Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine: February 8, 2025, 06:00 UTC

Major Updates (February 8, 2025, 05:30 - 06:00 UTC)

1. Kryvyi Rih Situation (Controlled): Oleksandr Vilkul reports the situation in Kryvyi Rih is controlled. No shelling was reported in the Kryvyi Rih district. Air defense shot down 7 drones over the region overnight. This is a positive development, confirming the effectiveness of air defenses in this area.

2. Updated Ukrainian Claims of Russian Losses (Confirmed, High Numbers):

   • The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and "RBK-Ukraina" report 1210 Russian soldiers "eliminated" in the past day. Other reported losses include 35 artillery systems, 102 UAVs, and 95 vehicles.
   • "Operativny ZSU" similarly reports 1210 Russian soldiers "denazified." These claims, while likely inflated, reinforce the narrative of heavy fighting and significant Russian losses, aligning with previous reports. This represents an increased claim of Russian losses compared to the 05:30 UTC update.

3. Russian BMP Breakthrough (Video, Unspecified Location): "Colonelcassad" shares a video claiming a Russian BMP crew broke through Ukrainian fire, surviving multiple FPV drone attacks and "Baba Yaga" drone drops, successfully deploying troops, and returning. This highlights the ongoing use of armored vehicles in troop deployments, and the constant threat of drone attacks. While successful in this instance, it underscores the risks involved. The location is not specified, limiting its immediate strategic value.

4. Russian Drone Successes (Propaganda): A pro-Russian account, "Starshe Eddy," reports Russian drones of the 144th Motorized Rifle Division are supporting the "Steel Infantry's" advances in the Krasnolimansk direction. This confirms active drone warfare and a Russian focus in this area, consistent with previous reports of advances near the Luhansk border.

5. Canadian Concerns About Trump (Geopolitical): "Operatsiya Z" reports on a Wall Street Journal article claiming Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau fears Trump might try to make Canada the 51st US state to gain access to its natural resources. This is primarily a geopolitical issue and does not directly impact the military situation in Ukraine. However, it highlights potential instability and changing alliances in the broader geopolitical landscape.

6. Kharkiv Operative Command Updated Casualties: It confirms a new summary of enemy losses.

7. Expedited Russian Citizenship for Soldiers (Confirmed): The Khabarovsk Krai Police report that foreign citizens who sign a contract to serve in the Russian Armed Forces during the "special military operation" are eligible for expedited Russian citizenship (within one month). Their families are also eligible. This is a significant development, indicating a likely attempt by Russia to bolster its forces with foreign recruits, potentially addressing manpower shortages. The requirement for a military contract is critical.

8. Rybar's Crisis Summary (Confirmed): "Rybar" released a crisis summary, including reports of a "lull" in the Kursk direction and the claimed liberation of Dzerzhinsk and Druzhba.

Updated Situation Summary

The military situation remains characterized by intense fighting and claims of heavy Russian losses. The confirmed successful air defense operation around Kryvyi Rih is a positive development. The reports of expedited Russian citizenship for foreign soldiers suggest ongoing efforts to address manpower issues. Continued drone warfare is confirmed. The "lull" claim in the Kursk direction should be verified.

Updated Recommendations (Changes Highlighted)

• Maintain High Alert for Drone Attacks (All Regions): Unchanged.
• Verify Volgograd Damage Reports (Independent Sources): Unchanged.
• Reinforce Drone Defenses: Unchanged.
• Monitor Black Sea Naval Activity: Unchanged.
• Verify Dzerzhinsk/Toretsk Claim (Critical): Unchanged.
• Assess Impact of Dzerzhinsk/Toretsk (Contingent on Verification): Unchanged.
• Maintain Focus on Chasov Yar: Unchanged.
• Review and Adapt Air Defense Strategies: Unchanged.
• Monitor Sudzhansky District (Kursk Region): Unchanged.
• Maintain Humanitarian Aid in Russia: Unchanged.
• Maintain Focus in Kozacha Lopan and South Donetsk: Unchanged.
• Maintain Air Defense in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, and the border of Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi: Unchanged.
• Diplomatic Efforts (Limited Options): Unchanged.
• Re-evaluate the situation in 2 hours, or earlier if needed: Unchanged.
• Analyze Strelkov's Assessment: Unchanged.
• Verify and assess claims about attacks: Unchanged.
• Assess Impact of Baltic Energy Shift (Long-Term): Unchanged.
• Prioritize humanitarian support to areas affected by attacks: Unchanged.
• Verify the reported use of magnetic mines: Unchanged.
• Analyze Russian Recruitment Efforts: Assess the impact of expedited citizenship for foreign soldiers. Attempt to determine the scale of recruitment and the nationalities involved. This could provide valuable insight into Russian manpower challenges and potential future troop deployments.
• Verify the "Lull" in Kursk: While "Rybar" reports a lull, other recent reports show intense operations.