Ukraine Conflict: Full Frontline Update & Ukr Trench Defences
Table of Contents 📖
"It's really easy to blame NATO and to blame Western nations, but actually you've got to look at the behaviour of those nations that were formerly under the control of the Soviet Union."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:28⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the daily Ukraine War frontline update for January 11, 2024. He notes that the day's update is positive for pro-Ukrainians, as all significant movements on the map show Ukrainian gains and no Russian advances.
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📍 FRONT-LINE UPDATE -🗺️ MAP LEGEND
Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna Front
🎦 00:28-08:18⏩
- A Ukrainian deputy brigade commander reports that Russian forces are employing fewer loitering munitions in the Kupiansk direction due to the cold weather impacting drone operation.
- However, a spokesperson from another Ukrainian brigade in the same region anticipates an increase in Russian assaults on Kupiansk in the coming days, citing a buildup of personnel and equipment.
- Masovets, a Ukrainian military observer, has identified Russian unit movements towards Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk oblasts, suggesting a potential Russian offensive from the north into Luhansk Oblast.
- Jonathan acknowledges the difficulty of predicting Russian intentions but acknowledges the potential for disruption to Ukrainian defenses, despite their ongoing efforts to fortify the northern border.
- Suryak Maps indicates a Ukrainian recapture of positions northeast of Synkivka, attributing this to a Russian retreat from the northern flanks.
- Jonathan analyzes footage (linked in the video description) depicting a chaotic Russian retreat near Synkivka under a Ukrainian cluster munition attack, highlighting the unpredictable nature of warfare.
- He commends the Ukrainians' efforts in pushing back Russian forces in Synkivka despite heavy Russian investment in the area.
- He also notes the relative stability of the frontline in the Yehidne-Ivnivka area near Pershotravneve, with minor Ukrainian gains.
- Jonathan expresses uncertainty about the accuracy of Syriak Maps' depiction of Ukrainian advances near Terny, suggesting potential overestimations of prior Russian gains in the area.
- He acknowledges the significance of the Ukrainian recapture of territory north of the Torska salient, highlighting the fluid nature of the frontline.
Bakhmut Front
🎦 08:18-10:53⏩
- Geolocated footage reveals a Russian advance southwest of Bakhmut, with Ukrainian FPV drone attacks targeting Russian positions near the "Mig" statue.
- Despite the Russian advance, the frontline in the northern Bakhmut region remains largely static, with Ukrainian forces successfully stabilizing the area around Bohdanivka.
- Jonathan points out minor Ukrainian gains between Andriivka and Zelenopillya (Klishchiivka), pushing Russian forces back to the railway line.
- He highlights the impact of freezing weather conditions on the intensity of ground assaults in the Bakhmut area, suggesting that drone limitations due to the weather further complicate offensive operations for both sides.
Avdiivka Front
🎦 10:53-14:02⏩
- Suryak Maps reports Ukrainian gains south of Novokalynove, although Jonathan observes discrepancies between Syriak Maps, DeepState map, and Andrew Perpetua's assessments of Russian positions in the area.
- He believes a Ukrainian counterattack in the northern Avdiivka area is plausible but acknowledges the challenging circumstances, suggesting a focus on cutting off the Russian bridgehead and preventing encirclement.
- Suryak Maps confirms Ukrainian recapture of positions southwest of Severnye, which Jonathan views as a positive development in hindering Russian efforts to cut off the road into western Avdiivka.
- He emphasizes the strategic importance of this road for Ukrainian supply lines and praises Ukrainian efforts to maintain control of the area, particularly near the heavily contested Avdiivka Coke Plant.
Donetsk City & Vuhledar Fronts
🎦 14:02-21:07⏩
- Jonathan highlights continued fighting in Marinka, with Russian efforts focused on pushing towards Krasnohorivka.
- Despite no significant changes to the frontline map, Andrew Perpetua's assessment suggests a Russian effort to attack northeast of Novomykolaivka.
- No Reports indicates partial Russian success in entering the eastern suburbs of Krasnohorivka and securing a foothold near a pond, indicating heavy Russian artillery usage in the area.
- Suryak Maps notes a Ukrainian retreat from positions northeast of Novomykolaivka due to intensified Russian attacks, suggesting a shift in Russian strategy following their failure to capture the town from the south.
- The report emphasizes the strategic importance of the T0524 road for the Russian advance and their ongoing attempts to capture Vuhledar.
- Jonathan analyzes footage showing the challenging terrain south of Novomykolaivka, characterizing Russian advances in the open landscape as "suicidal" given Ukrainian artillery and drone capabilities.
- He expresses skepticism about the likelihood of Russian success in this area, citing previous heavy equipment losses in similar offensive attempts.
- Novomykolaivka faces constant pressure from Russian aviation and artillery, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict in this area.
Dnipro River Front & Overall Assessment
🎦 21:07-28:06⏩
- Jonathan clarifies earlier statements, noting a Russian source reported a 7:1 kill ratio favoring the Russians in the Synkivka area.
- He observes no significant activity in Velyka Novosilka or Robotyne beyond positional maneuvering.
- The ISW reports that Melitopol's Ukrainian mayor, Fedorov, revealed satellite imagery indicating extensive Russian trench and defensive structure construction in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts, a development Jonathan deems unsurprising given the lull in fighting.
- He stresses the importance of Ukrainian active defense during the winter months to prevent further Russian fortification efforts, which could significantly hinder future Ukrainian counteroffensives.
- Jonathan analyzes the situation in Krynky, where ISW reports a Russian advance southwest of the town.
- He expresses skepticism about the extent of Russian control in the area, despite geolocation footage confirming their presence.
- Jonathan acknowledges the possibility of Russian advances near Krynky but emphasizes the lack of clarity regarding their duration and strategic intent.
- He notes the high level of Russian aviation activity, particularly around Novomykolaivka.
- Jonathan concludes the frontline update with an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the solely Ukrainian gains reflected on the day's map.
- He attributes this to factors such as weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of warfare, cautioning against interpreting it as a definitive shift in momentum.
Zelenskyy's Meeting with Latvian PM and Baltic Support for Ukraine
🎦 28:06-31:17⏩
- Jonathan shares his appreciation for a social media post showcasing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Kariņa.
- He expresses amusement and admiration for PM Kariņa's choice to wear a yellow and blue outfit, interpreting it as a powerful display of solidarity with Ukraine and a symbolic rebuke to Putin.
- Jonathan contextualizes the unwavering support of Baltic nations for Ukraine by highlighting their shared history with Russia and the Soviet Union.
- He emphasizes that the historical experiences of the Baltic states, Poland, and Nordic countries challenge narratives that portray NATO expansion as the root cause of the conflict.
- Jonathan underscores the significance of Zelenskyy's visits to these nations, which he believes offer more overt and steadfast support than some other European countries due to their deeply rooted concerns regarding Russian aggression.
Wrap up
🎦 31:17-31:17⏩
Jonathan concludes the video by thanking viewers for their support and encouraging them to like, subscribe, and share his content.
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