Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 9, 2025, 15:33 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with intense fighting concentrated in the Donetsk, Kursk, and Luhansk regions. Russian forces continue their offensive in Donetsk, achieving significant gains, notably the capture of most of Kurakhove and a substantial portion of Toretsk. They are advancing towards Pokrovsk and along the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway. In the Kursk region, a major Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, suffering heavy casualties estimated at up to 48,000. Russian forces have regained territory and are making advances in the Sudzha area, particularly near Makhnovka, Sverdlikovo, and Lebedevka.

Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with reports of new Russian drones equipped with fiber-optic control systems, resistant to electronic warfare, and widespread drone activity across multiple regions. The Ukrainian General Staff reports a difficult situation along the entire frontline and forced retreats to new defensive lines in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

A new US military aid package for Ukraine is expected soon, though previous supplies of ATACMS missiles, F-16 fighters, and Abrams tanks have not shifted the balance in favor of Kyiv. Reports indicate a potential meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd, and Zelensky has indicated a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Germany plans to send additional IRIS-T guided missiles to Ukraine in the near future.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

• Fall of Kurakhove: Russian forces control most of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces holding the western part, including a thermal power plant. Ukrainian forces captured 11 Russian soldiers during mop-up operations in a multi-story building in Kurakhove. Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian infantry with drone attacks in the western part of Kurakhove. Ukrainian forces report that in the Kurakhiv direction, the enemy attacked 73 times during the past day.
• Critical Situation in Toretsk: Less than 15% of Toretsk remains under Ukrainian control. The enemy is attempting to capture a thermal power plant near Toretsk. Video evidence shows a Ukrainian unit targeting a Russian position in a building in Toretsk with an explosive device. The situation in Toretsk remains critical, with Ukrainian forces attempting to defend the remaining territory. A video from "ЦАПЛІЄНКО_UKRAINE FIGHTS" shows the city "on fire" and under intensified enemy attacks.
• Russian Advances Towards Pokrovsk: Russian forces are intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, with progress in Novovasylivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Baranovka. They are approaching the western and northwestern outskirts of Dzerzhynsk. Video evidence shows the destruction of enemy defenses by the 35th Brigade near Pokrovsk. Video from the "Operatsiya Z" Telegram channel shows the 506th Regiment conducting an offensive near the city, resulting in heavy losses for Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian drone operators targeted and killed a Russian soldier in the Pokrovsk direction. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that in the Donetsk direction, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions 192 times over the past day, 107 times in the Pokrovsk direction. 37 combat clashes are still ongoing. Ukrainian forces have inflicted the following losses on the enemy: 156 killed and 291 wounded, 3 tanks destroyed, 5 armored combat vehicles, 3 artillery systems, 32 anti-aircraft guns, 5 vehicles, and 1 special vehicle.
• Shevchenko and Ivanivka Captured: Russian forces have captured Shevchenko and Ivanivka. Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian defenses near Ivanovka and are engaged in battles for the dominant height near Kolodezi.
• Other Advances: Further Russian gains near Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, Solone, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Novoelizavetivka, and Kurakhove. Advances in Pisky and the eastern outskirts of Dachne. Russian forces are advancing in the Krasnoarmiisk direction, with progress near Udalny, Kotlyne, Zverevo, Zelene, Lysovka, and Mirolyubovka. Fighting continues in these areas, with Russian forces reportedly capturing parts of Baranovka and advancing towards Vodyane Druhe.
• Ukrainian Strike on Russian Command Post: Ukrainian General Staff reports a successful high-precision strike on a command post of the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation in Khartsyzk.
• Intense Fighting: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports 192 combat clashes since the beginning of the day, particularly in the Pokrovsky and Kurakhiv directions. Fighting continues near Velyka Novosilka, Dachne, Ulakly-Konstantinopol-Razliv area, Andreyevka, Petropavlivka, and Shevchenko.
• Aftermath of Attack on Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded from the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 113, with 10 in serious condition. 13 people were killed in the attack. The new messages confirm the continuation of attacks on Zaporizhzhia, with reports of one person killed and six wounded. The attacks seem to be primarily targeting civilian infrastructure. After a shelling attack on Zaporizhzhia, 66 civilians remain in hospitals, with 11 in serious condition.
• Stepnohirsk: 2 people were killed and 2 injured in a Russian attack on Stepnohirsk.
• Chasiv Yar: Video evidence of a successful Russian "Lancet" drone strike on a Ukrainian BMP in the Chasiv Yar area, approximately 1.5 km from the line of contact. The accompanying map suggests a significant concentration of forces near Chasiv Yar. Tank crews of the 63rd Brigade reportedly attacked Russian positions in the Serebryansky forest, firing from distances of up to 100 meters.
• New: Repeated launches of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation reported in the Donetsk region.
• New: Video footage shows a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting a Russian Ka-52 helicopter, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
• New: Video evidence shows a Russian soldier filming the aftermath of a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on a Russian vehicle in the Donetsk region, indicating casualties among the Russian assault group.

Kursk Region

• Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with reports of heavy losses (estimated up to 48,000 casualties). The Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" reports repelling a massive Russian assault, involving about 50 units of equipment. The attacks were carried out in 6 waves. Ukrainian forces, along with adjacent units, reportedly destroyed a significant amount of enemy equipment and inflicted heavy casualties. Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian assault near Kurdyumivka in the Bakhmut area. Ukrainian forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade repelled a massive Russian assault in the Viktorivka area near Malaya Loknya, Kursk region. The attack involved about 50 units of equipment. The assault was carried out in six waves. The Ukrainian forces successfully repelled the attack, inflicting significant losses on the enemy.
• Renewed Russian Offensive: Russian forces have resumed offensive operations near Nikolaevka and Staraya Sorochina, with advances near Novaya Sorochina. Russian paratroopers are reportedly making progress, pushing Ukrainian forces out of Makhnovka and Dmitryukov.
• Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported in Pogrebki, Orlovka, Staraya Sorochina, and Novaya Sorochina, with Ukrainian forces deploying reserves. Fighting continues near Kotlyno, and Ukrainian forces are struggling to contain the Russian advance. Geolocated footage confirms Ukrainian tactical advances, but simultaneous Russian advances indicate a fluid situation. Russian sources claim the enemy has lost at least 35 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel in the last two days, with 14 Ukrainian soldiers captured near Berdin. Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner. 26 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered after a failed counterattack, according to Russian sources. Russian forces have destroyed a German Leopard 2A6 tank in the Kursk region, according to "Colonelcassad". Video evidence shows Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade.
• Artillery & Drones: Russian artillery and drone operations are proving effective, with the destruction of Ukrainian artillery pieces. Video evidence of a North Korean soldier evicting two Russian women from their house in the village of Makhnovka. Calculation of FPV drones of the Rubikon center destroyed the Ukrainian self-propelled guns in the Kursk direction.
• New Russian Advances: Russian forces are making advances in the area between Guyevo and Kurilovka and the forested areas of the Sudzha border region. Russian forces have captured Russkoye Porechnoye and are currently assaulting Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
• Reinforcements: Over 350 enemy personnel, including special operations forces and the 132nd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion, have reportedly arrived in the region.
• Enemy Reserves: Intelligence suggests a concentration of enemy forces near Pogrebki and the presence of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region.
• Makhnovka: Russian channels report that the situation near Makhnovka is as follows: "Statements about the complete liberation of the settlement are premature. There are heavy oncoming battles. Moreover, the enemy understands that the loss of Makhnovka and Zamostya will greatly complicate the defense of Sudzha, therefore it is putting up fierce resistance, actively working with artillery, there are no escapes from positions. Nevertheless, our men are literally gnawing out every meter of land. There will be good news, let's be patient."
• Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka: In the Kursk region, paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka.
• New: The Russian Ministry of Defense published a new video showing the destruction of Ukrainian military equipment in the Kursk region.
• New: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that in Kurshchyna today, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 enemy attacks, six combat clashes continue.
• New: A civilian from a village in the Kursk region reported that soldiers from western Ukraine burned houses in his village.
• New: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the enemy lost up to 190 fighters, an ammunition depot, an infantry fighting vehicle and an armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region during the day.
• New: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has lost more than 50,310 troops, 294 tanks, 218 infantry fighting vehicles, 161 armored personnel carriers, 1,517 armored fighting vehicles, 1,435 vehicles, 348 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 HIMARS and 6 MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 90 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defense radars, 29 units of engineering and other materiel, including 15 counter-obstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armored recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.
• New: The message states that the operation to neutralize the enemy in the Kursk region continues.
• New: The new message states that statements about the complete liberation of the village of Makhnovka are premature, heavy oncoming battles are taking place. The message indicates that the enemy is putting up fierce resistance and actively working with artillery.
• New: The new message indicates that paratroopers from the 106th Airborne Division are conducting active assault operations in the forests near Sverdlikovo and Lebedevka in the Kursk region. The situation remains tense, with ongoing battles and the use of heavy weaponry.
• New: The new message states that the Russian Ministry of Defense published a video showing the destruction of Ukrainian military equipment in the Kursk region.
• New: The new message indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled 16 enemy attacks in the Kursk region today, and six combat clashes continue.
• New: The new message states that a German Leopard 2A6 tank was destroyed in the Kursk region, according to "Colonelcassad".
• New: The new message includes video evidence of Russian forces capturing 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade in the Kursk region. The POWs reportedly stated they were sent to the area with minimal information and training.
• New: The new message states that a civilian from a village in the Kursk region reported that soldiers from western Ukraine burned houses in his village. A video interview with the civilian was released, serving as propaganda for Russian forces.
• New: Zelensky stated that the Kursk operation was one of the main victories, not only last year, but throughout the war.

Kharkiv Region

• Russian Advances: Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area and in Dvurichna.
• New: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya and penetrated the Ukrainian defense up to 1.5 km in some areas.
• New: Ukrainian forces have reportedly stabilized the situation near Kruhliakivka and Kolisnykivka, preventing further Russian advances along the Oskil River, according to DeepState.
• New: DeepState denies reports of the occupation of Lozova.
• New: The 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is reportedly engaging Russian forces on the outskirts of Kharkiv.
• New: FPV drone team of Sever Group of Forces reportedly wipes out AFU buggy in Kharkiv region.

Luhansk Region

• Russian Advances: On the Krasnolimansk direction, units of the Russian Army are developing success in Ivanovka (right bank of the Zherebets River).
• New: Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny and are storming Zahryzove.
• New: Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny.
• New: Russian forces have successfully repelled over 30 Ukrainian attempts to infiltrate the Luhansk People's Republic in the past week, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Activity: Widespread drone activity reported across multiple regions. Ukrainian air defense forces are actively engaging hostile drones.
• Confirmed Attack in Engels: A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial facility in Engels, deep inside Russian territory, has been confirmed. The fire at the oil depot is intensifying, with reports of new explosions and a state of emergency declared.
• New Drone Technology: ISW reports that Russian forces are increasingly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, which are resistant to electronic warfare.
• New Drone Activity: Reports of drone movements across multiple oblasts, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, and Kherson. Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away. Reports of drone movements in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv Oblasts. Drones are reported in the center of Poltava Oblast, moving northwest, and on the west of Sumy Oblast, moving southwest. A drone is reported on the northeast of Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest. City of Pryluky (Chernihiv Oblast) is under threat from enemy drones approaching from the northeast. Drones in the west of Poltava region, course - west / southwest; Drones in the north of Sumy region, course - south-west; Drones in the center of Chernihiv region, course - south / south-west; Drones in the east of Kyiv region, course - west / north-west; Drones on the border of Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, course - west. Enemy drone is moving in the direction of Cherkasy from the southeast. One drone north of Cherkasy, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Two drones west of Poltava, moving northwest. Five drones near Konotop, moving southwest. 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 is in the center of Chernihiv Oblast, with an eastern course. 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. 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. A drone is in the northeastern Cherkasy Oblast, moving west/northwest. Kyiv Oblast: Three drones are maneuvering near Chernobyl. Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is heading towards Chornobai.
• Air Defense Engagements: 15 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over the Belgorod, Bryansk regions, and Krasnodar Territory. Five drones were shot down in the Rostov region of Russia.
• New: The threat of enemy attack drones has been deactivated across all regions, providing a temporary reprieve.
• New: Ukrainian Air Force reports continued drone threats across multiple regions, with specific warnings for cities like Dnipro, Poltava, Kremenchuk, and Sumy. New reports indicate that enemy drones are entering the southwestern part of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast from the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia.
• New: 340 additional drones have been procured by Ukrainian forces thanks to donations, bringing the total to 134,114 FPV drones. Overnight, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 10 Russian drones over Cherkasy Oblast.
• New: Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
• New: Ukrainian forces successfully employed a drone to eliminate a single Russian soldier.
• New: Ukrainian border guards reportedly struck a Russian drone launch site in Vovchansk using drones. The "Hart" brigade carried out the operation.
• New: Overnight drone attacks on Russian territory: 11 enemy drones were shot down over Saratov overnight, 4 over Kursk and Rostov, 3 over Belgorod and Bryansk, 2 over Krasnodar, 1 over Volgograd, and 4 over the Azov Sea.
• New: In Cherkasy region 5 drones were shot down, debris damaged the windows of a dozen houses, a shop and a car.
• New: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
• New: Video evidence of Ukrainian forces using drones equipped with shotguns to effectively shoot down Russian drones.
• New: A video shows the elimination of a group of Russian soldiers using FPV drones by the 110th Mechanized Brigade.
• New: Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.
• New: Ukrainian forces report destroying 3 Russian BTRs.
• New: Russian FPV drone operators from the "Aida" group reportedly hit two Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles.
• New: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces targeting Russian positions with drones, resulting in multiple explosions and fires.
• New: Ukrainian forces are continuing their drone attacks, with reports of a drone being shot down over the Bryansk region of Russia and an attack on the village of Rzhevka in the Belgorod region.
• New: Ukrainian forces are continuing their drone attacks, with new videos showing the fire at the oil depot in Engels from various perspectives. The videos confirm that the fire is still burning and that new explosions are occurring.
• New: Ukrainian forces report that they used two kamikaze drones of the Darts type with 3 kg combined munitions and three FPV Babay-Heavy drones with 1.5 kg cumulative rounds to destroy a Russian cannon position in the Zaporizhzhia region.
• New: The Ukrainian Air Force, stating that there is a threat of enemy tactical aviation activity in the north-eastern direction.
• New: 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: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone targeting and destroying a Russian logistics convoy in the Luhansk region, consisting of 5 KAMAZ trucks and 2 URAL trucks. The attack was carried out by the Signum unit of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade.
• New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled howitzer with three separate strikes.
• New: A video from the 25th Airborne Brigade shows a Ukrainian soldier placing an explosive charge on the roof of a dugout where enemy soldiers are hiding.
• New: A video shows a night-time drone strike on enemy positions by a Ukrainian "Vampire" drone.
• New: A new drone attack on Kharkiv, hitting a civilian enterprise in the Nemyshlyansky district, has been reported. So far there are no reports on casualties or damage. A 65-year-old man suffered an acute stress reaction due to the attack, but did not require hospitalization.
• New: Video evidence shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian soldier. The soldier initially attempts to shoot down the drone, then tries to hide before being hit. The soldier is seen moving after the hit, indicating he is wounded but alive.
• New: Video from "STERNENKO" shows Ukrainian forces from the Flying Skull drone unit targeting Russian positions in the Kursk region. At least 9 Russian soldiers were targeted, and 5 golf carts were hit.
• New: Video from "Оперативний ЗСУ" shows a Ukrainian FPV drone targeting Russian infantry in the Kharkiv region. One soldier was killed and another wounded.
• Update: Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.
• Update: Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.
• Update: The Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian drones in the Chernihiv region.
• Update: A video from the "Шеф Hayabusa🫡🇺🇦" Telegram channel shows a Ukrainian drone operator from the 95th Air Assault Brigade targeting a Russian soldier near Terny. The soldier is hit but appears to survive the attack.
• Update: A video from the "Ілларіон Павлюк" Telegram channel shows a Ukrainian drone operator targeting a Russian soldier. The soldier fires at the drone and then attempts to hide, but is ultimately struck by the drone's munitions. The soldier is seen moving after the strike, indicating he is wounded but not dead.
• Update: An attempted drone attack on Kursk at 10:40 Moscow time on January 9th was reported by the governor of Kursk Oblast, Roman Starovoit. Air defense systems were activated.
• Update: A video from the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "Skala" shows a Russian soldier being hunted by a Ukrainian drone in the Bakhmut direction.

Geopolitical Developments

• Potential Meeting Between Scholz and Putin: Reports suggest a possible meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Russian President Putin before February 23rd.
• Shifting Alliances: Potential shifts in US and European support for Ukraine. The closure of the Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg reflects strained relations.
• 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 US Treasury Secretary threatened China with "significant consequences" for aiding Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, highlighting escalating tensions between the US and China.
• Trump's Statements: Trump has reiterated his claim that Russia's actions in Ukraine were a result of the perceived incompetence of the Biden administration. He also stated that he "understands Russia's feelings" regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership and emphasized that the conflict would end under his administration.
• New: The US has imposed sanctions on Antal Rogán, the head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, according to RBC-Ukraine.
• New: President Zelensky has signed a law creating a list of terrorist organizations in Ukraine, aimed at strengthening national security and counter-terrorism efforts, according to RBC-Ukraine.
• New: Zelensky indicates a willingness to limit the scope of potential NATO membership to Ukrainian-controlled territory and expressed openness to attending Trump's inauguration if invited.
• New: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has stated that Ukraine is ready to take Hungary's place in the EU and NATO if Hungary decides to leave.
• New: The closure of the Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg has been officially closed.
• New: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on the European Commission to take strong measures against Elon Musk.
• New: An EU spokesperson urged respect for the sovereignty of countries after Trump's statements on Greenland. "This is also our diplomatic value and a key principle by which we work. This also applies to Denmark," said EU spokeswoman Anita Hipper. She also stated that the termination of the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe is unacceptable and contradicts its intentions to join the European Union, said Peter Szijjártó.
• New: The Polish Defense Minister suggests that the current Ramstein format for coordinating military aid to Ukraine may be the last of its kind.
• New: The EU, through French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, has stated that it will not tolerate any attacks on its sovereign borders, in response to reports of US ambitions in Greenland. Germany claims that the US cannot simply take and change the borders of one of the EU countries by annexing Greenland to itself.
• New: Amid statements from Trump about a possible takeover of Greenland, the Prime Minister of Greenland is scheduled to meet with the King of Denmark.
• New: A TASS representative from the entourage of the next American leader said that Trump's transition team believes it is possible for Russia and the United States to reach a major security deal after the upcoming change of power in Washington.
• New: The Armenian government has approved a draft law to begin the process of joining the EU.
• New: Leaders of the "Ramstein" Contact Group on Ukraine's defense are reportedly set to approve "roadmaps" for each of the eight areas of cooperation, outlining strategic goals and key military aid needs until at least the end of 2027, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. These documents will form the basis for support and aid allocation in areas such as air defense, artillery, armored vehicles, drones, air forces, and maritime security.
• New: Reports indicate that Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, has commented on Donald Trump's potential actions during a second term, suggesting that Trump is starting his potential presidency "not boringly."
• New: Reports that the "Ramstein" format for coordinating military aid to Ukraine may be concluding, with the upcoming meeting potentially being the last. This could signal a shift in the way international support for Ukraine is structured and delivered.
• New: The Ukrainian Parliament has voted in favor of a bill on basic military training. The bill allows for men turning 18 abroad to register for military service without returning to Ukraine. Women's participation in the training and military registration remains voluntary.
• New: In Georgia, former President Zurabishvili has opened a new office in Tbilisi, claiming to continue presidential functions there. This move likely aims to maintain political influence and challenge the current government.
• New: Reports suggest the US has reached an agreement with Egypt to participate in attacks against Yemen. In return, the US allegedly promises economic and military aid, along with support in a dispute with Ethiopia over the construction of a dam on the Blue Nile.
• New: Hungary will block Ukraine's intention to join the EU due to the termination of Russian gas and oil transit.
• New: Trump has previously stated the possibility of World War III due to the Biden administration's actions. He has also expressed a desire to annex Greenland and Canada.
• New: Peskov, in response to Trump's statements, suggests that if the West considers the opinions of people in Greenland, they should also consider the results of referendums in Donbas and Novorossiya.
• Update: Zelensky offered to deploy foreign contingents on the territory of Ukraine.
• Update: Zelensky on "Rammstein" proposes to place military contingents of partner states on the territory of Ukraine.
• Update: NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine should be brought to the best possible position when it decides to sit down at the negotiating table, according to RBC-Ukraine. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that any agreement reached is beneficial.
• Update: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.
• Update: Slovakia will take tough measures against Ukraine if the issue of gas transit is not resolved, according to Reuters, citing Fico. Measures may include stopping humanitarian aid.
• Update: The Ukrainian Parliament has voted in favor of a bill on basic military training. The bill allows for men turning 18 abroad to register for military service without returning to Ukraine. Women's participation in the training and military registration remains voluntary.
• Update: Slovakia will take tough measures against Ukraine if the issue of gas transit is not resolved, according to Reuters, citing Fico. Measures may include stopping humanitarian aid.
• Update: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested that if Trump wins the election, a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine might be reached by Easter.
• Update: The team of the newly elected US President Donald Trump has reportedly stopped pushing for a truce between Russia and Ukraine. Trump's interest in this issue has cooled, and his negotiators are telling their Russian counterparts that the elected president intends to wait until Ukraine uses most of the allocated aid before returning to negotiations. The Russian leadership has reportedly accepted this proposal, but considers further consultations pointless due to the activation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in the Kursk region. Contacts will continue, but the focus will shift towards finding a format for a lasting ceasefire and the possibility of further peaceful coexistence between Ukraine and Russia.
• Update: Poland is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. He also presented a roadmap for the creation of armored vehicles for Ukraine at the "Ramstein" meeting.
• Update: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested that if Trump wins the election, a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine might be reached by Easter.
• New: 🇱🇧President of Lebanon is now the army commander supported by the US. The country is headed by the commander of the Lebanese army, Joseph Aoun. Lebanon has not had a president since October 2022, when the term of the former president, who was supported by Hezbollah, expired.
• New: It was reported that the new Prime Minister of Canada will likely be announced in February-March 2025.
• New: During the "Ramstein" meeting, UK Defense Minister John Healey and Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced that the UK will provide Ukraine with 30,000 drones, together with NATO allies.
• New: US authorities acknowledge that the supply of ATACMS missiles, F-16 fighters, and Abrams tanks to Ukraine failed to turn the tide in favor of Kyiv. They also question the ability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to launch a new major counteroffensive in 2025, citing manpower losses.
• New: Germany plans to send additional IRIS-T guided missiles to Ukraine in the near future, according to the German ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jaeger.

Other Significant Developments

• Weather Forecast: A warming trend is forecasted for Ukraine, which could impact military operations.
• Casualties in Zaporizhzhia: The number of wounded in the Russian attack on **