2025-01-21 16:11:25:

Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 21, 2025, 16:08 UTC

Strategic Overview

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian forces maintaining offensive momentum across multiple fronts. Intense fighting is concentrated in the Donetsk region, particularly around Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces have made significant advances, capturing several key locations and severely impacting Ukrainian logistics and defenses. The capture of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant is a significant development. Ukrainian counteroffensives in the Kursk region have stalled, with Russian forces making a 10-kilometer breakthrough and capturing several settlements, including Nikolayevo-Daryino. Drone warfare is intensifying, with reports of numerous drone attacks across various regions, including deep inside Russian territory. Notably, Smolensk is under a sustained drone attack, with reports of an attack on an aviation plant. Ukrainian forces report striking a Russian command post in Volnovakha. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that over the past day, air defense systems intercepted 17 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in various regions, including LPR, DPR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, and three Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula. A new report indicates that Russian forces have liberated the settlement of Volkovo in the DPR, with fighting ongoing in Toretsk. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the city of Borova in the Kharkiv region is under threat of a guided aerial bomb (KAB) attack. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that units of the "West" group have liberated Novoyehorivka in the LPR. A Russian court has suspended the trial of four members of the organization ENOT due to their participation in the special operation. The Ukrainian Air Force reports new drone activity on the borders of Sumy, Chernihiv, and Poltava oblasts, moving southwest. Additional drone movements are reported in southeastern Poltava towards Dnipropetrovsk and in the north and south of Kharkiv region, heading south. New drone threats are also reported for Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr oblasts. Ukrainian forces, along with allied units, have reportedly repelled several enemy assaults in the Kursk region.

Key Developments

Donetsk Region

• Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. Russian forces have entered Petrivka and are pushing Ukrainian troops out. Russian forces carried out 19 assault actions near Toretsk, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka. Three combat clashes are still ongoing. Pro-Russian sources report that Russian forces control almost all of Toretsk, except for the "Toreskaya" mine. New: Unconfirmed reports suggest that the last stronghold of Ukrainian forces in Toretsk has fallen and that the city has reverted to its former name, Dzerzhynsk. Other sources claim that Russian assault troops have captured most of the "Toreskaya" mine. While the complete liberation of Toretsk (Dzerzhynsk) is expected soon, these reports highlight the significant progress made by Russian forces in the area.
• Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 10 kilometers of the city and 5-7 km from the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, intensifying efforts to encircle this strategically vital city. Russian DRGs are reportedly operating near the road between Udachnoye and Novosergievka. Russian forces have cut the penultimate railway line to Pokrovsk. On the Pokrovsk direction, supported by aviation, Russian forces initiated 28 clashes of varying intensity, with Ukrainian forces repelling attacks near several settlements. Five clashes are ongoing. Ukrainian losses in the Pokrovsk direction are reported as 335 military personnel killed and wounded, three vehicles destroyed, and one antenna of a UAV, with two additional vehicles significantly damaged. The city hospital of Pokrovsk is being relocated to Kryvyi Rih. Reports indicate the Ukrainian metallurgical holding "Metinvest" may cease operations after the loss of the "Pokrovskoe" mine. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have defeated Ukrainian HIMARS in the Krasnoarmeysk direction. Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier near Pokrovsk.
• Kurakhove: Most of Kurakhove has been captured by Russian forces, with fighting ongoing for strongholds near Hryshyno. On the Kurakhiv direction, fierce battles are ongoing near several settlements, with 14 enemy attacks repelled. Russian forces are engaging in active combat near Kurakhovo, specifically south of Petropavlivka, with a reported advance of up to 700 meters on the northern flank of Kurakhovo. Reports of fighting near Kurakhovo and Andriivka.
• Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are intensifying their offensive to encircle the city, establishing positions in the northeast and southeast. Ukrainian sources indicate Russian forces are within 1.5 km of closing a cauldron around the city. The last road supplying the city is practically under Russian control, and Russian forces are completing the defeat of the enemy in Vremivka. On the Novopavlivka direction, Russian forces attacked 19 times near Velyka Novosilka. The situation is described as extremely difficult, with Russian forces closing in from three directions. Russian forces are approximately 4.5 km from the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Russian forces report advances in Dmytriv, Urozhaine, Novosergiyivka, Slovyanka, and Yasenove. The "Colonelcassad" Telegram channel reports that Russian forces from the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade conducted a successful assault on an enemy stronghold near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces report destroying a temporary deployment point of Ukrainian forces in the area.
• Chasiv Yar: Russian forces have captured about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district, and are fighting in the Severnyi district. They have also gained control of the fourth section of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant. A group of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly become trapped in a "fire pocket" near a refractory plant. Russian forces now control approximately 20% of the territory of the refractory plant. The basements and workshops of the refractory plant in Chasiv Yar have been completely cleared. Airborne troops are pushing out enemy forces west of the 3rd workshop of the refractory plant.
• Kramatorsk: A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone, with Russian forces reportedly using the "Uragan" MLRS to destroy enemy positions. The number of casualties has increased to eight, including two children. Reports indicate the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk is partially without power due to an emergency shutdown, potentially affecting water supply in various parts of the city.
• Zaporizhzhia: A drone was reported to be flying towards Zaporizhzhia from Dnipropetrovsk. An air raid alert has been announced in the Zaporizhzhia region and lifted. A Ukrainian FPV drone reportedly targeted and destroyed a Russian TOR-M2 air defense system in the Zaporizhzhia region.
• Other Areas: Video evidence shows a Russian drone targeting and destroying a Ukrainian communication antenna and personnel in the Svatove-Kupyansk direction with a "KUB" guided munition. The fighting in Zverevo continues, with Russian forces gradually pushing Ukrainian forces along Gagarin Street and Sazonov's Gully. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have liberated the settlement of Volkovo in the DPR.

Kursk Region

• Stalled Ukrainian Counteroffensive: The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, resulting in heavy losses.
• Russian Advances: Russian forces have liberated several settlements and are advancing in the Sudzha area, reaching the outskirts of Kositsa. Positional fighting is reported near Sudzha and Uspenovka. Russian forces report capturing Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Malaya Loknya. Russian forces launched a new attack near Nikolskoye, advancing over 1.5 km. Russian forces report that Nikolayevo-Daryino has been retaken.
• Intense Fighting: Reports indicate an impending decisive battle, with Ukrainian forces concentrating significant resources in the Sudzha area. Active fighting is ongoing. From the beginning of the day, there were 15 combat clashes in the Kursk direction; all attacks have already been repulsed.
• Heavy Losses: Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses, with estimates of up to 48,000 casualties. Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU has reportedly lost 90 EW stations.
• Drone Warfare: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
• North Korean Involvement: South Korean intelligence reports that 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the Kursk region of Russia. The total estimated losses among North Korean troops in the region are around 3,000, with 300 killed and 2,700 wounded. Ukrainian paratroopers report the capture of a North Korean soldier.
• New Report: Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• New Report: Ukrainian forces, particularly the 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" in collaboration with the 82nd Airborne Assault Brigade, repelled a major mechanized assault by Russian forces in the Kursk region. The assault involved significant armored units and resulted in heavy losses for the Russian side. This successful defense showcases the effectiveness of combined arms tactics involving artillery, infantry, and drones, resulting in a significant victory and the destruction of enemy equipment worth tens of millions of dollars.

Kharkiv Region

• Clashes and Airstrikes: Clashes have been reported along the Kharkiv axis, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes at Veterynarne, Hlushkivka, Shyykivka, and Borivsk Andriyivka. On the Kharkiv direction, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian units twice in the areas of Vovchansk and Tykhy.
• Drone Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. A Russian drone, likely a "Molniya", reportedly attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv. One person has been reported injured due to the drone attack. New: The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, and that the city of Borova in the Kharkiv region is under threat of a guided aerial bomb (KAB) attack. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeat launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in Sumy and the east of Kharkiv region.
• Explosions in Kharkiv: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, specifically in the Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire broke out in a two-story building in the Vysochansk community due to a Russian attack.
• Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly reduced the distance to Ukrainian positions in Petrovske (Hrekivka) to 2km. Russian forces report advances towards Lozova in the Izyum area and in Dvurichna. They have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorechnaya, occupied the forest near Zapadnoye, and advanced significantly in the center of Dvurichna.
• New Report: Kupiansk is under renewed heavy shelling, with reports of deteriorating security conditions. The enemy is using various weapons, including drones and multiple rocket launchers. The morning attack involved a "Molniya-2" drone targeting a Ukrainian police vehicle, injuring three officers. A civilian car was also hit, injuring a 64-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man. The city is under constant shelling, with no regard for the rules of war.

Luhansk Region

• Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Ivanovka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. They have also advanced 2 km northwest of Makiivka and have taken control of a forest area between the settlements, continuing to advance towards Hrekivka. Russian forces have expanded their control zone to Belohorivka on the Krasnolimanske direction. Fighting is ongoing on its outskirts. They are also advancing northwest of Ivanivka towards Kolodyazne. Following the liberation of Ivanovka, Russian troops continued their advance southward along the opposite bank of the Zherebets River from Terny. Russian forces are advancing near Makeevka. Russian forces report that they have expanded their zone of control on the right bank of the Zherebets River and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic. Russian forces report that they have advanced beyond Nadiya and are moving towards the border of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Kharkiv region. Russian forces are advancing northwest of Makiivka, controlling a forest area between settlements and moving towards Hrekivka. On the Lyman direction, Russian invaders attacked the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 16 times near several settlements. Two combat clashes are ongoing.
• Borova Direction: Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai, covering an area up to 3.85 km wide and 2.35 km deep.
• Encirclement Attempt: Russian forces are reportedly attempting to encircle a Ukrainian grouping near Nadiia.
• New Report: Russian forces have dislodged Ukrainian units from a strategic height near Makiivka in the LPR.
• New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that units of the "West" group have liberated Novoyehorivka in the LPR.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Activity: Reports of numerous drone attacks across various regions. New groups of attack drones are reported, with specific movements and directions. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a drone in Sumy region, heading south. Ukrainian forces used drones to attack oil refineries in Saratov, Kazan, Engels and military and energy facilities in Bryansk and Rostov. Updated data from the Air Force on the movement of "Shaheds": enemy UAVs are recorded over Kyiv, course - south, drones were seen in the central part of Chernihiv region, course - south-west, "Shaheds" are in Sumy region, course - south-west, on the border of Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, course - west, over the Kremenchug reservoir, course - south, in the central part of Kharkiv region, course - west, in the northern and eastern parts of Mykolaiv region, course - west, on the border of Mykolaiv and Odessa regions, course - north-west. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of drones: in the northern part of Zhytomyr region heading west, in the southern part of Vinnytsia region heading west, in the northeastern part of Chernihiv region heading east, in the northern part of Cherkasy region heading southwest, in the northern part of Poltava region heading west, and moving from Sumy region towards Chernihiv region. New reports indicate drone movements in Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Poltava, and Sloviansk regions. One drone is approaching Rivne, another is near Sloviansk, and three are in the Poltava region. There are reports of one drone flying from the Belotserkovsky district into the Vinnitsa region, one drone near Akhtyrka, two new drones moving west through the Kupyansky district, and four new drones moving from the Berislavsky district towards Novy Bug. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones: in the southern part of the Kiev region towards Vinnitsa, from Sumy region towards Poltava, in the northern part of Poltava region in a westerly direction, in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Kharkov region in a westerly direction, in the northern part of Kherson region in the direction of Nikolaev/Dnepropetrovsk. One drone is reported flying near Balovnoe, one is flying near Bereznegovatoe, two are flying near Krivoy Rog, one is flying near Pereyaslav, and one is flying north of Kupyansk. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the movement of attack drones from Mykolaiv region towards Odesa, in the eastern part of Kyiv region with a western course, in the northern part of Poltava region with a western course, on the border of Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad regions with a northern course, in the eastern part of Kharkiv region constantly changing course, and south of Zaporizhzhia with a south-western course.
• New Drone Technology: Reports indicate that Russian forces are increasingly using drones connected to fiber-optic cables, which are more resistant to electronic warfare.
• Smolensk Under Attack: Multiple sources report a series of explosions in Smolensk, with at least seven powerful explosions reported. Preliminary reports indicate the target is the Yartsevo oil refinery. Russian air defenses are reportedly active. One drone allegedly hit the roof of a residential building, with no reported casualties. There are new reports of a series of explosions in Smolensk. At least 5 explosions were reported. Air defense systems are actively operating in the area. Reports of power and water outages in several buildings in Smolensk following the drone attack. A fire was reported at a military factory in Smolensk. Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked the Smolensk Aviation Plant, which manufactures military aircraft, including Su-25 attack aircraft. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the strike on the oil depot in the Voronezh region and the aircraft factory in the Smolensk region.
• New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that over the past day, air defense systems intercepted 17 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in various regions, including LPR, DPR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
• New Report: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that air defense forces shot down three Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula.
• New Report: Ukrainian forces utilized drones to target and destroy Russian military equipment and personnel. The "Baltic Group" reportedly used drones to engage Russian forces in houses and basements in the Pokrovsk direction.

Geopolitical Developments

• The US State Department claims that new sanctions against Russia are more effective than recognizing it as a state sponsor of terrorism.
• The Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament compared Biden and Zelensky to "dying horses."
• Only Putin and Trump can resolve the Ukrainian issue, stated the Vice-Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Andrei Danko.
• A TASS report states that an agreement between Russia and Iran includes aspects of defense and security.
• Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Ukraine no longer exists without Western financial support and that its accession to the EU would pose a significant threat to the European economy and agriculture.
• President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino, states that the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will remain under Panamanian control.
• Zelensky met with the speaker of the Lithuanian parliament to discuss continued support for Ukraine, the preparation of a new EU sanctions package, the strengthening of military-technical cooperation, and joint projects in the defense industry.
• Ukrainian forces report a successful strike on a Russian TOR-M2 air defense system using an FPV drone.
• Supporters of Donald Trump gathered near the Capitol to show their support. The center of Washington is cordoned off by police and the National Guard.
• Donald Trump has stated his intention to pardon many of those convicted for participating in the storming of the Capitol.
• The US Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
• Trump will cancel the freeze on the supply of powerful bombs to Israel, according to media reports.
• Zelensky is ready for a deal to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, said Donald Trump.
• Marco Rubio stated that Ukraine and Russia must "give up something" to end the war.
• Senator Marco Rubio was officially approved as head of the US State Department.
• Donald Trump said he plans to meet with Vladimir Putin, but did not specify a date.
• Donald Trump said the US has a right to half of TikTok.
• Donald Trump signed a decree to create a structure in the US headed by Elon Musk to improve the efficiency of the government.
• Donald Trump, in the Oval Office, told reporters that he plans to meet with Vladimir Putin after the relevant negotiations are established, adding that the process is already underway. He also expressed his intention to achieve an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
• Trump signed a law to stop aid to foreign countries for 90 days. This law also affects Ukraine.
• Trump signed a decree to abolish birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
• Donald Trump began the first day of his presidency by signing decrees on energy, immigration policy, and national security, canceling a number of decisions of the Joe Biden administration. Among Trump's first presidential decrees are the introduction of a state of emergency in the US energy sector, the decision for the US to once again withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the pardon of those convicted for the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, the unblocking of the social network TikTok for 75 days, and the creation of the "Department of Government Efficiency."
• The US has officially exited the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement.
• French President Macron stated that the conflict in Ukraine will not end in the near future and that Europe must be at the negotiating table. He also called for increased recruitment of volunteers into the French army.
• Russia expects that Trump and the leadership of Panama, during discussions, will respect the current international legal regime of the Panama Canal, stated Ryabkov to TASS.
• The flag above the US Embassy in Moscow was raised by order of Trump.
• Trump has suspended US aid to other countries for 90 days to conduct checks to determine whether they are in line with his political goals.
• Armenia has no intention of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as participation in the organization provides economic benefits, stated the Speaker of the Parliament, Alen Simonyan.
• BRICS is strong enough to withstand the threats of the new US President, stated the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia.
• Putin and Xi Jinping held a video conference. This is their second contact in the last few days.
• The Russian Foreign Ministry reports that Russia and China have reached an unprecedented level of relations and are ready to cooperate to create a more just multipolar world order.
• Negotiations between Putin and Xi Jinping are ongoing, Peskov told TASS.
• Lavrov will meet with the State Duma Committee on International Affairs before the government hour with the participation of the Minister, stated the head of the committee, Leonid Slutsky, to TASS.
• The State Duma is considering imposing harsher penalties for extremism, with criminal liability potentially applying even for first-time offenses committed online, possibly leading to up to five years in prison.
• The Russian Ministry of Justice's proposal to toughen penalties for "extremism" has been approved by the government commission.
• The US is preparing to deploy nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time in 15 years, according to The Telegraph.
• Lavrov is visiting Armenia.
• US President Trump signed a decree to reinstate the death penalty at the federal level in the US and ordered all states to be provided with a sufficient amount of the drug for lethal injections.
• On the US border, migrants are no longer allowed to enter. Immediately after taking the oath, Donald Trump ordered the shutdown of the CBP One border crossing application, which allowed migrants to legally enter the United States and obtain work permits.
• Putin and Xi Jinping had an extensive and friendly conversation, which lasted 1 hour 35 minutes, Ushakov said. They discussed the situation around Ukraine and the countries' relations with the United States, taking into account Trump's coming to power.
• Negotiations with the United States will take place when the Trump administration receives appropriate signals, said the aide to the Russian president.
• China invited Putin to celebrate in Beijing in September 2025 the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II, Ushakov said.
• A Ukrainian parliament member from the "Servant of the People" party, Ruslan Horbenko, stated that Ukraine may lose the Donetsk region by the end of 2027 if the level of support from partners remains the same. He also mentioned that Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions could be under threat if the pace of the enemy's advance does not change.
• Ukrainian and US officials are reportedly planning to hold talks in early February during a "Ukrainian Week" event in Washington, D.C. The leader of the "Servant of the People" faction, Davyd Arakhamia, stated that these talks will involve discussions with the new Trump team.
• A phone call between Zelensky and Trump may take place within a week, according to Ukrainian sources.
• EU will continue economic sanctions against Russia for another 6 months.
• Zelensky stated that Europe needs to be more active and do more long-term work to ensure true energy independence, and that it is wrong to continue buying gas from Moscow while expecting security guarantees, assistance, and support from the Americans.
• Zelensky stated that Europe should have a place at the table when agreements on war and peace are made, not just be an observer.
• Zelensky stated that there are currently 608,000 Russian troops in Ukraine, three times more than at the beginning of 2022. He also mentioned that 40% of the aid to Ukrainian troops on the battlefield is Ukrainian production, about 40% is from the US, and a little less than the US is from Europe.
• Zelensky stated that Putin will demand a fivefold reduction in the Ukrainian army, but Ukraine will not allow this. He also believes that Putin will pressure the US to ensure Ukraine does not join NATO and pressure all allies to pressure Kyiv.
• Zelensky named Ukraine's strategy on the path to peace, emphasizing the need for strong security guarantees that would prevent Putin from returning with war.
• Head of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, visited a tank division and a motorized rifle brigade of the "Center" group of forces in the Krasnoarmeysk direction, presented state awards, and received reports from commanders.
• The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that a course on operational law was organized for representatives of the legal service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Reports of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announcing the start of a military operation called "Iron Wall" in Jenin, West Bank.
• Reports of the resignation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Herzi Halevi, and the Commander of the Southern Military District, Yaron Finkelman, following the Hamas attack on October 7.
• The Moldovan authorities are actively building a new military base near the village of Bacioi, close to the airport and the capital, Chisinau. The base is expected to be completed by 2028, with major structures operational by the end of 2025. The project is worth 17.6 million euros, with 9.2 million euros already allocated for 2024-2025. The base is located 25 km from the border with Transnistria.
• An image was shared depicting the militarization of Moldova, with the construction of a new military base near Chisinau.
• Russian President Putin expressed condolences to Turkish President Erdogan in connection with a fire at a ski resort.
• A report questioned the source of information about Russia's alleged one million deaths in the conflict, citing Trump's inconsistent statements.
• Reports that the Bryansk Chemical Plant is still functioning.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Europe must take a seat at the table when agreements on war and peace are made, not just post on social media after the fact.
• Russian forces have reportedly taken the heights behind Makiivka (LPR).
• Reports of the killing of elderly civilians in the Kursk region, with calls for the perpetrators to be found and punished.
• A survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS) showed that 32% of Ukrainians have a xenophobic attitude towards Russian citizens and 17% towards Russian-speaking people.
• The former deputy head of the Investigative Committee for the Investigation of Organized Crime, Izbenko, is accused of embezzling funds during the investigation of the Tu-134 crash near Petrozavodsk. He partially admitted his guilt.
• An image was shared of President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, visited a tank division and a motorized rifle brigade of the "Center" group of forces in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
• An image was shared of an advanced training course on operational law for representatives of the legal service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Images were shared of a presentation on operational law.
• An image was shared of President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum, with the caption stating that there are currently 608,000 Russian troops in Ukraine.
• Israel has reportedly begun a new military operation on the West Bank, called "Iron Wall."
• An image was shared of a map of the Levant region, with a red pin marker in the West Bank.
• A video was shared showing heavy machinery operating in an urban environment.
• A video was shared showing Ukrainian forces targeting Russian troops in a ruined structure using a drone.
• A video was shared showing drone footage of multiple explosions in a rural area.
• An image was shared of the Oval Office, with two different views showing the seating area and the main desk.
• A video was shared showing a Russian airstrike on a target in Martynovka, reportedly hitting a temporary deployment point and equipment hangar.
• Cuba has been returned to the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the US.
• Reports of atrocities committed by Ukrainian forces against civilians in Russkoye Porechnoye.
• Reports of an attack on the Bryansk chemical plant.
• Another image was shared of President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum.
• Reports of the murder of civilians in the Kursk region being called a genocide.
• A video was shared of refugees from the Kursk region protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reported the end of the threat of airstrikes in the southern regions.
• Oleksandr Kots reported that Zelensky expressed doubt that Europe would participate in peace talks on Ukraine and criticized the US for not worrying about whether Europe would remain an ally.
• A video was shared of Zelensky in Davos stating that Putin will return with an army ten times larger for the full occupation of all former Soviet countries if security is not ensured now.
• Reports of two officials from a municipal enterprise in Dnipro being exposed for embezzling over 2 million UAH from the budget.
• An image was shared showing a person handling documents in an office, with the National Police logo visible.
• Another image was shared showing a group of people in a hallway, with one person holding a firearm.
• A video was shared of Semyon Pegov and a Donetsk banya master, Georgievich.
• Reports that the Kharkiv region is among the top three regions in Ukraine in terms of participation in the "National Cashback" program.
• An image was shared showing data on the number of manufacturing and seller enterprises in the Kharkiv region.
• A video was shared showing a group of people protesting in Kursk, demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
• A video was shared showing drone footage of multiple explosions in a rural area, with the caption indicating that the "Smuglyanka" unit is adjusting strikes and guiding pilots.
• An image was shared showing a military patch with the word "СКАЛА" (ROCK) and a drone silhouette.
• A video was shared showing drone footage of an individual being targeted by indirect fire in an open area.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reported launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation towards the Kherson region and the city of Kherson.
• Another image was shared of President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum, stating that Putin will demand a fivefold reduction of the Ukrainian army.
• A video was shared allegedly showing soldiers from a battalion of the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army being sent to the front lines with serious injuries.
• An image was shared promoting a live stream with Yuriy Butusov on how to save Pokrovsk and Pavlograd.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reported continued launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation towards Donetsk and Sumy regions.
• Another image was shared of President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum, discussing Ukraine's strategy on the path to peace.
• A video was shared of President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum, discussing the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
• A video was shared showing drone footage of Russian forces reportedly clearing liberated territory on the Kurakhove direction.
• A video from "Радіо Свобода" shows satellite images of an oil depot in the Tula region that was hit by a drone on the night of January 18. At least one fuel tank was damaged.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had defeated the Ukrainian HIMARS system in the Krasnoarmeysk direction of the DPR.
• A video shows the moment of the defeat of the Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier by a Russian drone in the Pokrovsk direction.
• New: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces from the 3rd Assault Brigade destroying enemy positions and equipment in the Kharkiv region.
• New: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that Russia has lost 1690 personnel, 10 tanks, 42 armored vehicles, 19 artillery systems, 3 air defense systems, 153 UAVs, 87 vehicles, and 6 units of special equipment.

Updated Situation

The military situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with Russian forces maintaining offensive pressure across multiple fronts. The Donetsk region remains the focal point of intense fighting, with Russian forces making incremental gains around Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka. The situation in Toretsk is particularly critical, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a complete Russian victory. The stalled Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region and the ongoing drone warfare, including attacks deep inside Russia, further complicate the situation. The potential meeting between Trump and Putin adds another layer of uncertainty to the conflict's future. Ukrainian forces continue to resist, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops and equipment, but the overall situation remains challenging. The reported Ukrainian losses of 1690 personnel, 10 tanks, 42 armored vehicles, 19 artillery systems, 3 air defense systems, 153 UAVs, 87 vehicles, and 6 units of special equipment highlight the intensity of the fighting. The reported destruction of Ukrainian air defense systems (two Buk-M3 and two Tor-M2) in the south is also a significant development. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, as reported by South Korean intelligence and Ukrainian sources, adds a new dimension to the conflict, suggesting a potential expansion of foreign involvement on the