Major Military Situation Updates - December 19, 2024, 16:02 UTC

Executive Summary

The conflict in Ukraine is characterized by intense fighting and strategic maneuvering on multiple fronts. Russian forces maintain offensive pressure in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, along the Vremivka axis, near Toretsk, and in the Kursk region. They have made significant advances, capturing several settlements and are nearing key strategic locations. Ukrainian forces are facing significant challenges, including troop desertions, substantial losses, and ongoing forced mobilization efforts. Both sides are heavily utilizing drone and missile attacks, targeting infrastructure and military positions. The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia was attacked, demonstrating the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. The international community remains involved, with discussions of potential peacekeeping missions and continued support for Ukraine.

Key Developments by Region

Eastern Front

Kurakhove and Pokrovsk

• Kurakhove Under Heavy Assault: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, including the city council building, residential areas, hospital complex, and urban park. They are attempting to encircle approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, south of Kurakhove.
• Significant Russian Advances: Russian forces have captured Annivka, Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Zholte, Zarya, Novotroitskoye, Shevchenko, Trudove, Uspenovka, and Zelenovka. They have advanced north of Uspenovka along the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway and south of Kurakhove near Dalne. They have fully cleared Uspenovka, Konstantinopolskoe, and Gigant and liberated 3 sq km near Zelenovka on the Kurakhove axis and half of Dachenske on the Pokrovsk axis.
• Encirclement Efforts: Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka and have established themselves in the area of Sukhi Yaly and Zelenivka, aiming to cut the main highway to Kurakhove near Ulakly. They are advancing towards the center of the "triangle" Zelenovka — Ulakly — Konstantinopol, threatening to cut off the Gulyaipole — Kurakhove road and encircle the Kurakhove group. Russian forces are reportedly nearing the outskirts of Ulakly, which could soon result in the control of the last remaining supply road to Kurakhove.
• Pokrovsk Threatened: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novyi Trud and advancing north of Pushkino. They have reportedly entered the village of Pisky. The situation for Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk is described as increasingly difficult.
• Kryvyi Rih and Nikopolshchyna Attacked: Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, damaging infrastructure, two nine-story buildings, a hospital, a school, a store, and ten cars. They also attacked Nikopolshchyna 15 times throughout the day using heavy artillery and kamikaze drones.
• Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
• Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
• Intense Fighting Near Krasnoarmeisk: An advance exceeding 2 km was achieved on the southern flank of Krasnoarmiysk.
• Desertion: Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area. The 155th Brigade "Anna Kyivska", trained in France, reportedly deserted en masse after being transferred to the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiisk) area.
• Drone Strikes: 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko.
• One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Ukrainian Command Change: Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).
• Intense Fighting Continues in Veselyi Hai: Reports indicate significant Ukrainian casualties and the destruction of the last Ukrainian defense line in Veselyi Hai.
• Recruitment of Children: Ukrainian forces are reportedly recruiting children from orphanages in occupied territories to join the military.
• OSCE: The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine reported increased shelling in the Donetsk region.
• New Advances: Russian assault groups managed to expand the zone of control towards Peschanoe, attacking from Shevchenko, advancing west of Novotroitskoye along the banks of the Solenaya River, and capturing the northeastern outskirts of Novovasilyevka. Heavy fighting is reported in Shevchenko, where Ukrainian forces are deploying reserves.
• At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove and Yantarne.
• At Pokrovsk axis clashes yesterday near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske and Novoolenivka.

Toretsk and Chasov Yar

• Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Street fighting has continued for two months. Toretsk is effectively divided in half between the opposing forces. Russian forces reportedly advanced 400 meters in the southern part of Dzerzhinsk.
• Chasov Yar Fighting: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar.
• Seversk Advance: Russian assault groups reportedly breached Ukrainian defenses and advanced 2 km towards Seversk from Zolotarevka.
• At Toretsk axis clashes yesterday near Toretsk.
• At Kramatorsk axis clashes yesterday near Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
• At Sieversk axis clashes yesterday near Hryhorivka, Bilohorivka, Siversk and Verkhnokamyanske.
• At Lyman axis clashes yesterday near Zelenyi Hai, Terny, Novoyehorivka, Makiyivka and Serebryanskyi forest.

Velyka Novosilka

• Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket."
• Attacks on Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate: Russian assault units are attacking in the direction of these settlements.
• Encirclement Near Makarivka: Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka. Russian forces have taken Makarivka.
• Vremivka Axis: Russian troops are successfully advancing and expanding their control zone in Novyi Komar. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Novyi Komar. Russian forces have advanced north of Nesterianka on the Zaporizhzhia front, capturing a Ukrainian stronghold. Russian forces have reportedly cleared Novyi Komar, in the area of Velyka Novosilka.
• Surrender of Ukrainian Troops: At least 80 Ukrainian troops have surrendered in the area from Ugledar to Velikaya Novoselka over the past three months.
• At Vremivka axis clashes yesterday near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil and Novodarivka.

Northern Front

Kursk Region

• Engagements: There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes. In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 42 Russian army assaults.
• North Korean Involvement: Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved in operations in the Kursk region, with reports of them suffering their first losses. Reports indicate that North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in the Kursk region, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded. Ukrainian intelligence reported that North Korean soldiers lack ammunition. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.
• Mercenary Sentencing: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
• 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 confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders.
• Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary 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.
• Intensified Offensive: Russian forces have been conducting an intense offensive in Kursk Oblast for three days.
• Destruction of "Abrams" Tank: A Russian BpLA calculation of Crimean paratroopers destroyed an American "Abrams" tank near Novoivanovka, Kursk region.
• Drone Activity: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
• Syrskyi on Kursk Operation: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that he had to conduct the Kursk operation to disrupt the offensive on Kharkiv, relieve pressure on all fronts, and prevent the opening of a new front on Sumy.
• Army Advances in Kursk Oblast: The Russian Army is liberating its native land in Kursk Oblast, with a cleanup operation underway near Cherkasskoye Konopelka.
• Defeat of Enemy Tank near Fanasivka and Cherkaska Konopelka: A tank of the enemy was defeated between Fanasivka and Cherkaska Konopelka in Kursk Oblast.

Sumy Oblast

• Drone Activity: New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
• Threat to Sumy: Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
• Force Concentration: Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel.
• Fortifications: Ukrainian forces are actively constructing fortifications in the Sumy Oblast.
• Ukrainian Reserves Targeted: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.

Kharkiv Region

• 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.
• At Kharkiv axis clashes yesterday near Vovchansk.
• Shelling in Tsyrkuny: Four people were injured in Tsyrkuny due to enemy shelling.
• Artillery Strikes: Russian artillery struck Ukrainian positions in various locations across the Kharkiv area.

Southern Front

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

• 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. The air raid alert has been called off.
• At Orikhiv axis clashes yesterday near Novoandriyivka, Orikhiv and Novodanylivka.
• Drone Activity: Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Kherson Oblast

• Threat to Kherson: Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
• At Kherson axis Ukrainian forces have repelled 2 Russian army assaults.
• Drone Activity: Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Drone Activity: Drone activity is reported across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
• Explosions: Explosions have been reported in multiple regions due to drone attacks, including Dnipropetrovsk, Chuhuiv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
• Russian Drone Tactics: Ukrainian forces report a new tactic of Russian drones attacking other drones in the air.
• Drone Shootdowns: 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast. Two Shahed drones were shot down over Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Ukrainian forces report downing 45 out of 85 drones launched by Russian forces, with an additional 40 drones "locationally lost" due to defensive measures.
• Drone Usage Reports: Russian sources report that drone usage is helping to stop Ukrainian counterattacks. They also report that they are improving their drones.
• Ukrainian Drone Strike: Ukrainian forces carried out a drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
• Drone Activity Near New York: The US is responding to flights of unknown drones near New York.
• 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: Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Germany is transferring a new batch of Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
• New Drone Reports: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that the threat of using strike UAVs in all areas has ended. The air raid alert has ended in Kyiv. A drone was reported near Kharkiv, moving towards Pavlohrad.
• Drone Activity: A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the north. A drone was reported in Dnipro.
• Drone Activity: A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
• Drone Activity: Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
• Drone Activity: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
• Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
• Drone Activity: Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
• Drone Activity: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast.
• Drone Activity: Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
• Drone Activity: One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Zelenovka.
• Drone Activity: A video shows drone footage of a battle between drones over Chasov Yar.
• Drone Activity: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
• Drone Activity: FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
• Drone Duel: A video shows a drone duel over Chasov Yar.
• Destruction of Equipment in Kursk Region: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
• FPV Drones in Zaporizhzhia: FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
• Drone Warfare Intensification:
  • "Sudoplatov" unit released footage of their work on destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line.
  • Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions.
  • FPV Drones are being actively used by Russian forces in Toretsk. Operators, working directly with assault troops, are targeting enemy firing positions.
  • 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv.
  • 8 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • 4 drones were reported near Pryluky.
  • 1 drone was reported north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast.
  • 1 drone was reported near Okhtyrka.
  • 4 drones were reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka.
  • There is a drone threat in Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kharkiv Oblasts.
  • 1 drone was reported approaching Shepetivka.
  • 2 drones were reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest.
  • 5 drones were reported north of Cherkasy.
  • 1 drone was reported flying past Cherkasy towards Smila.
  • 1 drone was reported east of Cherkasy.
  • 4 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • 1 drone was reported in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading towards Kamianske.
  • 1 drone was reported in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium.
  • One drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
  • Six drones are circling north of Cherkasy.
  • One drone is west of Smila, heading southwest.
  • One new drone is in Sumy Oblast, flying towards Poltava Oblast.
  • One drone is approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka.
  • 1 drone was reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi.
  • 1 drone was reported on the east of Cherkasy, heading south.
  • 1 drone was reported on Poltava, heading north.
  • Ukrainian forces are using FPV drones to target Russian logistics and troops in the Kursk region.
  • Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed an ammunition depot near Markine in the Donetsk region.
  • Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
  • Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
  • Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
  • Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
  • Ukrainian "Sherhni Dovbush" unit conducted a successful drone strike on a Russian soldier in an open field.
  • Ukrainian "Shadow" unit used drones to successfully attack a Russian position in a residential area during the day, and a Russian bunker at night.
  • Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian logistics and troops are reported, including the destruction of a Ukrainian ammunition depot.
  • Russian drone teams are active in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, positions, and armored vehicles.
  • A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
  • Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • +330 drones were purchased thanks to donations. In total, 127,329 FPV drones have been purchased.
  • Donetsk scouts identify positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then destroy them.
  • There is a graph showing the number of drone launches over a 7 day period.
  • Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
  • Ukrainian forces are utilizing a drone to drop multiple munitions on targets, including personnel and buildings.
  • Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
• New Drone Activity:
  • Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.

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.
• 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.
• Attack on "Kombinat Kam'yansky" in Rostov region: On December 18, Ukrainian forces launched a missile attack on the "Kombinat Kam'yansky" enterprise in the Rostov region. Six ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles were reportedly used. Russian air defense systems reportedly shot down all ATACMS missiles and three of the four Storm Shadow missiles. One cruise missile was deflected from the target, damaging a technical building on the territory of the enterprise. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that these actions by the Kyiv regime, supported by Western curators, will not go unanswered. Russia confirmed the attack on the "Kombinat Kam'yansky" enterprise. The Russian MoD claimed all ATACMS missiles and three of four Storm Shadow missiles were shot down.
• New Missile Attack Reports: The Russian MoD reported that Ukrainian forces launched a missile attack on the "Kombinat Kamensky" enterprise in the Rostov region. Six ATACMS and four Storm Shadow missiles were reportedly used. Russian air defense reportedly shot down all ATACMS and three Storm Shadow missiles. One missile was deflected, damaging a technical building.

Other Developments

• Negotiations to End the War: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US officials and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Kyiv will be in a weakened position in negotiations with Russia if the US stops providing aid.
• Trump's Envoy to Visit Ukraine: Keith Kellogg, a special representative for Trump, will visit Ukraine in January to "gather facts," not to conduct negotiations. Representatives from European capitals will also accompany him.
• Moldova State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Donald Trump has officially won the US presidential election.
• 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.
• 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 failed to appear for police questioning regarding the rebellion case.
• 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",