Photo : The Russian MoD claimed that Russian forces seized all of Kurakhove. Institute for the Study of War
Photo : The Russian MoD claimed that Russian forces seized all of Kurakhove. Institute for the Study of War
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 06 January, Ukrinform reported on the attack in Russia’s largest commercial port Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). According to SBU, Ukraine’s long-range weapons which flew over 900 kilometres, successfully struck the target. The strike resulted in the extreme damage of one tank. Meanwhile, explosive debris smashed the neighbouring three tanks. The experts confirmed that reconstruction would take at least a month and would lead to disruptions in the operations of the port. The Ust-Luga terminal is a primary logistics centre in the Baltic Sea through which Russia manoeuvres its shadow fleet. According to the sources of SBU, the drones aimed to curb Russia’s flow of foreign currency from its gas and fuel exports.
On 06 January, Ukrinform reported on the statements made by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about his meeting with the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and other top commanders. He said that the major concern was the frontline in Pokrovsk. He further thanked the soldiers who were present there. He added: “The Army needs more internal, systemic changes so that manpower management becomes effective at all levels of the Defence Forces.” He also talked about the reports on the formation and training of new brigades.
On 07 January, The Straits Times reported on a Russian drone attack on a civilian passenger bus in Ukraine’s southern Kherson city. The attack led to the death of one person and injury of nine people. According to the region’s governor, the drone attack damaged the bus. Ukraine’s Kherson region is partially occupied by Russia.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 06 January, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on its forces taking control of largest settlement in southwest Donbas. The ministry further added that Ukraine had transformed Kurakhove into a fortified area through a network of firing positions, underground communications and a water basin in the north. Ukraine also deployed around 15000 troops and reinforced military equipment. The Ministry added that Ukraine lost 80 per cent of its personnel and around 3000 units of weapons and military equipment. It also said that the loss of Kurakhove would make it difficult for Ukraine, especially in logistical support.
On 06 January, RT reported on Ukraine’s attempt to target the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Russian-controlled region. Russia’s officials said that all eight Ukrainian drones had been intercepted. One of the intercepted drones led to a fire in one of the factory buildings. However, there were no casualties or material damage. Russia’s Defence Ministry condemned Ukraine for causing an “industrial disaster at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.” The ministry added that the plant continued to function properly.
On 06 January, RT reported on the statements of Russia’s Defence Ministry, confirming the destruction of ten Ukrainian tanks and several armoured vehicles. It added: “Russian troops “continue to rout the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ formations in the Kursk Region.” They claim to have destroyed Ukraine’s main strike group using the Air Force and artillery. The ministry further said that Ukraine primarily targeted the town of Bolshoye Soldatskoye. Their statement further informed that Ukraine lost about 485 troops, 10 tanks, seven infantry fighting vehicles, five armoured personnel carriers, an artillery gun, an electronic warfare system and multiple other vehicles in the Kursk region.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 07 January, Politico reported on the statements of France’s President Emmanuel Macron, calling for Ukraine to adopt a “realistic stance.” He said that Ukraine should have a “realistic stance on territorial issues” as the prospects of peace talks with Russia seemed to be approaching. He was referring to territorial concessions for the first time since he was an ardent supporter of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, even in negotiations. He also said that the US would help in resolving the conflict, while the EU would provide Ukraine with security guarantees. However, he added that there won't be a “quick solution to the conflict.” The statements were made during a speech to French ambassadors in Paris.
References
“Ten Ukrainian tanks destroyed in Kursk Region – Russian MOD,” RT, 06 January 2025
“Ukrainian attack on nuclear power plant foiled – Russian MOD,” RT, 06 January 2025
“Russia ‘liberates largest settlement in southwest Donbass’ – MOD,” RT, 06 January 2025
“Russian drone kills one, injures nine on passenger bus in Ukraine’s Kherson,” The Straits Times, 07 January 2025
“Macron says Ukraine needs to be ‘realistic’ on territorial issues,” Politico, 06 January 2025
“Russia's largest seaport of Ust-Luga attacked by SBU drones – source,” Ukrinform, 06 January 2025
“Zelensky holds Supreme CinC Staff meeting,” Ukrinform, 06 January 2025