Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 29, 2025, 16:38 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts, especially in the Donetsk region. The capture of Velyka Novosilka is confirmed as a major strategic and symbolic victory for Russian forces. Intense fighting continues around Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Kurakhove, with Russian troops making incremental advances and consolidating positions. A new report indicates that fighting is ongoing in the center of Dachnoe, with Russian forces having broken through Ukrainian defenses from the east.

Ukrainian defenses in Pokrovsk and Toretsk are under immense strain. Drone warfare remains a defining feature of the conflict. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, and Russian forces are reportedly regaining territory. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones to target and destroy Russian assets.

The US has confirmed a 90-day freeze on most foreign aid, including military aid to Ukraine. New: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sibiga will travel to Paris in February for a meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Britain, and Spain.

New video evidence from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows a Russian BM-21 "Grad" MLRS being loaded and operated. Video evidence shows a Russian FPV drone attack on Ukrainian forces in a trench. The footage demonstrates the use of drones for both surveillance and direct attack. Video evidence shows a Russian special forces unit operating in the Donetsk region, using drones and other advanced equipment. A video shows a modified utility vehicle with a machine gun being used in a tactical environment.

New: Video of combat operations of the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "SKALA" was released, showing the clearing of Russian positions under the cover of a Bradley BMP. New: Video evidence shows the destruction of a Ukrainian M1A1SA Abrams tank, reportedly enhanced with ARAT and "Kontakt" dynamic protection elements.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Velyka Novosilka: Confirmed to be under complete Russian control. Russian forces are clearing the remaining areas, and video evidence confirms their presence throughout the settlement.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 3 kilometers of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and have cut off one of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro. Intense fighting is reported near Yelyzavetivka, Vodyane Druhe, Udachne, and Baranivka. Russian assault groups are attacking Ukrainian positions towards Tarasivka. Fighting is also occurring near Zelene Pole and Kalynove. Russian forces are advancing near Kotlyne, with fighting near Tsarskoye Stavok, Dolgoprudnaya Balka, and Novosergievka. Powerful strikes have been reported in Pokrovsk throughout the day. New: The 425th Separate Assault Battalion "SKALA" is conducting combat operations in the Pokrovsk area.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces control 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 from the north side of the railway and have launched an offensive south of the railway station. The "Española" volunteer brigade, alongside the 98th Airborne Division and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade, confirmed that the Severnyi microdistrict is practically under Russian control.
Kurakhove: Most of the city has been captured, with fighting ongoing near Hryshyno. Russian forces are reportedly advancing from Kurakhove towards Dnipropetrovsk. Video evidence shows a soldier with the call sign "Ayvengo" eliminating a Russian soldier near Kurakhove. Fighting is reported near Petropavlivka, Dachnoe and Sukhykh Yal. New: Fighting is ongoing in the center of Dachnoe, with reports of a Russian breakthrough from the east.
Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. Battles are taking place on the northern outskirts, south of the "Fomikha" mine, for the "Toretska" mine, and the village of Krymske. Ukrainian forces report battles for the "Toretska" mine, described as their last defense node, with 90-95% of the city under Russian control.
Other Locations: Fighting continues in Zverevo. Solone has reportedly been liberated by Russian forces. Battles are ongoing near Uspenivka, with Russian forces advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. In the Bogatyrskoe direction, Russian assault groups have advanced to the area of Alekseevka west of Andreevka. In Andreevka, Russian units have appeared in the western part of the settlement. South of Dachnoe, Russian forces are fighting in a large Ukrainian stronghold. Fierce fighting is reported in the Zelenovka area. In Kramatorsk, a powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone. New: Active fighting is reported near Krasnoarmiisk, with a Ukrainian assault on Russian positions west of Novoandriivka.
New: Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspects Yug Group of Forces, receiving reports on the situation and ongoing operations.

Luhansk Region

Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanivka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
A 2 km advance has been reported northwest of Makiivka.
In the Hrekivka direction, an offensive from Makiivka has resulted in a 400m advance.
An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
In the Borova direction, Ukrainian positions have been established northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai.
Russian forces are advancing on the western bank of the Zherebets River near Makiivka, Ivanivka, and Novosadove.
Advances have been reported near Nadiivka and Petropavlivka.
The distance to Ukrainian positions in Petrovske (Hrekivka) has reportedly been reduced to 2km.
Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk.
The enemy is intensely shelling Kupyansk with KABs.
Russian forces have reportedly destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove and initiated battles in Bohuslavka.
Video evidence shows the destruction of an M113 and a "Spartan" armored personnel carrier by Russian FPV drones near Petrovske/Hrekivka.

Kursk Region

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and neutralizing Ukrainian units.
Heavy fighting is reported near Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Mala Loknia and Ukrainian forces counterattacking.
Reports indicate over 360 Ukrainian troops have been killed in the region in the past 24 hours, with five surrendering.
Reports of significant North Korean casualties.
Russian forces report the capture of Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces from the 154th Territorial Defense Brigade destroying Russian equipment.
New video evidence shows residents of Makhnovka discussing experiences during fighting between Ukrainian forces and North Korean soldiers.
The Russian MoD officially confirms the liberation of Nikolayevo-Daryino.
The Russian MoD reports Ukrainian losses on the Kursk axis in the past 24 hours: over 190 troops, 2 tanks, 10 armored vehicles.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian Kozak armored vehicle with two drones near the Kursk border.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukrainian forces have reportedly lost over 55,000 troops.
Russian forces report destroying a group of foreign mercenaries, including an Austrian special forces veteran, near Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Russian forces report that they are finishing taking the remaining Ukrainian positions in Kurylivka.
Russian naval infantry are reportedly continuing to engage Ukrainian forces in Kurylivka.
Russian forces report 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.
New: Drone operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers who were advancing on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region.
New: Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults in the Kursk region.
New: Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP with an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
Russian forces are destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Russian airborne forces are destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
Ussuri paratroopers are displaying captured trophies, including a US-made 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and the restoration of a captured Ukrainian BMP-2 in the border areas of the Kursk region.
Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes: Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes.
Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold: A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
Russian drone targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region.
Russian troops are using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
A Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the Kursk region, collecting data on Russian and North Korean troops.
Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya and Ukrainian forces counterattacking.
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.
The acting governor of the Kursk region met with refugees from areas occupied by Ukrainian forces.
New: Russian forces, supported by artillery and FPV drones, destroyed a Ukrainian BMP-2 in the Kursk region.
New: Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region.
New: Battles are ongoing near Pohrebky, with the 34th Brigade continuing to destroy enemy equipment and personnel.
New: Nikolaevo-Daryino has been cleared, with the enemy making careless and unsuccessful counterattacks. Heavy fighting in the eastern part of the settlement, with the enemy using large strongholds. Russian Aerospace Forces are actively working in the area. The fog is hindering the use of drones, making it the time for assault groups to show their capabilities.
New: In the Kursk region, the enemy delivered up to a company of militants to Nikolsky. After entering the area, the enemy troops tried to attack, our troops repulsed the attack with fire, the enemy suffered losses of up to 50 people. From Nikolsky, they are pressing in the direction of Russkoye Porechnoye to cut off the enemy grouping at Malaya Lokna and to the north. In the northern part of Russkoye Porechnoye, they struck a group of the enemy, resulting in the loss of one AFV and about 20 personnel in the temporary deployment point. Crimean paratroopers are pressing on Sverdlikovo, where the paratroopers' UAV operators also hit an enemy tank. The elimination of Ukrainians from the nearest forest plantations is ongoing.

Kharkiv Region

Drone Attacks: One drone was reported approaching Balakliia. A threat of Russian drone attacks was reported in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. One drone was reported flying from Kharkiv region towards Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions. Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire was reported at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone attack, causing power and water supply issues. Repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation were reported in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region. An infrastructure facility in Kharkiv was struck by drones.
Kupiansk is under renewed heavy shelling.
Reports indicate Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Vovchansk.
Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorichna. They have occupied the forest near Zapadne and made a significant advance in the center of Dvurichna. Russian forces report beginning to storm Kupyansk and taking the initiative.
The enemy is intensely shelling Kupyansk with KABs.
Russian forces reportedly destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove and initiated battles in Bohuslavka.
Russian forces have reportedly taken Dvurichna and are advancing towards Kupyansk.
In the Kharkiv region, the coordinated efforts of the "West-AKHMAT" battalion and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Kurchaloyevsky district of the Chechen Republic, under the leadership of Ismail and Rustam Aguyev, alongside the 116th Special Purpose Brigade "Stalnaya" of the Russian Guard, are ongoing.

Zaporizhzhia Region

The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of guided aerial bombs being launched by tactical aircraft in the region.
An air raid alert has been declared in the region.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian Kozak armored vehicle and thwarted a Ukrainian rotation in the Zaporizhzhia region.
At least five people were injured in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kupiansk, and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Soldiers of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Security Service of Ukraine organized a "Goooood morning" for the Russians on the western outskirts of Novovasylivka.
Ukrainian artillery strikes on concrete shelters of Russian forces in Hola Prystan, Kherson region, using 155-mm high-precision guided munition M712 Copperhead with laser guidance.
In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the group "Despite" of the 3rd SSO regiment, as a result of complex work, destroyed 20 invaders and captured one prisoner!

Other Regions

Drone Activity: Air raid alerts are active across almost all of Ukraine. Updated data from the Air Force indicates 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 is under threat from an enemy drone approaching from the southeast. New groups of enemy drones were 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. One drone from the Ternopil region is heading towards Ivano-Frankivsk. Two drones from the Khmelnytskyi region have moved into the Khmelnytskyi region. One drone from the Vinnytsia region is moving into the Khmelnytskyi region. Four drones from the Kirovohrad region are heading towards/through Pervomaisk. One drone is north of Kropyvnytskyi, with a western course. One drone is flying past Dolynska with a western course. One drone is circling near Pavlohrad. Three drones are in the Cherkasy area, with a southwestern course. Three new drones are in the east of the Chernihiv region, with a southwestern course. Tver Oblast (Russia): A drone was shot down, with no reported casualties. New reports indicate drone activity in the Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad regions, as well as near Hurivka. Mykolaiv: The city has come under attack, with reports indicating the use of ballistic missiles.
Explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Media reports indicate explosions during an ongoing drone attack.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts in Kyiv and six regions of Ukraine, with the threat of ballistic missile attacks. Air raid alerts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to the threat of drone attacks.
Sumy: Launch of guided aerial bombs by tactical aircraft in the Sumy region.
Reports of Russian forces shelling the Nikopol region seven times during the day.
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. 15 enemy drones were lost without negative consequences.
The Ryazan oil refinery has suspended operations following a Ukrainian drone attack. The refinery processes nearly 5% of Russia's oil. The attack caused fires and damaged equipment.
Kazan airport implemented restrictions due to a drone threat, with several flights delayed. The restrictions have since been lifted.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly using drones to target and destroy a Russian oil refinery in Kstovo. Video evidence shows a fire at the "Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez" oil refinery, reportedly caused by a drone attack.
Restrictions have been introduced at Pulkovo airport in St. Petersburg.
Sevastopol: An air raid alert was reported in Sevastopol, with maritime transport halted.
Kherson: A civilian was killed by a drone attack between Veletenske and Rozlyv.
Dnipropetrovsk: Ukrainian air defenses shot down 13 drones in the region overnight. Infrastructure was damaged in the Samarivskyi district, causing a fire.
Sumy: Infrastructure facilities were damaged in Sumy and the surrounding region following explosions.
Ryazan: Reports of a new attack on the oil refinery near Ryazan, with video evidence of a fire.
Donetsk: Air defense systems are active, with reports of at least ten explosions.
Mykolaiv: A powerful explosion was reported in Mykolaiv. Two people were killed as a result of a Russian missile strike on a food industry enterprise during the night.
Odesa: An attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa was reported. Images of the aftermath were published by the Izmail Regional State Administration. Damage to residential buildings and civilian casualties were reported due to a Russian drone attack.
Cherkasy: Overnight drone attack reported, with air defenses active and damage to an energy infrastructure facility in Uman.
Belgorod: A private house in the village of Razumnoye was attacked by a drone, resulting in the deaths of a woman and a two-year-old child. The father and another child were injured.
Murmansk: Temporary restrictions at the Murmansk airport have been lifted.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down 46 out of 61 drones launched by Russia overnight.
An oil refinery in Kazan has reportedly been attacked by Ukrainian drones.
The Ryazan oil refinery, which processes 5% of Russia's oil, has reportedly been attacked by Ukrainian drones for the second time.
New: Lipetsk Oblast in Russia has declared an air danger regime.
New: Reports indicate that an SBU report, allegedly leaked by the Joker DPR channel, confirms Ukrainian media reports about personnel issues within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including low morale in units in the occupied part of the Kursk region. The report also mentions significant losses among mercenaries.
New: Russian operators of the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade reportedly destroyed multiple tanks, armored vehicles, and enemy infantry in the South Donetsk direction.
New: Video evidence shows a large-scale fire at a nighttime industrial site, likely the result of a deliberate strike. The fire is identified as the Kstovo oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, also known as "Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez".
New: The "WarGonzo" Telegram channel provides a frontline report for the morning of January 29, 2025, detailing the situation in the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Chasiv Yar, and Kursk regions.
New: The "Operative ZSU" Telegram channel reports that 1670 Russian soldiers were "de-Russified" in the past day.
New: Ukrainian forces report repelling a drone attack in the Rostov region.
New: Ukrainian forces report that Russia launched 100 drones overnight, with 65 shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
New: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have intercepted several Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk region.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: The soldiers of the special unit "Wings of Omega" destroyed 2 Russian BTRs along with their crews using FPV drones.
New: 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.
New: The Ukrainian General Staff reports an increase in Russian assault activities on the Toretsk and Kramatorsk axes.
New: Russian forces report further advances near Dachne, Andriivka, Slov'yanka, and Novoandriivka.
New: Russian forces are blocking the ability of Ukrainian forces to supply near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), according to Pushilin.
New: There are reports of battles on the southwestern outskirts of Chasiv Yar.
New: The 38th Separate Engineer-Sapper Battalion is reportedly demining roads in the Chasiv Yar direction.
New: Russian forces report destroying 7,200 Ukrainian soldiers and mercenaries on the borders of the Luhansk People's Republic in the past week.
New: Ukrainian forces have reportedly deployed over 100 paratroopers to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
New: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian truck carrying troops near the Kursk border using FPV drones.
New: Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian assault force during an attempted landing near Tetkino in the Kursk region.
New: 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.
New: Overnight, a drone attack targeted a civilian enterprise in the Novobavarskyi district of Kharkiv, 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.
New: 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: Several drones were shot down on the approach to Smolensk.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: 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.

Military Analysis

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical for Ukrainian forces. Russian forces are achieving significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Velyka Novosilka, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar. The capture of Velyka Novosilka is a major strategic and symbolic victory for Russian forces. Ukrainian defenses in Pokrovsk and Toretsk are under immense pressure. The confirmation by the "Española" volunteer brigade that Severnyi microdistrict is under Russian control further solidifies the dire situation in Chasiv Yar. The new report of fighting in the center of Dachnoe indicates a further escalation in this area.

Drone warfare continues to be a defining feature of the conflict, with both sides utilizing UAVs extensively. Ukrainian forces are employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks on Russian positions, vehicles, and personnel. Russian forces are using drones for similar purposes, as well as for targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. The involvement of the "West-AKHMAT" battalion, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Kurchaloyevsky district of the Chechen Republic, and the 116th Special Purpose Brigade "Stalnaya" indicates a coordinated effort among various Russian units in the Kharkiv region.

The situation in the Kursk region indicates a shift in momentum, with Russian forces regaining territory and repelling Ukrainian counterattacks. The reported involvement of North Korean soldiers adds another layer of complexity to the conflict.

The increased drone activity across multiple regions suggests a potential escalation in aerial warfare. The attacks on civilian infrastructure indicate a deliberate strategy to disrupt Ukrainian services and impact civilian morale. Reports of Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia demonstrate Ukraine's growing long-range strike capabilities and its willingness to target Russia's critical infrastructure.

The Ukrainian military is facing significant challenges in maintaining defensive positions and countering Russian advances. The reported losses in personnel and equipment, coupled with the ongoing pressure on multiple fronts, are likely straining Ukrainian capabilities. The new video evidence of the destruction of a Ukrainian M1A1SA Abrams tank is a significant development, highlighting the vulnerability of even advanced Western-supplied equipment.

Strategic Implications

The continued Russian advances and the intensity of the fighting suggest that the conflict may be entering a new phase, with a potential shift in momentum in favor of Russian forces. The situation requires a reassessment of Ukrainian defensive strategies and a focus on strengthening positions, securing supply lines, and enhancing counter-drone capabilities.

The international community's response to the evolving situation will be crucial in determining the future course of the conflict. Continued military and financial aid to Ukraine will be essential in bolstering Ukrainian defenses. The confirmation of a 90-day freeze on US foreign aid, including military aid to Ukraine, has significant implications. The Ukrainian government's consultations with the US to restore funding are crucial. The new report of Sibiga's planned trip to Paris for a meeting with European foreign ministers further emphasizes Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to secure continued support.

The potential involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, if confirmed, could further complicate the geopolitical landscape.

The ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure indicate a deliberate strategy by Russian forces to disrupt Ukrainian services and impact civilian morale.

The extensive use of drones by both sides highlights the importance of electronic warfare capabilities in modern conflict.

The new air raid alerts and reports of drone activity underscore the need for Ukraine to enhance its air defense capabilities and to prepare for potential escalations in aerial warfare. The new reports of a ballistic missile attack on Mykolaiv highlight the continued threat to this city and the need for robust air defense systems. The new report of an air danger regime in Lipetsk Oblast, Russia, suggests that Ukrainian drone attacks may be reaching deeper into Russian territory.

The new video evidence of the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "SKALA" conducting operations in the Pokrovsk area, and the destruction of a Ukrainian M1A1SA Abrams tank, underscore the intensity of the fighting and the high stakes involved.

Updated Situation

Drone Activity: Lipetsk Oblast in Russia has declared an air danger regime.
US Aid Freeze: Trump's confirmation that he has frozen US foreign aid has significant implications for Ukraine. The Ukrainian government is set to begin consultations with the US to restore funding for USAID. A potential meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sibiga and US representatives on February 12 could be linked to these discussions. New: Sibiga will travel to Paris in February for a meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Britain, and Spain.
Attacks in DNR: The report of 23 attacks by Ukrainian forces in DNR indicates the continued fighting in this region.
Putin's Statements on Negotiations: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the conflict in Ukraine could end within 1.5-2 months if Ukraine runs out of "sponsor money and ammo." He also claimed that Zelensky is an illegitimate leader and cannot sign any documents.
Allegations of Corruption: Reports indicate that contractors in the Kursk region have allegedly embezzled over 3 billion rubles allocated for the construction of fortifications.
Targeting of Foreign Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly destroyed a group of foreign mercenaries, including a veteran of the Austrian special forces, near Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Zelensky's Address: President Zelensky honored the memory of the Heroes of Kruty and Ukrainian soldiers who have died defending the country. He emphasized the importance of remembering the price of freedom and the ongoing struggle for Ukraine's future.
Military Aid from Croatia: Croatia announced the preparation of the 12th package of military-technical assistance for Ukraine, to be approved soon.
Drone Operator Recruitment: The Ukrainian Navy's Recruitment Center announces vacancies for combat and rear positions, emphasizing the importance of choosing a military position based on civilian profession. The 429th separate regiment of unmanned systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, previously the "ACHILLES" strike drone battalion of the 92nd mechanized brigade, is recruiting.
Casualties in Belgorod: A drone attack in Belgorod resulted in the deaths of a woman and a two-year-old child, with the father and another child injured.
Corruption Allegations in Kyiv: A top official in the Kyiv City State Administration is accused of faking a disability to avoid military service and receive benefits.
Fundraising for ASTRA: The independent Russian-language publication ASTRA is seeking donations to pay its staff salaries.
Protest in Moscow: A tent has been set up in Moscow to collect funds for the needs of the front, with songs being used to attract donations.
Draft Dodgers in Odesa: Two organizers of a scheme to help draft dodgers leave Ukraine under the guise of ship crew members have been exposed in Odesa.
Coca-Cola Recall in Europe: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium is recalling products in several European countries due to elevated chlorate levels.
Russian Defense Ministry Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on repelling a Ukrainian attempt to invade Russian territory in the Kursk region, claiming significant Ukrainian losses.
Italian Journalist Granted Russian Citizenship: Andrea Lucidi, the chief editor of the Italian editorial office of International Reporters and a military correspondent residing in Russia since 2022, has been granted Russian citizenship.
Arrest of Poroshenko's Son's Property: All property of Oleksiy Poroshenko, son of former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, has been arrested for ignoring draft notices.
Increased Fine for Non-Payment of Parking in Moscow: The fine for legal entities for non-payment of city parking in Moscow has been increased from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles.
New: Drone operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers who were advancing on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region.
New: Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults in the Kursk region.
New: Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP with an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
Russian forces are destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
Russian airborne forces are destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
Ussuri paratroopers are displaying captured trophies, including a US-made 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and the restoration of a captured Ukrainian BMP-2 in the border areas of the Kursk region.
Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes: Russian forces are using Ka-52M helicopters for airstrikes.
Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold: A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
Russian drone targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region.
Russian troops are using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
A Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
New: Video of combat operations of the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "SKALA

Situation Report