Operational Situation Report: December 23, 2024, 15:25 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces continue to achieve significant advancements, particularly in the Donetsk Oblast, with major gains in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. The capture of Storozheve and the development of a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka represent a major shift in the Vremivka direction. The encirclement of Makarivka is a new key development, although Ukrainian forces deny this claim. Drone warfare remains a dominant factor, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks. Ukrainian forces report extensive drone activity across various regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, and others. There are reports of emergency power outages in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions due to high consumption and strain on the energy system, likely caused by damage from Russian attacks. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with civilian casualties reported in Kharkiv and forced evacuations in Toretsk and Razdolnoye. Reports of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, further escalate the conflict's severity. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area and the Kursk region indicates intensified fighting and strategic repositioning of forces. There are significant diplomatic developments, with discussions on a potential negotiated end to the conflict and increased military aid to Ukraine from Germany. Zelensky called on Slovak security services to investigate PM Fico's ties with Russia following Fico's meeting with Putin. There are reports of Ukrainian forces leaving Kurakhove.

Key Developments - December 23, 2024, 15:25 UTC

Donetsk Oblast

• Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics. Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road. Russian forces reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka, south of Velyka Novosilka. The information about the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Kurakhove: Russian forces are consolidating their control over approximately 80% of the city. Ukrainian forces are reportedly leaving the city. A Russian drone strike hit a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne. Video footage from a drone shows a strike on the power substation. Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction. Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhovo direction where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking enemy position and surprising reinforcements.
• Storozheve: The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve. Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar.
• Toretsk: Street fighting divides the city. Two Ukrainian soldiers captured five Russian soldiers during a drone-supported assault near Toretsk. Ukrainian forces, specifically pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMBr, used drones to force five Russian soldiers to surrender near Toretsk.
• Chasov Yar: Russian forces reportedly control over half of the city.
• Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka. Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka. Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk. The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmiisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka. Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
• Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region, including Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, and Velyka Novosilka.
• A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
• Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka, further degrading Ukrainian logistics to the west of Kurakhovo.
• The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed.
• Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
• Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours.
• High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
• Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai.
• Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
• A Russian soldier was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces on the eastern outskirts of Novovasilivka.
• Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
• Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
• Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated. The video shows the importance of surveillance and the potential for heavy losses in combat operations.
• Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.

Kremennaya-Terny

• Active combat operations near Kremennaya.
• Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.
• Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Russian forces are successfully storming Zahryzove, pushing through enemy defenses near Lozova (which the Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced as liberated) and Zelenyi Hai, moving towards Borova. They have also made progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.

Kursk Region

• Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
• Heavy fighting continues along the front line. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
• Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
• Paratroopers of the 76th division of the Airborne Forces are storming the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Mykolaivka.
• HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, resulting in heavy losses.
• The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
• Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Russian Defense Ministry reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces lost over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three infantry fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three armored fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 armored recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles in the Kursk direction.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone. The operation was carried out by the 3rd Company of the "Achilles" strike drone battalion, 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. The operation resulted in the destruction of a significant amount of Russian military equipment and ammunition. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed the operation and praised the effectiveness of the Ukrainian drone units.
• Active combat operations reported near Sudzha, with Russian forces attacking in the direction of Viktorivka and advancing up to 2 km.
• A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region. Another Ukrainian soldier reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
• Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
• The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.

Kharkiv Region

• In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy unsuccessfully stormed the positions of our units six times in the areas of Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga and Vovchansk.
• On the Kupyansk direction, four enemy attacks took place during the day. The Defense Forces repelled the enemy's assault actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.
• Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
• Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
• One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
• A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• Explosive strikes reported in the region.
• One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
• Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
• Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
• Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces, including 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
• A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
• Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
• Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
• Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
• Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
• A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
• A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
• Kyivskyi District, Kharkiv: A Russian drone attack using a "Geran-2" UAV targeted a tree in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv at 23:40 on December 20th. The attack caused minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses, with some windows broken. Two people sought medical attention for acute stress reactions, including an elderly woman.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive drone activity reported across multiple regions, with Ukrainian air defense neutralizing drones near Kyiv.
• Air raid alerts issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Dnipro.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
• Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
• Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.
• Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
• 1 new drone reported on Kharkiv. 8 drones in the Izyum district. 2 drones from Poltava Oblast moved to Kharkiv Oblast.
• Drones in the southeast of Kharkiv region are moving west/northwest.
• Drones in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region are moving north/northeast.
• A drone in the north of Dnipropetrovsk region is moving north/southeast.
• 1 drone is circling near Chuhuiv.
• A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the northwest.
• Drones in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region are moving north/northeast.
• Two drones are reported near Cherkasy, one west of Pryluky heading towards Cherkasy Oblast.
• Confirmed reports of a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone being destroyed on the Kherson front. Video evidence shows the drone being targeted and destroyed using a thermal imaging scope.
• A video report details the destruction of two Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drones on the Kherson front, captured using thermal imaging. The report emphasizes the drones' thermal signature as a vulnerability.
• Video evidence confirms the use of drones by the Ukrainian 4th Operational Purpose Brigade "Syla Svobody" in repelling a Russian assault. Details regarding the location are not specified.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted a "Baba Yaga" drone using a Mavic drone on the Siversk direction.
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• A drone was reported moving west/northwest near Sumy.
• Video shows the aftermath of a drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, with four people injured, including a 12-year-old boy. The blast wave and debris damaged windows in a nine-story building.
• A "Geran" drone hit a high-rise building in Kharkiv. Four people injured, including a 12-year-old girl.
• Ukrainian forces, specifically the Spear Group of the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade, reportedly repelled a Russian assault using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles in the Siversk direction. The video evidence suggests the use of FPV drones and possibly drone-dropped munitions.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
• A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
• Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
• Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
• Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
• Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
• Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
• Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated. The video shows the importance of surveillance and the potential for heavy losses in combat operations.
• Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement, likely in a wooded area near a road. The imagery includes soldiers, some lying prone, others moving about. The uniforms and equipment suggest they are involved in active combat operations. The area is characterized by trees, undergrowth, and what appears to be trenches or fighting positions. The video shows troop movements, including individuals trying to find cover and those who appear to be injured. There is a red box on the upper left of the video saying "Kurakhovskoe Napravlenie" which translates to "Kurakhovo Direction." Additionally, there are Russian text annotations stating, "The work of the fighters of the 68th tank regiment," and that the "battalion took the enemy's position and caught enemy reinforcements by surprise." The presence of crosshairs on the screen indicates that this video is likely a recording of a drone's targeting system. At the time mark of 0:18 a black box with white text that states “N activated normal mode” appears on the screen. At the end of the video there are multiple explosions seen in the bushes. The video is labeled as from the "Kurakhovo Direction". This is likely a reference to a sector in the ongoing conflict where fighting is taking place near Kurakhove, Ukraine. The video captures elements of a dynamic battlefield situation. A Russian battalion reportedly took enemy position and also caught enemy reinforcements by surprise. The activity of soldiers suggests a close-quarters engagement and an attempt to clear a defended position. The usage of a drone for surveillance and possibly targeting suggests a sophisticated level of tactical capability. The crosshairs overlay indicates the footage is from the drone's targeting system, which has potential for both surveillance and direct attack. The video may serve as propaganda, highlighting the success of the attacking Russian troops. The drone footage could be used in analysis to improve future combat tactics. The appearance of the “N activated normal mode” text indicates the switching between different drone modes, and reveals potential tactical information if the switching is connected to a specific strategic decision. The nature of the engagement, namely the surprise of enemy reinforcements, can inform future counter-offensive tactics. The video depicts a close-range military engagement, most likely part of the operations near Kurakhove, Ukraine, where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking enemy position and surprising reinforcements. The use of drone surveillance and targeting systems is a key feature of the operation. The recorded footage could be used to improve tactics and serve as a morale booster for the Russian side.
• Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
• A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
• A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
• Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
• Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
• Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
• Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
• Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.
• New Drone Movements:
  • Two drones are approaching Kyiv via Brovary.
  • Two drones are north of Myrhorod, moving west.
  • Two drones are west of Poltava.
  • Three new drones were reported on Zaporizhzhia.
• Air Defense Activation: Ukrainian air defense is active near Kyiv, indicating a response to the approaching drones.
• Persistent Drone Warfare: The persistent drone activity underscores the ongoing use of drones in the conflict, both for reconnaissance and offensive operations. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones to counter Russian advances and target infrastructure.
• Threat to Kyiv: The drones approaching Kyiv pose a direct threat to the capital, potentially targeting critical infrastructure or military installations.
• Air Defense Strain: The need to activate air defenses near Kyiv suggests a potential strain on Ukrainian air defense resources, which may be stretched thin across multiple fronts.
• Psychological Impact: Drone attacks, even if intercepted, can have a psychological impact on the civilian population and potentially disrupt daily life.
• Video shows a compilation of nighttime operations conducted by operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, using drones to target and destroy enemy infantry and equipment in the vicinity of the Sukhi Yaly River.
• Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
• "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.
• 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.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
• Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
• "Sudoplatov" unit reports disabling enemy FPV drone communications in Kotlyne, with antennas directed towards Shevchenko. The enemy occupied positions at a mine management enterprise.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.
• A video shows a drone duel over Chasov Yar.
• Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs.
• Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
• Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
• +575 drones were reported purchased through donations today, for a total of 129,004.
• New: The "Boatsman" unit of the Russian Armed Forces released footage of their work targeting Ukrainian infantry and armored vehicles with kamikaze drones.
• New: Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian 2S4 "Tyulpan" self-propelled mortar using a kamikaze drone.
• New: Russian forces used drones to destroy a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier and a tank.
• New: Video shows Ukrainian FPV drones targeting Russian positions and soldiers.
• New: Ukrainian forces intercepted a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone with a Mavic drone on the Siversk direction.

Axis Clashes

• Kharkiv Axis: Clashes near Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, Buhruvatka, and Starytsa.
• Kupyansk Axis: Clashes near Kucherivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Bohuslavka, Zahryzove, and Nova Krystynivka.
• Lyman Axis: Clashes near Zelenyy Hay, Novoserhiyivka, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Makiyivka, Nadiya, Ivanivka, Terny, Toretsk, Hryhorivka, Druzhelubivka, Dibrovy, and Serebryanka.
• Sieversk Axis: Clashes near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Daryivka, and Vyyimka.
• Kramatorsk Axis: Clashes near Vasukivka, Chasiv Yar, and Stupochky.
• Toretsk Axis: Clashes near Toretsk and Druzhba.
• Pokrovsk Axis: Clashes near Lysivka, Sukha Balka, Promin, Zelene, Ukrayinka, Dachenske, Shevchenko, Novoukrayinka, Pokrovsk, Novovasylivka, Novoyelizavetivka, and Novoolenivka.
• Kurakhivka Axis: Clashes near Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove, Yasenove, Dachne, and towards Andriyivka.
• Vremivka Axis: Clashes near Velyka Novosilka, Kostyantynopilske, Yantarne, Uspenivka, Rozlyvu, Rozdolne, Novosilka, Blahodatne, and Vremivka.
• Orikhiv Axis: Clashes near Novoandriyivka.
• Kherson Axis: Ukrainian forces repelled 4 Russian assaults.
• Kursk Region: Ukrainian forces repelled 27 Russian assaults.

Allegations of War Crimes

• Reports of Ukrainian POWs being shot by the 110th Brigade.
• Video evidence of the execution of four surrendering Ukrainian soldiers.

Other Key Incidents

• Kyiv: Missile and drone strikes hit multiple districts, causing fires and damage. One fatality and fourteen injuries reported.
• Kharkiv: A strike reported in the Kyiv district, with no casualties yet. Another strike in the Solonitsiv community caused a fire in a non-residential building.
• Rylsk Shelling: Heavy shelling reported, with at least five killed and up to 30 injured. Significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
• Explosions reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
• Emergency power outages reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions.
• Drone Attack on Military Polygon: On the night of December 22nd, a drone attack targeted the "Kadamovsky" military training ground in the Rostov region. At least four drones hit the territory, causing a fire and subsequent detonation at an ammunition depot.
• Shelling in Rylsk: A gas pipe was damaged, disrupting gas supplies to several houses. Heat supply has been disrupted in 88 houses. 17 objects of cultural heritage were damaged. 14 residents are being treated in the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital, with minor injuries.
• Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo (08:12:02 UTC): Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
• Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries (08:12:02 UTC): Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
• 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment (08:12:02 UTC): Russian Defense Minister congratulated command and personnel with liberation of Elizavetovka (DPR) from neo-Nazis. Over 1,100 servicemen presented with awards. Video shows liberation of Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
• Drone Strikes (08:12:02 UTC): 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.
• Ukrainian Withdrawal from Uspenivka Pocket (08:12:02 UTC): Ukrainian forces withdrawn from "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
• One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk (08:12:02 UTC): Due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Toretsk and Chasov Yar (08:12:02 UTC): Russian forces consolidating control in Toretsk, advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Civilians evacuated from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). Advanced in Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk. In Toretsk, in southern part of "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects on outskirts of spoil heap. Fighting continues on northern and western edge of Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Advanced towards small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Assault troops advanced 500 meters west in Khimkolonka area, occupied new positions in private sector. Partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, Dyliivka. Assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and use of heavy weaponry.

Diplomatic and Political Developments

• US State Department advises American citizens to leave Belarus.
• NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles.
• Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war.
• NATO to coordinate military aid to Ukraine.
• Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine.
• Lukashenko announced an upcoming meeting with Putin and a visit to China.
• An advisor to the head of the office of Zelensky, Sergey Leshchenko, stated that negotiations with Russia are inevitable and that Ukraine should be prepared for them in light of a potential Trump victory in the US elections.
• The Russian Football Premier League has nominated Alexander Dyukov for the presidency of the Russian Football Union.
• The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine reported that a former employee of the Kherson pre-trial detention center has been charged with treason and collaborationism. He allegedly worked for the occupiers in the captured facility, guarding illegally detained individuals.