Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at the fastest rate since the early months of the war, according to a respected US-based thinktank. Battlefield reports indicate Moscow is edging closer to the key logistics town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia is shifting its drone strategies, launching 145 Shahed drones in recent attacks against Ukrainian targets. In a midday strike, a Russian ballistic missile hit the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa, wounding 10 people as it detonated in the downtown area, according to local officials.

Fighting between Russia and Ukraine is escalating ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he wants to find a way to end the war. More Ukrainian women are joining the military ranks.