Ukrainians are shifting their perspectives, and there is an increasing willingness to engage in negotiations

A December 2024 survey by Socis revealed that 50% of Ukrainians support a compromise solution involving international leaders to end the war, provided it includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Support for freezing the conflict along current lines has also risen from 8% to nearly 20% in the past year.

Public sentiment, initially focused on full territorial recovery, has shifted after three years of war. However, officials stress that any agreement must include reliable security guarantees, such as those from NATO or the U.S., to gain public and military acceptance.

Discussions of a peacekeeping mission suggest it could require 200,000 troops. Ukrainian officials warn that Russia may push for negotiations based on the previously rejected "Istanbul Treaty," which could face resistance without firm guarantees for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Russia is increasing its attacks near Pokrovsk in an effort to encircle Ukrainian forces

Russian troops have stepped up their offensive near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, employing small groups to attempt encirclement, according to Victor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces.

Trehubov noted a shift in Russian tactics, describing their approach as "smarter," involving flanking maneuvers rather than relying solely on massive assaults. Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub, has been a focal point of heavy fighting for months.

"There are numerous small-scale clashes as Russian forces try to encircle Pokrovsk from the west," Trehubov said. He added that the Russian command is avoiding urban battles to minimize personnel losses.

Ukraine’s General Staff reported ongoing Russian offensives in Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Kurakhove, and other areas. Despite intensified efforts, Russian forces have yet to outflank Pokrovsk or disrupt its logistical supply routes.

Russia launched over 100 drones l against Ukraine, 57 were downed, 39 disappeared from radar

Russian forces launched 104 Shahed attack drones and decoy UAVs against Ukraine on the night of January 26-27, causing damage in Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv oblasts. Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted 57 drones, while 39 decoy drones disappeared from radar without causing harm, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

The drones, launched from Russian cities and occupied Crimea, targeted infrastructure, apartment blocks, and residential buildings. Ukrainian defenses, including aircraft, missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, successfully countered the attack.

Despite the defense efforts, damage to civilian areas underscores the continued threat from Russian UAV assaults.