Updated Analysis of the Military Situation in Ukraine - January 2, 2025, 09:17 UTC

Strategic Overview

Russian forces maintain offensive momentum, particularly in the Donetsk region, with significant advances reported around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). They expanded their control zone near Kurakhove, reaching the northern outskirts of Krasne (Sontsovka), capturing part of Slavyanka, and liberating Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and Gigant. They are also advancing near Novoelizavetovka, Ukrainka, and west of Myrnohrad, controlling Vozdvizhenka and a major strongpoint along the C-05-09-07 highway. The capture of Vozdvyzhenka is further confirmed by pro-Russian sources, emphasizing the strategic goal of cutting off the highway to Pokrovsk and encircling the city from the right flank. In the Vremivka direction, they captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka, liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road, and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne.

Russian forces report taking most of Novovasylivka in the Mezheve (Krasnoarmiisk, left flank) direction, with ongoing cleanup operations in the western part of the village. They are also applying pressure south of Uspenovka and advancing in the fields along the ravines and forest belts. After securing the western part of Novoelizavetovka, Russian assault units are attacking Nadezhdinka and to the south, across the dam, towards Sribne and Novoandreevka. Simultaneously, Russian assault units are engaged in battles to capture Yaseneve (Yasenovoe). Southeast of this area, Russian forces have entered Slavyanka and Petropavlovka, securing their positions and continuing to advance. Further south, battles are ongoing for a Ukrainian fortified area. North of Shevchenko, Russian forces have captured some Ukrainian positions on the eastern side.

Heavy fighting continues in the Pokrovsk direction, with Russian forces attempting to encircle the city rather than engage in direct assaults. Ukrainian forces are actively countering, with reports of 47 out of 72 enemy drones shot down, and 24 drones that failed to reach their targets. The Ukrainian Air Force reports repeated launches of guided aerial bombs on Sumy Oblast by Russian tactical aviation, indicating continued and potentially expanding aerial threats. The destruction of a Ukrainian radar station AN/TPQ-36 by Russian forces is reported, showcasing the ongoing battle for technological superiority.

Drone warfare remains a critical component, with extensive use by both sides. Ukrainian drone operators from the 66th Mechanized Brigade report successful targeting of Russian soldiers, as evidenced by thermal imaging footage. Ukrainian forces report the destruction of two "Shahed" drones by the 35th Sumy Regiment of the National Guard. Ukrainian forces released a compilation video highlighting their successful drone operations, destroying Russian equipment and personnel, specifically targeting an antenna complex and a "Bukhmobile". A Russian drone attack on Ukrainian positions using FPV drones resulted in five casualties. Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian radar station AN/TPQ-36 in the Kherson direction.

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Ukrainian defense forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region. Powerful explosions and a fire were recorded at the facility, with heavy smoke observed. Reservoirs with oil products reportedly caught fire. The base was known to be used for supplying the Russian occupying army.

Key Developments

Russian Military Actions and Advances

• Donetsk Region:

  • Positional battles near Kurakhove, with Russian infantry attacking towards Petropavlivka.
  • Russian forces expanded their control zone in Krasne (Sontsovka), reaching the northern outskirts.
  • Heavy fighting in Novovasylivka, 10 km southwest of Pokrovsk, with active assault operations.
  • Russian forces are advancing west of Uspenovka and expanding the control zone northwest of Uspenovka.
  • Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud in the DPR.
  • Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and advancing on Yantarnoye, destroying a bridge over the Volchya River in the Kurakhove direction.
  • Russian forces liberated an additional 5 sq km, advancing south of Ukrainian positions in the industrial zone in the Kurakhove direction.
  • Russian forces captured Novyi Komar and Novopustynka in the Vremivka direction.
  • Russian forces liberated around 10 sq km along the Huliaipole - Velyka Novosilka road and dislodged Ukrainian forces from Rozdolne in the Vremivka direction.
  • Russian forces liberated Makarivka on December 16th and gained control over the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
  • Russian forces liberated Uspenovka, and Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket."
  • Russian forces liberated Neskuchne in DPR.
  • Russian forces liberated more than 5 square kilometers of the territory of the DPR and are advancing from the settlement of Zarya towards Yasenev in the Vremivka direction.
  • Russian forces have taken control of Novoolenivka, Donetsk People's Republic.
  • Russian forces report destroying one IFV and one APC near Yantarne, Donetsk Oblast.
  • Russian forces report advancing near Vovkovo, Solone, and Novovasylivka.
  • Russian forces report advancing near Kurakhove thermal power plant.
  • Russian forces report advancing in Dzerzhinsk near waste heap No. 10.
  • In Mezheve (Krasnoarmiisk, left flank) direction, Russian forces report taking most of Novovasylivka.
  • Russian forces are also applying pressure south of Uspenovka.
  • After securing the western part of Novoelizavetovka, Russian assault units are attacking Nadezhdinka and to the south, across the dam, towards Sribne and Novoandreevka.
  • Russian assault units are engaged in battles to capture Yaseneve (Yasenovoe).
  • Southeast, Russian forces have entered Slavyanka and Petropavlovka.
  • North of Shevchenko, Russian forces have captured some Ukrainian positions on the eastern side.
  • Positional fighting is reported in the Lysychansk-Belohorivka area, with Russian forces advancing approximately 800 meters.

• Kursk Region:

  • Russian forces are making progress in the forests of the Sudzhansky district and near Leonidovo and Kurilovka.
  • Ukrainian reserves, including foreign mercenaries, are reportedly being transferred to the region.
  • Russian forces report reaching Kurylivka, south of Sudzha.

• Krasnolimansky Direction:

  • Russian forces are attempting to capture heights beyond Ivanovka near Terny.
  • A buildup of Russian forces is noted on the newly formed bridgehead in Ivanovka on the right bank of the Zherebets River.
  • Russian forces report storming Ukrainian positions near Terny.

• Belgorod Region:

  • Two civilians were injured in a drone attack on a vehicle.
  • Partial power outages were reported in Shebekino due to shelling.

• Donetsk People's Republic (DPR):

  • Four civilians were injured in Panteleimonovka (Yasynuvata district) due to shelling.
  • A radio operator of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations was injured in Horlivka.

• Chasiv Yar: Russian forces report new positions in the northern part of the city, advancing up to 1.5 km.

• Dzerzhynsk: Russian forces report advancing towards waste heap No. 10.

• Krasnoarmiisk-Novoaleksandrivka: Russian forces report active combat operations with motorized rifle units, including an assault towards Novoaleksandrivka.

Ukrainian Actions

• Drone Attacks on Russia:

  • 13 drones were destroyed over Voronezh, Bryansk, Rostov, Kaluga, and Kursk Oblasts.
  • Two additional Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Bryansk Oblast.
  • A drone was shot down in Orlov Oblast during the day.
  • Reports of a drone being rammed by a Russian drone over Pokrovsk.
  • Four more Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Belgorod region in the morning.

• Drone Attacks on Ukraine:

  • Ukrainian air defenses report shooting down 47 out of 72 drones, 24 drones that failed to reach their targets, and one drone still airborne.
  • 5 Russian drones were shot down over Sumy Oblast.
  • 5 Russian drones were shot down over Cherkasy Oblast.
  • New reports of drone threats in Kharkiv and Poltava Oblasts.
  • Enemy tactical aviation is active in the east and north-east, with a threat of air strikes in the frontline regions.
  • Ukrainian air defense forces report shooting down two "Shahed" drones in the Sumy region.

• Black Sea:

  • One Russian missile carrier is present in the Black Sea, but without Kalibr missiles. No enemy ships are observed in the Azov Sea.

• Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

  • A Russian attack using 11 guided aerial bombs (KABs) targeted a five-story building, causing its destruction and resulting in one death.

• Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast:

  • Overnight, Russian artillery shelling targeted Nikopol, but no casualties were reported.

• Kryvyi Rih District:

  • No shelling was reported in the Kryvyi Rih district overnight.

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

  • One person was reported killed due to a Russian attack in the Vasylivka district.
  • 361 attacks reported on 11 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

• Kharkiv Oblast:

  • Balakliya and Izyum are being prepared for all-around defense.
  • Russian forces launched guided aerial bombs on Turove, Stohnii, Kovali, Zavodske, Petrivka, and Udy.
  • A car was damaged by a drone attack in Kupyansk.
  • Civilian infrastructure was damaged in Kozacha Lopan.

Losses

• Ukrainian Losses (Past 24 Hours):

  • 1,370 personnel
  • 20 artillery systems
  • 54 vehicles
  • 69 UAVs
  • 4 tanks
  • 13 armored personnel vehicles
  • The chief of staff of the Western Operational Command, Colonel Alexander Seletsky, was reportedly killed.

• Russian Losses:

  • Reports of significant losses among North Korean soldiers in the Russian army.
  • Ukrainian forces report confirmed losses of 44 enemy personnel, 11 artillery pieces, 14 armored vehicles, 7 attack UAVs, 4 reconnaissance UAVs, 3 boats, 1 quad bike, 2 Starlink terminals, 3 EW complexes, 4 generators, 4 communication antennas, 7 UAV control antennas, 6 dugouts/shelters, 3 firing positions, and 1 logistics storage site.
  • Over the past day, Russian losses amounted to 1,610 personnel, five tanks, 27 armored fighting vehicles, 34 artillery systems, 12 operational-tactical UAVs, 75 vehicles, and one unit of special equipment.

Other Significant Developments

• Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP): Foreign equipment installed during the Ukrainian period at the ZNPP will be replaced with Russian equipment.

• New Russian Legislation: Fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 rubles will be imposed from February 5 on those providing services to foreigners on the list of controlled persons. Starting March 5, police in Russia will have the right to freely enter the homes of migrants.

• Transnistria: Due to Ukraine cutting off Russian gas supplies to Europe and Moldova's decision to sever relations with Gazprom, Transnistria is cut off from gas supplies. This has caused a reaction from the Russian army.

• Occupied Territories: Starting January 1, 2025, Ukrainians in occupied territories who have not obtained a Russian passport will be deprived of their rights, including access to subsidized medicines.

• Belgorod Region, Russia: Cellular communication stations will be installed in 2025 in settlements where there has never been any communication.

• Russian Military-Medical Academy: The deputy head of the Kirov Military Medical Academy, Pavel Veshkin, has been charged with large-scale bribery.

• Air Defenses in Sumy Oblast: Five Russian drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces in Sumy Oblast.

• Russian Military Claims: The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have carried out over 1,500 high-precision and drone strikes in 2024.

• Escalation in Belgorod: The injury of two civilians due to a drone attack and power outages in Shebekino indicates an escalation of conflict in the Belgorod region.

• Casualties in DPR: The injury of four civilians in Panteleimonovka and a radio operator in Horlivka highlights the continued impact of the conflict on the civilian population in the Donetsk People's Republic.

• Fundraising for Drones: The message from "Colonelcassad" requesting funds for drones for troops assaulting Toretsk emphasizes the ongoing need for equipment and support for Russian forces.

• US Department of the Treasury: The US Department of the Treasury's office responsible for sanctions and its head, Janet Yellen, were reportedly hacked by hackers associated with the PRC.

• Ukrainian Military Successes: The Ukrainian Armed Forces report the destruction of 1,370 Russian troops, 20 artillery systems, 54 vehicles, and 69 drones in the past 24 hours.

• Drone Activity in Sumy Oblast: Five Russian drones were reportedly shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces in Sumy Oblast.

• Drone Activity in Cherkasy Oblast: Five Russian drones were reportedly shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces in Cherkasy Oblast overnight.

• Mass Shootings in the US: Multiple reports of mass shootings in the US, including incidents in New York and Las Vegas, with a total of at least 32 people injured and 12 killed. One of the incidents involved the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck near the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. While the police are considering the possibility of a terrorist attack, they have also noted that the explosion may have been caused by pyrotechnics detonating inside the vehicle. The FBI believes the explosion was an isolated incident.

• Corruption in Russian Military: The deputy head of the Kirov Military Medical Academy, Pavel Veshkin, has been charged with large-scale bribery. He is accused of receiving money from the company "SL Pharma" in exchange for contracts related to medical equipment. The case also involves other military and civilian individuals.

• Political Developments in the US: Donald Trump has made numerous campaign promises, including ending the conflict in Ukraine, closing the borders, and implementing various domestic policy changes. However, he has already acknowledged that resolving the conflict in Ukraine may be more difficult than he initially claimed.

• EU-Hungary Relations: The EU's decision to withhold funds from Hungary adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

• Ukrainian Military Ombudsman: President Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova as the new military ombudsman. This appointment is being criticized by some members of the military due to Reshetilova's past actions, including a trip to occupied Crimea in 2015 and a visit to Chechnya in 2016.

• Gas Transportation Tariffs: Tariffs for gas transportation may increase fourfold for domestic consumers in Ukraine due to the cessation of Russian gas transit.

• Infrastructure in Poland: Poland plans to build a road to the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region for rapid troop deployment.

• Potential Targets: Reports that Russia has developed plans for a potential war with Japan and South Korea.

• Recruitment Centers in Ukraine: Over 32,000 Ukrainians applied to recruitment centers in the first year of operation.

• New Legislation in Ukraine: President Zelensky signed a law eliminating Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSECs).

• SpaceX and Starlink: SpaceX has reportedly entered into a new agreement to provide satellite communication services to Ukraine through Kyivstar. SpaceX also has a contract with the US Department of Defense to provide 2,500 Starlink terminals to Ukraine with access to the Starshield system.

• Alleged Attempted Assassination: Reports of an attempted assassination of an illegally mobilized individual in Donetsk.

• Russian Military Training: The Russian Minister of Defense inspected combat training of Black Sea Fleet marines, focusing on tactical and special training, including the use of FPV drones.

• Fundraising Campaigns: Several fundraising campaigns for both Ukrainian and Russian forces are ongoing.

• Public Opinion Poll: A poll by the "Rating" group indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are the most trusted institution in Ukraine.

• Russian Naval Successes: The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy reported that the Pacific Fleet was ranked first among Russian fleets in 2024.

• Italy's Contribution: Italy has contributed 13 million euros to Ukraine's energy support fund.

• Turkey's Position: President Erdogan stated that ending the war in Ukraine is a priority for 2025.

• Financial Times Prediction: Predicts a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the next year.

• Report on Ukrainian Drone Production: Ukraine is now producing 96% of the drones needed for the front, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Over 1.2 million drones have been procured through the "Army of Drones" project.

• Report on Russian Military Production: A video from a volunteer sewing workshop in Rostov-on-Don indicates increased production of military supplies for Russian forces.

• Report on Russian Military Awards: Over the course of the "Special Military Operation," 52 servicemen in the "Vostok" group have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, and 14 military units have been designated as "Guards."

• New Year Address by Putin: President Putin delivered a New Year's address, expressing confidence in the country's future and acknowledging the challenges ahead.

• Report on Russian Tank Production: Uralvagonzavod has delivered the final batch of new T-90M and upgraded T-72B3M tanks for the year to the Russian military.

• Latvia's Support: Latvia plans to transfer 1000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and allocate 20 million euros for drone procurement in 2025.

• New message from "Alex Parker Returns": Reports that Gazprom has begun to cut off gas supplies through Ukraine. Claims that one of the goals of the SMO was to control the gas transportation system of Ukraine.

• New message from "РБК-Україна": Reports that the Financial Times predicts a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the next year, with the US potentially threatening tougher sanctions against Russia and increasing support for Kyiv to achieve this.

• New message from "ТАСС": Reports that the Russian government will expand the coverage of duties on products from unfriendly countries starting January 1, with increased duties on beer, cider, roasted and instant coffee, and an expansion of existing duties on perfumery and cosmetic products.

• New message from "Alex Parker Returns": Reports that there was a successful strike in Vasilkov, with significant damage and casualties.

• New message from "Два майора": Shares an image with the text "Reference:" followed by a description of Operation "Uran" (November 19, 1942 - February 2, 1943), a counteroffensive during the Great Patriotic War aimed at encircling and destroying the enemy group near Stalingrad.

• New message from "Colonelcassad": Shares a summary of the Russian Ministry of Defense's report on repelling the attempted invasion of Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region of the Russian Federation as of December 31, 2024. The report states that units of the "North" group, during offensive operations, inflicted damage on formations of the heavy mechanized, six mechanized, three airborne assault brigades, a marine brigade, two territorial defense brigades, and an assault battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. A counterattack by a Ukrainian assault group was repelled. Operational-tactical and army aviation strikes, as well as artillery fire, targeted enemy manpower and equipment in the areas of Alexandria, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kazachya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, as well as Belovody and Zhuravka in the Sumy region. Over the course of the day, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 445 servicemen, with the destruction of one armored personnel carrier, 13 armored fighting vehicles, and 22 vehicles. In total, during the combat operations in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost up to 45,980 servicemen, 262 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 143 armored personnel carriers, 1,372 armored fighting vehicles, 1,259 vehicles, 337 artillery pieces, 42 multiple rocket launcher systems, including 11 HIMARS and six MLRS made in the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile system launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 83 electronic warfare stations, 13 counter-battery radars, four air defense radars, 28 units of engineering and other equipment, including 13 engineering obstacle clearing vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing system, seven armored recovery vehicles, and a command and staff vehicle.

• Report of Ukrainian delegation visit to Damascus: Ukrainian delegation visited Damascus and presented a traditional Ukrainian shirt to al-Julani.

• Report of non-public part of negotiations between Ukrainian delegation and Damascus: Kyiv is reportedly interested in acquiring jihadists, particularly Chechens, and weapons from the remnants of the Syrian government army.

• Claim of potential appearance of Chechen fighters in the Special Military Operation zone: The report suggests that Chechen fighters who previously fought in Aleppo and Homs might soon appear in the conflict zone, fighting on the Ukrainian side.

• Report of Russian forces being attacked by soldiers from the Foreign Legion under Pokrovsk: Russian forces attacked soldiers from the Foreign Legion near Pokrovsk.

• Three Russian soldiers were released from hospitals: The condition of three other soldiers remains critical.

• Report of renewed attack on Lgov with 8 Storm Shadow missiles: The attack suggests the use of Western long-range precision weapons against targets in Russia.

• Appointment of former head of Kyiv Regional State Administration: Ruslan Kravchenko has been appointed head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine.

• Inspection of combat training of Black Sea Fleet marines: Russian Minister of Defense inspected combat training, focusing on tactical and special training, including the use of FPV drones.

• Report on the downing of a Russian helicopter by a Ukrainian drone: A Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a Russian helicopter using an R-73 missile.

• Sabotage in Tver: The Legion "Freedom of Russia" claimed responsibility for setting fire to a communication tower in Tver. This indicates internal resistance and potential sabotage operations within Russia.

• Map Updates: Several changes to the map were reported, including:

  • Russian forces advancing past the Solen River near Dachenskoye.
  • Russian forces capturing the railway station in Chasiv Yar.
  • Russian forces advancing near the Agronom farm.
  • Russian forces improving positions in Toretsk.
  • Russian forces advancing west of Uspenovka.
  • Russian forces expanding the control zone north of Dachenskoye.
  • Russian forces entering Makhnovka.
  • Russian forces advancing in Vozdvyzhenka.
  • Russian forces expanding the control zone northwest of Uspenovka.
  • Russian forces liberating Volkovo.
  • Russian forces controlling most of Terny.

• New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky.

• New message from "ASTRA": Reports that Alexander Khinshtein, the acting head of the Kursk region, denied state support to entrepreneurs from Sudzha and warned that resettled residents should not expect increased compensation. During a meeting with initiative groups of residents of Sudzha, Khinshtein stated that entrepreneurs from the Kursk region should not expect any assistance. He believes that the standard of living of people who were able to start their own business is necessarily above average, which means that such people do not need state assistance. Khinshtein also refused to increase compensation for resettled residents, stating that the pensions, roads, and infrastructure that they had before 2022 were already provided by the state.

• New message from "ОТУ "Харків"": Shares a video of soldiers from the 57th Motorized Brigade delivering New Year's greetings near Volchansk.

• New message from "Два майора": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky, to the personnel of the Airborne Forces and the "Dnepr" group of troops.

• New message from "Воин DV": Shares New Year's greetings from subscribers to the channel, including a message from the mother of a soldier in the 38th Brigade, a message from family and friends of soldiers, and a message from a soldier in the Far East.

• New message from "АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z": Shares a New Year's address from the Commander of the Airborne Forces, General-Colonel M.Yu. Teplinsky.

• New message from "ASTRA": Reports that Alexander Khinshtein, the acting head of the Kursk region, denied state support to entrepreneurs from Sudzha and warned that resettled residents should not expect increased compensation. During a meeting with initiative groups of residents of Sudzha, Khinshtein stated that entrepreneurs from the Kursk region should not expect any assistance. He believes that the standard of living of people who were able to start their own business is necessarily above average, which means that such people do not need state assistance. Khinshtein also refused to increase compensation for resettled residents, stating that the pensions, roads, and infrastructure that they had before 2022 were already provided by the state.

Updated Situation

Russian forces continue their offensive, making significant gains, particularly in the Donetsk region. The capture of several settlements, including Ivanivka, Zahryzove, Novyi Trud, and Lozova, is confirmed. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, especially in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and the Vremivka direction. In Vremivka, Russian forces have reportedly cut off the last paved road supplying the Ukrainian garrison in Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fighting withdrawal, attempting to consolidate their defenses, particularly near the Dnipro River.

Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Okhrimivka, Petrivka, Kovali, Alisivka, Udy, Kozacha Lopan, Lyptsi, Mali Prokhody of Kharkiv region, Khrinivka of Chernihiv region, Dachne, Scherbynivka, Oleksandropil, Valentynivka, Vodyane Druhe, Yasenove, Oleksiyivka, Dokuchayevsk, Kostyantynopil, Andriyivka of Donetsk region, Stepnohirsk, Prymorske of Zaporizhzhia region. At Kupyansk axis clashes yesterday near Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Lozova and Nova Kruhlyakivka. At Lyman axis clashes yesterday near Novoserhiyivka, Tverdokhlibove, Kopanky, Makiyivka, Ivanivka, Zelenyi Hai, Torske, Terny and Serebryanskyi forest. At Sieversk axis clashes yesterday near Serebryanka. At Kramatorsk axis clashes yesterday near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky and Predtechyne. At Toretsk axis clashes yesterday near Toretsk, Dyliyivka and towards Scherbynivka. At Pokrovsk axis clashes yesterday near Vozdvyzhenka, Myrolubivka, Lysivka, Nove Truda, Solone, Kotlyne, Pischane, Pokrovsk, Novoyelyzavetivka, Promin, Zelene, Novoolenivka, Shevchenka, Dachenske and Novovasylivka. At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Ukrayinka, Petropavlivka and Kurakhove. At Vremivka axis clashes yesterday near Dachne, Kostyantynopil, Yantarne, Novosilka, Rozlyv and Novyi Komar. At Orikhiv axis clashes yesterday near Novoandriyivka. At Kherson axis Ukrainian forces have repelled 2 Russian army assaults at Zabych island.

Drone warfare remains a critical component, with ongoing drone activity reported in multiple regions, including near Kyiv and Poltava. Both sides are utilizing drones extensively for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report destroying Russian equipment and personnel with drones, while also highlighting the need for more advanced electronic warfare capabilities to counter Russian drones. Ukrainian drone production has reportedly reached 96% of the front's needs, with over 1.2 million drones procured through the "Army of Drones" project. Russian forces are actively using drones to target and eliminate Ukrainian manpower, and there are reports of Ukrainian drones successfully targeting Russian helicopters. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian defense forces struck another oil depot of the Russian occupiers, "Yartsevskaya" in the Smolensk region.

A new and significant development is the emergence of a ballistic missile threat, particularly targeting Kyiv, Shostka, Odesa, and Chornomorsk. Air defense systems are active in Kyiv, and strikes have been reported in Shostka. The threat of ballistic missiles from Bryansk and Kursk adds complexity to the situation. The recent attack on Lgov using Storm Shadow missiles highlights Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities and their potential impact on Russian military assets within Russia itself. The reported casualties and damage underscore the increasing intensity of the conflict.

Russian forces have reportedly captured the railway station in Chasiv Yar, a significant blow to Ukrainian forces defending the city. Fighting continues in the urban areas, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city. In Kurakhove, Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city, and Ukrainian forces have reportedly withdrawn. Russian forces are also making advances in the Kursk region, securing footholds in several settlements and pressing towards Sudzha.

The Ukrainian MANTICORA battalion is fundraising for drones, Starlink systems, and other equipment, highlighting the continued need for resources on the Ukrainian side. The Ukrainian Air Force reports the launch of guided aerial bombs by Russian tactical aviation in the Donetsk region.

Four Ukrainian servicemen from the 44th Brigade are accused of committing terrorist acts in the Kursk region.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports that overnight, Russian forces attacked with 43 drones, 21 of which were shot down and 22 missed their targets. Damage to private residences was reported in Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts due to falling debris.

Russian forces have improved positions in Novovasylivka and Novoelizavetovka. They also advanced in Vozdvyzhenka. Russian forces have captured Peschanoe and entered Shevchenko.

Ukrainian border guards from the "Revenge" brigade conducted precise strikes in the Luhansk region, destroying a tank, two cannons, an ammunition depot, and 15 vehicles.

Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying Russian equipment and capturing Russian soldiers.

Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian assault near Klishchiivka, destroying Russian equipment and personnel.

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike operation in the Pokrovsk direction, targeting a Russian command post and destroying a Starlink station.

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot.

Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.

Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy three Russian field howitzers near Volchansk.

Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian communication tower and a supply depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Ukrainian forces used drones to target Russian positions in the Kurakhove direction.

Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.

Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to destroy a German Leopard 1 tank.

Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to shoot down an enemy UAV.

Ukrainian forces report shooting down 15 out of 16 drones, with one drone "lost."

Ukrainian forces report shooting down two more Russian drones over the Belgorod region.

Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Ukrainian Air Force reports updates on the movement of Russian drones, with drones on the border of Vinnitsa and Kyiv oblasts moving southwest, drones in northern Kyiv moving west, drones north of Poltava moving northwest, drones in northern Sumy constantly changing course, and drones south of Sumy moving east.

Ukrainian Air Force reports no threat of attack drones.

Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.

Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.

Ukrainian forces report a 19-fold increase in the supply of drones to their units in 2024, compared to the previous year.

Ukrainian forces report a Russian drone strike on the central market in Nikopol, causing damage to the market and injuring 8 civilians, 7 of them being hospitalized.

Ukrainian forces report that a Russian drone control center near Velyka Novosilka was destroyed by drone operators.

Ukrainian forces report that their drones can strike targets up to 2000 km away.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, reported that Russia is integrating AI into Shahed drones to enhance their target recognition capabilities, even when offline.

Overnight, Russian forces actively attempted to attack Tokmak, Energodar and Melitopol. Ukrainian air defense successfully shot down hostile objects.

Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.

Russian forces report needing more Mavic drones to break through enemy defenses on all fronts, from Kursk to Kurakhove.

Russian forces report that operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and

Previous Report (2025-01-02 08:50:38Z)