Key Military Situation Updates - January 30, 2025

Donetsk Region

Velyka Novosilka: Confirmed to be under complete Russian control. Video evidence shows soldiers of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade raising the Russian flag.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 3 kilometers of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast administrative border. One of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro has been cut off. Explosions were heard near a stele 30 km from Pokrovsk, indicating the conflict's proximity to the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian forces report repelling attacks near multiple locations, with two combat clashes ongoing. Russian airstrikes with guided aerial bombs were reported near Bilytske, Pokrovsk, and Odradne. The enemy is deploying reserves to Pokrovsk, utilizing the city's multi-story buildings for defense. Russian troops are conducting a flanking maneuver, supported by thorough reconnaissance.
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 have reportedly cleared the Novosjeverny district and the summit of the "Block-9" spoil tip at the refractory plant in Chasovoy Yar. Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Chasiv Yar.
Kurakhove: Most of the city has been captured, with fighting ongoing near Hryshyno. Russian forces are reportedly advancing from Kurakhove towards Dnipropetrovsk. An unexploded 155mm shell was found in the bell tower of an old church in Kurakhove.
Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. Battles are taking place on the northern outskirts. Ukrainian forces report battles for the "Toretska" mine, with 90-95% of the city under Russian control. A recent Russian mechanized assault on Ukrainian positions near Toretsk on December 30, 2024, was repelled, involving multiple BMPs and a significant number of troops.
Siversk - Verkhnokamyanske: Active combat operations are taking place in the area of Siversk. Russian forces launched an attack with a motorized rifle unit towards Verkhnokamyanske, resulting in the landing of troops in the central part of the settlement. Russian forces reportedly advanced 1.5 km in the Siversk direction and occupied new positions in Verkhnokamyanske.
Kramatorsk Direction: Russian forces have advanced south of Rozlyv and expanded their control in the Dachne area. In Kramatorsk, 13 people were injured due to a Russian attack, including two children. A person was killed in Ivanopil, and another person was wounded in Chasiv Yar.

Luhansk Region

Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanivka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk.

Kursk Region

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory.
Reports indicate significant North Korean casualties. Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the region.
Drone operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian assaults 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.
A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area.
Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area.
Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region with Su-25 aircraft, launching missiles at low altitudes.
Russian forces are continuing to advance in the region of Sverdlikovo and north of Guevo.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered significant losses in the Kursk region, with over 240 troops and two ammunition depots lost in the past 24 hours.
A Russian assault group was targeted in the region during an attempted attack on Ukrainian positions.

Kharkiv Region

Drone Attacks: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire was reported at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone attack.
Kupiansk: Under renewed heavy shelling. At least four private houses and power lines were damaged.
Russian Advance: Russian forces are beginning to storm Kupyansk. The Ukrainian Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the north of Kharkiv region.

Zaporizhzhia Region

At least five people were injured in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kupiansk, and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Russia attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 401 times overnight.

Other Regions

Drone Activity: Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region. All 4 enemy drones were shot down in the Lviv region. Ukrainian forces shot down 37 drones overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving from Sumy Oblast towards Poltava Oblast.
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. Half of Ukraine is under air raid alert due to enemy UAVs in the airspace.
Mykolaiv: Two people were killed as a result of a Russian missile strike on a food industry enterprise during the night. The head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration warns of a possible massive shelling of Kherson and the suburbs by Russian forces.
Odesa: 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.
Sumy: Eight people have died and 13 were injured as a result of a drone hitting an apartment building.
Synelnykivskyi district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, a lyceum was destroyed as a result of a Russian attack.
Chernihiv: A Russian airstrike caused a large fire in Chernihiv.

Military Equipment

Ukrainian forces received 290 new drones.
FPV drones, drone operators destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers, used to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions, successfully destroyed a Ukrainian T-72M1 tank in the Kursk border area, used for 6 minutes of continuous strikes by Ukrainian forces on Russian positions and personnel in the Kursk region.
UAVs, Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region, Ukrainian forces shot down 37 drones overnight, Ukrainian forces shot down 39 drones overnight, used for attack on Kharkiv hit a private sector in the Kholodnohirskyi district, used for attack on residential buildings in Odesa, used for attack on an energy infrastructure facility in Uman, used for attack on an apartment building in Sumy, used for attack on a residential building in Sumy. Ukrainian forces targeted and destroyed a Russian "Orlan" UAV ground control station using a missile strike.
A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" used to attack concentrations of militants in Chasiv Yar.
Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region with Su-25 aircraft, launching missiles at low altitudes.
Guided aerial bombs used by enemy tactical aviation in the north of Kharkiv region, used by enemy tactical aviation on Dobropillya in the Donetsk region.

Geopolitical Developments

The US has confirmed a 90-day freeze on most foreign aid, including military aid to Ukraine.
Sweden has announced a $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine. $90 million will be spent on the production of long-range missiles and drones for Ukraine.
A Russian politician, Kelin Georgescu, claims that Ukraine is a fictional state and its division is inevitable.
The State Duma of the Russian Federation directed an appeal to the US Congress in connection with information about Biden and Blinken discussing the organization of an assassination attempt on Putin.
Seven hostages released from Gaza have been transferred to the Israeli army and are making their way to Israeli territory.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces making significant advances, particularly in the Donetsk region. Velyka Novosilka is under complete Russian control, and the situation in Pokrovsk and Toretsk is increasingly precarious. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled, with reports of significant North Korean casualties. Drone warfare continues to intensify, with widespread attacks across multiple regions and reports of intense drone activity. Ukrainian air defenses have been active, shooting down numerous drones. The US has frozen most foreign aid, including military aid to Ukraine, for 90 days, while Sweden announced a substantial military aid package for Ukraine. Geopolitical tensions remain high, with Russia accusing the US of discussing an assassination attempt on Putin and a Russian politician claiming Ukraine is a fictional state. The release of hostages in Gaza adds another layer to the complex international situation. The new report from the Ukrainian Air Force about the launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the south of Donetsk region indicates a continued threat to this area. The new report from "Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны" about authorities in the Dnipropetrovsk region preparing for the evacuation of the population due to the approaching front line indicates an escalation in the conflict and a potential shift in the balance of power in the region. The new video from the "Warrior DV" Telegram channel, showing the destruction of a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle with troops inside using an FPV drone, highlights the continued use of drones in targeting enemy assets and personnel. The new analysis of the video showing a checkpoint at the border between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts, with audible explosions, underscores the escalating conflict and the increasing proximity of the fighting to previously secure areas. The new information about Sweden preparing its largest military package for Ukraine, totaling $1.2 billion, with $90 million allocated for long-range missiles and drones, signifies a significant increase in international military aid. This will enhance Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities. The new report about a Russian assault group being targeted in the Kursk region highlights the ongoing fighting in this area. The analysis of the video provides insights into the tactics, equipment, and communication used by the Russian forces, as well as the potential for casualties and the impact of the attack on their operations. The new report about the cancellation of a meeting between the Slovak Prime Minister and European Commission representatives due to a malfunction in Belgium does not have direct military implications for the situation in Ukraine. The new analysis of the video showing a Russian assault group under fire in the Kursk region highlights the intensity of the fighting, the use of cover and concealment, and the potential for casualties. The new report from the Ukrainian Air Force about a high-speed target moving from Sumy Oblast towards Poltava Oblast indicates a potential threat to these areas. The new report from the Ukrainian Air Force about the launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation on Dobropillya in the Donetsk region indicates a continued threat to this area. A soldier from the Russian Armed Forces, recruited from a penal colony, surrendered to Ukrainian forces on the Zaporizhzhia front after receiving a leaflet promising humane treatment. The soldier, Viktor Ivanovich Sleptsov, reported poor conditions, mistreatment, and corruption within his unit, "Storm V." He described being sent on "meat assaults" with inadequate support and equipment, confirming the effectiveness of Ukrainian psychological operations and highlighting morale issues within the Russian military.

Situation Report