Daily Intelligence Briefing: Ukraine - February 2, 2025

Prepared for: Ukrainian High Command

Prepared by: Military Intelligence AI Assistant

Date: February 2, 2025, 07:00 UTC

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Executive Summary

The situation in Ukraine remains critical, particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces are making significant advances. Velyka Novosilka is under complete Russian control, and the situation in Pokrovsk and Toretsk is increasingly precarious. Ukrainian defenses in Toretsk are nearing collapse. Russian forces are also advancing in the Luhansk and Kursk regions. Drone warfare continues to intensify, with widespread attacks reported. The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region has stalled. The US has confirmed a 90-day freeze on most foreign aid, including military aid to Ukraine. Reports indicate significant North Korean casualties in the Kursk region. The conflict is having a devastating impact on civilians, with casualties and damage to infrastructure reported in multiple regions.

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Key Developments

Donetsk Region

• Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad: Russian forces are within 2 km of Myrnohrad and are heavily engaged near Yelyzavetivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Baranivka. One of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro is cut off, severely hampering Ukrainian logistics. Russian forces are within 10 km of Pokrovsk and advancing, actively blocking supply lines. An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
• Kramatorsk Direction: Russian troops have made progress south of Rozlyv and expanded control in the Dachne area.
• Chasiv Yar: Russian forces control approximately 20% of the refractory plant and about half of the urban area, including the Severnyi district. They hold a strategic position on a spoil tip on the western outskirts. Heavy flamethrower systems (TOS-1A) are being deployed against Ukrainian positions. Russian forces report significant advances, including cleanup operations in the railway station area.
• Kurakhove: Most of the city is under Russian control. Heavy fighting continues in the eastern part of Andriivka. Russian troops are advancing west of Kurakhove, attempting to encircle Dachne.
• Toretsk: The situation is dire, with Ukrainian defenses under immense strain and less than 15% of the city under their control. Battles are ongoing on the northern outskirts and near several mines. Ukrainian forces are reportedly making some advances in the northern part of Toretsk. Russian forces are applying significant pressure around Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove. Krymske has reportedly been liberated by Russian forces.
• Siversk - Verkhnokamyanske: Active combat operations continue, with Russian forces advancing 1.5 km and occupying new positions in Verkhnokamyanske.
• Other Locations: Russian forces are advancing near Uspenivka, Dachne, Andriivka, Slov'yanka, and Novoandriivka. Solone has reportedly been liberated.

Luhansk Region

• Russian forces are making advances near Nadiivka, Petropavlivka, Zakhidne, and Ivanivka, moving 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.
• Zakhidne and Ivanivka have been captured by Russian forces.
• Russian forces are developing an offensive from Makiivka in the direction of Hrekivka, with a 400m advance.
• Russian forces are nearing the northern outskirts of Kupiansk, with Ukrainian reinforcements being deployed.
• Bohuslavka: Battles have been initiated.
• Russian forces report they are beginning to storm Kupyansk and have destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove.
• Fierce fighting is reported near Novoyehorivka.

Kursk Region

• The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory and capturing several settlements, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya.
• Heavy fighting continues near Nikolsky.
• Sudzha: A deliberate Russian airstrike on a boarding school was confirmed by the Ukrainian General Staff. Conflicting reports and accusations are being exchanged regarding the nature of the attack and the presence of civilians.
• A Ukrainian assault force was destroyed near Tetkino.
• Reports indicate significant North Korean casualties.
• Refugees from the region are protesting, demanding a meeting with the acting governor.
• Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses since the beginning of hostilities in the region.
• Russian forces are advancing, with battles near Sverdlykove and nearby forested areas.
• Over 100 paratroopers have reportedly been deployed to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
• Reports indicate potential embezzlement of funds allocated for fortifications construction.
• A Ukrainian landing attempt on two armored personnel carriers was thwarted in Makhnovka.
• Nikolaevo-Daryino has been cleared.
• Battles are ongoing near Pohrebky.
• Heavy fighting continues near Nikolsky, with Russian forces approaching Malaya Loknya and Ukrainian forces counterattacking.
• The "North" group's fighters are increasingly finding Western weapons and ammunition in liberated territories.
• Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults.
• Russian forces are continuing to advance in the region of Sverdlikovo and north of Guevo.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces claim to have destroyed a command post of the "Kursk" troop grouping in Rylsk.
• Su-34 and Su-25 aircraft are being used to target Ukrainian positions.
• Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations, collecting data on Russian and North Korean troops.
• Ukrainian forces aim to hold their occupied portion of the region for 100 days.
• Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed Ukrainian strongholds in a border area.
• Video evidence shows the work of Russian drone operators from multiple units, including the capture and clearing of two strongholds south of Nikolaevo-Daryino.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone.
• A Ukrainian T-72M1 tank was destroyed by an FPV drone.
• A Ukrainian BMP was destroyed by an FPV drone.
• A Ukrainian stronghold was destroyed by a Su-34 bomber.
• Russian forces are destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment.
• A Ukrainian D-30 howitzer was destroyed by a Russian drone.
• A Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer was targeted by a Russian drone operator.
• A Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier was targeted by a "Lancet" drone.
• The death of the Deputy Governor of Primorsky Krai, Sergei Efremov, in the region has been confirmed.

Kharkiv Region

• Drone Attacks: Multiple reports of drone attacks and explosions in Kharkiv and surrounding areas. A fire broke out at an energy facility. A drone attack targeted a civilian enterprise in the Novobavarskyi district, causing a large fire. 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. A drone attack on a civilian enterprise in the Slobidskyi district caused a major fire, reportedly involving a "Shahed" or "Geran" drone and targeting a clothing manufacturing facility. The fire covered approximately 2,000 square meters but was contained. In Lyubotin, a man and a woman were injured due to a drone attack.
• Russian Advance: Russian forces have reportedly expanded their bridgehead up to 5 km south of Dvorichna. Russian forces have reportedly liberated Dvorichna.
• Kupiansk: Under renewed heavy shelling.
• Vovchansk: Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian attack.
• 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 launches of guided aerial bombs by enemy tactical aviation in the north of the region.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports that Kharkiv is under threat from a Russian drone approaching from the northeast. They also report a threat of Russian drone attacks in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts. A drone is reported in the suburbs of Kharkiv. 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.
• The coordinated efforts of the "West-AKHMAT" battalion and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Kurchaloyevsky district of the Chechen Republic, under the leadership of Ismail and Rustam Aguyev, alongside the 116th Special Purpose Brigade "Stalnaya" of the Russian Guard, are ongoing.
• Transport of Ukrainian forces is under attack by drones of the «Hart» brigade near Vovchansk.

Zaporizhzhia Region

• Air raid alerts have been declared and lifted multiple times.
• At least five people were injured in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kupiansk, and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
• Russia attacked the region 401 times overnight.
• Russian forces reportedly destroyed a group of foreign mercenaries near Orikhiv.
• Two people пострадали in result of Russian shelling of Zaporizhzhia and Zaporizhzhia region.
• 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!

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 were reportedly intercepted, but some hit their targets, including an oil refinery near Nizhny Novgorod. New reports of drone movements towards Chernihiv, Sumy, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Poltava, Starokonstantinov, Bereznegovatoye, Pavlograd, Balakleya, Zlatopol, Zhytomyr, Fastov, Boyarka, Mirgorod, Priluki, Nezhin, Vylkove, Izmail, and Odesa Oblast indicate a potential expansion and intensification of the conflict. Confirmed attacks on Odesa and Bryansk resulted in damage to residential buildings and a fire near the "Druzhba" oil pipeline distribution station. The threat of attack drones has been called off across all regions. Ukrainian forces report that Russia launched 100 drones overnight, with 65 shot down by Ukrainian air defenses. Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces deploying 350 FPV drones to various units, including the 68th Battalion of the 101st Territorial Defense Brigade, the 57th Motorized Brigade, and the "Wolves of Da Vinci" 59th Separate Motorized Brigade. New groups of enemy drones have been reported in the northeast of Chernihiv region.
• Bryansk (Russia): Two Ukrainian drones were shot down. Reports that drones attacked Mamai, with an explosion near the "Druzhba" oil pipeline distribution station. The 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. 26 drones were destroyed overnight. Five Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight. Three Ukrainian drones were shot down in the Bryansk region overnight. Residents of Klimovo and Novozybkov reported explosions and subsequent fires, with allegations of drones attempting to attack the "Novozybkov" oil pumping station of the "Druzhba" pipeline.
• Tver (Russia): A fuel transfer station was reportedly attacked. A drone was shot down.
• Belgorod (Russia): A private house was attacked by a drone. One Ukrainian drone was shot down in the Belgorod region overnight. A man died due to a drone attack in Malinovka. Two settlements in the region were attacked by Ukrainian drones, resulting in three civilian casualties, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. The attack reportedly targeted a passenger minibus in Dvuluchny and a garbage truck in the Chapaevsky settlement of the Grayvoron urban district.
• 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 regions. The enemy reportedly targeted oil refineries, enterprises, and the Smolensk nuclear power plant. Most attacks were repelled, but some fires broke out. 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 suggests a strike on a nighttime industrial site, identified as the Kstovo oil refinery.
• 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.
• Numerous reports indicate a significant number of drones active across Ukraine, with specific movements noted.
• Ukrainian air defenses shot down 14 enemy drones in the Sumy region. Three drones were shot down in Sumy region overnight. All 4 enemy drones were shot down in the Lviv region.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying over 500 enemy aerial targets in the past week. 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. The Air Force reports that drones are moving through Sumy towards Chernihiv and Poltava. Drones are moving through Poltava/Chernihiv towards Kyiv Oblast.
  • 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. A drone reportedly flew over Snihurivka heading south. A drone is approaching Mykolaiv via Voskresenske. A drone flew past Mykolaiv and headed towards Voznesenskyi district. One drone flew past Mykolaiv and moved on to Voznesenskyi district.
  • 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 death toll in Poltava has risen to eleven. The death toll in Poltava has risen to twelve, including two children, with seventeen injured and twenty-two rescued. The death toll in Poltava has risen to 14, including two children.
• 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. Five Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kursk regions overnight.
• Russian security forces detained a man in Bashkiria who was attempting to join the "Freedom of Russia Legion" (banned in Russia) and cross the border into Ukraine.
• Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region. Another "Baba Yaga" drone was eliminated. Video shows Russian forces downing a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" heavy drone near Pokrovskoe (Krasnoarmeysk).
• 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.
• "Birds of Magyar" unit reports destroying 4,387 enemy targets in one month, including 1,298 enemy soldiers, 66 tanks, 174 armored combat vehicles, 87 artillery systems, 17 MLRS, 9 EW systems, 506 vehicles, and 205 fortified positions. 100 new drone crews will be trained by the end of March.
  • Sumy Oblast: New groups of drones are entering the region. An explosion was heard near Sumy. Seven drones are reported in the north of the region. Russians attacked the Sadivska community at night with a "Shahed" drone. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties. A Russian drone strike targeted a fuel depot in Nizy, 16 km south of Sumy, destroying up to 3,000 tons of diesel fuel, according to a source.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle with a "Lancet" loitering munition in the Kursk region.
  • Poltava Oblast: A drone is reported over the city. A drone is flying over Zolotonosha towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
  • Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: A drone is flying over Zlatopil. Three new drones are heading towards/through Nikopol.
  • Chernihiv Oblast: Three drones are reported in the north of the region. A drone is reported near or over Shostka.
• In Russia, a ground control station for swarms of drones has been created. It is designed to work with an unlimited number of drones using a single device.
• Caspian Marines are using drones with fiber optic cables to destroy NATO equipment. The drones are immune to anti-drone rifles and electronic warfare systems. The drone operators change their location after each launch.
• A Russian FPV drone reportedly found and destroyed a Ukrainian vehicle behind the front lines in Pisarevka, Sumy Oblast, 13 kilometers from the line of contact. This demonstrates the increasing reach and effectiveness of Russian drone operations.
• The Ukrainian Navy reported that naval personnel "landed" a Russian "Shahed" drone overnight.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that 104 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed: 47 over Kursk Oblast, 27 over Bryansk Oblast, 11 over Smolensk Oblast, 7 over Tver Oblast, 4 over Belgorod Oblast, 3 over Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, 3 over Kaluga Oblast, 1 over Rostov Oblast, 1 over Leningrad Oblast.
• The new drone movements include 4 drones heading towards or through Vylkove, 4 drones flying past Vylkove towards Kiliia, 4 drones from the Black Sea towards the Izmail district, 2 drones from Vinnytsia Oblast entering Khmelnytskyi Oblast, 1 drone in the south of Vinnytsia Oblast heading northwest, 2 drones from Zhytomyr Oblast heading towards or through Shepetivka, 1 drone from the Bilotserkivskyi district to Zhytomyr Oblast, 1 drone approaching Kyiv via Brovary, 1 drone north of Kyiv Oblast heading towards or through Hostomel, 1 drone is heading towards or through Vasylkiv, 2 drones in the east of Kyiv Oblast.

Other Regions

• Kherson: Five people, including two children, were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on a minibus in Kherson. The head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, reported that a Russian drone hit a shuttle bus in Kherson, injuring five people.
• Sudzha: Rescue operations at the destroyed boarding school in Sudzha are being hampered by continuous Russian drone attacks. A wounded woman is reportedly trapped under the rubble. The death toll from the Russian attack on Poltava has risen to 14, with 20 injured, including four children.

Other Updates

• The Sumy Regional Military Administration: Confirmed that there were no casualties from the overnight Russian drone attack on the Sadivska community.
• Confirmation of Russian Airstrike on Sudzha Boarding School: The Ukrainian General Staff and the Air Force have confirmed the Russian airstrike on the boarding school in Sudzha, Kursk region, stating that it was a deliberate attack with a guided aerial bomb (KAB). The Ukrainian General Staff published a video of the aftermath of the Russian attack on Sudzha. The Ukrainian Air Force published screenshots from the "Virage-Tablet" system, showing the trajectory of the Russian guided aerial bomb. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces committed a war crime by carrying out a targeted missile attack on a boarding school in Sudzha.
• Ukrainian Military Command Spokesperson's Statement: The spokesperson for the Ukrainian military command in Sudzha, Colonel Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, confirmed the attack, stating that 95 people were trapped under the rubble, mostly elderly and bedridden.
• Reports of Fires at Gas Facilities: Russian sources report fires at gas facilities in the Poltava region following a nighttime missile strike.
• ISW Assessment: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assesses that the actions of the Russian command indicate that Putin does not intend to end the war in the near future. Ukrainian forces have reportedly made advances in Toretsk, particularly in the northern part of the city. Russian forces are reportedly applying significant pressure near Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.
• Explosions in Kharkiv and Sumy: Explosions were heard in Kharkiv and near Sumy. The enemy reportedly struck the Slobidskyi district of Kharkiv with a drone.
• Statements Regarding the Sudzha Attack:
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense and other Russian sources continue to assert that the Ukrainian Armed Forces committed a war crime by launching a targeted missile strike on the boarding school in Sudzha.
  • Russian State Duma member Alexander Khinshtein described the attack as an "inhuman atrocity".
  • The Ukrainian side, represented by the Air Force and the General Staff, maintains that the attack was carried out by Russian aviation using a guided aerial bomb. They have presented screenshots from the "Virage-Tablet" system as evidence.
• Drone Activity in Kyiv Oblast: Ukrainian air defenses are actively engaging enemy drones in Kyiv Oblast.
• Alleged HIMARS Launches: Russian sources, including the Ministry of Defense and military bloggers, claim that Ukrainian forces launched HIMARS rockets from the Sumy region towards Sudzha. They assert that Russian air defense systems detected six launches and that the attack was carried out by NATO-trained personnel. A video allegedly showing the launches has been circulated.
• Destruction of Ukrainian Equipment: A video from the Colonelcassad Telegram channel shows the destruction of Ukrainian equipment in the area of Dachnoe by the 150th Motorized Rifle Division. A destroyed Ukrainian Caesar self-propelled artillery system has reportedly been observed in the special operation zone.
• Improvised Military Technology: Several images from the Colonelcassad Telegram channel showcase various improvised military vehicles and platforms.
• Propaganda and Information Warfare: Both sides are actively engaged in propaganda and information warfare. The Russian side is using the Sudzha incident to portray Ukraine as a "terrorist" state, while the Ukrainian side is highlighting Russian aggression and the use of guided bombs against civilian targets.
• Geopolitical Statements: Russian Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, stated that Russia will not allow the Baltic Sea to become an internal NATO sea, commenting on the organization's decision to patrol the area. This statement underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO and highlights the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea region. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will continue to work with Israel to free all hostages from the Gaza Strip. He also noted that the country is celebrating the release of three Hamas hostages, including one American. Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs of 25% on goods from the US totaling $155 billion, according to Trudeau.
• US Tariffs on Russian Energy Resources: The White House announced that the US will impose 10% tariffs on energy resources from Canada and 25% on other goods. This move is likely to further strain US-Russia relations and could have economic repercussions for both countries.
• Zelensky's Statement on Peace Negotiations: Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated his expectation for the start of peace negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, the EU, and the US in an interview with the Associated Press. He also stated that excluding Ukraine from US-Russia negotiations would be "very dangerous" for everyone. Zelensky proposes that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visit Ukraine to see the effects of the war firsthand and engage in discussions with the Ukrainian people. This invitation aims to provide Rubio with a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground and potentially influence US policy towards Ukraine.
• Deep State Map Update: The Deep State project reports that their map has been updated, indicating Russian advances near Vozdvyzhenka, Kotlyne, and Andriivka.
• Gas Supply in Europe: There are increasing demands in Europe to start pumping gas through the surviving branch of "Nord Stream-2."
• Education in Russia: Starting in 2025, Russian university applicants can earn a maximum of 15 points for individual achievements, with an additional 5 points for specific target achievements, as reported by TASS.
• Rejection of Trump's Proposal by Arab Countries: Several Arab countries and the Arab League have rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan. They believe this could lead to a new war between Israel and Hamas and threaten regional stability.
• Drone Activity: New reports of drone movements towards Chernihiv, Sumy, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Poltava, Starokonstantinov, Bereznegovatoye, Pavlograd, Balakleya, Zlatopol, Zhytomyr, Fastov, Boyarka, Mirgorod, Priluki, Nezhin, Vylkove, Izmail, and Odesa Oblast indicate a potential expansion and intensification of the drone conflict. A drone is reported in the suburbs of Kharkiv. A drone is reported on the border of Sumy and Chernihiv Oblasts. A drone is reported in the Cherkasy area. A threat of ballistic weaponry from the east is reported in areas where an air alert has been declared.
• Fire in Kharkiv: A video and photos from the State Emergency Service show a large-scale fire in Kharkiv due to a drone attack. 45 rescuers and 8 pieces of equipment were involved in extinguishing the fire. No casualties were reported.
• Elon Musk's Allegations: Elon Musk has alleged that the US Treasury Department approved payments to fraudulent organizations and terrorists. This claim comes after Musk reportedly gained access to the US payment system to monitor expenses.
• "Rosnano" is actively cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation of abuses of authority by the company's former management, according to Evgeny Frolov, the company's director for special assignments.
• Another week has passed with news about the actions of Donald Trump, generating news from Canada to Ukraine. The termination of funding for programs to finance Ukraine through the same enemy USAID is no more than a redistribution of money flows from the US Democratic Party's wards in favor of the current US authorities. Interruptions in the supply of money have already led to the closure of a number of "public organizations" in Ukraine with an allegedly patriotic orientation. This shows the failure of Ukrainian civil society and the artificial nature of the feigned Ukrainian patriotism. At the same time, Trump's team openly discredits Zelensky personally in the media, calling him a dictator and pointing to the theft of American money. Again, this does not speak of the current US authorities' sympathies for Russia but of a desire to more effectively (and, preferably, personally) spend funds for the benefit of the United States, which can be understood as anything.
• The topic of possible negotiations still does not leave the Western media. The Supreme Commander personally indicated that Zelensky, who usurped power, is not authorized to sign anything. As the only possible signatory, the President of Russia pointed to the extremely unpleasant Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, thereby once again humiliating the Kyiv regime.
• Kyiv, despite political games and newspaper articles, continues to methodically knock out Russian oil refineries and try to finally break off the supply of Russian energy resources to Europe, targeting the same infrastructure objects of pipelines. The enemy skillfully takes advantage of miscalculations in the organization of Russian air defense. In general, this will allow the United States to sell its gas and oil to EU countries, albeit at times more expensive. Brainwashed residents of Europe are ready to pay.
• From the front, news is increasingly coming about the lack of manpower for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to replenish and staff brigades. The strategic reserve ("150-series brigades"), introduced into battle by Syrsky, is gradually running out, although in January it fulfilled the task of slowing down the advance of the Russian Armed Forces.
• Unfortunately, the scandal surrounding the situation near Novoegorovka and the situation in general in the 20th Army of the Russian Armed Forces does not subside. Apparently, a number of systemic problems in the military leadership, which were postponed for "later" even against the backdrop of the armed invasion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine into the Kursk region, are making themselves felt. The desire to hush up scandals is understandable, the main thing is that they do not lead to the concealment of illegal actions of officials, even high-level ones.
• Nevertheless, the Russian Army maintains the initiative along the entire front. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting a defensive operation, trying to exhaust Russian troops in defense. In the Kursk region, bloody battles of high intensity are taking place, the enemy is pulling up reserves every day, introducing them into oncoming battles. In the Kupyansk direction, the settlement of Dvurechnaya in the Kharkiv region on the right bank of the Oskol River was liberated, and the Russian bridgehead is expanding. In Chasov Yar, the Severny microdistrict was captured. In Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk), the suburb - the settlement of Krymskoye - was liberated. To the south and southwest of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), Russian troops continue to advance, achieving tactical successes in heavy battles. To the west of Kurakhovo, Russian troops are breaking through to Konstantinopol. After the liberation of Velikaya (Bolshaya) Novoselka, the Far Eastern soldiers are regrouping, the enemy is guessing about the direction of the further strike. In the Black Sea, a positive example of the destruction of enemy naval drones was the use of Russian attack UAVs, which shows the possibility of not risking the lives of helicopter pilots anymore.
• In general, the complete liberation of such significant cities as Chasov Yar and Dzerzhinsk is approaching. At the same time, the same situation in Velikaya (Bolshaya) Novoselka shows that the Russian Armed Forces are still saving the main reserves, not introducing them into battle, but rolling back the best assault troops for replenishment and rest. However, this does not allow for lightning-fast development of success "on the shoulders of a fleeing enemy." The fighting is very hard.
• On the territory of Europe, military exercises continue and military production is being deployed. Despite the incidents at military factories intensifying the production of military products and the decline in the economic well-being of Europeans, the Brussels military is fully engaged in military preparations. In combination with the total brainwashing of the inhabitants of Europe using the "Ukrainian experience" and the inclusion in the doctrinal documents of the same Germany of plans to prepare the army and civilian infrastructure for war with Russia, the further scenario written by the West becomes clear.
• Thus, any freezing of the conflict, which is so much talked about in the world media, will not resolve the contradictions but will lead to a new aggravation and a bloody massacre, albeit after a few years. On the other hand, the continuation of hostilities will require new systemic