**Russian Forces Advance in Eastern Ukraine**
Russian forces have made significant gains in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk Oblast and western Zaporizhzhia Oblast. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops advanced near several key locations between January 1-2, 2025.
**Multiple Advances Reported**
In Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces made progress towards Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar. The ISW reports that elements of the Russian 7th Motorized Rifle Brigade advanced in central Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast.
**Key Gains Made**
In the Toretsk direction, Russian forces captured northwestern and western parts of the settlement following a reduced-platoon sized mechanized assault. The ISW also confirms that Russian forces seized Vozdvyzhenka, east of Pokrovsk.
**Advances in Western Zaporizhzhia Oblast**
In western Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian forces advanced in northern Bilohirya, northeast of Robotyne. Geolocated footage published on January 2 confirms these gains.
**Related Developments**
The article also mentions related developments, including the focus of Russian efforts on the Pokrovsk area and the ongoing battle for control of Kurakhove.