outskirts of the city from the north side of the railway. There are reports of battles on the southwestern outskirts of the city. The 38th Separate Engineer-Sapper Battalion is reportedly demining roads in the Chasiv Yar direction. Russian paratroopers are using BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers to target Ukrainian positions on the western outskirts of Chasiv Yar. UAV units of the 98th Airborne Division are using FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian firing points in the city.
Kurakhove: Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces. Russian forces are advancing from Kurakhove towards Dnipropetrovsk, liberating extensive territories. Heavy fighting is reported in the eastern part of Andriivka, with Russian forces advancing from Shevchenko and Petropavlivka. The capture of Andriivka is strategically important for the defense of Ukrainian forces. 14 enemy attacks were repelled. Russian forces are advancing towards Ulakly and Konstantinopol. Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ulakly. Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from Dachne. Russian forces are making advances near Uspenivka, Udachne, and Kotlyne. Heavy fighting is reported between Pishchane and Zvir.
Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. The Ukrainian General Staff reports an increase in Russian assault activities on the Toretsk axis. Video evidence confirms Russian advances near Toretsk. The Ukrainian General Staff reports 10 Russian attacks in the area. Russian forces have made further advances. Ukrainian forces report clashes near Toretsk, Krymske, Dyliyivka and Scherbynivka.
Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk. The Ukrainian General Staff reports an increase in Russian assault activities on the Kramatorsk axis.
Other Locations: Fighting continues in Zverevo. Solone has reportedly been liberated by Russian forces. Russian forces report further advances near Dachne, Andriivka, Slov'yanka, and Novoandriivka. Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying a Ukrainian BMP-2 near Zarichne. Video evidence shows Russian sappers discovering mines near Vuhledar made with 3D printers, which are difficult to detect with metal detectors. The sappers have reportedly neutralized over a thousand explosive devices in the area since the beginning of 2025. A Russian sniper from the "Center" group reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Pokrovsk, using a "Bespoke Gun Raptor" rifle. Russian artillerymen are targeting Ukrainian forces near the Sukhi Yaly River.

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.
In the direction of Hrekivka, Russian forces are developing an offensive from Makiivka, with an advance of 400m.
Russian forces are forming an "operational cauldron" around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
Russian forces are making advances near Nadiivka and Petropavlivka.
Russian forces reportedly destroyed 7,200 Ukrainian soldiers and mercenaries on the borders of the Luhansk People's Republic in the past week. Video evidence shows Russian forces storming Ukrainian positions near Belohorivka, clearing trenches and destroying enemy forces.
Ukrainian forces report clashes near Novoyehorivka, Kopanky, Makiyivka, Terny, Zelena Dolyna, Yampolivka, Zarichne and Kolodyazi,
Ukrainian forces report a clash near Bilohorivka.

Kursk Region

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units.
Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolske.
Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
Reports indicate that over 360 Ukrainian troops were killed in the region in the past 24 hours, with five surrendering.
Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses, amounting to over 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, and numerous other military vehicles and equipment.
Russian forces report the capture of several settlements, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya. The liberation of Nikolaevo-Daryino has been confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Russian forces are advancing in the Kursk region, with ongoing battles near Sverdlykove and in nearby forested areas.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly deployed over 100 paratroopers to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian truck carrying troops near the Kursk border using FPV drones.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian assault force during an attempted landing near Tetkino in the Kursk region.
Heavy fighting is reported near Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya and Ukrainian forces counterattacking.
Ukrainian forces from the 1st Battalion of the 22nd Mechanized Brigade reportedly repelled a North Korean assault near Malaya Loknya. The video shows the body of a North Korean lieutenant colonel, along with his weapons and equipment. Video evidence shows a Russian FPV drone destroying a Ukrainian tank in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces have repelled 13 Russian army assaults.

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. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community due to a Russian attack. Overnight, a drone attack targeted a civilian enterprise in the Novobavarskyi district, causing a large fire, damage to a gas pipe and 5 vehicles. Two civilians suffered acute stress reactions. Two drones fell in the Kyivskyi district. Two drones were detected in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv, with no reported casualties. In the Rohanska community, a drone attack destroyed a private house and garage, injuring 2 people. In Shestakove, a drone attack caused a fire in a destroyed private house, with no reported casualties. An explosion was heard in Kharkiv, correlating with earlier reports of drone activity in the area. The mayor confirmed a drone attack, with one strike hitting a private building in the Osnovianskyi district, causing damage but no reported casualties. Ukrainian authorities report that Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with "Molniya" and "Shahed" drones, causing damage to over 10 vehicles, residential and non-residential buildings. Three people suffered acute stress reactions. Russian forces launched missile strikes in Kharkiv and used "Geran" drones.
Kupiansk is under renewed heavy shelling. "Оперативний ЗСУ" Telegram channel reports that Russian forces are intensely shelling Kupyansk with KABs, damaging at least four private houses and power lines. "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel reports on battles near Kupyansk, with the 27th Brigade destroying Ukrainian infantry and equipment while advancing in the Kharkiv region. The 27th Brigade continues to advance after the liberation of Lozove, moving forward and destroying Ukrainian equipment, positions, and personnel.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian attack near Vovchansk.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly transferred a sabotage and reconnaissance group to Belopolye (Sumy Oblast) on armored fighting vehicles, which was detected and destroyed by Russian drone operators.
On the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces have almost completely liberated Dvorichna, with small groups of Ukrainian forces still present in the northern part of the village. Russian forces have captured Dvorichna.
Russian forces liberated the village of Tabaivka.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the capture of Tabaivka.
Ukrainian forces report clashes near Vovchansk.
Ukrainian forces report clashes near Pischane, Kutkivka, Petropavlivka and Lozova.

Other Regions

Drone Activity: Air raid alerts are active across almost all of Ukraine. Updated data from the Air Force on the movement of "Shaheds". Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region. All 4 enemy drones were shot down in the Lviv region. Cherkasy: The city is under threat from an enemy drone approaching from the southeast. Cherkasy Oblast was attacked overnight, with air defenses active. A headquarters for coordinating emergency response has been established in the Umansky district. There is reported damage in the area. New groups of enemy drones have been reported in the northeast of Chernihiv region. Dnipropetrovsk: The city of Dnipro is under threat from an enemy drone approaching from the southeast. A second explosion was reported in Dnipro. Ivano-Frankivsk: The region is under threat of an enemy drone attack from the northeast. Tver Oblast (Russia): A drone was shot down. Odesa: There is damage to residential buildings due to a Russian drone attack. Four cars caught fire. Explosions were reported in Odesa. Four people were injured in the drone attack, and one person was rescued from a blocked apartment. A warehouse was also damaged. Ten cars were burned, and windows in three apartment buildings were damaged. Sumy: The Ukrainian Air Force reports the launch of guided aerial bombs by tactical aircraft in the Sumy region. Uman: A Russian drone attack damaged an energy infrastructure facility. Energy workers are working to restore power supply. Three additional drones reported near Vylkove/Kiliya, one approaching Vylkove. Four drones south of Berdychiv, heading west. Two drones circling east of Vinnytsia. One drone west of Korosten, heading west. Five new drones through Sumy Oblast, heading towards Chernihiv Oblast. An explosion was heard in Sumy. One drone reported south of Shepetivka moving into Rivne Oblast. One drone south of Khmelnytskyi, heading towards Starokostiantyniv. One drone from Vinnytsia Oblast heading towards Starokostiantyniv. Four drones heading towards Sumy. Two drones in the north of Poltava Oblast, heading west. Two drones circling east of Chernihiv. One drone in the Belotserkovsky district, heading towards Vinnytsia Oblast. One drone circling in the Sumy district. Three drones east of Chernihiv, heading southwest. Six drones in the Belotserkovsky district, heading west. One drone in the north of Kyiv Oblast, heading west. One drone in the north of Odesa Oblast, moving into Vinnytsia Oblast. One drone over Dnipro city. Drones in the northern part of Kyiv Oblast, heading west. Drones in Sumy Oblast, heading south. Drones in the eastern part of Cherkasy Oblast, heading northwest. Drones in the southern part of Kyiv Oblast, heading west/southwest. Drones east of Dnipro, heading south.
New Drone Movements: Chernihiv and Sumy: Ukrainian Air Force reports enemy drones moving towards Chernihiv and Sumy from the northeast. Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: One drone is flying between Ivano-Frankivsk and Kolomyia. Ternopil Oblast: Two drones have moved from Khmelnytskyi Oblast to the south of Ternopil Oblast. Vinnytsia Oblast: One drone is in the south of Vinnytsia Oblast. Kirovohrad Oblast: Three drones are in Pervomaisk district. Another drone is in the eastern part of the region, moving west. Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is circling east of Smila. Chernihiv Oblast: Two drones are in the Nizhyn area. Kyiv Oblast: Drones are reported on the border of Cherkasy and Kyiv Oblasts. Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are reported in the south of Kirovohrad Oblast. A drone was detected in the region, changing direction towards Mykolaiv Oblast. Vinnytsia Oblast: Drones are reported in the northeast and northwest of Vinnytsia Oblast. Khmelnytskyi Oblast: Drones are reported in the west of Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Drones are reported in the center of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. Mykolaiv Oblast: Drones are reported in the northwest of Mykolaiv Oblast. Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are reported in the west and southwest of Chernihiv Oblast. One drone is reported in the Belotserkovsky district heading towards Vinnytsia Oblast, another is circling in the Sumy district, and three drones are east of Chernihiv with a southwestern course. These movements suggest ongoing reconnaissance and potential targeting of new areas by Russian forces.
Explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Media reports indicate that explosions were heard in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast during an ongoing drone attack.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued in Kyiv and six regions of Ukraine.
Reports indicate that Russian forces shelled the Nikopol region seven times during the day.
Several drones were shot down on the approach to Smolensk.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have intercepted several Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk region.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports 159 combat engagements in the past day, with 85 occurring in the Pokrovsk direction. They also report that Russia launched 60 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine and 30 on the Kursk region, conducted over 5,000 shelling attacks, including 87 from multiple rocket launchers, and used 2,411 kamikaze drones. Ukrainian air defense and artillery forces struck two areas of personnel concentration and two anti-aircraft missile systems.
Russian air defense reportedly continues to shoot down drones launched by Ukrainian forces in multiple regions. Five drones were destroyed over the Smolensk region, two over the Belgorod region, two over the Bryansk region, and one over Crimea.
The soldiers of the special unit "Wings of Omega" destroyed 2 Russian BTRs along with their crews using FPV drones.
Russian security forces detained a man in Bashkiria who was attempting to join the "Freedom of Russia Legion" (banned in Russia) and cross the border into Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces attacked Sumy with two drones overnight, damaging an educational facility, an apartment building, and administrative buildings.
Ukrainian forces reported that 72 drones were launched overnight, targeting multiple regions. 50 were shot down, 9 failed to reach their targets, and 1 is still airborne.
Canada is testing a method for launching UAVs from the stratosphere, potentially enhancing reconnaissance capabilities.
A video from "Dnevnik Desantnika" shows a night-time drone attack on an enemy target in Dnipropetrovsk, resulting in a large explosion and fire.
Ukrainian forces attacked Ryazan again overnight, targeting an oil refinery. Multiple videos confirm the scale of the fire and the likely target.
Russian sources report that 15 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight, with 8 in the Ryazan region, 6 in the Kursk region, and 1 in the Belgorod region.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Bila Bereza, Zarutske, Zaporizke, and Stepnohirsk.

Naval Activity

Ukrainian naval forces report 2 Russian warships in the Black Sea, one of which is a Kalibr missile carrier with up to 4 missiles.
No Russian warships are present in the Azov Sea.
Ukrainian naval forces report 6 Russian warships in the Mediterranean Sea, 2 of which are Kalibr missile carriers with up to 22 missiles.
Two Ukrainian naval drones were destroyed in the Black Sea.
Russian sources report that the main bunch of Ukrainian naval drones is now a couple of tens of kilometers from the shore, waiting for Russian helicopters to approach.
Russian forces destroyed two Ukrainian naval drones approaching the Crimean Peninsula.

Internal Russian Military Situation

51st Army: There is a shortage of personnel on the front lines.
Sports Relays Order: There are reports of an order for sports relays among military personnel, despite the ongoing intense fighting.
Voenkor Kotenok Telegram Channel: Continues to highlight criticisms of the Russian military's internal structure. Shared a video of Ukrainian soldiers in Velyka Novosilka expressing despair. Discusses the importance of small-scale "garage" manufacturers in supplying the Russian military. Raises concerns about the potential for social instability in Russia due to the marginalization of returning veterans. Criticizes the children of Russian elites receiving safe, rear-echelon positions in the military. Discusses the internal conflicts and power struggles within the Russian military and volunteer forces.

Political/Economic Situation

US Aid Suspension: The US State Department has issued an order to halt most foreign aid for 90 days, including aid to Ukraine. The US has frozen the U4U program for Ukrainian refugees. USAID has confirmed the suspension of funding for all programs in Ukraine for 90 days following a State Department order to conduct an audit. Ukrainian organizations and local governments are receiving notifications to suspend activities funded by USAID. President Trump confirmed he still plans to talk to President Putin and expressed confidence that the US will acquire Greenland. He also stated that his first foreign trip as president could be to Saudi Arabia or the UK. Trump announced his intention to speak with British Prime Minister Kier Starmer within the next 24 hours. A military correspondent for The Times, Anthony Lloyd, suggested four possible ways the conflict in Ukraine could end: military defeat of Ukraine, Ukraine giving up some territories, freezing the conflict, or significantly increasing military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. Military expert Markus Reisner, in an interview with ZDF, believes that Ukraine may not hold out until the negotiations between Putin and Trump.
Ukrainian Military Re-evaluation Deadline Extended: The deadline for re-evaluation of Ukrainian citizens with limited military fitness will be extended.
Syria-Russia Relations: Syria has terminated all agreements with Russia regarding the lease of the port of Tartus.
Zelensky's Statement on Drone Components: President Zelensky stated that the Shahed drones used in recent attacks rely on foreign components.
Europe's Fear of Exclusion from Peace Talks: European officials are concerned that the EU and Ukraine might be excluded from peace negotiations.
EU Sanctions on Russian Citizens: The EU has imposed sanctions on three Russian citizens allegedly responsible for cyberattacks.
Poland to Invite Trump to Three Seas Summit: Poland plans to invite former US President Donald Trump to the Three Seas Initiative summit.
Ukraine's Defense Industry Funding: The Ukrainian defense industry has secured over $1.5 billion in foreign partner funding in 2024.
Rising Inflation and Economic Difficulties in Russia: Despite reported economic growth, Russia is facing increasing inflation, rising prices, and labor shortages.
The volume of chemical production under the federal project is estimated at 11.1 trillion rubles by 2030, according to a report by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Mikhail Yurin.
The number of bars in the center of Moscow increased by 8% in 2024, reaching 168.
Russians will be able to withdraw their pension savings in a lump sum if the amount is less than 412,000 rubles.
Demand for magical attributes in Russia has increased by 34% in 2024.
Marketplaces are discussing the transfer of unsold goods to charities, according to "Kommersant." Their total value could reach 300 billion rubles, and this practice will also allow sellers to receive tax benefits.
The Russian Ministry of Justice has filed a lawsuit to liquidate the "Transgender" fund, which provides assistance to individuals with gender deviations, according to TASS. The Kuncevo court reported that the fund's website has been blocked and that its founders have stated that the fund has ceased operations in Russia and they have left the country.
Russian State Duma Deputy Sergei Gavrilov stated that citizens can increase their monthly pension payments by opting for a fixed-term payment of at least 10 years.
The head of the Kamchatka branch of the "Yabloko" party has been sentenced to two years in a penal colony for "discrediting" the army.
The head of the Rostov-on-Don administration, Alexei Logvinenko, has resigned.
The US has stopped the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program, which allowed Ukrainian refugees to legally enter and stay in the US for up to two years with the right to work.
The Chinese embassy in Washington called on the US to disclose information about its biolaboratories worldwide, following reports suggesting the CIA's inclination towards a lab leak theory for the COVID-19 pandemic origin.
Reports indicate Saudi Arabia purchased over €2 billion worth of arms from Russia, including 39 "Pantsir-S1M" air defense systems, despite sanctions.
A deputy of the Verkhovna Rada called on Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to resign due to contract failures.
The EU is concerned about the cooling of relations with the US administration under Trump.
EU's Kaja Kallas invited Marco Rubio to a meeting of EU foreign ministers, but no response has been received yet.
No high-ranking EU representatives attended Trump's inauguration.
Trump has already spoken with the Danish PM, and Rubio has spoken with over a dozen foreign ministers, but not with any EU representatives.
Politico describes the situation as a "cold shower" for the EU, marking a shift from the friendly relations with the Biden administration.
The heads of foreign affairs of 27 EU countries will discuss on January 27th the 16th package of sanctions against Russia and the use of its frozen assets, according to an EU representative.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply responded to Russia's demand for Ukraine to refuse to join NATO, stating that the architecture of European security is built on protection from Russia and that Russia has no say in this matter.
US Secretary of State Blinken removed the official statement on the non-recognition of the future presidential elections in Belarus.
The Trump administration is working on a plan to transfer control of TikTok to Oracle.
US President Trump stated the US may become a much larger country soon.
US President Trump lifted the ban on the supply of 2000-pound bombs to Israel.
Presidential elections will be held in Belarus on January 26, with five candidates, including incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko.
Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vučević, is resigning amidst student protests.

Information Warfare

DeepState Analysis: The DeepState Telegram channel shared an image claiming to show Russian forces in the central part of Velyka Novosilka, contradicting official Ukrainian reports. They also report that Russian forces have advanced near several settlements.
"Philologist in Ambush" Telegram Channel: A user on the "Philologist in Ambush" Telegram channel warned about a suspicious account, potentially linked to either Russian authorities or the enemy.
Voenkor Kotenok Telegram Channel: Continues to highlight criticisms of the Russian military's internal structure. Shared a video of Ukrainian soldiers in Velyka Novosilka expressing despair and accusing their command of abandoning them. Discusses the importance of small-scale "garage" manufacturers in supplying the Russian military. Raises concerns about the potential for social instability in Russia due to the marginalization of returning veterans. Criticizes the children of Russian elites receiving safe, rear-echelon positions in the military. Discusses the internal conflicts and power struggles within the Russian military and volunteer forces.
Automated Bot Activity: Evidence suggests the use of automated bots on Telegram channels to post contextually relevant but inappropriate comments.
Ukrainian and Russian Media Reports: Reports from both Ukrainian and Russian media outlets highlight the discrepancies between official statements and the actual situation on the ground.
Propaganda Videos: Videos showing the raising of the Russian flag in Velyka Novosilka and interviews with captured Ukrainian soldiers are being used for propaganda purposes by Russian sources.
The channel "Dnevnik Desantnika" reports on the activities of Russian airborne forces and shares a video of musician Andrey Makarevich stating he is not ready to help the Kyiv regime. It also reports on a Russian airstrike on Ukrainian positions in Malaya Loknya in the Kursk region.
The "Rybare" channel provides a summary of the situation on the morning of January 28, 2025, highlighting the liberation of Nikolaevo-Daryino in the Kursk region, ongoing battles in Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, and the strategic importance of Velyka Novosilka. It also mentions drone attacks and shelling incidents.
The "Operatsiya Z" channel shared an image and a description of the situation near Kurakhove, highlighting the importance of Andriivka.
The "Operativny ZSU" channel shared images and a description of the aftermath of a drone attack on Kharkiv. It also reports on damage to an energy infrastructure facility in Uman due to a Russian attack.
Images of the aftermath of the drone attack on Odesa are being shared on social media.
The Israeli ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, refuted a statement from The Telegraph about the alleged transfer of captured Russian weapons from Lebanon to Ukraine, calling it a private initiative by a former Knesset member.
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced that the parliament will consider a bill to protect citizens from forced additional paid services.
Ukrainian media reports on the aftermath of Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, highlighting damage to civilian infrastructure and property.
The head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, reported that two women and two men were injured in a Russian attack on the Vasylivskyi district.
"Operatsiya Z: Voenkor" reports that the "Otvazhnye" forces have occupied new territories and almost broken through to the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway on the right flank near Pokrovsk.
"Kots" Telegram channel reports that Russian forces destroyed three "Leopard" tanks, one "Bradley" BMP, and two "Marder" BMPs in the Kursk direction.
"Voin DV" Telegram channel reports that the "Vostok" forces have liberated the district center of Velyka Novosilka.
Combined actions of the 5th Tank Brigade of the 36th Army and the 40th Marine Brigade completed the liberation, defeating the 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Velyka Novosilka, Vremivka, Neskuchne area, a major defense and logistics hub for Ukrainian forces on the South Donetsk direction, equipped with fortifications and protected by three water barriers, has fallen under the control of the "Vostok" group after prolonged battles.
"Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" Telegram channel reports that Ukrainian forces attempted to break through the border near Tetkino in the morning but were repelled by Russian paratroopers and other units.
"Butusov Plus" Telegram channel reports on the destruction of Russian ATVs, trucks, mortars, and infantry by the FPV group of the 3rd Assault Brigade near Kharkiv.
A captured Ukrainian soldier named Aleksey Babenko stated in a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense that the cemeteries in his hometown are full due to the many casualties on the front lines.
The "Operativny ZSU" Telegram channel reports that Russian forces attacked the Odesa region with drones and a missile in the morning. The missile was reportedly shot down. Debris from downed drones damaged windows in four apartment buildings and five summer houses. Ten cars caught fire in one of the courtyards of Odesa, and the fire has been extinguished. A grain warehouse was also damaged. Four people were injured in the drone attack, with one hospitalized.
The "Operativny ZSU" Telegram channel reports that Russian forces attacked the residential sector of Chernihiv with drones, damaging homes and outbuildings. There are no reported casualties.
Tucker Carlson claimed that Democrats tried to assassinate Putin.
A military expert stated that panic may soon begin in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The head of administration of an Iraqi president says that the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime made people realize that Russia may not stay forever. He also states that political work is needed from Moscow in Iraq, not just economic expansion. He claims that Russian diplomatic representatives are less active than those from the US, UK, Japan, and even Ukraine.
An investigation into actor Smolyaninov has been extended for another three months.
The "Operatsiya Z" Telegram channel reports that the special forces of the "Otvazhnye" group stormed Timofeevka and liberated the village near Pokrovsk. The special forces approached Timofeevka at dawn, taking advantage of the fog to avoid detection by Ukrainian forces. The enemy, caught off guard, tried to organize a defense, but the special forces bypassed them from the flanks and destroyed them. The remaining Ukrainian forces who did not escape surrendered.
The "Operativny ZSU" Telegram channel reports that a man was detained at a border checkpoint for luring women into sexual slavery in the Czech Republic. The man allegedly sought out women in difficult circumstances and promised them high-paying jobs in nightclubs in the Czech Republic. However, the women were forced to provide sexual services. The bus with the women was detained at the border checkpoint, and the man has been charged.
The "STERNENKO" Telegram channel reports that your donations are needed for further "RUSORIZ" (likely a reference to anti-Russian operations). The channel encourages viewers to support the "Biker's Team" and the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The "Dnevnik Desantnika" Telegram channel reports that the "Zapad" group of forces is destroying camouflaged strongholds, concentrations of manpower, and lightly armored vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces using D-30 howitzers in cooperation with an Orlan-10 UAV crew. The soldiers received coordinates and eliminated enemy manpower and equipment in fortified positions and a camouflaged forest belt.
"ASTRA" reports that Russia launched 100 drones over Ukraine during the night, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The drones included Shahed attack drones and various types of decoy drones. The drones were launched from Orel, Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Crimea. The drone strikes targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, Pol
"Оперативний ЗСУ" Telegram channel shares an image showing messages from "Чп / Севастополь" warning of ballistic missile launches from the Mykolaiv region towards western and northwestern Crimea, specifically Tarkhankut.
The presence of IED components suggests a real threat of attacks using readily available materials, which could be used to target military or civilian infrastructure, or personnel.
"Рань-ше всех. Ну почти" reports that the US plans to deploy nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time in 15 years.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely volatile and unfavorable for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces continue to make significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region, with the confirmed capture of Velyka Novosilka representing a major setback for Ukraine. The escalating drone warfare, with increased activity across multiple regions, confirmed attacks inside Russia, and a massive overnight attack with 72 drones, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. The new reports of drone movements towards Zhytomyr and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts, the confirmed drone attack in Kharkiv, drone activity in the northwestern part of Kyiv Oblast, and the threat of attack drones in Chernihiv Oblast indicate a potential expansion and intensification of the drone conflict. The new report of a drone heading towards Starokostiantyniv is concerning. The use of guided aerial bombs on Sumy Oblast and the deployment of electronic warfare equipment to the front lines indicate continued Russian military activity and technological advancements. The new report of a Ukrainian drone attack on Ryazan, potentially targeting an oil refinery, highlights the continued vulnerability of Russian infrastructure. The new report of 15 Ukrainian drones shot down over Russian territory indicates the effectiveness of Russian air defenses but also highlights the scale of the drone threat. The new information about the naval situation in the Black, Azov, and Mediterranean Seas indicates a significant Russian naval presence, particularly in the Mediterranean, with a substantial number of Kalibr missiles ready to be launched. The new reports of Russian forces destroying two Ukrainian naval drones approaching Crimea and the main bunch of Ukrainian naval drones waiting for Russian helicopters highlight the ongoing naval conflict in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian Air Force's report of Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeast axis and the threat of air attacks on front-line regions indicate a potential escalation in air operations. The new report of guided aerial bombs being launched on Sumy Oblast indicates a potential escalation in air operations. The new video evidence showing residents of Makhnovka, in the Kursk region, discussing their experiences during fighting between Ukrainian forces and North Korean soldiers adds a new dimension to the conflict in the region. The new report of a Russian strike on a power substation in Dnipropetrovsk highlights the ongoing targeting of critical infrastructure.

The geopolitical developments, including the US aid suspension, President Trump's statements, the call from the Chinese embassy for the US to disclose information on its biolabs, and the Saudi-Russian arms deal further complicate the situation for Ukraine. The video evidence of Russian forces storming Ukrainian positions near Belohorivka, destroying a Ukrainian BMP-2 near Zarichne, and discovering advanced, hard-to-detect mines near Vuhledar highlights the intensity of the fighting, continued Russian advances, and the evolving tactics being employed. The footage of the Orlan-10 UAV in operation underscores the continued importance of reconnaissance in Russian military operations. The new video evidence of a Russian FPV drone destroying a Ukrainian tank in the Kursk region demonstrates the ongoing threat to Ukrainian armor. The new reports of Russian paratroopers using BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers

Situation Report