Comprehensive Battlefront Breakdown: A Strategic Look at Every Front

In this report I will review the most significant changes over the past few days along the entire front line. This time, we focus on developments in Kursk, Liman, Toretsk, and Kurakhove.

Starting with Kursk, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack in the region on the fifth of January. The operation involved simultaneous advances along different vectors of the front line, with the main assault directed northeast of Sudzha, parallel to the R200 road toward the city of Kursk.

Reports indicate an exceptional level of preparation for the operation, highlighted by the use of unprecedented electronic countermeasure equipment that rendered Russian drones completely inoperable. Ukrainian forces initially gained control of approximately 25 square kilometers north of Martynovka, extending to the settlement of Berdin, and are now fighting to capture Bolshoe Soldatskoe, the most important settlement in the area.

The tactical objectives for the Ukrainians include executing a preventive maneuver to secure control over Sudzha and reduce the risk of repeated Russian attempts from Malaya Loknya resulting in encirclement of Ukrainian forces further north. Strategically, this operation expands Ukrainian-controlled territory in Kursk, which could serve as a bargaining chip in potential future negotiations, while also forcing Russian command to divert additional resources from other front-line areas to stabilize the situation. Furthermore, this represents a significant blow to Putin and the Russian military’s domestic and international standing.

In summary, Ukraine maintains a consolidated position in Kursk. While it is too early to fully assess the results of the new Ukrainian offensive, initial outcomes are promising, having caught Russian forces off guard, expanded Ukrainian-held territory, and disrupted Russian plans in the region.

Moving to the Liman direction, the situation presents mixed news. As previously noted, Russian objectives here involve expelling Ukrainian forces from their bridgehead east of the Zherebets River to advance toward the critical logistical and communications hub of Liman.

On one hand, Russian forces renewed their assaults on Terny, attempting to break Ukrainian defenses with artillery fire and large mechanized assaults. However, these efforts were undermined by the inherent logistical challenges of the area, resulting in the complete failure of their assault. Most Russian soldiers were detected and neutralized before reaching the village through direct tank fire.

On the other hand, recent reports indicate Russian advances in Ivanivka. Russian forces reportedly crossed the Zherebets River through a northern passage near Terny and established a foothold in Ivanivka. However, it should be noted that Ivanivka lies at the base of elevated terrain controlled by Ukrainian forces. The coming days will reveal whether the Russians can hold these positions or will be forced back across the river.

In general, the situation in the Liman direction remains stable, with Ukrainian forces holding the Terny stronghold. However, the Russian advance across the river suggests a potential change in tactics, warranting close monitoring of developments in Ivanivka.

Moving to the Toretsk direction, the situation is again mixed. Russian forces persist in their objective to fully capture the city, aiming to flatten the salient between Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar as part of a broader effort across the Donetsk oblast.

South of the city, Russian forces launched a mechanized assault from Nelipivka through a narrow corridor of low houses and open fields. Ukrainian forces responded swiftly, leveraging elevated terrain to detect and destroy Russian assault groups with devastating tank fire from a safe distance. Conversely, recent reports indicate minor Russian advances within the city itself, both in the southern area and near the high-rise building district. These advances increase pressure on Ukrainian defenders, as Russian forces are now reported to control over half of Toretsk’s urban area.

Overall, the situation in Toretsk remains stable for Ukrainian forces, who responded effectively in the south. However, the deteriorating situation within the city, with incremental Russian advances despite high costs, is making it increasingly difficult to maintain control.

Finally, turning to Kurakhove, Ukrainian forces have confirmed their withdrawal from the city, including the industrial zone to the east. They have transitioned to the next defensive line in Dachne, flattening the frontline south of the city to the Sukhi Yaly River. Intense fighting continues in the area, indicating that Ukrainian forces have not abandoned the salient entirely, preventing a rapid Russian breakthrough.

Reports highlight significant Ukrainian tank and armored vehicle activity along the N15 highway near Dachne. Ukrainian forces try to take advantage of an area of more difficult infiltration for Russians in the connection between Kurahove and Dachne, contrasting with the situation in the city’s west and industrial areas, where continuous streets and wooded zones facilitated Russian infiltration. To the south, Ukrainian artillery, drones, and cluster munitions have been active in the tree lines northwest of Uspenivka, showing Ukrainian intent to contain Russian forces along the Sukhi Yaly River.

In summary, as anticipated, Ukrainian forces continue their controlled withdrawal from the Kurakhove salient while avoiding a defensive collapse. This approach allows them to inflict significant losses on Russian forces and delay their advance as much as possible.

Overall, Ukrainian forces appear to be focusing their efforts where they are strongest. The surprise operation in Kursk strengthens Ukraine’s consolidated position in the region. In Liman and Toretsk, the situation remains stable with attacks and counterattacks on both sides. Lastly, the controlled withdrawal from Kurakhove continues, with Ukrainian forces significantly delaying Russian advances.