Situation Report:
Russian forces maintain offensive pressure across multiple fronts, achieving significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region.
Key Developments:
1. Donetsk Region:
- Velyka Novosilka: Confirmed to be under complete Russian control. Video evidence shows soldiers raising the Russian flag. Russian forces are advancing from Velyka Novosilka towards Dnipropetrovsk.
- Pokrovsk: Russian forces are within 3 kilometers of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast administrative border. One of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro has been cut off. Explosions were heard near a stele 30 km from Pokrovsk, indicating the conflict's proximity to the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian forces report repelling attacks near multiple locations, with two combat clashes ongoing. Russian airstrikes with guided aerial bombs were reported near Bilytske, Pokrovsk, and Odradne. The enemy is deploying reserves to Pokrovsk, utilizing the city's multi-story buildings for defense. Russian troops are conducting a flanking maneuver, supported by thorough reconnaissance. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the south of the Donetsk region. With heavy fighting, Russian forces are moving in the Pokrovsk area and have achieved tactical successes. Video evidence shows the aftermath of an artillery strike on Ukrainian positions near Pokrovsk.
- Myrnohrad: Russian forces are within 2 kilometers of the city. Residents are urged to evacuate.
- Chasiv Yar: Russian forces control approximately 20% of the refractory plant and about half of the city's urban area, including the Novyi district. Fighting continues in the Sievernyi district. Russian forces have reportedly cleared the Novosjeverny district and the summit of the "Block-9" spoil tip at the refractory plant in Chasovoy Yar. Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Chasiv Yar. Ivanovo paratroopers are using the TOS-1A "Solntsepek" to attack concentrations of militants in Chasiv Yar.
- Kurakhove: Most of the city has been captured, with fighting ongoing near Hryshyno. Russian forces are reportedly advancing from Kurakhove towards Dnipropetrovsk. An unexploded 155mm shell was found in the bell tower of an old church in Kurakhove. Active combat is taking place in the Kurakhove-Sukhi Yaly area. A Russian assault group was targeted near Ulakly, with a reported advance of over 2.5 km along the northern bank of the Mokri Yaly River near Zelenivka. The "Warrior DV" Telegram channel released a video showing the destruction of a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle with troops inside using an FPV drone in this area. Heavy fighting is reported in the eastern part of Andriivka, with Russian forces advancing from Shevchenko and Petropavlivka. The capture of Andriivka is strategically important for the defense of Ukrainian forces. To the west of Kurakhove, Russian troops are attempting to advance in the Dachne and Andriivka areas.
- Toretsk: Ukrainian defenses have nearly collapsed, with less than 15% of the city under their control. Battles are taking place on the northern outskirts. Ukrainian forces report battles for the "Toretska" mine, with 90-95% of the city under Russian control. A Russian mechanized assault on Ukrainian positions near Toretsk on December 30, 2024, was repelled, involving multiple BMPs and a significant number of troops.
- Siversk - Verkhnokamyanske: Active combat operations are taking place in the area of Siversk. Russian forces launched an attack with a motorized rifle unit towards Verkhnokamyanske, resulting in the landing of troops in the central part of the settlement. Russian forces reportedly advanced 1.5 km in the Siversk direction and occupied new positions in Verkhnokamyanske.
- Kramatorsk Direction: Russian forces have advanced south of Rozlyv and expanded their control in the Dachne area. In Kramatorsk, 13 people were injured due to a Russian attack, including two children. A person was killed in Ivanopil, and another person was wounded in Chasiv Yar.
- Dnipropetrovsk: The "Operation Z: Voenkory Russkoy Vesny" Telegram channel reports that authorities in the Dnipropetrovsk region are preparing for the evacuation of the population due to the approaching front line. The analysis of a video showing a checkpoint at the border between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts, with audible explosions, underscores the escalating conflict and the increasing proximity of the fighting to previously secure areas.
- Dachne: The 68th regiment is storming Dachne. Half of the settlement has been cleared of enemy forces. UAV crews are hunting down scattered groups of Ukrainian militants, covering the advance of the assault troops, who are already fighting in the center of the settlement.
- Novoyeлизаvetovka: The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially declared the liberation of the settlement.
- Zverevo, Solone, Uspenivka, Dachne, Kotlyne, Andriivka: Russian forces are making advances.
- Bogatyrskoe: Russian assault groups have advanced to the area of Alekseevka.
- Zelenovka: Fierce fighting is reported.
- Vuhledar: Russian sappers discovered mines made with 3D printers.
- Sukhi Yaly River: Russian artillerymen are targeting Ukrainian forces.
- Russian forces report further advances near Dachne, Andriivka, Slov'yanka, and Novoandriivka.
- Russian forces, with an advance near Terniv, have improved their tactical position and destroyed three strongholds, a Western artillery installation, and several Ukrainian vehicles.
- Russian troops are trying to encircle Dachne to the west of Kurakhove.
- Pokrovsk Direction: Russian forces are advancing, with battles ongoing near Udachne. The intensity of the fighting is comparable to that in Chasiv Yar. Ukrainian forces have reportedly lost the village of Novoselivka Persha.
- Ukrainian forces report repelling 7 Russian assaults in the Pokrovsk direction.
- A Ukrainian soldier from the US-trained 153rd Brigade was captured near Pokrovsk.
- Russian forces report further advances near Dachne, Andriivka, Slov'yanka, and Novoandriivka.
- Russian forces, with an advance near Terniv, have improved their tactical position and destroyed three strongholds, a Western artillery installation, and several Ukrainian vehicles.
- Russian troops are trying to encircle Dachne to the west of Kurakhove.
- Russian forces report that they have entered Novoselivka Persha and are advancing towards the Pokrovsk-Konstantinovka highway.
2. Luhansk Region:
- Russian forces have captured Zakhidne and Ivanivka and are advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
- An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
- Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk.
- Russian forces are making advances near Nadiivka, Petropavlivka, Zakhidne, and Ivanivka, advancing towards the western border of the Luhansk People's Republic.
- Borova Direction: Ukrainian forces have established positions northeast and east of Zelenyi Hai. Russian forces are advancing on the western bank of the Zherebets River.
- Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk and have initiated battles in Bohuslavka.
- In the direction of Hrekivka, Russian forces are developing an offensive from Makiivka, with an advance of 400m.
3. Kursk Region:
- The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory.
- Reports indicate significant North Korean casualties. Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the region.
- Drone operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers.
- Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian assaults in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
- A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area.
- Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area.
- Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region with Su-25 aircraft, launching missiles at low altitudes.
- Russian forces are continuing to advance in the region of Sverdlikovo and north of Guevo.
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered significant losses in the Kursk region, with over 240 troops and two ammunition depots lost in the past 24 hours. Overall losses are reported to exceed 56,000.
- A Russian assault group was targeted in the region during an attempted attack on Ukrainian positions.
- Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky.
- Sudzha: Russian forces are bypassing the city from the south.
- Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian assault force during an attempted landing near Tetkino.
- Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
- In the Kursk region, drone operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers who were advancing on Ukrainian positions.
- Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
- Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses, amounting to over 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, and numerous other military vehicles and equipment.
- Russian forces report the capture of several settlements, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya. The liberation of Nikolaevo-Daryino has been confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
- Russian forces are advancing in the Kursk region, with ongoing battles near Sverdlykove and in nearby forested areas.
- Ukrainian forces have reportedly deployed over 100 paratroopers to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
- Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults.
- Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
- A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area.
- Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area.
- Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions with Su-25 aircraft, launching missiles at low altitudes.
- Russian forces are continuing to advance in the region of Sverdlikovo and north of Guevo.
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered significant losses, with over 240 troops and two ammunition depots lost in the past 24 hours.
- A Russian assault group was targeted in the region during an attempted attack on Ukrainian positions.
- Heavy fighting continues near the village of Nikolsky.
- Sudzha: Russian forces are bypassing the city from the south.
- Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian assault force during an attempted landing near Tetkino.
- Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
- In the Kursk region, drone operators of the Special Operations Forces destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers who were advancing on Ukrainian positions.
- Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
- Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses, amounting to over 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, and numerous other military vehicles and equipment.
- Russian forces report the capture of several settlements, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya. The liberation of Nikolaevo-Daryino has been confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
- Russian forces are advancing in the Kursk region, with ongoing battles near Sverdlykove and in nearby forested areas.
- Ukrainian forces have reportedly deployed over 100 paratroopers to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
- Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold their occupied portion of the Kursk region for 100 days.
- Russian forces, supported by artillery and FPV drones, destroyed a Ukrainian BMP-2 in the Kursk region.
- Nikolaevo-Daryino has been cleared, with the enemy making careless and unsuccessful counterattacks. Heavy fighting in the eastern part of the settlement.
- Russian forces report the capture of several settlements, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya.
- Russian forces are advancing, with ongoing battles near Sverdlykove and in nearby forested areas.
- Ukrainian forces have reportedly deployed over 100 paratroopers to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
4. Kharkiv Region:
- Drone Attacks: Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts. A fire was reported at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone attack. The Ukrainian Air Force reports possible anti-aircraft activity against an enemy drone. The Ukrainian Air Force warns of an enemy drone approaching Kharkiv from the northwest. A high-speed target was reported in the region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a high-speed target moving from Sumy Oblast towards Poltava Oblast. Overnight, a drone attack targeted a civilian enterprise in the Novobavarskyi district, causing a large fire, damage to a gas pipe and 5 vehicles. Two civilians suffered acute stress reactions. Two drones fell in the Kyivskyi district. In the Rohanska community, a drone attack destroyed a private house and garage, injuring 2 people. In Shestakove, a drone attack caused a fire in a destroyed private house, with no reported casualties. The Ukrainian Air Force reports a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts.
- Kupiansk: Under renewed heavy shelling. At least four private houses and power lines were damaged.
- Russian Advance: Russian forces are beginning to storm Kupyansk. The Ukrainian Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the north of Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the launch of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation on Dobropillya in the Donetsk region. Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorichna. Russian forces have reportedly liberated Dvorichna.
- Vovchansk: Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian attack.
- Ukrainian forces have reportedly transferred a sabotage and reconnaissance group to Belopolye (Sumy Oblast) on armored fighting vehicles, which was detected and destroyed by Russian drone operators.
- Drone Attacks:
- Explosions were reported in Kharkiv and Chuhuiv districts.
- A fire was reported at an energy facility in Kharkiv following a drone attack.
- Kupiansk: Under renewed heavy shelling.
- Russian Advance:
- Russian forces have reportedly taken Dvurichna and are advancing towards Kupyansk.
- The Ukrainian Air Force reports launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the north of Kharkiv region.
5. Zaporizhzhia Region:
- At least five people were injured in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kupiansk, and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
- Russia attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 401 times overnight.
- An air raid alert has been declared and later lifted.
- Russian forces reportedly destroyed a group of foreign mercenaries, including a veteran of the Austrian special forces, near Orikhiv.
- Soldiers of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Security Service of Ukraine organized a "Goooood morning" for the Russians on the western outskirts of Novovasylivka.
- Ukrainian artillery strikes on concrete shelters of Russian forces in Hola Prystan, Kherson region, using 155-mm high-precision guided munition M712 Copperhead with laser guidance.
- In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the group "Despite" of the 3rd SSO regiment, as a result of complex work, destroyed 20 invaders and captured one prisoner!
6. Drone Warfare:
- Extensive Drone Activity: Confirmed drone attacks inside Russia, with a massive overnight attack involving over 100 drones targeting central Russia and the south. Most drones were reportedly intercepted, but some hit their targets, including an oil refinery near Nizhny Novgorod. New reports of drone movements towards multiple regions indicate a potential expansion and intensification of the drone conflict. Confirmed drone attacks on Odesa and Bryansk resulted in damage to residential buildings and a fire near the "Druzhba" oil pipeline distribution station, respectively.
- Bryansk (Russia): Two Ukrainian drones were shot down. Reports that drones attacked the village of Mamai, with an explosion near the "Druzhba" oil pipeline distribution station. The Bryansk region is reportedly under attack, with a series of explosions in the sky above the city. A fire has broken out in one of the districts. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have intercepted several Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk region. 26 drones were destroyed over the Bryansk region overnight. Residents of Klimovo and Novozybkov reported explosions and subsequent fires. It is alleged that drones attempted to attack the "Novozybkov" oil pumping station of the "Druzhba" pipeline.
- Tver (Russia): A fuel transfer station was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian drones. A drone was shot down.
- Belgorod (Russia): A private house was attacked by a drone. A drone attack resulted in the deaths of a woman and a two-year-old child.
- Several drones were shot down on the approach to Smolensk.
- A drone was destroyed over Lake Ladoga, with no reported damage or casualties.
- Massive Drone Attack: Over 100 drones attacked central Russia and the south overnight. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that 104 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed across multiple oblasts. The enemy reportedly targeted oil refineries, enterprises, and the Smolensk nuclear power plant. Most attacks were repelled, but some fires broke out at the targeted facilities. Drones attacked the fourth-largest oil refinery near Nizhny Novgorod. Ukrainian sources confirm that at least four drones hit the Kstovo oil refinery, causing a large-scale fire. Video evidence shows a fire at the "Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez" oil refinery and a large-scale fire at a nighttime industrial site, likely the result of a deliberate strike. The fire is identified as the Kstovo oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, also known as "Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez".
- Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region. All 4 enemy drones were shot down in the Lviv region. Ukrainian forces shot down 37 drones overnight.
- New groups of enemy drones have been reported in the northeast of Chernihiv region. The Ukrainian Air Force reported an end to the threat of attack drones across all regions.
- There are numerous reports indicating a significant number of drones active across Ukraine, with specific movements noted across multiple oblasts.
- Ukrainian air defense is actively engaging enemy drones in Kyiv Oblast.
- Explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Media reports indicate explosions during an ongoing drone attack.
- Chernihiv and Sumy: Ukrainian Air Force reports enemy drones moving towards Chernihiv and Sumy from the northeast.
- Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: One drone is flying between Ivano-Frankivsk and Kolomyia.
- Ternopil Oblast: Two drones have moved from Khmelnytskyi Oblast to the south of Ternopil Oblast.
- Vinnytsia Oblast: One drone is in the south of Vinnytsia Oblast.
- Kirovohrad Oblast: Three drones are in Pervomaisk district. Another drone is in the eastern part of the region, moving west.
- Cherkasy Oblast: One drone is circling east of Smila. Two drones are north of Uman, moving west. A drone is reported north of Kamyanske, moving north. Another drone is reported in the north of the region, moving west.
- Chernihiv Oblast: Two drones are in the Nizhyn area. One drone is moving towards Chernihiv from the northeast. Other drones are reported in the west and east of the region, moving west.
- Kyiv Oblast: Drones are reported on the border of Cherkasy and Kyiv Oblasts. Debris from a downed drone fell near a metro station in Kyiv, damaging a building.
- Kirovohrad Oblast: Drones are reported in the south of Kirovohrad Oblast.
- Vinnytsia Oblast: Drones are reported in the northeast and northwest of Vinnytsia Oblast.
- Khmelnytskyi Oblast: Drones are reported in the west of Khmelnytskyi Oblast. One drone is moving north-west.
- Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Drones are reported in the center of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.
- Mykolaiv Oblast: Drones are reported in the northwest of Mykolaiv Oblast. A drone was detected in the region, changing direction towards the region.
- Chernihiv Oblast: Drones are reported in the west and southwest of Chernihiv Oblast. A drone is in the south of Chernihiv Oblast heading towards Kyiv Oblast.
- Poltava Oblast: A drone is reported in the north, constantly changing course.
- The Ukrainian General Staff reported on the presence of Russian warships and missile carriers in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Mediterranean Sea.
- Ukrainian forces report repelling a drone attack in the Rostov region.
- Ukrainian forces report that Russia launched 100 drones overnight, with 65 shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
- Russian air defense reportedly continues to shoot down drones launched by Ukrainian forces in multiple regions. Five drones were destroyed over the Smolensk region, two over the Belgorod region, two over the Bryansk region, and one over Crimea.
- The soldiers of the special unit "Wings of Omega" destroyed 2 Russian BTRs along with their crews using FPV drones.
- Video evidence shows the destruction of an M113 and a "Spartan" armored personnel carrier by Russian FPV drones near Petrovske/Hrekivka.
- The Ukrainian military is adapting its force structure, creating new units focused on drone warfare. The 59th Motorized Brigade has been transformed into an assault brigade specializing in drone systems, and the 9th Motorized Battalion has been expanded into the 9th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade. Additionally, the "Achilles" drone battalion of the 92nd Assault Brigade has been expanded into the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment. The 225th Separate Assault Battalion has also been expanded into a regiment. The newly established 155th Separate Marine Brigade is actively using FPV drones to destroy enemy positions.
- Drone operators of the 375th OPTRDN 47th TD, which is part of the "Office" group, are dismantling the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Kupyansk.
- FPV drones of the Rubikon Center destroyed an AFU communication system in the Kursk direction.
Use of FPV Drones
- Used to destroy a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
- Successfully destroyed a Ukrainian T-72M1 tank in the Kursk border area.
- Used for 6 minutes of continuous strikes by Ukrainian forces on Russian positions and personnel in the Kursk region.
- A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle in the Kursk region.
- Video evidence shows a Russian FPV drone attack on Ukrainian forces in a trench. The footage demonstrates the use of drones for both surveillance and direct attack.
- Drone operators destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers.
- Used by the newly established 155th Separate Marine Brigade to destroy enemy positions.
- Operators of the 1434 "AKHMAT-CHECHNYA" UAV unit are successfully operating in the Sudzha direction, using FPV drones to destroy enemy targets and disrupt the supply of ammunition to enemy troops.
Use of UAVs
- Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region.
- Ukrainian forces shot down 37 drones overnight.
- Ukrainian forces shot down 39 drones overnight.
- Used for attack on Kharkiv hit a private sector in the Kholodnohirskyi district.
- Used for attack on residential buildings in Odesa.
- Used for attack on an energy infrastructure facility in Uman.
- Used for attack on an apartment building in Sumy.
- Used for attack on a residential building in Sumy.
- Ukrainian forces targeted and destroyed a Russian "Orlan" UAV ground control station using a missile strike.
- Army aviation of the 11th Air Force and Air Defense Army, operating in the area of responsibility of the "East" group, destroyed a bridge across the Sukhi Yaly River, built by the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the settlement of Konstantinopol.
Other Regions
- Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts in Kyiv and six regions of Ukraine. Half of Ukraine is under air raid alert due to enemy UAVs in the airspace. An air raid alert has been announced in the Zaporizhzhia region. Air raid alerts have been issued in Kyiv and six regions of Ukraine (Kyivska, Chernihivska, Poltavska, Sumska, Cherkaska, Kirovohradska), with the threat of ballistic missile attacks.
- Kyiv: Enemy UAVs are in the vicinity of the city, with air defenses engaging. Debris from a downed drone fell in the Desnianskyi district, causing a fire. Explosions have been reported, indicating a possible air attack or air defense activity.
- Sumy: Eight people have died, and 13 were injured as a result of a drone hitting an apartment building. The number of deaths has increased to nine. Emergency work at the site of the "Shahed" drone attack on Sumy has been completed. As a result of a drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy at least one person was killed, and at least seven were injured. The number of injured has now risen to nine, with reports indicating that nine apartments and 12 balconies were destroyed in a 10-story residential building. Four people, including one child, were rescued, and 118 people were evacuated. The death toll has now risen to six. Infrastructure facilities were damaged. A Shahed drone hit an apartment building, resulting in at least 7 injuries, including a child, and 1 death. A rescue operation is underway for a woman trapped under debris. A headquarters for emergency response will be set up. Launch of guided aerial bombs by tactical aircraft in the Sumy region.
- Odesa: Damage to residential buildings and civilian casualties were reported due to a Russian drone attack. An attack on the port infrastructure was reported. There is damage to residential buildings due to a Russian drone attack. Four cars caught fire. Explosions were reported in Odesa. An air raid alert has been declared in Izmail, with reports that drones are approaching the city. An explosion occurred at night in the city of Izmail, Odesa region. Images of the aftermath were published by the Izmail Regional State Administration. Russian forces struck a logistics hub in Chornomorsk, Odesa region, destroying three trucks and damaging warehouses.
- Cherkasy: Overnight drone attack reported, with air defenses active and damage to an energy infrastructure facility in Uman.
- Mykolaiv: Two people were killed as a result of a Russian missile strike on a food industry enterprise during the night.
- The head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration warns of a possible massive shelling of Kherson and the suburbs by Russian forces.
- Lipetsk Oblast in Russia has declared an air danger regime.
- Synelnykivskyi district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, a lyceum was destroyed as a result of a Russian attack.
- Chernihiv: A Russian airstrike caused a large fire in Chernihiv yesterday. The targets were likely high-voltage equipment storage facilities or communication and control complexes.
- The enemy has begun to prepare for the evacuation of the population from the southeastern regions of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
- Lebedevka, Odesa Oblast: A Russian strike destroyed an administrative building that housed a border patrol headquarters. The building, located in the basement of a hotel complex, also served as a command center and coordination headquarters for Ukrainian units responsible for patrolling the coast and border areas. The adjacent hotel complex, used as a temporary deployment point and storage facility for military equipment, was also damaged.
Diplomatic and Political Developments
- The State Duma of the Russian Federation directed an appeal to the US Congress in connection with information about Biden and Blinken discussing the organization of an assassination attempt on Putin.
- The State Duma regards the lack of reaction from Biden and Blinken to Carlson's statement about attempts to "kill" Putin as proof of their guilt.
- Discussion of the issue of the physical elimination of the President of the Russian Federation can be qualified as an act of terrorism, according to the State Duma.
- The EU is considering disabling SWIFT for 15 banks and imposing a phased ban on Russian aluminum imports.
- The new Syrian authorities have requested compensation from Russia to restore trust.
- A delegation from Georgia has suspended its work in the PACE.
- Maria Zakharova has urged for careful verification of statements made by Western politicians.
- Structures at Domodedovo airport are reportedly under foreign control.
- "Gruzinsky National Legion": This group, recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia, is accused by Slovak Prime Minister Fico of being behind anti-government protests in Slovakia. This adds another layer to the international dimension of the conflict, with allegations of foreign interference in internal affairs.
- European Parliament: A member of the European Parliament has called for the assassination of Putin, citing it as a "profitable" action. This follows a previous call by a Czech MP to repeat the blockade of Leningrad.
- Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz are scheduled to meet to discuss issues related to Ukraine and the Middle East.
Military Aid and Support
- Finland is providing Ukraine with a new aid package worth nearly 200 million euros. This package is designed in close cooperation with Ukrainians and aims to provide support in the "acute situation on the front." Finland has already provided Ukraine with 2.5 billion euros in defense equipment.
- Great Britain will provide Ukraine with up to £2 billion for the purchase of air defense systems and missiles, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal. The government has approved a bill to ratify a framework agreement between Ukraine and Great Britain to support the development of Ukraine's defense capabilities.
- The US has lifted the 90-day freeze on most foreign aid, including military aid to Ukraine. However, the White House press secretary has denied the lifting of the freeze, creating confusion regarding the status of US aid.
- Donald Trump has stated he does not want to provide more aid to Ukraine and does not want Ukraine to be accepted into NATO, according to The Washington Post. He believes that ensuring a ceasefire and Ukraine's security is Europe's problem. This stance could significantly impact the conflict and future negotiations.
- Germany has donated five more Biber bridge-laying tanks to Ukraine.
Other Significant Events
- Ten civilians were injured in Horlivka due to shelling, according to the head of the city administration, Ivan Prikhodko. The shelling also hit a residential area in the Nikitovsky district.
- The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has reiterated that the contract with Marina Bezrukova will not be extended. Arsen Zhumadilov will temporarily lead the Defense Procurement Agency starting February 1, 2025.
- Explosions were reported in Berdyansk near the port area.
- Chernihiv came under attack, with Russian forces targeting non-residential facilities with drones.
- The government decided to extend until February 28 the permission for manufacturers to export gasoline, according to a representative of Novak.
- Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed a command post of the "Kursk" troop grouping of the Russian Armed Forces in Rylsk, Kursk region.
- Reports indicate that the "Gruzinsky National Legion," a group fighting for Ukraine, is behind anti-government protests in Slovakia. This group is recognized as a terrorist organization and is banned in Russia.
- New video evidence shows Ukrainian forces using drones to deliver supplies and conduct reconnaissance.
- Ukrainian intelligence reports finding leaflets aimed at demoralizing Ukrainian soldiers, suggesting psychological warfare tactics are being employed.
- A captured Russian soldier from the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade provided information about his unit, training, and the presence of foreign fighters in Russian ranks.
- 46% of Danes consider the United States a "very big threat" or "quite a big threat" to Denmark. This is higher than the number of those who consider North Korea or Iran a threat - 44% and 40%, respectively. 78% of respondents said they would oppose the sale of Greenland to the United States, but 72% said that the final decision should be made by Greenland, not Denmark.
- The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a summary of the repelled incursion into the Kursk region. They claim significant Ukrainian losses, including over 56,410 troops, 327 tanks, 241 infantry fighting vehicles, 185 armored personnel carriers, 1,660 armored fighting vehicles, 1,735 vehicles,