Daily Intelligence Briefing: Ukraine - February 4, 2025, 14:38 UTC

Executive Summary

The military situation in Ukraine remains critical, particularly in the Donetsk region. Russian forces continue to make significant advances, especially around Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove, and Toretsk. Ukrainian defenses in Toretsk are under immense strain, and the city is largely under Russian control. Fierce battles are ongoing, and Russian forces are employing a powerful offensive, utilizing air support, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems.

Drone warfare remains a dominant feature of the conflict, with both sides heavily relying on UAVs for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces are struggling to counter the sheer volume of Russian drones, particularly in the Kursk and Kharkiv regions. The use of FPV drones by both sides is widespread and causing significant damage.

The geopolitical landscape continues to shift, with the EU committing to increased defense spending and a potential phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping on the horizon. Trump's appointment of Marco Rubio to head USAID signals a possible change in US foreign aid policy. The reported agreement for Ukraine to exchange rare earth metals for US aid further complicates the situation.

The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported across multiple regions. The conflict's impact on civilians is further exacerbated by the ongoing drone attacks and shelling.

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Key Developments

Donetsk Region

Pokrovsk

• Extremely precarious situation: Russian forces are within 2 km of Myrnohrad and 3 km of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border.
• Intense fighting: Fierce battles near Yelyzavetivka, Vodyane Druhe, and Baranivka.
• Supply lines threatened: One of the two routes from Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) to Dnipro is cut off and under Russian drone control.
• Russian advances: Russian forces advanced 1 km along the railway towards Krasnoarmiisk and occupied new positions. Expansion of the control zone on the southern flank.
• Ukrainian resistance: Ukrainian forces halted 40 assaults, with 40 out of 110 combat clashes in the last 24 hours in this direction.
• Operational cauldron: An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
• Tactical successes: Heavy fighting reported, with Russian forces achieving tactical successes.
• Strategic implications: Reuters reports two potential Russian scenarios after Pokrovsk's liberation: westward into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast or northward to pressure Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
• Intensified attacks: Powerful offensive near Pokrovsk, with active attacks on Sribne, south of Nadiivka, south and east of Udachne, west and east near Kotlyne, and southwest of Zverove.
• Casualties: Over 15,000 enemy troops neutralized in January 2025, with approximately 7,000 irreversibly lost.
• FPV drone warfare: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying Russian equipment and targeting soldiers with FPV drones.
• Ukrainian defense: 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska" repelled a Russian attack. Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "bukhanka" with FPV drones.
• North Korean involvement: Drone operators of the Special Operations Forces reportedly destroyed 21 and wounded 40 North Korean soldiers.
• Mutual destruction: Video evidence shows both sides engaging in combat and destroying each other's equipment.
• Ukrainian focus: Disrupting Russian offensive plans and depleting their combat potential.
• Intense fighting: Russian forces are fighting near Udachne, with intensity comparable to Chasiv Yar.
• Equipment losses: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP-1 near the Serebryansky Forest using two FPV drones. A US-supplied M113 APC was reportedly destroyed near Pokrovsk.
• Recent attacks: 27 attacks reported near multiple locations. Four engagements are ongoing.
• Ukrainian losses: 246 Russian soldiers eliminated (124 irreversibly), 2 tanks, 7 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, 1 BM-21 "Grad", 1 artillery piece, 3 UAV control antennas, and 1 satellite communication system destroyed. 1 self-propelled artillery system, 1 vehicle, 2 artillery pieces, and 1 motorcycle damaged.
• Bradley IFV: Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying a Russian BMP with a Bradley IFV.
• Drone and artillery use: Ukrainian forces are using drones and artillery to repel Russian attacks.
• Guided bombs: Russian forces dropped a record number of guided bombs.
• Ukrainian strikes: Ukrainian aviation, rocket troops, and artillery hit nine areas of concentration of personnel and equipment, two control points, three artillery systems, and two electronic warfare stations.
• Lithium reserves: The loss of Shevchenkivske means Ukraine has lost access to 13.8 million tons of lithium ores.
• Ukrainian counterattack: Pilots of the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "SKALA" launched an attack, eliminating three Russian soldiers.
• Drone warfare: Video evidence shows a Russian BMP vehicle targeted and a group of Russian infantry engaged with drone-dropped munitions.
• Helicopter operations: Ukrainian Mi-17 and Airbus H125 helicopters are being used to target Russian drones.
• Close-quarters combat: A soldier of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska" eliminated a Russian soldier.
• Tactical gains: Russian forces, with an advance near Terniv, have reportedly improved their tactical position and destroyed three strongholds, a Western artillery installation, and several Ukrainian vehicles.
• Continued fighting: The right flank of the Russian forces near Krasnoarmiisk continues to advance, with ongoing fighting near Malinovka and Yelizavetivka.
• Russian control: Russian units have reportedly entered the central part of Vodyane Druhe after taking control of strongholds to the south.
• Zelene Pole: Attempts to take Zelene Pole are ongoing.
• Drone downing: Video shows Russian forces downing a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" heavy drone near Pokrovskoe (Krasnoarmeysk).
• Deserters: Eight armed deserters from among the "zeks" (prisoners) reported near Pokrovsk.
• Russian advances: Russian forces are advancing towards Zelene Pole, with a push towards the settlement and ongoing battles in the vicinity. They reportedly advanced up to 1200 meters south of Baranivka towards Zelene Pole.
• Ukrainian strongholds: Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian strongholds and captured several опорних пунктів (strongpoints) of the 79th Separate Assault Brigade.

Kramatorsk Direction

• Russian forces advanced south of Rozlyv and expanded control in the Dachne area.
• A powerful explosion was reported in the industrial zone of Kramatorsk, injuring 13 people.
• One person was killed in Ivanopil, and another was wounded in Chasiv Yar.
• Ukrainian forces repelled two Russian attacks.
• Three engagements are ongoing near Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, and Predtechyne.
• The Ukrainian General Staff reports clashes near Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, towards Predtechyne, and Stupochky.
• Drone operators from the 27th Artillery Regiment are targeting enemy artillery positions.

Chasiv Yar

• Russian forces control approximately 20% of the refractory plant and about half of the city's urban area.
• They have taken a position on a spoil tip on the western outskirts of the Blok-9 mine.
• The bulk of the Severnyi district is under Russian control.
• Battles are reported on the southwestern outskirts.
• Russian forces are advancing towards Chasiv Yar from the southwest.
• No significant changes have occurred in the last 24 hours, but the initiative remains with the Russian forces.
• Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" are being used to attack concentrations of militants.
• The 38th Separate Engineer-Sapper Battalion is reportedly demining roads.
• Significant advances are reported, including the beginning of cleanup operations in the railway station area.
• Video evidence shows the evacuation of a wounded soldier by the "Española" unit.
• Mass evacuation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers from the Novosjeverny district is reported.
• A Russian drone operator from the 215th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion of the 98th Airborne Division destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck.
• Russian troops are completing the cleanup of the Severnyi microdistrict and are destroying Ukrainian forces in the Shevchenko microdistrict.
• Russian units also took positions in the buildings south of the Chasiv Yar Refractory Plant and advanced in the area of the Dolgoe-II tract south of the Novyi microdistrict.
• In the northern part of Chasiv Yar, fighting is ongoing for the remaining part of the Novosjeverny microdistrict.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces are concentrating forces in the area of Dniprovska Street in the Shevchenko microdistrict, trying to hold the south of the city.
• Russian FPV drones are attacking Ukrainian infantry and burning equipment on the road.
• Russian troops are pushing the Ukrainian defenses south of Chasiv Yar.
• Ukrainian forces are transferring additional forces to Chasiv Yar.
• A sniper pair from the 3rd Airborne Battalion of the 98th Airborne Division reportedly eliminated a "Baba Yaga" in Chasiv Yar.
• UAV operators of the 1065th Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division destroyed an enemy dugout near Chasiv Yar.
• Paratroopers of the 98th Airborne Division destroyed a BMP-1 with infantry of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Chasiv Yar.
• Russian forces report taking control of the "Kuznya" pond near Chasiv Yar and advancing to the "Krinichki" tract, approaching the "Yugo-Vostochny" mine.
• Russian forces have reportedly advanced at least 500 meters towards Stupochki and occupied new positions near the southern quarries of Chasiv Yar.

Kurakhove

• Most of the city has been captured.
• Heavy fighting is reported in the eastern part of Andriivka.
• West of Kurakhove, Russian troops are advancing in the Dachne and Andriivka areas, with half of the Dachne settlement cleared.
• The capture of Andriivka is strategically important.
• Russian troops are attempting to advance in the Dachne and Andriivka areas and are trying to encircle Dachne.
• The 68th regiment is storming Dachne, with half of the settlement cleared of enemy forces.
• A Ukrainian stronghold on the eastern outskirts of Andriivka was taken.
• Video evidence shows a soldier eliminating a Russian soldier near Kurakhove.
• Further video evidence shows intense fighting near Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces successfully targeting and destroying a Russian tank.
• Russian forces have reportedly expanded their control in the eastern part of Andriivka.
• Six Ukrainian soldiers reportedly surrendered near Kurakhove, claiming abandonment by their command.
• The "Kра-Даг" unit of the 15th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine is active in the area.
• Kotsnews reports that Russian forces are pushing towards Konstantinopol and that Ukrainian sources are reporting a worsening situation there due to Russian advantages in manpower and the use of drones.

Toretsk

• Ukrainian defenses are under immense strain, with less than 15% of the city under their control.
• Battles are ongoing on the northern outskirts and near several mines.
• Ukrainian forces report battles for the "Toretska" mine, with 90-95% of the city under Russian control.
• Ukrainian forces have reportedly made advances in the northern part of Toretsk.
• Russian forces are applying significant pressure around Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.
• Krymske has been liberated by Russian forces.
• Intense fighting is reported on the outskirts of Toretsk.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces are holding on to the last defense hubs in Dzerzhynsk (Toretsk).
• There hasn't been a single day without 5-6 assaults in the Toretsk direction.
• Video shows Ukrainian forces using drones to target Russian positions in Toretsk.
• Russian forces are storming the "Toretska" mine.
• A T-64 tank of the 28th Ukrainian Brigade reportedly repelled a Russian assault near Toretsk, destroying a building used by Russian forces.
• Operators of the 132nd Brigade's UAVs are targeting enemy infantry and equipment in the Toretsk direction during nighttime.
• Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian positions near Toretsk using drones.
• Russian forces have carried out 12 attacks near Krymske, Toretsk, and Shcherbynivka. One engagement is ongoing.

Siversk - Verkhnokamyanske

• Active combat operations continue near Siversk.
• Russian forces launched an attack towards Verkhnokamyanske, resulting in troops landing in the central part of the settlement.
• They reportedly advanced 1.5 km in the Siversk direction and occupied new positions in Verkhnokamyanske.
• Ukrainian positions were assaulted, and a residential area was cleared by a Russian assault group.
• Russian forces struck a Ukrainian group in the Zolotarivka Reserve, reaching the administrative border of the Luhansk People's Republic and taking control of a 1 km area.
• Video evidence shows the destruction of a railway bridge near Siversk by Russian forces.
• One attack is ongoing near Bilohorivka.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian aviation has carried out airstrikes near Siversk and Zakitne.
• Russian forces eliminated a pocket east of Verkhnokamyanske and occupied the eastern part.

Other Locations

• Horlivka: Ukrainian forces reportedly used FPV drones with cluster munitions. Ten civilians were injured in Horlivka due to shelling. Five civilians were injured in Horlivka due to shelling by Ukrainian forces using cluster munitions. Seven people were injured in attacks on Horlivka.
• Novoyeлизаvetovka: The Russian Ministry of Defense has officially declared the liberation of the settlement.
• Vuhledar: Russian sappers discovered mines made with 3D printers, indicating a new development in mine warfare. Russian forces, using FPV drones from the "Rubicon" center, destroyed a temporary deployment point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Vuhledar direction.
• Sukhi Yaly River: Russian artillerymen are targeting Ukrainian forces. 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.
• Dzerzhynsk Direction: Russian forces continue to increase their firepower near Dzerzhynsk and are expanding their control towards Shcherbynivka. Aviation and artillery are targeting Ukrainian strongholds. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the liberation of Krymskoe, with 70% of the village under their control. Fighting continues on the northern outskirts. Russian forces have advanced to the center of Shcherbynivka and eliminated the pocket between Dzerzhynsk and Shcherbynivka.
• Novopavlivsk Direction: One Russian attack was reported in the direction of Kostyantynopil. Six attacks have been reported near Kostiantynopil, Rozdilne, and Novyi Komar. Two engagements are ongoing.
• Huliaipole Direction: Russian aviation targeted Novopil. Two attacks were reported near Novosilka. Russian forces reportedly attacked Huliaipole with KABs, injuring one woman.
• Orikhiv Direction: One combat engagement is reported near Kamyanske. Ukrainian forces have repelled two attacks near Novodanylivka and Shcherbaky.
• Dachne: Video evidence shows Russian forces destroying Ukrainian positions near Dachne with a precise strike, reportedly killing several Ukrainian soldiers. The map has been updated to reflect the advances near Dachne. Russian forces are close to liberating Dachne, indicating significant progress in this area. The increased pressure on Ukrainian defenses near Dachne and the ongoing battles suggest that Russian forces are making concerted efforts to secure this strategic location.
• Sribne: Russian forces report they have taken the settlement and are completing a clear-out operation. Ukrainian forces confirm that heavy fighting continues in the area. The map has been updated to reflect the advances near Sribne. Russian forces have reportedly taken Sribne and are completing a clear-out operation. The map has been updated to reflect this advance.
• Velyka Novosilka: Confirmed under complete Russian control. Video evidence shows soldiers of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade raising the Russian flag. Russian forces are advancing towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Russian forces are disrupting Ukrainian troop regrouping and blocking the movement of personnel and equipment to the South Donetsk direction. Drone operators of the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade are targeting enemy infantry and equipment in the South Donetsk direction.
• South Donetsk Direction: Russian assault units are advancing north and west of Velyka Novosilka, capturing a 2km deep and 1.5km wide area. Drone and artillery operations are targeting and destroying Ukrainian forces and equipment, including a tank, MTLB, MRAP, MaxxPro, self-propelled artillery, and a howitzer. The current focus is on securing a foothold for further advances. Video evidence shows drone operators of the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade targeting Ukrainian forces in the South Donetsk direction. Video evidence shows snipers of the Vostok Group of Forces eliminating Ukrainian forces in the South Donetsk direction. After the liberation of Velyka Novosilka, units of the Vostok Group of Forces are thwarting AFU attempts to redeploy its manpower and hardware to this direction. UAV operators, acting in close cooperation with snipers of an infantry company, detected the movement of AFU vehicles and immobilized a US-made MaxxPro armored vehicle with AFU military personnel inside. The enemy infantry tried to leave the vehicle but were eliminated by sniper pairs using Orsis large-caliber rifles equipped with television-sighting systems.
• Stupochki: Positional fighting is reported near Artemivsk.
• Zverevo, Solone, Uspenivka, Dachne, Kotlyne, and Andriivka: Russian forces are engaged in battles near these locations.
• Bogatyrskoe: Russian assault groups have advanced to the area of Alekseevka.
• Zelenovka: Fierce fighting is reported.
• Explosions were heard near a stele 30 km from Pokrovsk, indicating the proximity of the conflict to the Dnipropetrovsk region.
• An unexploded 155mm shell was found in the bell tower of an old church.
• 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.
• Russian forces have reportedly expanded their control in the eastern part of Andriivka.

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.
• In the direction of Hrekivka, Russian forces are developing an offensive from Makiivka, with a 400m advance.
• Russian forces have approached the northern outskirts of Kupiansk, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are deploying reinforcements.
• Bohuslavka: Battles have been initiated.
• Russian forces report that they are beginning to storm Kupyansk and have destroyed the main Ukrainian forces in Zahryzove, initiating battles in Bohuslavka.
• An "operational cauldron" is forming around Ukrainian forces near Novoyehorivka.
• There are reports of fierce fighting near Novoyehorivka, with Russian forces attempting to advance towards the settlement.
• Video evidence shows the destruction of an M113 and a "Spartan" armored personnel carrier by Russian FPV drones near Petrovske/Hrekivka.
• Kupyansk Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled 18 Russian attacks near Petropavlivka, Pishchane, Stepova Novoselivka, Bohuslavka, Zahryzove, and Lozova. Three engagements are ongoing. Ukrainian forces repelled 11 attacks near Petropavlivka, Pishchane, and Zahryzove. Russian forces are suffering losses in the Kupyansk direction, with reports of attempts to regain lost positions near Petropavlivka, Nova Kruhliakivka, and Zahryzove.
• Lyman Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled eight Russian attacks near Novoiehorivka, Novoliubivka, Makiivka, Yampolivka, and Serebrianka. Russian forces report advances in the area of Ivanovka on the Krasnolimansk direction. Ukrainian forces have repelled four attacks near Terniv, Novoliubivka, and Yampolivka.
• Sribne, Dachne, Kolodyaziv: The map has been updated to reflect Russian advances in these areas.
• Novomlynsk and Dvurechnaya: Russian forces have reportedly liberated these settlements.
• Kupyansk-Kucherovka: Successful destruction of a Ukrainian self-propelled artillery system on a firing position near Kupyansk by a Russian FPV drone. Detonation of the ammunition load.
• Krasnolimansk Direction: Russian forces have expanded their control zone near Ivanovka.
• Nova Kruhliakivka: There are reports of Russian forces taking Ukrainian forces into an "operational cauldron".
• Russian forces are expanding their bridgehead on the right bank of the Zherebets River, advancing in the direction of Kolodyazi on a front of up to 3.5 km to a depth of more than 1.3 km. Ukrainian military analysts reported that Russian troops advanced along several forest strips west and southwest of Ivanovka towards Kolodyazi on a front of up to 3.1 km to a depth of up to 1 km, slightly differing from the Russian claims.
• Heavy fighting is reported for Bilohorivka, with Russian forces attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces from the west. They advanced on several streets within the settlement.

Kursk Region

• The Ukrainian counteroffensive has stalled, with Russian forces regaining territory. Several settlements have been captured, including Nikolaevo-Daryino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Malaya Loknya. The liberation of Nikolaevo-Daryino is confirmed.
• Heavy fighting continues near Nikolsky.
• Sudzha: Russian forces are bypassing the city from the south. A Ukrainian activist and local media report that a FAB was dropped on the Sudzha boarding school. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the airstrike, stating it was a deliberate attack with a guided aerial bomb (KAB). The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the Ukrainian Armed Forces committed a war crime by launching a targeted missile attack on the school, asserting that air defense systems detected enemy missile launches from the Sumy region. The Ukrainian Air Force is attempting to refute its attack on Sudzha by presenting a screenshot from the "Virage-Tablet" system, allegedly showing a "Russian KAB" [FAB with UMPK]. However, images from the "Virage-Tablet" system have been accessible to the Russian side for years and do not correspond to the image presented by the enemy. Russian authorities are calling for international condemnation of the attack, labeling it a "cynical crime" and a "terrorist act." Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that all organizers and perpetrators will face inevitable punishment. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case against Colonel Rostislav Karpusha, commander of the 19th Separate Missile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, for allegedly ordering the missile strike. For the terrorist attack on the school in Sudzha, a criminal case has been opened against the commander of the 19th Separate Missile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 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. 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." A school bus was attacked by a drone. The driver is in serious condition, and five children received shrapnel wounds. Analysis from "Rybar" suggests the attack on Sudzha was carried out by Ukrainian forces using HIMARS rockets, with a launch site identified near Malaya Rybitsa in the Sumy region. The report highlights previous Russian strikes on Ukrainian military targets in the area and accuses Ukraine of using the attack to distract from Russian military successes and discredit the Russian leadership. Rescue operations at the destroyed boarding school are being hampered by continuous Russian drone attacks. A wounded woman is reportedly trapped under the rubble.
• A Ukrainian assault force was destroyed during an attempted landing near Tetkino.
• Reports of significant North Korean casualties. South Korea's intelligence confirms the withdrawal of North Korean troops from the Kursk region due to heavy losses. Approximately 300 North Korean soldiers were reportedly killed and 2,700 wounded out of an estimated 11,000 deployed. Ukrainian military reports indicate that North Korean troops have not been participating in combat operations in Kursk since mid-January. The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has also confirmed this. Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov has refuted claims that North Korean troops have withdrawn from the front line in the Kursk region. This contradicts earlier reports and suggests that the situation regarding North Korean involvement remains unclear.
• Refugees from the Kursk region are protesting and demanding a meeting with the acting governor. There is also a video of a man accusing refugees of being ungrateful and claiming he lived in worse conditions in his childhood.
• Since the beginning of hostilities, Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses: over 52,870 troops, 304 tanks, and numerous other military vehicles and equipment.
• Russian forces are advancing, with battles near Sverdlykove and nearby forested areas. The situation on the morning of February 4 remains unchanged, with Russian troops engaging in fierce battles in the forest belts to advance towards the settlement of Nikolaev, where the enemy is reinforcing its defenses and deploying additional forces to hold this line.
• Over 100 paratroopers have reportedly been deployed to the Sudzhansky district for a counterattack near Nikolsky.
• Reports indicate that contractors have allegedly embezzled over 3 billion rubles allocated for the construction of fortifications.
• The landing attempt of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 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. In the vicinity of Staraya/Novaya Sorochina, Russian troops conducted an offensive with limited objectives, achieving success and consolidating their positions on the achieved lines. In fact, there are counter-battles here, and the control zones are quite unstable, as either side attacks. In Pogrebki, the situation remains unchanged. In Russkoye and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Russian troops improved their position along the front line, although this is more of a tactical success since the control line remained almost the same. In Martynovka, there are no significant changes. The enemy is installing barbed wire on their forward positions, fearing an offensive from the Russian side. Russian forces report intense fighting near Kositsa, with troops from the 1427th regiment advancing from Russkoye Porechnoye to the outskirts of the village and engaging in efforts to dislodge the enemy.
• Findings on the Front: The "North" group's fighters are increasingly finding Western weapons and ammunition in the territories liberated from the enemy in the Kursk border area.
• Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian assaults in the Kursk region.
• In the Kursk region, the enemy delivered up to a company of militants to Nikolsky. After entering the area, the enemy troops tried to attack, our troops repulsed the attack with fire, the enemy suffered losses of up to 50 people. From Nikolsky, they are pressing in the direction of Russkoye Porechnoye to cut off the enemy grouping at Malaya Lokna and to the north. In the northern part of Russkoye Porechnoye, they struck a group of the enemy, resulting in the loss of one AFV and about 20 personnel in the temporary deployment point. Crimean paratroopers are pressing on Sverdlikovo, where the paratroopers' UAV operators also hit an enemy tank. The elimination of Ukrainians from the nearest forest plantations is ongoing.
• The intensity of the fighting is being compared to the battles of Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
• Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspected the Yug Group of Forces.
• Russian forces are continuing to advance in the region of Sverdlikovo and north of Guevo. In Makhnovka, there are fierce battles. Russian troops continue to try to push the enemy out of the settlement.
• 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. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Ukrainian forces lost two tanks, over 200 troops, and four armored personnel carriers in the Kursk direction.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces claim to have destroyed a command post of the "Kursk" troop grouping of the Russian Armed Forces in Rylsk, Kursk region. The coordinates of the targeted command post in Rylsk were reportedly 51.566079, 34.716233.
• Su-34 fighter-bombers, accompanied by Su-35S, destroyed a stronghold of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region.
• Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region with Su-25 aircraft, launching missiles at low altitudes.
• Ukrainian forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center are conducting operations in the Kursk region, collecting data on Russian and North Korean troops.
• Ukrainian forces will attempt to hold their occupied portion of the Kursk region for 100 days.
• Heavy flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" crews reportedly destroyed strongholds of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in a border area of the Kursk region.
• Video shows the work of drone operators from the 69th Separate Covering Brigade of the 35th Army of the "Vostok" group in the Kursk region.
• Video shows the work of drone operators from the 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade in the Kursk region, with reports of the capture and clearing of two strongholds south of Nikolaevo-Daryino.
• Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone with a sniper rifle in the Kursk region. Another "Baba Yaga" drone was eliminated.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle with a "Lancet" loitering munition in the Kursk region.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Ukrainian forces lost two tanks, over 200 troops, and four armored personnel carriers in the Kursk direction.
• Russian forces, supported by artillery and FPV drones, destroyed a Ukrainian BMP-2 in the Kursk region.
• Video shows a Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroying a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
• Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
• Video evidence shows Ukrainian forces destroying a column of Russian armored vehicles near the border between Kursk and Sumy regions.
• Ussuri paratroopers are displaying captured trophies and the restoration of a captured Ukrainian BMP-2 in the border areas of the Kursk region.
• A Russian Mi-28NM helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of the Kursk region.
• A Russian drone targeted and destroyed a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer in Makhnovka, Kursk region.
• Russian troops are using an FPV drone to strike a Ukrainian group advancing at night near Makhnovka.
• A Russian drone operator targeted a Ukrainian 2S1 "Carnation" self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk region.
• A Russian "Lancet" drone operator from the "Sever" group targeted a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier near Yuzhnoye in the Kursk region.
• An FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian T-72M1 tank in the Kursk border area.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold in the Kursk border area with a Su-34 bomber.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian BMP with an FPV drone in the Kursk border area.
• Russian forces are destroying Ukrainian manpower and equipment in the Kursk direction.
• Russian airborne forces are destroying a Ukrainian D-30 howitzer near Makhnovka.
• The acting governor of the Kursk region met with refugees from areas occupied by Ukrainian forces.
• The Ukrainian Armed Forces claim to have destroyed a command post of the "Kursk" troop grouping of the Russian Armed Forces in Rylsk, Kursk region.
• The death of the Deputy Governor of Primorsky Krai, Sergei Efremov, in the **Kurs