Ukrainian forces gained ground in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast while Russian units made incremental advances near Borova, in the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka area, and near Novopavlivka, according to geolocated footage The Institute for the Study of War published 24 January.
Russian forces maintain pressure on Ukraine's eastern frontlines, with slow advances in Donetsk Oblast amid high casualties and Ukrainian counterstrikes. The situation remains dynamic but stalemated overall, with intense fighting in key directions like Pokrovsk and Kupiansk, according to the ISW.
In western Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian forces advanced in the southern outskirts of Mala Tokmachka, southeast of Orikhiv, ISW reported. The same footage indicates Ukrainian forces "maintained positions or recently advanced" in areas where Russian sources had previously claimed Russian control.
Russian forces launched attacks across eight locations around Hulyaipole on 24-25 January, including near the town itself and at Svyatopetrivka, Pryluky, Zelene, Varvarivka, Nove Zaporizhzhia, Dobropillya, Zlahoda, Solodke, Dorozhnyanka, and toward Zaliznychne. The assaults produced no territorial gains, according to ISW. Russian milbloggers claimed Ukrainian counterattacks occurred near Hulyaipole, Kosivtseve, and Bratske.
FPV drone operators from the Russian 14th Spetsnaz Brigade under the GRU are striking Ukrainian positions in the Zaporizhzhia direction, ISW reported. Elements of the 218th Tank Regiment from the 127th Motorized Rifle Division continue operations in what ISW described as "likely referring to eastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast."
West of Orikhiv, Russian forces attacked near Myrne, Plavni, Prymorske, Stepove, Lukyanivske, Pavlivka, Novoyakovlivka, and Novoboikivske during the same period. Elements of the 7th VDV Division remain active in the Zaporizhzhia direction, according to ISW.
Northeast of Borova, Russian forces advanced in southeastern Zahryzove, with attacks continuing near Serhiivka and Druzhelyubivka on 24-25 January.
In the Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, Russian forces advanced along the T-0504 Kostiantynivka-Pokrovsk highway west of Stupochky. Russian units struck positions in and around Kostiantynivka itself, along with 16 nearby settlements including Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Markove, Kleban-Byk, Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, Berestok, Ilinivka, Yablunivka, Stepanivka, Rusyn Yar, Sofiivka, Novopavlivka, and toward Pavlivka.
ISW identified multiple Russian units operating in this sector: FPV drone operators from the 4th Assault Battalion of the 103rd Motorized Rifle Regiment are observing strikes east of Berestok; operators from the 89th Tank Regiment are hitting positions in Kostiantynivka; the 68th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion is striking near Raiske; Lancet loitering munition operators from the 238th Artillery Brigade are targeting positions near Osykove; and FPV drone operators from the 58th Separate Spetsnaz Battalion are striking forces near Kostiantynivka.
South of Novopavlivka, Russian forces advanced northeast of Filiya during what ISW described as a "reduced platoon-sized mechanized assault." Ukrainian volunteer Serhiy Sternenko reported Ukrainian forces repelled the assault and destroyed two Russian tanks, two armored personnel carriers, an artillery cannon, a transport vehicle, an antenna, and a buggy, while striking Russian infantry in cover.
Russian forces attacked near Novopavlivka itself and south of the settlement near Filiya on 24-25 January, ISW reported.
