Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine

As of January 7, 2025, 15:33 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains extremely volatile and precarious for Ukrainian forces. Russian troops are making significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Toretsk. The situation in Toretsk is critical, with less than 15% of the city remaining under Ukrainian control and battles occurring along major streets. The capture of Kurakhove has been confirmed by Russian sources, solidifying their control in the area and enabling further offensives towards Pokrovsk. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers the encirclement of Pokrovsk a key Russian operational goal. In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces consolidating positions and claiming the capture of several settlements.

Drone warfare remains a central element of the conflict, with both sides utilizing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks. Ukrainian forces successfully identified and destroyed two enemy artillery pieces using drones. However, Russian forces are also actively using drones, with reports of increased activity and successful strikes. The use of guided aerial bombs by Russian forces is also reported in Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts.

The geopolitical landscape is complex, with potential shifts in the approach to the conflict indicated by Zelensky's statements on NATO membership and Macron's call for "realistic discussions." Continued military aid from Western countries underscores ongoing international support for Ukraine. However, the termination of Russian gas transit through Ukraine and Serbia's search for alternative energy supplies highlight the broader economic and geopolitical implications of the conflict.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

• Fall of Kurakhove: Russian forces have captured approximately 80% of Kurakhove, consolidating their positions and posing a direct threat to the strategic Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. Ukrainian forces are reportedly holding the western part of Kurakhove, including a thermal power plant, but the situation is difficult due to the destruction of buildings. Ukrainian forces are conducting drone strikes in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and a Starlink station.
• Critical Situation in Toretsk: The situation in Toretsk is critical, with less than 15% of the city under Ukrainian control. Russian forces are advancing, controlling the southern part and reportedly conducting clean-up operations. A video depicts Ukrainian special forces from the "Omega" unit clearing a heavily damaged structure in Toretsk. Russian forces are battling for spoil tips in the northern part of Toretsk. Ukrainian forces retain control of high-rise buildings in the microdistrict "Zabalka" and positions between the spoil tips of the "Tsentralna" mine and Shcherbynivka. Russian infantry is reportedly entrenched on the northern and northwestern outskirts of Toretsk. Heavy fighting continues in Toretsk, with reports of close-quarters combat and special forces operations to clear buildings. Russian forces are reportedly "securing their positions" in the dense urban environment of Toretsk. The most intense fighting is occurring in the city center, the "Zabalka" microdistrict, near the "Tsentralna" mine, and the northwestern outskirts.
• Russian Advances: Russian forces are making gains near Chasiv Yar, Belogorovka, Ukrainka, Novyi Trud, Ivan-Daryevka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, Myrolyubivka, Vodyane Druhe, Baranivka, Zelene Pole, and Tymofiivka. They are intensifying attacks on the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway and making progress in Novovasylivka. Russian forces are approaching the western and northwestern outskirts of Dzerzhynsk. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian military equipment and personnel near Novoelizavetivka, south of Pokrovsk.
• Ukrainian Resistance: Ukrainian forces are resisting the Russian advance, reporting the repulsion of a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka and pushing Russian forces out of the southern part of Novoielizavetivka. Street fighting continues in Toretsk. Ukrainian forces are targeting Russian military equipment and personnel, with a mass drone attack reported in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators. A video from the 2nd Mountain Assault Battalion showcases the destruction of a Russian field ammunition depot in the Zaporizhzhia direction using drones. Drone operators of the 36th Army of the "Vostok" group reportedly struck a concentration of enemy personnel near Velyka Novosilka. Drone operators of the 80th separate reconnaissance battalion "Sparta" destroyed an 82-mm mortar and a field ammunition depot of the enemy near Dzerzhinsk.
• Chasiv Yar: Fighting is reported at the "Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant," with Russian forces claiming new positions in the northern part of Chasiv Yar and an advance of up to 1.5 km. Ukrainian forces, specifically the "RAROG" unit of the 24th Mechanized Brigade, reported destroying four T-62 tanks and three BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles near Chasiv Yar.

Kursk Region

• Major Ukrainian Offensive and Losses: A major Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region has resulted in severe Ukrainian losses, estimated at 48,000 casualties. Russian forces have successfully repelled these attacks, inflicting significant damage on Ukrainian equipment. The Russian Ministry of Defense released a summary of the repelled Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, reporting significant losses for Ukrainian forces and claiming the destruction of a large number of military vehicles and equipment.
• Russian Counterattack: Russian forces report repelling a Ukrainian counterattack near Berdin and claim to have destroyed multiple Ukrainian vehicles, including a British Challenger tank. They are engaged in battles near Leonidovo, Alexandria, and Kruglenkoye, with ongoing assaults towards Viktorovka.
• Continued Fighting: Fighting continues near Berdin and Malaya Loknya, with Russian advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka. Russian paratroopers have reportedly pushed Ukrainian forces out of Novosotnitskoe and prevented them from approaching Berdino. Leonidovo has been taken under Russian control. Assault operations are ongoing in Alexandria and in the direction of Nikolsky. Russian forces claim to have destroyed a Ukrainian S-300 air defense system near Malaya Loknya. Russian forces claim to have captured a US Army M577 command post vehicle in the Kursk region, with markings indicating it belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment.
• Ukrainian Retreat: Approximately 40 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly retreated from Berdin to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Russian forces have liberated Russkoye Porechnoye and initiated an assault on Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
• Casualties: British intelligence reports that Russian losses in December 2024 reached a new monthly maximum, with 48,670 soldiers killed or wounded. A record single-day loss of 2,200 Russian troops was reported on December 19. A video from "Военкор Котенок" depicts the bodies of numerous Ukrainian soldiers on the outskirts of the village of Berdin in the Kursk region. The video includes close-ups of the deceased soldiers' faces and tattoos, as well as their gear and a Ukrainian flag pin.
• Ukrainian Offensive Actions: The Ukrainian General Staff reports 128 combat clashes since the beginning of the day, with a focus on the Pokrovsk, Kurakhiv, and Kursk directions. They report repelling 27 attacks in the Kursk region and conducting six airstrikes with 17 KABs and 146 artillery shellings.

Luhansk Region

• Russian Capture of Ivanivka and Nadezhda: Russian forces have captured Ivanivka near Terny and Nadezhda, marking a significant advance. They are also attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove. Intense fighting is reported in the area, with Novoyehorivka partially under Russian control.
• Repelled Infiltrations: Russian forces have repelled over 30 attempts by Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries to penetrate the Luhansk People's Republic in the past week, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.

Drone Warfare and Aerial Attacks

• Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare is a dominant feature of the conflict. Ukrainian forces report successful drone strikes on Russian targets, including a command post near the Toretsk mine and a Russian "Buk-M1" anti-aircraft missile system. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. FPV drones are being used extensively, particularly by Russian forces. A video from the Ukrainian "CHIMERA" unit shows the destruction of a Russian armored vehicle "VPK Ural" and two BMDs in the Kursk region. Another video from the "Hartiya" unit showcases drone strikes on Russian fortifications, mortars, ammunition depots, manpower, vehicles, and a tank. The 35th Brigade of the "Center" group reportedly used "String" drones to destroy enemy strongholds near Pokrovsk.
• Russian Drone Warfare: A video analyzed by "Воин DV" showcases Russian propaganda featuring a "Santa" figure delivering a message alongside a demonstration of weaponized drone technology, highlighting the use of drones in precise attacks captured with thermal imaging. The video emphasizes the integration of holiday themes with an aggressive display of military capabilities.
• Air Defense Engagements: Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones, with reports of drone activity near Kyiv and successful interceptions. Air raid alerts have been lifted in Zaporizhzhia oblast.
• Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are active in Kyiv and several other regions. An air alarm was announced in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov region, with a column of smoke seen rising near military-technical property warehouses.
• Missile Attacks: Reports indicate the use of high-speed missiles, potentially KN-23 type, targeting Chernihiv. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have carried out multiple strikes with high-precision weapons and UAVs, targeting Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities, airfields, arsenals, and other targets. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) in the direction of Kharkiv and Donetsk. A missile threat is reported for the Rostov and Krasnodar regions. A Russian Su-34 reportedly destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles and personnel with aerial bombs in the border area of the Kursk region.
• New Drone Activity:
  • Zhytomyr Oblast: Drones are reported in the northern part, moving west. One drone was reported east of Zviahel, moving southwest. Two drones are reported to be heading towards Malyn, and two more towards Narodychi.
  • Kyiv Oblast: Drones are present in the northern part, moving west. Three drones are reported to be circling in the north, with one approaching Boryspil and one having flown past Obukhiv towards Kyiv. 1 drone is approaching Boryspil. 2 drones are flying from Poltava region to Cherkasy. 1 drone is flying from Kirovohrad region to Vinnytsia. 3 drones are in Pryluky area, heading southwest. 3 new drones are flying through Shostka area, heading southwest.
  • Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are observed in the northern and southern parts, moving west. Two drones are reported to be circling north of Chernihiv, and one is reported to be southwest of Chernihiv with a southeast trajectory. One drone is also reported to be circling near Pryluky. Two drones are heading towards Varva. A drone is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, heading east. 1 drone north of Nizhyn, moving towards Chernihiv. 1 drone is heading via Konotop towards Sumy. 1 drone near Pryluky, moving northwest. 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.
  • Sumy Oblast: Two drones are heading towards Romny, and one towards Lypova Dolyna. A drone is in the west of Zhytomyr Oblast, with a western/southwestern course. New drones were reported entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk.
  • Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are present in the eastern part, moving southwest.
  • Kharkiv Oblast: Drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Three drones are also reported to be near Lozova. A drone is in the west of Kharkiv Oblast, with a western course.
  • Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone is reported to be in the Kryvyi Rih district with a trajectory towards the Kherson region, and another is flying over Dolynska in a southerly direction. One drone is also reported to be circling over Samara. A drone is in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with a western course. A drone is approaching Kremenchuk. A reconnaissance drone was detected north of Pavlograd.
  • Poltava Oblast: One drone is reported to be circling south of Poltava. One drone was reported west of Kremenchuk, constantly changing course. A drone is in the northeast of Poltava Oblast, with a southwesterly course. Three drones are heading towards Pyriatyn, and one towards Lubny.
  • Cherkasy Oblast: One drone was reported in the eastern part, constantly changing course. One drone is reported to be in the western part, moving south.
  • Kyiv Oblast: Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl.
  • Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is heading towards Chornobai.
• New: A video from "Colonelcassad" shows the destruction of a Ukrainian mortar crew by a Russian FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
• New: A video from "Операция Z" reportedly shows the destruction of NATO and Ukrainian equipment, including tanks and US-made Stryker armored personnel carriers, during an attempted offensive in the Kursk region.

Geopolitical Developments

• Zelensky's Statements: Zelensky has indicated a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expressed openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited.
• Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest that German Chancellor Scholz may meet with Russian President Putin before February 23.
• US Aid: A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced soon, but the US has indicated that they will not be able to provide all military aid to Ukraine before January 20th. The new head of the Icelandic Foreign Ministry made her first visit to Kyiv and met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, reaffirming Iceland's support for Ukraine and discussing further cooperation, including financial assistance for the "Grain from Ukraine" humanitarian initiative.
• Macron's Statement: Macron has called on Ukrainians to engage in "realistic discussions" on territorial issues, suggesting that a quick and easy solution in Ukraine is unlikely. Macron also stated that Trump knows that the US has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded to Macron's statement about Russia's alleged interference in Georgia's affairs, calling Macron's words a lie and suggesting that he should focus on the situation in Ukraine instead.
• Moldova and Ukraine: Media outlets from Moldova and Ukraine are reportedly attempting to undermine Transnistria's trust in Russia, according to the Russian embassy. The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a representative of the Russian embassy following statements about the energy crisis in Transnistria.
• BRICS: The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Indonesia's accession to BRICS as a full member.
• Trudeau's Resignation: Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party, effective after his successor is chosen. The new Prime Minister of Canada will likely be announced in February-March 2025, according to an expert cited by RBC-Ukraine.
• Death of Jean-Marie Le Pen: The founder of the French far-right party "National Front", Jean-Marie Le Pen, has died at the age of 96.
• Armenia-EU Relations: A report by "Rybar" analyzes the political crisis in Armenia, highlighting the public's disillusionment with Prime Minister Pashinyan's government and the complex relationship between Armenia, the EU, and Russia. The report suggests that despite anti-Russian policies promoted by the West, Armenian society's sympathy towards the EU is conditional.
• Facebook and Instagram are reportedly planning to end their fact-checking program and replace it with community-based annotations, similar to the approach used by platform X (formerly Twitter).
• Israel-Turkey Relations: The Jerusalem Post reports that an Israeli government committee warns of a potential war with Turkey, citing Ankara's ambition to restore its Ottoman-era influence.

Other Significant Developments

• Casualty Reports: Ukrainian forces report significant Russian casualties, while Russian sources claim even heavier Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region, reaching 48,000. British intelligence reports that Russian losses in December 2024 reached a new monthly maximum, with 48,670 soldiers killed or wounded. A record single-day loss of 2,200 Russian troops was reported on December 19.
• Troop Mobilization: Ukraine has reportedly mobilized 200,000 troops in 2024, falling short of the 500,000 called for by former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny.
• Environmental Concerns: Oil spills from sunken tankers in the Black Sea have reached the coasts of Crimea, causing the deaths of dolphins.
• Serbia's Energy Supply: Serbia is seeking new oil and gas supply routes due to the threat of US sanctions.
• Czech Republic Military Aid: The Czech Republic issued 40 permits for Czech citizens to fight for Ukraine in the past year but rejected nearly twice as many applications.
• Ukrainian Naval Update: The Ukrainian Navy reports that one enemy warship, a "Kalibr" missile carrier, is present in the Black Sea, but no missile firings are reported. In the Sea of Azov, no enemy warships or missile carriers are present. In the Mediterranean Sea, seven enemy warships, including two "Kalibr" missile carriers, are present, with 22 missile firings reported.
• Chechnya: Chechen bots reportedly wrote over 60 million comments in a year to create the appearance of support for local authorities. Ramzan Kadyrov congratulated Orthodox Christians on Christmas, emphasizing the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups in Russia.
• Syria: There are reports of US military personnel starting the construction of a military base in Kobani (Ayn al-Arab) in northern Syria.
• Ust-Luga Terminal Attack: New details have emerged about the attack on the Ust-Luga terminal, carried out by SBU drones. The drones reportedly traveled over 900 km and successfully hit their target, causing significant damage to gas condensate tanks.
• Explosion in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky: An air raid alert was declared in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov region, followed by a column of smoke rising near military-technical property warehouses. The warehouses are reportedly combined with the production facility of FKP "Kombinat "Kamensky", which has previously been attacked.
• New Medical Equipment in Dnipropetrovsk region: One of the regional hospitals has received a new angiograph, which will allow for more precise diagnostics and treatment, especially for patients with head artery damage.
• Capture of US Army M577: Russian forces claim to have captured a US Army M577 command post vehicle in the Kursk region, with markings indicating it belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment.
• Frontline Christmas in Donetsk People's Republic: A video report highlights the celebration of Orthodox Christmas on the front lines in the DPR, with Russian military personnel receiving gifts and medical personnel being recognized for their service. The report emphasizes the ongoing fighting and the provision of new medical equipment to a hospital in Horlivka.
• Reconstruction Efforts in Avdiivka: A video shows ongoing reconstruction efforts in Avdiivka, with a focus on restoring normalcy and improving living conditions for residents. The video highlights the installation of new windows, the presence of Christmas decorations, and interactions between soldiers and civilians. The first deputy head of the Russian Presidential Administration, Sergei Kiriyenko, visited Avdiivka and met with residents, highlighting the efforts to provide aid and restore normalcy in the captured city.
• Internal Russian Military Issues: A video message from a Russian soldier, Sergei Pirkin, alleges threats from his commanders and misconduct within his unit (military unit 40318). He claims that criminal cases have been opened against his commanders but that they remain free. Pirkin is currently being held in a military commandant's office for not returning from leave due to a contusion and his mother's health condition. There are also reports of relatives of deceased soldiers from the 503rd regiment being unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones, who are still listed as missing in action. The command of military unit 75394 reportedly ordered the abandonment of those recruited from prisons.
• Alleged Corruption in Odesa Military Unit: Reports indicate that the commander of a military unit in Odesa has been detained for allegedly extorting bribes from soldiers, demanding 30% of their combat bonuses.
• Infrastructure Upgrades in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Reconstruction of a central water pipeline is underway in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which will temporarily restrict water supply to five communities.
• Depletion of European Gas Reserves: Bloomberg reports that European gas storage facilities are depleting at the fastest rate since 2018, with stocks at about 70% compared to 86% last year. The EU has reportedly made record purchases of Russian LNG, exceeding the volumes previously transported through Ukraine.
• Ukrposhta Financial Plan: An analysis of Ukrposhta's financial plan for 2023 highlights the strategic importance of maintaining civilian infrastructure during wartime, as well as potential vulnerabilities and government control.
• Investigation into Kryvyi Rih Attacks: The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announced that a Russian colonel who organized missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih on June 13, 2023, has been notified of suspicion of war crimes. The attack resulted in the deaths of 8 civilians and injuries to 3 others, damaging residential buildings, offices, warehouses, shops, administrative buildings, and vehicles.
• Military Training in Finland: Reports indicate that a joint military exercise involving special forces from Finland, the US, Canada, the UK, and France is taking place in northern Finland, near the Russian border. The exercise focuses on conducting covert operations in a harsh Arctic climate.
• Turkish Missile Development: A video features Turkish President Erdogan discussing Turkey's focus on developing missiles with ranges exceeding 800 and 2,000 kilometers, emphasizing the strategic significance of this move for regional power dynamics.
• Propaganda: A video from the "Kadyrov_95" Telegram channel shows three captured Ukrainian soldiers from the 225th Regiment, highlighting their capture as a success for the "Akhmat" special forces and the 4th Brigade of the 2nd Army Corps. The video includes a call for Ukrainian soldiers to surrender and emphasizes the destruction of Ukrainian equipment.
• Healthcare Improvements in Kharkiv: The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, announced plans for a comprehensive reconstruction of the Kharkiv Regional Clinical Hospital, including the construction of an underground hospital called "Ark." The project aims to improve the quality of medical services and provide a safe environment for patients and staff.
• North Korean Artillery in Russia: A video reportedly shows a North Korean 170mm self-propelled artillery "Koksan" somewhere in Russia. While there is no evidence of its combat use yet, the presence of such equipment suggests potential military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
• Georgian Prime Minister's Accusation: Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused French President Macron of lying about Russia's interference in Georgia's affairs, suggesting that Macron should focus on Ukraine instead.
• Patriarch Kirill's Statements: Patriarch Kirill, in an interview with TASS, condemned the West's acceptance of gender transitions as a "terrible tendency" and a rejection of human morality, framing the conflict as a spiritual battle between good and evil.
• Ukrainian Air Force: The Ukrainian Air Force Command spokesperson, Yuriy Ignat, acknowledged the limitations of Ukrainian F-16s in competing with advanced Russian aircraft and expressed the need for more powerful modifications, radars, and long-range missiles. He emphasized the competence of Ukrainian pilots and the ambition to create a strong deterrent force in Central Europe with the acquisition of F-35s.
• Emergency Landing: A Utair flight from St. Petersburg to Samarkand made an emergency landing at Vnukovo airport due to a technical malfunction. All passengers and crew are safe.
• Precision Strike: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a precision strike on a military command post of the 810th separate marine brigade of the Russian armed forces near Belaya in the Kursk region. The strike is part of ongoing operations against Russian formations in the region.
• Russian Language in Ukrainian Government: Arestovych claimed that the Office of the President of Ukraine is a place where everyone speaks Russian, including Zelensky, and that he never heard a meeting conducted in any other language during his 2.5 years there.
• Putin's Meeting with Bereaved Families: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the families of deceased military personnel on January 5th and assured them of his support, stating that they would not be forgotten. He promised to assist them in every way possible.
• New Year Greetings from the African Corps: A video message from soldiers claiming to be part of the African Corps, extending New Year's greetings.
• Prisoner Exchange: 189 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, including defenders of Mariupol, Azovstal, Chornobyl NPP, and Zmiinyi Island, were returned home.
• New Russian Artillery: Reports of new Russian self-propelled artillery systems capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 50 kilometers.
• Azerbaijan-Russia Conflict: Public conflict between Azerbaijan and Russia over the Baku-Grozny flight is escalating.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for peace. However, the message also criticizes Turkey for not taking concrete actions to demonstrate its commitment to peace, specifically mentioning the continued operation of three Turkish companies (Azu International, Bion Group, and Smart Trading) that supply microelectronics components to Russia, which are used in the production of missiles and drones.
• The British Embassy in Ukraine announced that 200 Ukrainian pilots have undergone ground, language, and basic flight training in the UK. This training is a prerequisite for further training on F-16 fighter jets.
• Israel reportedly eliminated a high-ranking Hamas commander, Hasam Shahwan, in the Gaza Strip.
• Russian sources are spreading information about the imminent fall of Pokrovsk, claiming that Russian troops are within 2 km of the city.
• Reports of local authorities in Pokrovsk allegedly misusing funds allocated for media support, city improvement, and heating supply further complicate the situation.
• A Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk Oblast was reportedly repelled by Russian air defense forces.
• Upcoming negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program are scheduled for January 13 in Geneva, with representatives from Tehran and European countries participating.
• Ukraine has received a new unmanned aerial system "Hazard" and a HMMWV vehicle from the American charitable organization Help Heroes of Ukraine.
• Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced plans to reform the Military Medical Commission (MMC) system, with the first stage expected to be implemented by the end of February. This reform aims to digitize the process of obtaining a referral for an MMC examination through the "Reserve+" application, eliminating the need for physical visits and queues at Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support (TCCs).
• President Zelensky, in an interview, suggested that Donald Trump's potential return to the US presidency would not significantly alter support for Ukraine, as it is a bipartisan issue.
• A video of a captured Ukrainian soldier, Kirill Isinbayev, provides insights into the potential shortcomings in Ukrainian military training, planning, and communication. His account suggests that he and his unit were sent on a "meat assault" without a clear understanding of their objectives or the situation on the ground. This information could be used by Russian forces for propaganda purposes and to further undermine Ukrainian morale.
• A video shows a wounded Russian soldier urging others not to surrender.
• Colonelcassad shared an image indicating an upcoming battle for Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk).
• Fundraising for the 241st Brigade has been successfully completed.
• A video shows a meeting between Putin and Patriarch Kirill.
• Patriarch Kirill, at the request of Putin, consecrated body crosses and icons for the military personnel involved in the "special operation," according to Peskov.
• Russian state secretary Blinken reported that US intelligence had data that Putin was considering a nuclear strike scenario, but China likely restrained him.
• Trump has reportedly been in contact with Xi Jinping and hopes for a mutual understanding.
• French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Iran's nuclear program is "approaching the point of no return."
• US Vice President-elect J. D. Vance did not provide a clear answer to a TASS correspondent's question about whether Trump plans to hold a telephone conversation with Putin.
• The US Congress has confirmed Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister's Statement: Hungary has resumed the operation of its embassy in Syria, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
• Medvedev's Statement on Zelensky: Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent Russian figure, has intensified his rhetoric against Zelensky, stating that the Russian people's disdain for him should not end with his removal from office. This further highlights the personal animosity and deep-seated tensions between the two sides.
• Trump's Potential Pardon: Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly promised to pardon around 1,000 people involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This could potentially impact the US political landscape and influence future support for Ukraine.
• North Korean Missile Launch: North Korea claims to have successfully launched a new hypersonic ballistic missile that reached 12 times the speed of sound and a maximum altitude of 99.8 kilometers. Kim Jong Un stated that the new hypersonic missile can "effectively overcome any air defense system in the world." Kim Jong Un stated that the purpose of developing the new hypersonic missile is self-defense, not offensive plans. North Korea's test of a ballistic missile during Blinken's visit to Seoul underscores the continued tensions in the region and the potential for further escalation. The test highlights the importance of cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan in addressing North Korean threats. North Korea launched a ballistic missile that flew about 1,100 km and fell into the Sea of Japan, according to the Yonhap news agency. North Korea has reportedly launched a suspected ballistic missile, according to the Japanese coast guard. The missile fell outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan.
• German Foreign Minister on Aid to Syria: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has made the provision of aid to Syria under new authorities dependent on respect for women's rights, stating that the EU will not send money "to Islamist structures." The impact of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's statement on aid to Syria is being monitored.
• Legal Action Against Von Der Leyen: A Belgian court will consider whether European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has legal immunity against corruption allegations related to the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.
• Apple CEO's Potential Donation to Trump's Inauguration: Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is reportedly planning to donate $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration.
• Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest that German Chancellor Scholz may meet with Russian President Putin before February 23.
• Zelensky's Statements: Zelensky has indicated a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expressed openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited. He also hopes that Trump can end the war and provide strong security guarantees to Ukraine. Zelensky stated that elections in Ukraine could be held 90 days after the war's end. He also expressed a desire for Elon Musk to be maximally on Ukraine's side, acknowledging his gratitude for "Starlinks." In an interview, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would be open to a ceasefire if partners provided weapons to repel future Russian attacks. Zelensky's interview continues to be a topic of discussion, with Russian media criticizing his language and behavior. A video of Zelensky's interview has been released, where he criticizes the imposition of sanctions against Russia after the start of the special military operation, stating that "it's bullshit." He also claims that everyone didn't care about Ukraine and the security guarantors of the Budapest Memorandum. He further states that he told Trump to give Ukraine $300 billion from Russian assets to buy weapons and invest in the US industry. Lastly, he expresses his lack of respect for the current Russian leadership and its people. Russian propagandists are reportedly attempting to discredit Zelensky following his recent interview.
• China's Potential Technological Advantage: China claims a major breakthrough in laser communication "satellite-to-ground," potentially surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink.
• EU Crisis: The Financial Times reports that the EU is facing a security crisis due to Russia and Trump's indifference to Europe.
• NATO Maritime Security: NATO countries are forming the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to protect underwater infrastructure, using British software to monitor specific vessels, including those suspected of being part of a "shadow fleet." The JEF has begun Operation Nordic Warden to protect communications from sabotage in the English Channel, Kattegat Strait, and the North and Baltic Seas.
• Bulgaria: The Bulgarian government is experiencing political instability, with a high level of public distrust and dissatisfaction with the EU's influence.
• Austria: Reports indicate that the nationalist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has been tasked with forming a new government in Austria, potentially impacting the country's stance on the conflict.
• Israel-Turkey Relations: The Jerusalem Post reports that an Israeli government committee warns of a potential war with Turkey, citing Ankara's ambition to restore its Ottoman-era influence.
• Armenia-EU Relations: A report by "Rybar" analyzes the political crisis in Armenia, highlighting the public's disillusionment with Prime Minister Pashinyan's government and the complex relationship between Armenia, the EU, and Russia. The report suggests that despite anti-Russian policies promoted by the West, Armenian society's sympathy towards the EU is conditional.
• Death of Jean-Marie Le Pen: The founder of the French far-right party "National Front", Jean-Marie Le Pen, has died at the age of 96.
• Trudeau's Resignation: Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party, effective after his successor is chosen. The new Prime Minister of Canada will likely be announced in February-March 2025, according to an expert cited by RBC-Ukraine.
• Moldova and Ukraine: Media outlets from Moldova and Ukraine are reportedly attempting to undermine Transnistria's trust in Russia, according to the Russian embassy. The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a representative of the Russian embassy following statements about the energy crisis in Transnistria.
• Macron's Statement: Macron has called on Ukrainians to engage in "realistic discussions" on territorial issues, suggesting that a quick and easy solution in Ukraine is