Major Military Situation Updates - December 17, 2024, 16:02 UTC

Overall Situation

The conflict in Ukraine continues with high intensity, particularly along the Eastern Front. Russian forces are making significant advances in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, as well as in the Toretsk and Vremivka areas. Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold their ground, facing heavy losses, desertions, and critical supply shortages. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides employing various types of drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. The effectiveness of FPV drones on both sides is causing significant casualties and equipment losses. Missile attacks are ongoing, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. The international community is engaged in diplomatic efforts, but a resolution remains elusive.

New reports indicate the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in an alleged assassination, further escalating tensions. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and the conflict's economic impact is being felt globally.

Key Developments by Region

Eastern Front

Kurakhove and Pokrovsk

• Intense Fighting Continues: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, including the city council building, and are continuing to advance, clearing out multi-story buildings. Active combat is ongoing, with Russian forces controlling all residential areas and attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhove thermal power plant.
• Encirclement Threat: Approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, are reportedly surrounded south of Kurakhove. The "Uspenovka pocket" has reportedly been eliminated, with Ukrainian forces trapped there completely defeated. Russian forces have secured positions in Uspenovka, and Ukrainian forces are under a high threat of encirclement.
• Supply Routes Threatened: Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka and are targeting supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
• Pokrovsk Threatened: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. They have liberated Shevchenko and improved their situation in this direction. The situation for Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk is described as increasingly difficult.
• Bridge Destruction: Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk to slow the Russian advance.
• Desertion: Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area.
• Mine-Laying Operations: The 5th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces engaged in mine-laying operations and repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Kurakhove.
• Territorial Gains: Russian forces have reportedly gained 5.85 km² of territory in the last 24 hours and 19.55 km² in total.
• Civilian Evacuations: Russian forces have discovered civilians locked in basements in Petrivka, DPR. They are also evacuating civilians from south of Kurakhove.
• Ukrainian Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces are attempting to restore their tactical position near Storozheve, Sukhi Yaly, Kostiantynopil, and Veselyi Hai. Ukrainian forces restored their position near Kolesnykivka.
• Artillery Strikes: Donetsk units are targeting and destroying Ukrainian positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts in Kurakhove.
• Drone Usage: Drone operators of the Southern group of forces disrupted the rotation of a unit of the 33rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Recruitment of Children: Ukrainian forces are reportedly recruiting children from orphanages in occupied territories.
• HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces attempting to storm Ukrainian positions near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, Kursk region. The attack resulted in heavy losses for the North Korean troops, but they continue to engage in fierce battles in the area.
• Alleged Murder of Russian General: Ukrainian sources claim responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov. Russian officials confirmed his death, along with his assistant, Major Polikarpov. The incident is being investigated as a terrorist act.

Toretsk and Chasov Yar

• Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
• Chasov Yar Fighting: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound.
• Seversk Advance: Russian assault groups reportedly breached Ukrainian defenses and advanced 2 km towards Seversk from Zolotarevka.

Velyka Novosilka

• Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket."
• Clashes: Clashes are reported near several locations along the Vremivka axis.
• Attacks on Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate: Russian assault units are attacking in the direction of these settlements.
• Drone Operations: Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye.
• Encirclement Near Makarivka: Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka.
• Vremivka Axis: Russian troops are successfully advancing and expanding their control zone in Novyi Komar.
• Surrender of Ukrainian Troops: At least 80 Ukrainian troops have surrendered in the area from Ugledar to Velikaya Novoselka over the past three months.

Northern Front

Kursk Region

• Engagements: There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
• North Korean Involvement: Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved in operations, with reports of them suffering their first losses and mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. Their participation is likely exaggerated.
• Video Evidence: A video has surfaced that reportedly shows North Korean troops preparing for an attack in the Kursk region and being targeted by Ukrainian cluster munitions.
• Civilian Evacuations: Residents of liberated Kursk villages are to be evacuated.
• Helicopter Attack: A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border.
• Mercenary Sentencing: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
• Su-34 Operations: The Russian MoD showed footage of an Su-34 fighter bomber crew in action at night in the border area of the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian Casualties and Tank Loss: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the Kursk region.
• Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier, Artur Plombirus, confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders.
• Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary, Lucas Ribeiro de Jesus, admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
• HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces attempting to storm Ukrainian positions near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke.
• UA REG TEAM Operations: UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations in the Kursk region, targeting various Russian military vehicles.

Sumy Oblast

• Drone Activity: New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
• Air Alert and Defense: An air alert has been issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity. Air defense is active in the region.
• Threat to Sumy: Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
• Force Concentration: Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel.
• Ammunition Depot Destruction: Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.

Kharkiv Oblast

• Heavy Fighting in Volchansk: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons.
• Other Areas of Fighting: Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk.
• Ballistic Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region.
• Air and Drone Strikes: Russian forces carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
• Bombardments: Russian forces carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
• Russian Losses: Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, and 70 defensive shelters in the Kharkiv area.
• Ukrainian Claims: Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv region.
• Destruction of "Baba Yaga" Hexacopters: Russian forces report the mass destruction of seven Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" hexacopters in the Kharkiv direction.

Southern Front

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

• Attacks on Settlements: There were 201 attacks on 11 settlements, involving 112 drones, 1 MLRS barrage, and 85 artillery strikes.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction.
• Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are in effect over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating continued drone activity.

Kherson Oblast

• Threat to Kherson: Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Drone Activity: Drone activity is reported across Ukraine.
• Explosions: Explosions have been reported in multiple regions due to drone attacks.
• Russian Drone Tactics: Ukrainian forces report a new tactic of Russian drones attacking other drones in the air.
• Ukrainian Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces are utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and kamikaze attacks.
• Drone Shootdowns: 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast. Two Shahed drones were shot down over Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
• Specific Drone Attacks: Ukrainian drone attacks reported in multiple Russian regions.
• Drone Usage Reports: Russian sources report that drone usage is helping to stop Ukrainian counterattacks.
• End of Drone Threat: The threat of using strike UAVs in all areas has ended. The air raid alert has ended in Kyiv.
• New Tactics: Ukrainian forces have reportedly started using signal splitters to counter Russian electronic warfare measures against their drones.
• New Drone Activity:
  • A drone is approaching Kyiv.
  • Another drone is approaching Kyiv from the south.
  • A drone is moving towards Khmelnytskyi.
  • A drone is moving towards Starokostiantyniv.
  • There is a drone threat in Cherkasy.
  • There is a drone threat in Kropyvnytskyi.
  • There is a drone threat in Kryvyi Rih.
  • There is a drone threat in Dnipro.
  • There is a drone threat in Mykolaiv.
  • There is a drone threat in Odesa.

Missile Attacks

• Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
• Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
• Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
• Kharkiv Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
• Black Sea Launch: "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine.
• Multiple Launches: Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky, and multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
• Kh-101 Missiles: Multiple Kh-101 missiles entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast and are traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
• Missile Movement: Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, with a missile targeted at Pryluky.
• Kinzhal Missiles: Kinzhal Missiles are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia.
• Cruise Missile Launches: Multiple Cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with some missiles passing near Bila Tserkva.
• Ballistic Missile Launches: Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
• Missile Movement: Multiple missiles are passing through the Lviv region in the direction of Stryi, and are also present in the Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
• New Missile: A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka.
• Missile Re-routing: Missiles from Kyiv have changed course and moved to the Vinnitsia region, and from there they moved west near the Khmelnitsky region.
• Missile Reports: A missile has been reported traveling to Cherkasy from Kyiv region. Missiles are traveling through Zhytomyr and Vinnitsa, heading to the southwest.
• Cherkasy Region: There is a report that a rocket has been spotted in the Cherkasy region, moving northwest, which then traveled to the Kyiv region before moving to the Vinnytsia region, then changed direction to fly west near Khmelnitsky.
• Missile Movement: Missiles are reported to be passing by the city of Kozyatyn, in the Vinnytsia region and have been reported to have changed course and are heading west from the Vinnitsia region, towards Khmelnitsky.
• Massive Attack: Ukraine reports a massive Russian attack that involved 93 missiles and 200 drones. 81 missiles were shot down, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16. Russia states that this strike was in response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
• North Korean Missile: A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
• Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks.
• KAB Bombs: Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
• Intense Attack: The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
• Energy Infrastructure: Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. 50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
• Power Outages: Russian forces have launched missile attacks on the energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions, severely damaging their infrastructure and leading to power outages. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region.
• Russian Rationale: Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
• Strike on Fuel/Energy Infrastructure: Russian missile strikes were focused on critical infrastructure targets in the fuel and energy sectors that support the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
• Retaliation for ATACMs: Russia has stated that its attacks are in response to Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
• Response to ATACMS attack: In response to the use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, Russian forces launched a massive strike on Ukrainian infrastructure.
• Russian Missile Attack: A map shows the trajectories of Russian missiles and drones targeting various Ukrainian cities and regions on December 13th. The attack involved a mix of cruise missiles (X-22, X-59/69, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The attack suggests a complex and coordinated effort, with concentrations near Kyiv, western regions, and some paths reaching as far south as Odesa.
• Ukrainian Air Defense Success: A Ukrainian soldier from the Kherson anti-aircraft missile brigade shot down a Russian cruise missile using a "Stinger" MANPADS during a massive missile attack on the morning of December 13th.
• Potential New Russian Missile Attack: Monitoring resources suggest that Russia might launch a new missile attack using the "Oreshnik" missile on December 18th, when the Kapustin Yar test site is expected to close.
• Air Strikes in Multiple Regions: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Turya, Tsyluryka, Alisivka, Mala Rybytsya, Hraniv, Vovchanski Khutory, Okhrimivka, Bohuslavka, Niv Kruhlyakivka, Serhiyivka, Serebryanskyy Lis, Siversk, Krymske, Stara Mykolayivka, YElyzavetivka, Velyka Novosilka, Zelene Pole.
• Taganrog Targeted: Taganrog was targeted by air strikes.
• Explosions in Odesa and Dnipro: Explosions were reported in Odesa and near Dnipro, with reports indicating a ballistic missile strike.

Other Developments

• Ship Sinkings: Three Russian ships have reportedly sunk in the Black Sea: the tankers "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239" in the Kerch Strait, and a crane vessel near Yalta. Greenpeace has warned of an environmental disaster in the Kerch Strait due to the sinking of two Russian tankers carrying fuel oil.
• Humanitarian Crisis:
  • The humanitarian situation remains dire, with ongoing reports of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
  • Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power.
  • DTEK reports that new power outage schedules will be implemented on December 16, with further information delayed until 01:00 due to system updates.
  • "Ukrenergo" announced power restrictions for December 16. Power outages will be in effect from 07:00 to 20:00.
  • Russian forces have launched missile attacks on the energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions, severely damaging their infrastructure and leading to power outages. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region. Scheduled outages will continue on December 15th.
• Moldova State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
• Economic Measures in Ukraine: A meeting in Zaporizhzhia addressed improving the business environment and removing administrative barriers. The Ukrainian government is considering a proposal to provide quarterly financial assistance to veterans for sports activities.
• Explosion in Dnipro: Reports indicate an explosion in Dnipro, resulting in at least one death and multiple injuries. The incident is being investigated as a potential terrorist act. Ukrainian authorities have stated that this attack is an attempt by Russia to destabilize Ukraine.
• Explosion in Mykolaiv: An explosion was heard in Mykolaiv, confirmed by the head of the regional military administration, likely caused by a drone. Two women were injured.
• Explosion in Moscow: An explosion occurred on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow, with preliminary reports of two fatalities, allegedly a general-lieutenant and his assistant. The explosion reportedly occurred around 6 AM, shattering windows in nearby apartments. The device is suspected to have been detonated remotely.
• Alleged Deception by Head of Hardcore: Reports accuse the head of Hardcore, Anatoly Sulyanov, of deceiving the 810th Marine Brigade by promising but failing to deliver military equipment.
• Turkish Statement on Syria: Turkish media stated that Turkey would shoot down Israeli warplanes if they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), but this is viewed as unlikely.
• Russian Leadership Denials: The head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) denied contact with the CIA regarding Syria and confirmed ongoing contacts with the US regarding prisoner exchanges.
• Negotiations to End the War: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US officials and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war. The Trump administration is reportedly ready to consider Orban's initiative for a ceasefire.
• US Cost of Russian Victory: A former Pentagon official estimated a Russian victory in Ukraine would cost the US $808 billion in defense spending over five years.
• George Bush Presidential Center Recommendations: The center recommended doubling support for Ukraine.
• Syrian Army Collapse: The reasons for the collapse of the Syrian army are being attributed to economic factors. The Syrian military reportedly lost all of its combat aircraft and most of its air defense systems in 42 hours due to Israeli airstrikes.
• Alleged Atrocities in Syrian Military Prisons: Reports of atrocities in Syrian military prisons add to regional instability.
• Russian Troop Withdrawal from Syria: Reuters reports that Russia is withdrawing troops from the front lines in Syria but will maintain their two main bases. Russia reportedly assisted in evacuating personnel from diplomatic missions of Belarus, North Korea, and Abkhazia from Damascus. The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to operate. Belarus has also evacuated all its diplomats from Syria.
• Food Rationing in Russia: The Russian State Duma is considering reintroducing food ration cards, similar to those used in the USSR.
• Training of Ukrainian Instructors: Ukrainian military instructors will be trained in Lithuania in 2025 as part of NATO's DEEP program.
• Belarusian Military Tests: Belarus conducted successful tests of the "Sapphire" grenade launcher complex.
• Capture of Ukrainian Soldiers: 700 Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly trapped near Kurakhovo.
• Air Superiority: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
• Explosions in Ukraine: Explosions have been reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
• Black Sea and Azov Sea Activity: No hostile warships are detected in the Black Sea or the Azov Sea.
• Mediterranean Sea Activity: 7 hostile warships present, 4 missile carriers with "Kalibr" missiles, and 41 total missile volleys in the Mediterranean Sea. 6 hostile warships present, 3 missile carriers with "Kalibr" missiles, and 25 total missile volleys in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Kerch Strait Passage: No passages were registered for the Black Sea, 4 Russian vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Azov Sea, and 2 of these vessels continued their transit towards the Bosporus Strait. In 24 hours 3 vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Black Sea, and 2 of these vessels continued their transit towards the Bosporus Strait. In 24 hours 6 vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Azov Sea, and 3 of these vessels continued their transit towards the Bosporus Strait.
• Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations in Doha.
• Israeli Airstrikes in Syria: Israeli Air Force continues to destroy military facilities in Syria.
• Georgian Presidential Elections: Protests are taking place in Georgia as opposition parties do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. There are concerns that the newly elected Georgian president will only be saved by a "kick to the face", and that this action should be taken against pro-Western elements. A video has surfaced showing a large crowd in Tbilisi, Georgia, with a Ukrainian flag visible. The President of Georgia stated that Georgia has no reason to join the EU if it means giving up Georgian values.
• Protests in Tbilisi: The lighting of the New Year's tree in Tbilisi was postponed due to protests.
• Russian Military Values: President Putin stated the main task of the National Center "Russia" is to promote traditional spiritual and moral values.
• Chernobyl Liquidators Honored: A ceremony was held in Zaporizhzhia to honor the liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster.
• French Diplomats to visit Syria: A group of French diplomats will travel to Syria on Tuesday to show France's readiness to support the Syrian people.
• Job-Hopping in Russia: There is a new trend of job-hopping among Russians, with many changing jobs every 2-3 years.
• Ukrainian Army+ Application: The Army+ application now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine. There are plans to expand this to include transfers between the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Border Guard Service. There have been 3607 successful transfer requests within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy announced that the "Army Plus" app now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine, with plans to expand to other branches.
• Heat Loss in Cheboksary: 26,000 people were left without heat in Cheboksary due to a utility accident.
• South Korean Military: South Korea has arrested the current and former heads of military intelligence on suspicion that the current head knew in advance of President Yoon Suk-yeol's plan to declare martial law. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to be interrogated on December 18. South Korea is imposing sanctions on 11 individuals and 15 legal entities for their alleged connection to "illegal military cooperation" between Russia and North Korea or Pyongyang's missile and nuclear program.
• Journalist Memorial Day in Russia: December 15 is the Day of Remembrance for Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty in Russia.
• Russian Monitoring of Kerch Strait: The Russian Federal Fisheries Agency is monitoring the situation in the Kerch Strait following the sinking of two tankers.
• Cyber Attacks: In 2024, cybercriminals have actively been spreading the Mamont mobile banking trojan, targeting Russian users of Android smartphones.
• Russia-China Relations: The relationship between Russia and China is becoming increasingly mature, stable, and resilient, according to the Chinese Foreign Minister. Three meetings between Putin and Xi Jinping in 2024 have contributed to deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.
• Syria:
  • On the south of Syria, the Israeli Defense Forces continue to push into Syrian territory. In the past 24 hours, the Israelis have reached the province of Damascus, captured the Beit Jinn farm, and entered the city of Khan Arnabeh.
  • Israeli aircraft conducted another raid in Syrian territory, attacking several positions of the former Syrian army.
  • On the north, American troops, as part of the de-escalation of tensions between the Kurdish "Syrian Democratic Forces" and Turkey, entered the settlement of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab).
  • American military personnel have also been deployed near the Karakozak Bridge to monitor the demarcation line between the pro-Turkish formations of the "Syrian National Army" and the SDF.
  • The new Syrian authorities, namely the leadership of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham", have given an ultimatum to several pro-Turkish formations, such as "Ahrar al-Sharqiya", "Jaysh al-Sharqiya", "Sultan Murad", and "Suleiman Shah", 48 hours to lay down their arms and integrate into HTS.
  • Meanwhile, ISIS continues to increase its activity. South of Palmyra, militants of the terrorist organization organized an attack on civilians, killing six people.
  • The Israeli Air Force carried out a massive strike on an ammunition depot of the former Syrian Arab Army in Tartus.
• Turkish Statement on Syria: Turkish media close to Erdogan's administration stated that Turkey would shoot down Israeli warplanes if they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
• Economic Measures in Ukraine: A meeting in Zaporizhzhia focused on the "Dialogue of Government and Business," addressing interactions with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
• Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations between Turkey, Russia, and Iran in Doha.
• Georgian Presidential Elections: Opposition parties and the current president, Salome Zurabishvili, do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. Protests are taking place in front of the Georgian Parliament building. The EU is pushing for a secular government in Syria.
• Alleged Israeli Involvement: Reports suggest that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• Armenia: A USAID program proposal for Armenia, focusing on education and culture, was released.
• New Zealand: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
• Austria: Austria's termination of the contract for Russian gas will not go unanswered, according to the Russian ambassador in Vienna.
• Syrian Conflict: Reports suggest
• Hungary: There is speculation that Orban is acting as a mediator between Trump and Putin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán requested a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss a potential ceasefire with Russia, but the request was denied, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
• South Korea: The current and former heads of Korean intelligence have been arrested for their involvement in an attempted coup. The South Korean president is expected to be imprisoned.
• Georgia: The new president of Georgia has stated that it makes no sense for Georgia to join the EU if it means giving up Georgian values.
• Bashkiria: There was an incident where local nationalists in Bashkiria forced young men who had taken a photo with the flag of the Russian Empire to apologize.
• Desertion in the Ukrainian Army: The number of Ukrainian soldiers deserting their posts has significantly increased, with 18,984 new criminal cases initiated in November 2024, double the previous month's figure. Since February 2022, a total of 114,280 cases related to desertion have been registered.
• Snow Cover in Russia: Nearly 99% of Russia's territory is covered in snow, according to the head of the Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand.
• Inspiration for China's Leader: Chinese leader Xi Jinping is reportedly inspired
• Zelensky on Orban: President Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not need mediators like Hungary and its Prime Minister Orban. He emphasized the need for direct relations with the US.
• Capture of Ukrainian Soldier in Kursk: A Ukrainian soldier was captured in the Kursk region and admitted to receiving orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
• Moldova: Moldova introduced a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
• Russian Missile Attack: A map shows the trajectories of Russian missiles and drones targeting various Ukrainian cities and regions on December 13th. The attack involved a mix of cruise missiles (X-22, X-59/69, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The attack suggests a complex and coordinated effort, with concentrations near Kyiv, western regions, and some paths reaching as far south as Odesa.
• Zelensky on Negotiations with Russia: Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that "real negotiations" about peace with Russia will only begin when Russia no longer has the resources to continue the war.
• Zelensky on Negotiations with Trump: President Zelensky stated that he does not need intermediaries in communicating with Trump.
• Rostov Renamed: Rostov in the Yaroslavl region has been renamed Rostov Veliky, as it was called in the 12th century.
• Ukrainian Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces are using drones to destroy Russian equipment and personnel in the Kursk region.
• Russian Advances South of Kurakhove: Russian forces have reportedly captured Konstantinopilskoe (Ostrovskoe) and are clearing out remaining Ukrainian forces.
• Air Activity Over Eastern Ukraine: Ukrainian Air Force reports activity of Russian tactical aviation in the east, with a threat of the use of aerial weapons.
• Disability Reassessment in Ukraine: Ukrainian men aged 25-60 with 2nd or 3rd group disabilities established before January 1, 2025, will be required to undergo a reassessment next year.
• Court Extends Arrest of Ivanov: A Moscow court extended the arrest of Ivanov until March 23.
• Actor Boris Shcherbakov: Actor Boris Shcherbakov was discharged from intensive care on December 13 and is feeling well, according to his son.
• Sodium Chloride Shortage in Russia: Russian regions are experiencing a shortage of sodium chloride solution, a vital drug for treating various serious illnesses.
• Schoolboy Given Disability Status: Yegor Balazeikin, a schoolboy imprisoned for attempting to set fire to two military enlistment offices, was given a third group disability status due to his autoimmune hepatitis and liver fibrosis.
• Early Completion of Autumn Conscription in Moscow: The autumn conscription in Moscow was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
• Meeting on Fortifications: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine held a meeting on the construction of fortifications, with 21 regional military administrations involved. Seven regions were urged to strengthen their work on fortifications.
• "Frontline Wall" on DeepStateMap.live: The "Frontline Wall" feature will return to the DeepStateMap.live website on December 24, allowing military personnel to leave messages.
• Alcohol Ban in Luhansk: The sale of alcohol will be prohibited in Luhansk from December 20 to January 12, except in cafes