Summary and Highlights of Russian Military Operation in Ukraine on January 9th 2023

▪️Ukrainian formations continue attempts to attack Russian Federation territory using unmanned aerial vehicles. Several targets were destroyed by air defence means in the airspace near Belgorod. There were no casualties or damage. ▪️The situation in Starobel’s’k direction remains stable. The parties take no active actions, limiting themselves by artillery strikes. In Kup’yans’k sector, the enemy conducts aerial reconnaissance of Russian positions near Kuzemivka using UAVs. ▪️Wagner’s PMC assault units continue their assault on the enemy defensive positions in Soledar. The main battles have shifted to the high-rise area in the city centre, where AFU are trying to hold their ground. ▪️After the loss of Pidhirne, AFU defence on the northern flank of Bakhmut grouping was expected to “crumble“. Forward units of the Russian forces took up positions in Krasna Hora and Paraskoviivka, effectively cutting off the road to Soledar. ▪️To the south of Bakhmut, AFU command continues to hope to hold the defensive lines in Opytne and Klishchiivka. Meanwhile, defending forces in the settlements are under dense fire control of Russian units and are suffering from supply difficulties. ▪️Central districts of Donetsk were again subjected to massive missile and artillery fire. Residential buildings were damaged as a result of the strikes. A woman was killed and three other people were injured. ▪️Russian troops have destroyed AFU ammunition depot in Ochakiv. Powerful secondary detonation of ammunition was detected at the site. According to some reports, Ukrainian air defence radar station was also destroyed.