Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine

As of January 5, 2025, 13:33 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk, Kursk, and Kharkiv regions. Russian forces have made significant gains in Donetsk, capturing Kurakhove and making advances towards Pokrovsk and its strategic highway. Ukrainian forces report they have successfully pushed Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka. A new Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region is underway, with reports of heavy fighting near Berdin, Bolshoe Soldatskoe, and other settlements. However, Russian sources report that they are repelling these attacks and inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian General Staff reports 42 combat clashes in the Kursk region, with 12 still ongoing.

Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of ballistic weapons from the east and a high-speed target in Sumy Oblast, as well as the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) in the direction of Sumy and Zaporizhzhia. Russian forces report an increase in the use of drones with fiber-optic control channels. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2,000 km away. Russian forces report making advances in the Kursk region, particularly near Makhnovka and Dmitryukov. They also report carrying out retaliatory offensive actions in the direction of the state border. The Russian MoD claims that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the Ukrainian military has lost almost 48,000 troops, as well as hundreds of armored vehicles, tanks, artillery pieces, and other military equipment.

New information indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are actively using guided aerial bombs (KABs) near Kupyansk, in Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. There is also an update on the situation in the Kursk region, where Russian forces report destroying 3 Leopard tanks in the border areas. The tanks were reportedly targeted by FPV drones equipped with fiber optic guidance. Reports indicate that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost over 540 troops, as well as numerous tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces in an attempt to invade the Kursk region on January 4th.

The reported attack on the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant by Ukrainian drones, though unsuccessful, marks a significant escalation and highlights the potential for catastrophic consequences. This incident underscores the increasing threat to critical infrastructure and the potential for the conflict to expand beyond conventional military targets. A Ukrainian drone attack on a training center at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was also reported, but caused no damage.

Key Developments

Intensified Ground Operations and Russian Advances

• Donetsk Region:
  • Kurakhove: Russian forces have fully captured Kurakhove, with assault groups raising the Russian flag on the western outskirts. Drone footage indicates heavy fighting preceded the city's fall, with Ukrainian forces reportedly withdrawing. Pro-Russian sources claim Ukrainian forces are attempting to hold positions at the sewage treatment facilities on the city's northwest outskirts. Ukrainian forces report Russian forces used drones to target positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhove direction. Ukrainian forces, specifically Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces, eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
  • Pokrovsk: Russian forces continue their advance towards Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian forces reportedly attempting to push them back. The liberation of Vozdvyzhenka brings Russian forces closer to the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. Russian forces are intensifying attacks on the highway, and drone operators from the "Center" group are actively targeting Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk direction. FPV drones of the "Center" group continue to hunt for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian sources report that the Army has raised the flag in Petropavlivka, liberating the settlement between Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. They claim to have inflicted serious damage on the Ukrainian forces in the process, including taking prisoners.
  • Other Areas:
    • Russian forces initiated assaults on Solone, Novovasylivka, and Novoelizavetivka.
    • Street fighting continues in Toretsk, with Russian forces capturing two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap. Clashes are ongoing near multiple settlements, and Russian forces are advancing behind New York.
    • Ukrainian forces report they have successfully pushed Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka.
    • Russian forces report advancing towards Shevchenko.
    • Several groups of Ukrainian soldiers were ambushed near Velyka Novosilka, with casualties and four soldiers captured.
    • Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a Russian ammunition depot in Shevchenko near Kurakhove.
    • Positional fighting is reported in the Lysychansk-Belohorivka area.
    • Russian forces report they have taken new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar, advancing up to 1.5 km.
    • Russian forces report successful advances by the 7th Brigade in Belogorovka.
    • Positional fighting continues in the Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka direction.
    • Ukrainian forces, specifically the "RAROG" unit of the 24th Mechanized Brigade, report destroying four T-62 tanks and three BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles near Chasiv Yar.
    • Russian assault units surrounded and captured Ukrainka.
    • Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud.
    • Russian forces have taken Ivan-Daryevka and are advancing west of the settlement.
    • Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria.
    • Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault using drones in the Siversk direction.
    • Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying Russian equipment and capturing Russian soldiers.
    • Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction.
    • Russian forces report that they repelled a Ukrainian attempt to quickly capture Berdino. The Ukrainian assault force was reportedly defeated, suffering significant losses in personnel and equipment.
    • Russian forces are also reporting active use of aviation in the Chasiv Yar-Dzerzhinsk area.
    • An operational video from the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the Vostok group showcases their drones destroying enemy observation and communication equipment near Velyka Novosilka.
    • A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
    • Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
• Kursk Region:
  • Intense Fighting: Fighting has intensified, particularly near Leonidovo, with reports of Ukrainian drone and HIMARS strikes. Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts. Reports indicate a Ukrainian offensive in multiple areas, including Berdin, Bolshoe Soldatskoe, Martynovka, and Pushkarnoe, using demining trawls, tanks, and other armored vehicles, supported by strong electronic warfare systems. Russian forces used IMR engineering vehicles to clear roads for an offensive operation. Russian forces, specifically BARS units, are engaging the enemy. Pro-Russian sources claim that the Ukrainian offensive near Berdin has been repelled, with significant losses to Ukrainian forces. In the area of Berdin, active destruction of enemy armored vehicles continues. Despite the active use of electronic warfare equipment by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian units are using Lancet UAVs on fiber optics. In addition to the damaged and destroyed armored personnel carriers in the landings near the Berdin farm, several more tanks and armored vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are on fire. The enemy continues to frantically bring in armored vehicle columns, bringing infantry to the dismount line and seeking to expand the control zone in this area. Russian forces report destroying 11 Ukrainian vehicles and killing about 100 Ukrainian soldiers.
  • Russian Advances: Russian forces report advancing towards Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. They made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. South of Kruhlenky, they advanced towards Viktorivka and Leonidove. Russian airborne troops have reportedly taken full control of Cherkaska Konopelka. Russian forces are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka and Dmitryukov.
  • Active Combat Near Sudzha: Russian forces are attacking towards Viktorivka. The highest level of enemy activity was recorded to the northeast of Sudzha, where it is trying to break through in the direction of the Berdin farm. Claims that the settlement was captured by the enemy are not true.
  • Casualties: Ukrainian forces repelled 30 Russian attacks and reported significant Russian losses. The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 340 personnel and 4 tanks in the Kursk region in a day.
  • Disinformation: Ukrainian forces report that Syrsky arrived to award Ukrainian soldiers. Russian forces claim this is disinformation and that Ukrainian forces are suffering heavy losses.
  • Alleged Command Post Strike: Video shows the aftermath of a missile strike on a cultural center in Ivanovsky, which allegedly housed a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade.
  • Drone Warfare: Ukrainian drone units report successful strikes on Russian armored vehicles, a Starlink terminal, and a command post near the Toretsk mine. They also claim to be able to strike targets up to 2,000 km away. Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region. 2 Ukrainian drones were also shot down over Belgorod and Kursk regions. Another Ukrainian missile was reportedly shot down in a border area of the Kursk region.
  • Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
  • The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
  • Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
  • Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.
  • Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down a Ukrainian missile over Kursk Oblast.
  • Reports indicate significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army, with 1,000 casualties in the past week alone.
  • Fighting is ongoing near Malaya Loknya, where a Russian drone strike targeted a Ukrainian vehicle and building.
  • Russian forces also report a drone strike near Maryevka, targeting a Ukrainian vehicle and building with personnel.
  • Reports that Ukrainian forces have initiated a "massive offensive" in the Kursk region. Pro-Russian sources claim Ukrainian forces are using six brigades in the offensive, targeting areas like Bolshoe Soldatskoe, Berdin, and Pushkarnoe. Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, have confirmed the offensive. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov reportedly arrived in the region to oversee the situation.
  • Russian forces report they are carrying out retaliatory offensive actions in the direction of the state border. At about 09:00 Moscow time, in order to stop the offensive of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack by an assault group consisting of two tanks, a clearing vehicle and twelve armored combat vehicles with troops in the direction of the Berdin farm. Artillery and aviation of the “North” troop grouping attacked the assault group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Two tanks, a clearing vehicle and seven armored fighting vehicles were destroyed. The operation to destroy the formations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces continues.
  • Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
  • Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
  • Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
  • Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans.
  • Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
  • The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
  • Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
  • The Russian Army is conducting a powerful offensive, storming Kruglenkoye and advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
  • Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
  • South of Kruhlenky, Russian forces advanced towards Viktorivka. They are also advancing towards Leonidove.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
  • A Russian soldier detonated a grenade near his head after being attacked by a Ukrainian FPV drone in Kursk Oblast.
  • Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
  • Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
  • Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
  • Russian forces report they destroyed 3 Leopard tanks in the border areas of the Kursk region. The tanks were reportedly targeted by FPV drones equipped with fiber optic guidance.
  • Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
  • The Russian MoD reports that the AFU lost over 540 troops, as well as numerous tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces in an attempt to invade Kursk region on January 4th.
  • Russian forces report they destroyed 3 Leopard tanks in the border areas of the Kursk region. The tanks were reportedly targeted by FPV drones equipped with fiber optic guidance.
  • A video from the "Два майора" Telegram channel shows an FPV drone attacking a Ukrainian mortar position in the Sumy direction.
  • Russian forces are reportedly pressing Ukrainian forces on all fronts in the Kursk region.
  • The Russian MoD reports that the AFU lost over 540 troops, as well as numerous tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces in an attempt to invade Kursk region on January 4th.
  • Russian forces report they destroyed 3 Leopard tanks in the border areas of the Kursk region. The tanks were reportedly targeted by FPV drones equipped with fiber optic guidance.
• Luhansk Region:
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have liberated Nadia.
  • On the Liman axis, 26 attacks were reported.
  • An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
  • Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny.
  • Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny.
  • A buildup of Russian forces is noted on the newly formed bridgehead in Ivanovka.
  • Russian forces report storming Ukrainian positions near Terny.
  • Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova.
• Vremivka Direction:
  • Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka, and liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar. Clashes are ongoing near multiple settlements, and Russian forces are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka.
• Belgorod Region:
  • Two civilians were injured in a drone attack on a vehicle.
  • Partial power outages were reported in Shebekino due to shelling.
  • Several villages in the Grayvoron district were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone attack. In the Belgorod region, on the section of the Chayemoshnoye-Nikolskoye highway, an FPV drone attacked agricultural machinery. The driver was injured. A man with shrapnel wounds to his arms and legs was taken by passing transport to Belgorod City Hospital No. 2. All necessary assistance is being provided. As a result of a drone strike, the equipment caught fire. In the village of Krutoy Log, Belgorod region, after an air target was shot down, the roof of a residential building was damaged.
• Donetsk People's Republic (DPR):
  • Four civilians were injured in Panteleimonovka (Yasynuvata district) due to shelling.
  • A radio operator of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations was injured in Horlivka.
  • In Horlivka, a man was killed and two others were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack.
• Chasiv Yar Direction:
  • Russian troops continue clearing operations at the Kombinat plant.
  • Fighting continues in the northern part of the city and near Novyi microdistrict.
  • The front line has not changed significantly.
• Zaporizhzhia Direction:
  • A large number of enemy vehicles and personnel were reported in Stepnohirsk.
  • Ukrainian forces are reportedly amassing reserves for an offensive.
  • Ukrainian forces are preparing for an attack.
  • Russian forces continue to launch airstrikes on concentrations of Ukrainian forces.
  • In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, a calculation of FPV-interceptors of the “Spartan” brigade shot down three powerful Russian reconnaissance drones - “Orlan-10” and SuperCam S350.
• Sumy Oblast:
  • Heavy airstrikes were reported in Sumy Oblast.
  • Ukrainian Air Force reports the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) in the direction of Sumy.
  • Ukrainian Air Force reports the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) near Kupyansk.
  • The Sever Group of Forces’ FPV drone team destroyed a camouflaged position of an AFU mortar in Sumy region.
  • Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are currently observed in the east of Poltava region, with a southwesterly course.
  • A video from the "Два майора" Telegram channel shows an FPV drone attacking a Ukrainian mortar position in the Sumy direction.
  • Russian forces launched guided aerial bombs on the north and northeast of Kharkiv Oblast.
  • In Kharkiv, a private house was damaged due to a UAV hit.
• Krasnoarmiisk Direction:
  • Fighting continues near Promin and Myroliubivka. Russian forces are advancing towards Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, and Zelene Pole from Vozdvyzhenka. North of Tymofiivka, Russian forces advanced 1.5 km along the road towards the T-0504 highway.
• Dnipropetrovsk Direction:
  • Battles continue near Novovasylivka and Uspenivka. Russian assault units are attacking Nadiia from Novoelizavetivka and expanding control towards Sribne, aiming for the rear of Yasenove.

Drone Warfare and Aerial Attacks

• Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare remains a dominant feature of the conflict.
  • Ukrainian Drone Strikes: Ukrainian drone units report successful strikes on Russian armored vehicles, a Starlink terminal, and a command post near the Toretsk mine. They also claim to be able to strike targets up to 2,000 km away. Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhove direction. Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to shoot down an enemy UAV. Ukrainian forces used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault using drones in the Siversk direction. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones to target Russian positions, personnel, and equipment. Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying Russian equipment and capturing Russian soldiers. Ukrainian forces report they have successfully pushed Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka. Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhove direction. Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires. Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Вовки Да Вінчі" unit, are using drones to target Russian military equipment and personnel in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region. Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border. Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory. Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha. Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region. Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, operators of the 375th OPTADN used drones to destroy an enemy communication tower and a supply depot. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, a calculation of FPV-interceptors of the “Spartan” brigade shot down three powerful Russian reconnaissance drones - “Orlan-10” and SuperCam S350.
  • Russian Drone Strikes: Russian sources report using drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk, destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area, and target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. They also report using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction. Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division destroyed a camouflaged communications repeater. A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces are reportedly using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction. Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater. Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove. Operators of the FPV group "Sever" hit three Ukrainian Armed Forces dugouts with three kamikaze drones in the Kharkiv direction. Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction. Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes. Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian positions in the Kurakhove direction. A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast. Fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy mortar with an FPV drone.
  • Drone Attacks on Russia: Over the past day, 372 drones of various modifications were used by Russian forces to attack Mariivka, Kamianske, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Charivne, and Novodarivka. Ten drones were destroyed over the Leningrad, Pskov, Kursk, and Voronezh regions of Russia. This marks a record number of drones destroyed over multiple oblasts for a single night and morning. Four drones were destroyed over the Bryansk region of Russia. Five enemy drones were shot down over the Smolensk region of Russia, with confirmed reports suggesting the target may have been the "Avangard" missile manufacturing facility. St. Petersburg is under a drone attack, with reports of at least one drone being shot down. Pulkovo Airport has implemented "Plan 'Carpet'" twice today, temporarily halting flights due to an unidentified aerial object. There are reports that these drones were engaged using a combination of air defense systems, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and small arms fire. Multiple drones were destroyed over Voronezh, Bryansk, Rostov, Kaluga, and Kursk Oblasts. Reports of a drone being rammed by a Russian drone over Pokrovsk. A Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk Oblast was reportedly repelled by Russian air defense forces. Over 10 drones were reportedly detected and destroyed in the suburbs of Voronezh. 13 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight by air defense systems over Russian territory. 5 were shot down over Bryansk Oblast, 3 over Kursk Oblast, 2 each over Belgorod and Tula Oblasts, and 1 over Astrakhan Oblast. Debris from downed drones caused damage to railway infrastructure in the Voronezh region. Reports of drone attacks on an oil depot in Smolensk Oblast, with the local governor claiming "debris" fell. Reports of loud explosions in Sevastopol overnight, with claims of drone attacks. Reports that a drone was shot down over a training ground in North Ossetia, causing the closure of Vladikavkaz airport. 17 drones were reportedly shot down over Crimea overnight, with 4 near Sevastopol. Two unmanned boats were also reportedly destroyed near the coast of Sevastopol. Reports of a massive drone attack on Russian regions, with 68 drones shot down overnight. Reports that a Ukrainian drone was shot down over Bryansk Oblast, with no casualties or damage reported. Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region. 2 Ukrainian drones were also shot down over Belgorod and Kursk regions. The new video evidence of a drone strike in the port of Ust-Luga, Leningrad Oblast, confirms a significant attack on Russian infrastructure.
  • New Drone Threats: Multiple new groups of Russian drones are entering Ukrainian airspace, particularly in Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts. Specific updates include drones moving across various oblasts with varied courses. Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging these threats. A new threat of hostile drone attacks has been reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, adding to the already widespread drone activity across multiple oblasts. Two drones are reported to be heading towards Malyn, and two more towards Narodychi. Movement of hostile drones continues to be detected in Sumy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts, with reports of drones moving in various directions, including south, west, and southwest. Reports indicate:
    • Chernihiv Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Varva. A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, heading east.
    • Sumy Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Romny, and one towards Lypova Dolyna. A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, with an eastern course. A drone is in the west of Zhytomyr Oblast, with a western/southwestern course. A drone is in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, with a southwesterly course. A drone is in the west of Kharkiv Oblast, with a western course. A drone is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with a western course. A drone is approaching Kremenchuk. A drone is over Nizhyn. A drone was detected in the western part of Chernihiv region, moving west. Another drone was detected in the southeastern part of Chernihiv region, moving west. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd.
    • Poltava Oblast: Three drones are heading towards Pyriatyn, and one towards Lubny.
    • Kyiv Oblast: Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl.
    • Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is heading towards Chornobai.
  • Nationwide Drone Activity: Reports continue to indicate drone activity in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Vinnytsia, and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts.
  • Drone Warfare Analysis: Reports indicate the use of "Baba Yaga" drones to launch attacks and deliver RPG rounds.
  • Journalist Casualties: Several journalists were injured or killed in drone attacks, with reports of targeting to silence the press.
  • FPV Drone Operators from the 425 ОШБ "Скала" report that they are hunting and destroying enemy infantry and equipment in Donetsk Oblast.
  • Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
  • Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike operation in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and destroying a Starlink station.
  • Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
  • Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk.
  • Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
  • Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
  • Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a German Leopard 1 tank.
  • Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to shoot down an enemy UAV.
  • Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."
  • Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.
  • Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
  • Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk.
  • Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.
  • Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
  • Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
  • Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
  • Ukrainian drone units reported successful strikes on a Russian armored vehicle in the Sumy region, near the Kursk border.
  • Video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
  • Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
  • Video from Sudoplatov shows Russian forces towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
  • Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
  • Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
  • Code 9.2 unit drops "goodies" on communists and Jucheists in the Kursk region.
  • Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
  • A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
  • A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
  • Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
  • Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
  • Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
  • Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
  • Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
  • Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
  • Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
  • In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
  • FPV of the Third Assault Brigade destroys enemy weapons, shelters, and warehouses in the Kharkiv direction.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
  • Attack FPV drone teams of the Yug Group of Forces eliminated a stronghold and a mortar position of the AFU in Kurakhove direction.
  • Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
  • Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the **Pok