Russian attacks against Ukraine injured at least six and killed four over past day

Russian strikes across Ukraine on Jan. 2 claimed four lives and wounded six people, targeting civilian infrastructure in several regions. Kherson Oblast suffered the most casualties, with two killed and six injured following attacks on high-rise buildings, homes, and infrastructure in over 38 settlements, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Additional fatalities included a civilian in Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and another in Mirnohrad, Donetsk Oblast, reported by regional governors Ivan Fedorov and Vadym Filashkin, respectively.

Overnight, Russia launched 72 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed models, across Ukraine, the Air Force reported. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 47 drones and diverted 24 others without causing casualties, though infrastructure and vehicles were damaged. In Kharkiv Oblast, civilian infrastructure was hit, but no injuries were reported, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Russians try to encircle Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast

Russian forces are attempting to bypass and encircle Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast rather than launch a direct assault on the fortified city, according to Major Viktor Trehubov, spokesman for the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group. He reported that Russian troops are focusing on surrounding the city through nearby settlements and villages, using UAVs and concentrating their forces for continued attacks. Trehubov noted that Pokrovsk's size and defensive fortifications make a frontal attack less likely, as Russian efforts also target breaking infrastructure chains around the city.

In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian defenders thwarted 38 Russian assaults in the Pokrovsk area, one of the most active sections of the front line. While Pokrovsk has not seen direct urban combat, Trehubov highlighted ongoing battles in other nearby cities, such as Chasiv Yar and Kurakhove. Russian forces continue to prioritize their strategy of encirclement and disruption in this critical area.

Russians advance in 6 settlements in Donetsk Oblast

During the night of January 1-2, Russian forces advanced in several locations within Donetsk Oblast, including the city of Kurakhove and five other settlements, according to DeepState. The reported areas of advancement include Vovkove, Neskuchne, Novoielyzavetivka, Solone, Vozdvyzhenka, and the southern outskirts of Kurakhove.

This development reflects ongoing efforts by Russian forces to gain territorial control in the region amid continued fighting on the eastern front.