Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine: February 3, 2025, 19:08 UTC

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Pokrovsk: The situation remains extremely precarious. Russian forces are within 2 kilometers of Myrnohrad and 3 kilometers of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast administrative border. Fierce battles are ongoing near Yelyzavetivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Baranivka. One of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro is cut off. Russian forces report advances towards Pershe Travnia (Leontovychi), Novosergievka, and Lysivka, and are within 10 kilometers of Pokrovsk, advancing and blocking Ukrainian supply lines. Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) area. An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. Ukrainian forces are focusing on disrupting Russian offensive plans and depleting their combat potential. Russian forces are reportedly within 3 kilometers of the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces report repelling 39 Russian attacks in the area, including 25 near Pokrovsk. Russian units have reportedly entered the central part of Vodyane Druhe. Attempts to take Zelene Pole are ongoing. Russian forces have reportedly captured several settlements in January. Heavy fighting is reported for Lysivka. Ukrainian forces are using heavy drones to attack Russian positions south of Rozlyv. Russian forces report further advances near several settlements and have improved their tactical position near Terniv and are pressing on the right flank of Krasnoarmiisk, with fighting near Malinovka and Yelizavetivka. Ukrainian forces have reportedly lost Novoselivka Persha. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that 40 out of 110 combat clashes occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. Reuters reports on potential Russian scenarios after the liberation of Pokrovsk. Over 15,000 enemy troops were reportedly neutralized in the Pokrovsk direction in January 2025. Video evidence shows combat and destruction of equipment. Eight armed deserters from among the "zeks" (prisoners) were reported near Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are reportedly losing positions near Pokrovsk amid manpower shortages and supply problems. Ukrainian troops are reportedly retreating from the strategically important city. The Ukrainian Armed Forces report that the Russian Armed Forces have changed their tactics, attacking the flanks to form pincers around the city. Ukrainian supply routes are within reach of Russian forces, and there are not enough reserves to maintain defense lines. New: President Zelensky acknowledges the importance of the Pokrovsk direction in his address. New: Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces are persistently attacking, especially near Sribne, south of Nadiivka, south and east of Udachne, west and east near Kotlyne, and southwest of Zverove, with partial successes reported and the situation evolving.
Sribne: Russian forces report they have taken the settlement and are completing a clear-out operation. Ukrainian forces confirm that heavy fighting continues in the area. Russian forces have reportedly secured the center of Sribne. New: The map has been updated to reflect the advances near Sribne.
Andriivka: Russian forces report they have expanded their control in the eastern part of the settlement. New: The map has been updated to reflect the advances near Andriivka.
Kramatorsk Direction: Russian forces have advanced south of Rozlyv and expanded control in the Dachne area, with increased assault activities. A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk, injuring 13 people, including two children. One person was killed in Ivanopil, and another was wounded in Chasiv Yar. Ukrainian forces repelled two Russian attacks in this direction.
Chasiv Yar: Russian forces control approximately 20% of the refractory plant and about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi and Severnyi districts. They have taken a position on a spoil tip on the western outskirts of the Blok-9 mine. Battles are reported on the southwestern outskirts. Russian forces are advancing from the southwest. Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" are being used. Russian troops are completing the cleanup of the Severnyi microdistrict and are destroying Ukrainian forces in the Shevchenko microdistrict. Russian units also took positions in the buildings south of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant and advanced in the area of the Dolgoe-II tract south of the Novyi microdistrict. In the northern part of Chasiv Yar, fighting is ongoing for the remaining part of the Novosjeverny microdistrict. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are concentrating forces in the area of Dniprovska Street in the Shevchenko microdistrict, trying to hold the south of the city. No significant changes have occurred in the last 24 hours, but the initiative remains with the Russian forces. There have been significant advances in Chasiv Yar over the past few days, including the beginning of cleanup operations in the railway station area.
Kurakhove: Most of the city has been captured. Heavy fighting is reported in the eastern part of Andriivka. West of Kurakhove, Russian troops are advancing in the Dachne and Andriivka areas, with half of the Dachne settlement cleared. The capture of Andriivka is strategically important. Russian troops are attempting to advance in the Dachne and Andriivka areas and are trying to encircle Dachne. A Ukrainian stronghold on the eastern outskirts of Andriivka was reportedly taken. Six Ukrainian soldiers reportedly surrendered near Kurakhove. Active combat is taking place in the Kurakhove-Sukhi Yaly area. Fighting is ongoing in the center of Dachnoe, with reports of a Russian breakthrough from the east. Fighting is reported near Petropavlivka, Dachnoe and Sukhykh Yal.
Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses are under immense strain, with less than 15% of the city under their control. Battles are ongoing on the northern outskirts and near several mines. Ukrainian forces report battles for the "Toretska" mine, with 90-95% of the city under Russian control. Ukrainian forces have reportedly made advances in the northern part of Toretsk. Krymske has been liberated by Russian forces. Intense fighting is reported on the outskirts of Toretsk.
Siversk - Verkhnokamyanske: Active combat operations continue near Siversk. Russian forces launched an attack towards Verkhnokamyanske, resulting in troops landing in the central part of the settlement. They reportedly advanced 1.5 km in the Siversk direction and occupied new positions in Verkhnokamyanske. Bilohorivka is a focal point, with a powerful Russian offensive aiming to encircle Ukrainian forces supplying the settlement from the west. Russian forces have advanced on multiple streets within Bilohorivka itself. Russian forces have activated offensive actions in the area of the Zolotarevsky Reserve near Verkhnokamyanske.
Other Locations: Advances are reported near Uspenivka and Alekseevka. Fierce fighting is reported in Zelenovka. Further advances are reported near Dachne, Andriivka, Slov'yanka, and Novoandriivka. Solone has reportedly been liberated. Fighting continues in Zverevo. Russian forces are engaged in battles near Uspenivka. Bogatyrskoe: Russian assault groups have advanced to the area of Alekseevka. Russian forces are advancing near Udachne. New: Geolocated footage indicates an advance in the northern outskirts of Nadiivka.
Horlivka: Ten civilians were injured in Horlivka due to shelling. Five civilians were injured in Horlivka due to shelling by Ukrainian forces using cluster munitions.
Novoyeлизаvetovka: The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially declared the liberation of the settlement.
Vuhledar: Russian sappers discovered mines made with 3D printers.
Sukhi Yaly River: Army aviation destroyed a bridge across the Sukhi Yaly River near Konstantinopol.
Dzerzhynsk Direction: Russian forces continue to increase their firepower near Dzerzhynsk and are expanding their control towards Shcherbynivka. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the liberation of Krymskoe, with 70% of the village under their control. Fighting continues on the northern outskirts. Russian forces have advanced to the center of Shcherbynivka and eliminated the pocket between Dzerzhynsk and Shcherbynivka. On the Konstantinopol direction, Russian forces are advancing north of the Sukhi Yaly River.
Novopavlivsk Direction: One Russian attack was reported in the direction of Kostyantynopil. Ukrainian forces repelled a single enemy assault in the area of Kostyantynopil. The map indicates active fighting in the Novopavlivskyi direction of the Ukrainian front lines. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack around Kostiantynopil. However, Russian forces appear to control a large portion of territory in this sector, with recent efforts to further progress south towards Rozliv/Sukhi Yaly.
Huliaipole Direction: Russian aviation targeted Novopil.
Orikhiv Direction: One combat engagement was reported near Kamyanske.
Dachne: New: The map has been updated to reflect the advances near Dachne.

Luhansk Region

Russian forces are making advances near Nadiivka, Petropavlivka, Zakhidne, and Ivanivka, moving towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
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. Russian forces repelled the attacks and, during a counterattack, wedged into the enemy's defenses and advanced up to a kilometer deep. Enemy troops who transferred reserves of the 151st Brigade were forced to flee and abandon their positions. Russian forces are developing success on all flanks of the Kupyansk sector. In the area of Sinkovka, they also expanded the control of the territory by 500 m and occupied more advantageous lines for further assaults. On the right bank of the Oskol, Russian troops liberated Novomlynsk and Dvurechnaya, where the enemy is constantly trying to counterattack and regain lost positions.
Zakhidne and Ivanivka: These have been captured.
Hrekivka Direction: Russian forces are developing an offensive from Makiivka, with a 400m advance.
Kupiansk: Russian forces have approached the northern outskirts of Kupiansk, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are deploying reinforcements.
Bohuslavka: Battles have been initiated. Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk and have destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove, initiating battles in Bohuslavka.
Novoyehorivka: An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka. There are reports of fierce fighting near Novoyehorivka, with Russian forces attempting to advance towards the settlement.
Kupyansk Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled 18 Russian attacks near Petropavlivka, Pishchane, Stepova Novoselivka, Bohuslavka, Zahryzove, and Lozova. Three engagements are ongoing.
Lyman Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled eight Russian attacks near Novoiehorivka, Novoliubivka, Makiivka, Yampolivka, and Serebrianka. New: Russian forces report advances in the area of Ivanovka on the Krasnolimansk direction.
Sribne, Kolodyaziv: The map has been updated to reflect Russian advances in these areas.
Ukrainian military expert Andrey Marochko reported that Kyiv lost almost 37,000 soldiers and mercenaries on the borders of the Luhansk People's Republic in January.

Kursk Region

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory. Several settlements have been captured, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya. The liberation of Nikolaevo-Daryino is confirmed.
Heavy fighting continues near Nikolsky. Video evidence shows drone operators from the 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade capturing and clearing two strongholds south of Nikolaevo-Daryino. Video evidence shows a Russian "Lancet" drone destroying a Ukrainian M-113 APC near Yuzhnoye. New: Video evidence shows drone operators from the 82nd Airborne Brigade destroying Russian soldiers near Borky, Kursk region with heavy drones.
Sudzha: Russian forces are bypassing the city from the south. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the Ukrainian Armed Forces committed a war crime by launching a targeted missile attack on the school. Russian authorities are calling for international condemnation of the attack. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case against Colonel Rostislav Karpusha, commander of the 19th Separate Missile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, for allegedly ordering the missile strike. Rescue operations at the destroyed boarding school in Sudzha are being hampered by continuous Russian drone attacks. A wounded woman is reportedly trapped under the rubble. Ukrainian forces attacked an electrical substation with a drone. Energy supply is partially disrupted.
A Ukrainian assault force was destroyed during an attempted landing near Tetkino.
Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
Russian forces are advancing, with battles near Sverdlykove and nearby forested areas.
Over 100 paratroopers have reportedly been deployed to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
Reports indicate that contractors have allegedly embezzled over 3 billion rubles allocated for the construction of fortifications.
The landing attempt of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on two armored personnel carriers was thwarted in Makhnovka.
Nikolaevo-Daryino has been cleared.
Battles are ongoing near Pohrebky.
Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults in the Kursk region.
The intensity of the fighting is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspected the Yug Group of Forces.
Russian forces are continuing to advance in the region of Sverdlikovo and north of Guevo.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces claim to have destroyed a command post of the "Kursk" troop grouping of the Russian Armed Forces in Rylsk, Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the Kursk region, collecting data on Russian and North Korean troops.
Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold their occupied portion of the Kursk region for 100 days.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle with a "Lancet" loitering munition in the Kursk region. Video shows a Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region. A 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. A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region. An FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian T-72M1 tank in the Kursk border area. A British Challenger tank was also targeted by a drone called "Prince Vandal Novgorodsky". 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.
The acting governor of the Kursk region met with refugees from areas occupied by Ukrainian forces.
The death of the Deputy Governor of Primorsky Krai, Sergei Efremov, in the Kursk region has been confirmed.
Ukrainian forces repelled 12 attacks in the Kursk direction. Five engagements are ongoing.
Another destroyed M1126 Stryker armored personnel carrier was reported in the Kursk region.
Servicemen of the "Molniya" UAV unit of the Tula Guards Airborne Forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP on a forest road in one of the border areas of the Kursk region with a precise strike. New: Video evidence shows the work of the "Molniya" unit, as a fixed-wing UAV team of paratroopers from Tula destroyed an AFU infantry fighting vehicle in the border area of Kursk region.
Russian forces, under the command of the special forces unit "Anvar", destroyed Ukrainian equipment at a checkpoint in the Sumy region.
One person was injured when a drone attacked a civilian vehicle in the Belovsky district of the Kursk region.
There are fierce battles in Sverdlikovo and the surrounding forest belts.
There is an advance in the north of the Sudzhansky district.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are transferring all possible reserves to the Sudzhansky district, including Ukrainian border guards from the 94th border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
Russian forces report that the enemy grouping in the Kursk direction has been completely defeated. The remnants of the enemy's forces have been pushed back across the border. The enemy has reportedly lost 1,653 troops, 3 tanks, 10 armored vehicles, 23 vehicles, 6 artillery pieces, and 2 MLRS.
Fighters of the 253rd Separate Assault Battalion "AREY" of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army reportedly destroyed a group of 15 Russian soldiers and captured 3 during combat operations in the Kursk region. A video shows a captured Russian soldier praising the treatment by Ukrainian forces and criticizing the actions of his own command.
In Makhnovka, a significant number of North Korean soldiers were reported killed.
Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region with Su-25 aircraft, launching missiles at low altitudes.
Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region. Video shows the work of drone operators from the 69th Separate Covering Brigade of the 35th Army of the "Vostok" group in the Kursk region.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region. Another "Baba Yaga" drone was eliminated.
Su-34 fighter-bombers, accompanied by Su-35S, destroyed a stronghold of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
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. Overall losses are reported to exceed 56,000.
Reports of significant North Korean casualties.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Ukrainian forces lost two tanks, over 200 troops, and four armored personnel carriers in the Kursk direction.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports over 155 Ukrainian troops, 3 armored vehicles, 15 cars and one artillery piece destroyed in the Kursk direction in the past 24 hours.
Reports of Russian military cutting off the head of a Ukrainian soldier. The authenticity of the photographs is not confirmed.
Video evidence shows an intense firefight as a Russian Su-25 aircraft provides close air support, launching missiles at Ukrainian positions in Pohrebky.
New: President Zelensky acknowledges the importance of the operation in the Kursk region in his address.
New: The situation in Makhnovka remains fluid, with control shifting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. While Russian forces initially entered the settlement and engaged in heavy fighting, they were unable to maintain control due to Ukrainian drone activity and unfavorable weather conditions. The southern part of the village is currently considered a "grey zone".
New: Fighting for Makhnovka is expected to resume once weather conditions improve, either with the onset of frost or when the ground dries.
New: An "operational pause" is currently in effect across most of the Kursk direction.

Kharkiv Region

Drone Attacks: Multiple reports of drone attacks and explosions in Kharkiv and surrounding areas. A fire broke out at an energy facility. A drone attack targeted a civilian enterprise in the Novobavarskyi district, causing a large fire. Two drones fell in the Kyivskyi district. 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. A drone attack on a civilian enterprise in the Slobidskyi district caused a major fire. In Lyubotin, a man and a woman were injured due to a drone attack. In Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian drone strike hit a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces disguised as a civilian building, the Zolochiv Children's and Youth Sports School. The attack destroyed the roof and interior of the building, as well as two trucks and one armored vehicle. An ammunition depot was also destroyed, including at least 300 crates of 5.56x45mm and 40mm grenade launcher rounds.
Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorichna. Russian forces have reportedly liberated Dvorichna.
Kupiansk: Under renewed heavy shelling.
Vovchansk: Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian attack.
Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire was reported at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone attack.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the north of the region.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Kharkiv is under threat from a Russian drone approaching from the northeast. They also report a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. A drone is reported in the suburbs of Kharkiv. A high-speed target was reported in the region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving from Sumy Oblast towards Poltava Oblast.
Transport of Ukrainian forces is under attack by drones of the «Hart» brigade near Vovchansk.
Ukrainian forces repelled two Russian attacks near Hatyshche.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Kharkiv Oblast.
Three guided aerial missiles are reported to be targeting Chuhuiv/Balakliia. Four missiles were launched, with two targeting Chuhuiv and two targeting Balakliia. These missiles have reportedly moved on towards Zlatopil in Kharkiv Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia Region

An air raid alert has been declared and later lifted, then declared again and canceled.
At least five people were injured in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kupiansk, and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Russia attacked the region 401 times overnight.
Russian forces reportedly destroyed a group of foreign mercenaries near Orikhiv.
Two people пострадали in result of Russian shelling of Zaporizhzhia and Zaporizhzhia 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.
One combat engagement near Kamyanske.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Drone Activity: Confirmed drone attacks inside Russia, with a massive overnight attack involving over 100 drones targeting central Russia and the south. Most were reportedly intercepted, but some hit their targets, including an oil refinery near Nizhny Novgorod. New reports of drone movements towards multiple regions indicate a potential expansion and intensification of the conflict. Confirmed attacks on Odesa and Bryansk resulted in damage to residential buildings and a fire near the "Druzhba" oil pipeline distribution station. Ukrainian forces report that Russia launched 100 drones overnight, with 65 shot down by Ukrainian air defenses. New groups of enemy drones have been reported in the northeast of Chernihiv region. The threat of attack drones has been called off across all regions.
Finnish Drone: Finnish military to test Insta's "Steel Eagle" drone in combat, designed to destroy enemy manpower with a tungsten ball charge. Ukrainian forces have used similar drones before. Concerns raised about potential use against civilians.
Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces deploying 350 FPV drones to various units.

Other Regions

Rivne Region: SBU detains two terrorists in Rivne region. A complex of appropriate investigative and counter-terrorist actions is currently underway. Two individuals were detained in Rivne for attempting to plant explosives at a police station.

EU

Macron and Scholz express readiness to respond to Trump's tariffs with similar measures if US President Donald Trump imposes them on European goods.
European Commission warns of decisive retaliatory action if Trump imposes new tariffs on the EU.

Geopolitical Developments

US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is scheduled to visit Ukraine in mid-February for a meeting with Zelensky. Following the visit, Kellogg will travel to Europe for negotiations and later participate in the Munich Security Conference, along with Trump and J.D. Vance.
The Ukrainian government reports that Russian forces beheaded a Ukrainian soldier. The identity of the deceased has been preliminarily established, and the information has been passed to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. Some Z-channels claim the soldier was executed for "mistreating civilians in the Kursk region." The authenticity of the photographs is not confirmed.
New: Trump has appointed Steve Witkoff as a special representative for Russia and Ukraine, according to media reports.
New: Trump claims significant progress has been made in the settlement of the situation in Ukraine, according to the press pool.
New: China has received requests to hold a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on February 24 and pledges to organize it properly, according to the Permanent Representative.
New: China plans to hold a new meeting in the near future within the framework of the "Friends of the World" platform on Ukraine to assess the situation, the Permanent Representative noted.

Other

Latvia donates 100 FPV drones to the Ukrainian brigade "Lyut".
The head office of USAID in Washington was closed, according to CNN. Employees were asked not to come to work and were informed via email. Signs, illustrations, and photos from the agency's projects were removed from the building. A group of senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Rubio demanding an explanation. The shutdown of the agency would mean a significant reduction in humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine.
New: Trump has stated that he wants Ukraine to provide the US with rare earth metals in exchange for aid.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly dynamic and complex. Russian forces are making significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove, and Toretsk. The situation in Pokrovsk is particularly critical, with Ukrainian forces facing severe challenges in maintaining their defensive positions. Russian forces have also made gains in the Luhansk region, pushing towards the western border of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic.

In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, and Russian forces have regained some territory. However, fighting continues in several settlements, and the situation remains fluid. Notably, President Zelensky has acknowledged the importance of both the Pokrovsk direction and the operation in the Kursk region, highlighting these areas as key focal points of the conflict.

Drone warfare continues to be a significant factor, with both sides employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. The sheer number of drones used in recent attacks suggests an escalation in this aspect of the conflict. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones to target Russian positions and equipment, while also facing a high volume of Russian drone attacks.

Geopolitical developments are adding another layer of complexity. Trump's appointment of Steve Witkoff as a special representative for Russia and Ukraine, along with his claim of significant progress in resolving the conflict, suggests potential shifts in US policy. Furthermore, Trump's demand for rare earth metals from Ukraine in exchange for aid introduces a new economic dimension to the conflict. China's involvement in organizing a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine and hosting a "Friends of the World" platform meeting also indicates the growing international interest and potential for great power competition surrounding the conflict.

The closure of the USAID head office in Washington raises concerns about the continuity of US humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine, although the appointment of Marco Rubio as acting head may signal a temporary measure. The EU's stance against potential US tariffs and its continued financial support to Ukraine highlight the complex interplay of international actors and interests.

The reported atrocities, including the alleged beheading of a Ukrainian soldier by Russian forces and the discovery of 3D-printed mines, underscore the brutal nature of the conflict and the potential for war crimes. The Ukrainian government's focus on army modernization, particularly the transition to a corps structure and the emphasis on qualified leadership, indicates a long-term strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Overall, the situation in Ukraine is characterized by intense fighting, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, coupled with significant geopolitical maneuvering and a rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly in drone warfare. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict, with potential shifts in US policy, the outcome of ongoing battles, and the effectiveness of Ukraine's defense modernization efforts all playing significant roles. The new messages highlight several important developments:

US Leadership Change at USAID: The appointment of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting head of USAID is a significant development. It suggests a potential shift in the US approach to humanitarian and development aid, which could have implications for Ukraine. Given Rubio's political stance, this change might lead to a more conditional or strategically aligned approach to aid, possibly with greater scrutiny or different priorities.
Russian Military Actions and Propaganda: The video from "Два майора" showing Russian soldiers vowing revenge for a fallen comrade underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the use of emotional appeals in military propaganda. The pledge to kill 100 Ukrainian soldiers for every fallen Russian soldier is a clear indication of a brutal and প্রতিশোধ-driven approach to warfare, which could lead to further escalation and atrocities.
Frontline Updates: The summary from "Дневник Десантника" provides a detailed overview of the current military situation across various fronts. The reported Russian advances in the Krasnoarmiisk and Kurakhovskoe directions, as well as the ongoing battles in the Chasovoyarsk and Kursk regions, highlight the continued intensity of the fighting. The mention of Ukrainian drone activity and the downing of a Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft underscore the technological dimension of the conflict.
Zelensky's Address: President Zelensky's address, as reported by multiple sources, reiterates the importance of the Pokrovsk direction and the Kursk region operation. His emphasis on army modernization, the transition to a corps structure, and the need for qualified leadership indicates a long-term strategy to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. The recognition of specific assault regiments highlights the ongoing efforts and sacrifices of Ukrainian forces.
Trump's Statements: Trump's claim of "significant progress" in resolving the Ukraine conflict and his appointment of a special representative for Russia and Ukraine suggest a potential shift in US policy. His statement about wanting to exchange rare earth metals for aid indicates a transactional approach to international relations, which could have significant implications for Ukraine.
China's Role: China's involvement in organizing a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine and hosting a "Friends of the World" platform meeting underscores the growing international interest and potential for great power competition surrounding the conflict.
Finnish Military Production: The report about Finland building a new TNT production plant, in collaboration with a Norwegian company, highlights the ongoing militarization of the region and the potential for increased arms production in response to the conflict.
Reported Atrocities: The UN report on Russian forces executing Ukrainian prisoners of war since late August 2024 adds another layer of brutality to the conflict. The reported increase in such executions following the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region suggests a potential pattern of retaliatory actions. The mention of Ramzan Kadyrov's order to not take Ukrainian soldiers as prisoners, although later retracted, further underscores the potential for war crimes and human rights violations.
New recruitment policies: The planned changes in medical standards for military conscription in Russia, making it easier to enlist individuals with certain medical conditions, like those with syphilis or who have experienced short-term psychoses, raise concerns about the health and well-being of soldiers. Such decisions might be driven by the need to increase troop numbers in light of the ongoing conflict, but could lead to decreased combat effectiveness.

These developments paint a complex picture of the ongoing conflict. The military situation remains highly volatile, with both sides making advances and suffering losses. The international response is evolving, with potential shifts in US policy and increased involvement from other countries like China. The reported atrocities and the potential for further escalation highlight the urgent need for a diplomatic solution. However, the conflicting statements and actions of various actors suggest that a peaceful resolution remains elusive. The Ukrainian government's focus on army modernization and securing international support underscores the long-term nature of the conflict and the challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its sovereignty.

The new messages add further details to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting military, political, and humanitarian aspects:

Military Developments:
- The "Два майора" video showcasing the "BARS-32" unit's revenge for their fallen comrade ("Hakim") underscores the personal and emotional toll of the war, as well as the potential for escalating violence. The vow to kill 100 Ukrainian soldiers for every fallen Russian soldier indicates a dangerous cycle of retaliation.
- The report from "Дневник Десантника" provides a detailed overview of the frontline situation, with Russian forces making advances in the Krasnoarmiisk, Kurakhovskoe, and Kupyansk directions. The mention of heavy fighting in Andreevka and Shevchenko, as well as the use of "Baba Yaga" drones by Ukrainian forces, highlights the intensity of the conflict in these areas. The reported downing of a Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft by Russian air defense further emphasizes the ongoing air war.
- The "Rybar" report on the situation in Makhnovka, Kursk region, reveals the fluidity of the frontline, with the village changing hands between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The current "operational pause" due to weather conditions suggests that fighting is likely to resume once the ground freezes or dries.
- The video from "Старше Эдды" showing night operations by the 144th Motorized Rifle Division on the Krasnolimansk direction, with the use of

Situation Report