Here's an updated analysis, incorporating the latest information:
Updated Military Situation Analysis - December 12, 2024 (20:17:05 UTC)
Eastern Ukraine:
Russian forces continue to advance south-east of Velyka Novosilka, destroying a Ukrainian platoon and capturing five Ukrainian troops.
Russian forces are advancing south-west of Velyka Novosilka toward Storozheve and Neskuchne, with over 20 Ukrainian casualties and additional captures.
Ukrainian counterattacks persist near Novotroitskoye, Novoelizavetovka, and Novoelenovka.
Russian forces advanced near Pischane by approximately 1 kilometer, capturing a strongpoint at a junction of tree lines, and are pushing towards Chynyshyne from Shevchenko.
Russian forces have taken Belhiysky (Belhiyka) and advanced toward Slaviansk from Zarya.
Russian forces are close to capturing Krasne (Sontsivka) and advancing towards the industrial zone near Kurakhove.
Fighting is reported near Zelenoe and Dachenske.
Russian forces are pushing from Staryi Terny towards Shevchenko.
A Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a Russian command post, causing casualties.
Russian forces have made advances near the town of Kruglyakovka.
Russian forces have destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
Russian forces are advancing near Kurakhovo, securing the town's city council, the southern portion of the town, and are positioned along Grueshevaya street and Lermontov street.
Russian forces have also taken the town of Zarya in the Donetsk People's Republic.
Fighting is ongoing near the fire station on Grueshevaya street, and near a school, a lyceum, and the high school on Pushkina street in Kurakhovo.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector, with the situation there increasingly critical. Ukrainian forces are being cut off between Uspenovka and Hannevka by Russian troop movements. The area of Uspenovka itself is being heavily attacked by Russian forces, with Ukrainian units unable to fully clear out Russian troops. The "Uspenovka Pocket" is increasingly critical, with the risk of Ukrainian encirclement growing.
Russian forces are making progress towards the north of Shevchenko.
Russian forces are using RPO-A Shmel against Ukrainian positions in Shevchenko.
Russian forces are continuing their advance south of Pokrovsk, with fighting described as exceptionally harsh, including fights near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin and Pokrovsk itself. Ukrainian forces report having sustained 203 attacks over the last 2 days. Russian air attacks are targeting Toretsk, and fighting has been reported near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
Russian forces have liberated the village of Veselyi Gai.
The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters.
Russian forces have advanced approximately 2 kilometers near the settlement of Pushkino
Russian forces have reached the outskirts of Pushkino.
Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Fighting is continuing near Yelizavetovka and Sukhyi Yaly.
Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the western part of Yelizavetovka, northern part of Yelizavetovsky forest, and portions of Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky).
Ukrainian forces maintain control of Yantarne.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Russian forces are making progress towards the north of Shevchenko.
Russian forces are using RPO-A Shmel against Ukrainian positions in Shevchenko.
Russian forces are continuing their advance south of Pokrovsk.
Kursk Region:
Russian forces remain present, with both Ukrainian and Russian military claims of gains and losses.
Russian forces are reported to have used drone attacks in this region.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly using "remote workers" in the Kursk region.
Russian forces are using tank direct fire to clear mines and Ukrainian firing positions in this region.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region.
A captured Ukrainian soldier has stated that he was sent to fight in the Kursk region, given instructions not to surrender, but rather to destroy himself with grenades and to kill any Russians he could.
Russian forces have reportedly liberated the village of Daryino in the Sudzha district.
Russian forces are continuing to advance in the north of the Sudzha district, particularly near Novoivanovka and the forests near Mala Loknya.
Fighting is also ongoing in the area of Sverdlikovo, near Novoivanovka, and the village of Martynovka, where Ukrainian forces are reportedly launching counterattacks.
Ukrainian forces report that they have repelled 22 Russian army assaults in Kursk Oblast.
The Russian military is reporting that Russian marines have taken a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
Russian forces have taken a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo on the Kursk border region with the use of special forces from North Korea.
Russian special forces from North Korea have reportedly advanced two kilometers through a minefield to take the village of Plekhovo.
Sumy Oblast:
Multiple drones are entering and moving south towards Kyiv and Poltava.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced into Sumy Oblast near the village of Aleksandria.
A large number of Russian drones have moved into the Sumy oblast towards Pryluky.
A high-speed target is moving towards Sumy.
New groups of Russian drones are entering from the Kursk region, heading southwest.
Multiple drones are moving towards Sumy from the northeast.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Air raid alarms are activated due to increased drone activity.
Fighting is exceptionally harsh.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile (9M723-1 Iskander) hit a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia, resulting in personnel losses and a high-ranking NATO official's death.
There have been 268 attacks on 10 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
Damage has been reported to 33 buildings.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has visited a unit that is using HIMARS in the Zaporizhzhia region.
A Ukrainian military unit successfully shot down a Russian Supercam drone.
Russian aircraft launched air bombs at Stepnohirsk.
Kherson Oblast:
No major updates
Skirmishes were reported near the Antonovsky Bridge, including three hours of shelling.
Russian forces have attacked the towns of Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
Ukrainian forces have repelled 5 Russian assaults on the Kherson axis.
Toretsk/Kramatorsk Direction:
No major updates, but fighting is ongoing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar, while Russian forces have been engaging in mop-up activities elsewhere in the area.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
Russian forces have advanced from this area to the northwest.
Other Fronts:
Fighting is continuing near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk on the Kharkiv axis.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian air attacks have targeted Krymske, Petrivka, Komar, Rozlyv and Vremivka of Donetsk region.
Fighting has also been reported near Zapadne, Pischane, Loziv and Zahryzove in the Kupyansk area.
Fighting has also been reported near Tverdokhlibove, Druzhelubivka, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Makiyivka, Terny, Torske, Hryhorivka, Kopanka and Serebryanskyi forest in the Lyman axis.
Fighting has been reported near Verkhnokamyanske in the Sieversk axis.
Fighting has been reported near Trudove, Kostyantynopolske, Sukhykh Yaliv, Blahodatne and Novodarivka in the Vremivka axis.
Fighting has been reported near Novoandriyivka in the Orikhiv axis.
A T-72 tank was destroyed in the area of Petrivske/Grekovka, in the Luhansk region with FPV drones.
Russian tactical aircraft launched guided air bombs in Donetsk Oblast.
Russian tactical aircraft launched guided air bombs on the border between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Drone Warfare:
Hostile drones are moving towards Sumy from the northwest, and towards Kharkiv from the northeast.
Drones are moving towards Kyiv from the southeast and Zaporizhzhia from the east and northeast.
Drones are moving south-west in Poltava and Sumy, and west in Chernihiv and Kyiv regions.
High drone activity is reported in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions.
Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Russia destroyed a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone.
Ukrainian forces are experiencing an increased threat from FPV drones.
Ukrainian forces are using drones in the area of Kurakhovo.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to strike Russian tanks in the Novotroitskoye area.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
Ukrainian forces are reporting increased drone activity as new groups of drones are entering the country from the Sumy region, heading west/southwest, with the drone path going through Sumy, and also entering the country from the Kursk region.
Russian operators of FPV drones are reported to have destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
A Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a tank was reported near Novotroitskoye.
The Novoshahtinsk oil refinery in Rostov region was reportedly attacked by drones.
Russian forces have destroyed 10 Ukrainian drones in Rostov and Belgorod regions in the last hour.
Russian forces have reported destroying a Ukrainian armored vehicle with a drone in the Kharkiv region.
The Russian army has presented images of a Ukrainian vehicle they've captured, modified to act as an anti-drone platform.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
Russian forces are actively attempting to destroy Ukrainian drones, including Baba Yaga and other systems.
Russian forces have destroyed 6 Ukrainian drones over Rostov Oblast and 4 over Belgorod Oblast.
A Ukrainian UAV has crashed in the center of Kyiv, specifically in the Pecherskyi district.
Another Ukrainian UAV is moving towards the central part of Kyiv.
Multiple drones were detected moving towards Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy and Vinnytsia Oblasts
Russian forces are actively deploying drones in the Sumy Oblast, with large formations detected moving southwest into the region, including some moving toward Pryluky.
A high speed object has been detected moving in the Sumy area.
Ukrainian forces are reporting an increase in FPV drone activity.
Logistics:
No major updates
The Russian airbase in Hmeymim, Syria is being targeted by drones, which can "freely" fly over the base.
Military Activity:
Russian forces are using artillery and drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve but haven't fully cut them off.
Ukrainian forces are counterattacking to impede Russian advances.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
Russian forces have been using mine-clearing techniques in Pavlovka, near Donetsk, as well as direct tank fire.
Russian forces have destroyed a German-made BMP Marder vehicle near Shevchenko.
Ukrainian forces are using drones near Kurakhovo.
Ukrainian forces have blown up a bridge leading to Pokrovsk.
A Russian soldier in Shevchenko is reported to have fired at a Ukrainian position in Shevchenko using an RPO-A "Shmel" rocket propelled grenade.
Russian marines have taken a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
A Ukrainian soldier was captured and found with instructions to not surrender, but rather to destroy themselves with grenades and to take out any nearby Russians.
A Ukrainian pick up truck, a Nissan Navara has been captured by Russian forces and is now being used by them.
The Russian military is reporting that Russian marines have taken a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
Russian special forces from North Korea have reportedly advanced two kilometers through a minefield to take the village of Plekhovo.
Ukrainian forces have blown up a bridge leading to Pokrovsk.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
Russian troops have captured the village of Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo.
A Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a tank was reported near Novotroitskoye.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Russian forces have achieved tactical success in the south-eastern approaches to Krasnoarmeisk.
Russian armored vehicles have achieved tactical gains to the south of Pushkino.
The town of Veselyi Gai is reportedly fully liberated by Russian forces.
Ukrainian forces are being cut off between Uspenovka and Hannevka by Russian troop movements.
Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Other Conflicts:
Russia has stated it is in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria and also with Israel about the situation in Syria.
Increased tensions are reported in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli forces conducted strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing 40 and injuring over 100.
IDF forces are operating in Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Rafah.
An attack on a bus south of Jerusalem killed a child and injured others.
Hezbollah and Israel continue to observe a ceasefire.
Russia stated it will assist any Russian citizens who want to leave Syria.
A group of Russian-speaking fighters in Syria stated they will attack Alawite civilians.
Russian forces are reportedly withdrawing from Syria, but Russia stated it is close to an agreement with new Syrian leaders to maintain its military bases.
Casualties:
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian platoon near Velyka Novosilka.
Over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
Russian forces captured five Ukrainian soldiers near Velyka Novosilka, and additional soldiers in other regions of Ukraine.
At least 11 people were killed in Zaporizhzhia on December 10th, and 22 more injured.
Over 40 Palestinians were killed and over 100 injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza in the past day.
Political and Geopolitical:
The EU has stated its desire to be involved in peace talks regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
The US opposes the use of US-made missiles by the Ukrainian military inside Russia.
Poland stated it will not send troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission.
The US House of Representatives approved a 2025 defense budget without a lend-lease agreement with Ukraine.
Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area on January 1st, 2025.
Russia and India have signed a major oil deal.
Russia is publicly stating it is in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, and working with them to maintain Russian military bases.
The Russian government is offering support to any Russian citizens who would like to leave Syria.
The head of Turkish intelligence is in Damascus.
Israel is preparing for attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, believing that the Iranian proxies have weakened and the Assad regime has fallen.
Donald Trump has suggested that European troops should be used as a peacekeeping force in the region and does not support Ukraine's entry into NATO.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that he would like to see a free Iran and mentioned that billions of dollars that Iran spent on conflicts in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon had essentially been destroyed.
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, stated that there are no negotiations with the Russian government, and stated that Ukraine did not believe it had the capability to participate in negotiations as it currently does not possess adequate weapons, nor does it believe its safety is guaranteed if Russia returns in a few years.
A Berlin Declaration was signed by six European countries and the EU, affirming support for Ukraine joining both the EU and NATO, and stating that peace must be based on the Ukrainian peace formula.
The US will announce another aid package for Ukraine today, which will include "additional air defense systems, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles." The aid package is approximately $800 million.
The opposition in Georgia has stated that they do not recognize the election results for president.
Trump is suggesting that Europe deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine to establish a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has visited a unit that is using HIMARS in the Zaporizhzhia region.
France will continue to provide Ukraine with SCALP long-range missiles.
Joe Biden has signed a large clemency act, pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of non-violent offenses.
The EU has added permission to sell the "Helsinki Hall" complex to the latest EU sanctions.
Biden plans to discuss continued support for Ukraine with leaders of the G7.
Internal Security:
A trans-woman in Russia was arrested and sent to a military recruiting office.
An ex-governor of the Ryazan region of Russia has been arrested on bribery charges.
A chief investor of the Russian football club "Khimki" was found not required for pre-trial custody and was released.
A Russian missile designer was reported killed by Ukrainian GUR agents.
There are reports of an ongoing dispute between the security forces of Hodorkovsky and Nevzlin related to an attack.
Increasing reports of corruption and embezzlement in Russia and Ukraine.
An FSB border guard recruitment video highlights their advanced technology and readiness for operations.
A Russian court sent the main investor of the football club "Khimki" under house arrest.
Reports indicate a Russian missile designer was killed by Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces have started proceedings against soldiers captured in the Kursk region.
An Odessa resident confessed to setting fire to several government buildings.
The Ukrainian National Police arrested a gambling ring that was fixing sports matches.
A Ukrainian citizen who is a supporter of the Shariy Party has been arrested on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.
The investigation has revealed a network of propagandists who take orders from outside of Ukraine.
A Russian politician was convicted of receiving sexual services from minors.
A Ukrainian soldier was captured and found with instructions to not surrender, but rather to destroy themselves with grenades and to take out any nearby Russians.
Seven individuals who attacked a Jewish target at an airport in Makhachkala have been sentenced to 8-9 years in prison.
A Moscow resident jumped out of a window after his wife refused his request for a threesome.
Technological Warfare:
Russia is testing a new anti-drone camouflage system and anti-drone technology.
Belarus deployed a mobile communication system "Kulisa".
Russian Ministry of Digital Development offering free IT training to its citizens.
Ukrainian drones successfully used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Ukrainian drones used a simultaneous drone strike on a single target.
A Ukrainian military unit successfully shot down a Russian Supercam drone.
The Russian military is testing anti-drone camouflage and new anti-drone technology.
Belarus has deployed a "Kulisa" mobile communications system.
Russia is offering free IT training to its citizens.
Ukrainian forces are increasingly threatened by FPV drones.
Russian forces have modified a car to fire on drones with an open top.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
A Russian T-72 tank was destroyed in the Luhansk region by a Ukrainian FPV drone.
Russian forces have released a video of Russian drones destroying Ukrainian drones in the Kupyansk area.
Russian forces have destroyed 10 Ukrainian drones in the Rostov and Belgorod regions in the last hour.
The Russian army has presented images of a Ukrainian vehicle they've captured, modified to act as an anti-drone platform.
The Russian army has released footage of an FPV drone destroying a Ukrainian T-72 tank.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region.
Russian forces are using drones to target supply lines.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to strike Russian tanks.
A Ukrainian drone struck and damaged a Russian command post.
A Ukrainian drone crashed in the central part of Kyiv.
The Russian military is reporting that they have destroyed 10 drones over Rostov and Belgorod oblasts.
Russia has reported 6 drones shot down over Rostov Oblast and 4 over Belgorod Oblast.
Russian drone operators have reportedly shot down a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
Ukrainian forces are reporting an increase in FPV drone activity.
The Russian airbase in Hmeymim, Syria is being targeted by drones, which can "freely" fly over the base.
Military Leadership Changes:
President Zelenskyy has introduced a new head of ground forces, General-Major Mykhailo Drapatyi.
The Ukrainian commander of the Operational Tactical Unit (OTU) Donetsk has been removed from command and will be reassigned.
Other:
A Russian media company claimed that a Ukrainian special forces team killed a Russian missile designer.
Ukraine will be discussing further anti-aircraft support with western allies next week.
Ukraine is implementing a new standardized system for rolling blackouts.
The Ukrainian government is trying to encourage Ukrainians currently residing in Germany to return home.
The Ukrainian National Bank has increased its interest rate from 13.0% to 13.5% to fight inflation.
The official currency rate of the dollar has decreased to 41.6588 UAH as of December 13th.
A fire was reported in a warehouse in Novosibirsk, Russia, which has now been confirmed to be a 5,000 square meter warehouse fire, and a special firefighting train has been deployed to the area.
Ukrainian forces laid mines in the Serebryansk forest, using cassette munitions and German anti-tank mines.
A missile or drone attack on Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, resulted in damage to an industrial facility, a boiler plant, and vehicles, possibly using ATACMS missiles.
Several large fires were reported, including a 5,000-square meter warehouse fire in Novosibirsk, and a fire at a Transneft oil depot in Bryansk, and a fire at a production facility (fire extinguished by emergency services) in Bryansk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces remotely laid mines in the Serebryansk forest.
A report indicates that Russia destroyed ten UAVs over Bryansk Oblast.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile struck a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia, killing nine people and injuring twenty-two.
There are reports that North Korean troops are fighting in Ukraine near Kursk.
A Ukrainian captured soldier has stated that he was sent to fight in the Kursk region, given instructions not to surrender, but rather to destroy himself with grenades and to kill any Russians he could.
A Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a tank was reported near Novotroitskoye.
A Russian soldier used an RPO-A "Shmel" rocket propelled grenade on a Ukrainian position in Shevchenko.
Ukrainian forces have blown up a bridge leading to Pokrovsk.
A fire has been reported at a Russian warehouse in Novosibirsk, covering over 5000 square meters.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly blocked a group of Russian soldiers in the Kurakhovo Thermal Power Plant.
Reports indicate a potential Russian ballistic missile launch has been cancelled as NOTAM messages about airspace being closed in that region have been rescinded.
A Ukrainian soldier was captured and found with instructions to not surrender, but rather to destroy themselves with grenades and to take out any nearby Russians.
Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs.
Ukrainian instructors will be trained in basic combat techniques in Lithuania in 2025.
It is planned to launch a pilot project next year to train instructors in shooting courses with the support of NATO.
The Ukrainian 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade used mobile rocket launchers in nighttime operations.
Strategic Operations:
Russian forces continue to push into Ukrainian territory near Velyka Novosilka, Storozheve, Neskuchne, Pischane, Chynyshyne, Belhiyka, and Krasne. Russian forces have also pushed into the city of Kurakhovo and are making advances near the town of Kruglyakovka.
Ukrainian forces are attempting counterattacks in areas where Russian troops are making gains.
Ukraine is requesting additional anti-aircraft support from western allies due to increased drone and missile activity.
The Ukrainian military used a drone strike to destroy a Russian command post.
Russian forces are attempting to cut off supply lines to Storozheve and Neskuchne with artillery and drone strikes but haven't fully succeeded.
Russian forces are continuing to perform mine-clearing operations in Pavlovka, near Donetsk.
Russian forces have destroyed a German-made BMP Marder vehicle near Shevchenko.
Russian forces have also reportedly advanced into Sumy Oblast near the village of Aleksandria.
Russian forces have taken the town of Zarya in the Donetsk People's Republic.
Ukrainian forces remotely laid mines in the Serebryansk forest.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Russian forces are making progress towards the north of Shevchenko.
Russian forces are using RPO-A Shmel against Ukrainian positions in Shevchenko.
Russian forces are continuing their advance south of Pokrovsk.
The Russian army is attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces in Uspenovka, Hannevka, Trudove, and Romanivka.
Russian forces have reportedly liberated the village of Veselyi Gai near Kurakhovo, as well as Daryino.
Russian forces have taken the Ukrainian position in Plekhovo on the Kursk border region with the use of special forces from North Korea.
Russian marines have taken a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
The town of Veselyi Gai has been fully liberated by Russian forces.
Ukrainian forces are being cut off between Uspenovka and Hannevka by Russian troop movements.
Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs.
Russian forces have achieved tactical success in the south-eastern approaches to Krasnoarmeisk.
Russian armored vehicles have achieved tactical gains to the south of Pushkino.
Updated Assessment of Key Areas:
Velyka Novosilka: This area remains a major focus of Russian offensive operations, with continued advances reported. Russian forces are making gains in this area, advancing both to the south and southwest.
Pokrovsk/Kurakhove: Russian forces are advancing toward Kurakhove from multiple directions and have taken multiple villages and are expanding control towards industrial zones. Ukrainian forces are reporting heavy fighting in this area. Mass desertions of Ukrainian forces due to heavy losses and low morale have also been reported in this area. Russian forces are extending control near Pischane and the area of Belhiyka. Russian forces are reported to have taken the town's city council, the southern portion of the town, and are positioned along Grueshevaya street and Lermontov street in Kurakhovo. Russian forces are attempting to encircle the city. Russian forces are making progress near the north of Shevchenko. Fighting is ongoing in Novotroitskoye. Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector. Russian forces are pushing towards Pokrovsk. The "Uspenovka Pocket" is increasingly critical. Russian forces have reportedly taken the town of Veselyi Gai near Kurakhovo. Russian forces have also been pushing into the southern outskirts of Krasnoarmeisk. Russian armored forces have achieved gains to the south of Pushkino.
Kursk Region: Russia and Ukraine are continuing to struggle for control, with both sides reporting losses of the enemy. North Korean troops are reported to be fighting in this area for the Russian forces. Russian forces have taken a Ukrainian stronghold near the border of Kursk. Russian forces have taken the town of Plekhovo after passing through a minefield using North Korean special forces.
Sumy/Kharkiv/Kyiv: Increased drone activity on multiple fronts towards key urban locations presents a significant threat. Drone activity seems focused on Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Russian drones are entering Sumy from the Kursk region, heading west/southwest. A high speed object was reported near Sumy. Numerous drones have been detected in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Poltava, Cherkasy and Kirovohrad areas, heading west and southwest.
A fire was reported at a warehouse in Novosibirsk.
Chasov Yar/Dzerzhinsk Russian forces have made advancements in these areas, specifically by the Fire-Resistant Compound, and in the area's slag heaps.
Strategic Recommendations for Commanders:
Prioritize Air Defense: Enhance air defenses, especially near Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv, and other major urban centers due to increased drone and missile activity and continue to secure more western aid in this regard.
Reinforce Velyka Novosilka: Increase defensive capabilities to counter Russian offensive operations in the Velyka Novosilka area. Analyze Russian attack patterns and prioritize counter-battery fire.
Secure Logistics: Ensure supply lines remain functional and protected, and explore alternative supply routes, if required, given Russian attempts to cut supply lines.
Monitor Syria: Track developments in Syria, with Russian contact with HTS and the situation with Israel. Monitor Russian withdrawal and the political situation in Syria, for potential impacts on Ukraine.
Address Troop Morale: Address issues of troop demoralization, communication, support, and housing for veterans and military members.
Counter Disinformation: Prepare for disinformation from Russia and Russian-controlled media, designed to erode public trust.
Assess New Threats: Review methods Russia may be using to conscript citizens, especially those who may be ineligible or who face discrimination.
Monitor Russian Rear Bases: Monitor reported fires in Russian bases and logistic hubs, to understand their impact on strategic and tactical planning.
Secure supply lines to Kurakhovo: Ensure that the supply lines around Kurakhovo are secure.
Monitor for shifts in Russian Tactics: Closely monitor for any shift in Russian tactics, such as increased usage of FPV drones, mine clearing, and night operations.
Address Vulnerabilities in Supply Chain: Address vulnerabilities in civilian and military supply lines by monitoring areas for fires and strategic attacks.
Monitor North Korean activity: Assess the impact of North Korean soldiers on the front lines, and develop counter strategies.
Protect infrastructure: Protect bridges and key transport routes, as those have become frequent targets.
Address "Uspenovka Pocket": Determine the strategic value of holding the "Uspenovka Pocket" and if it should be abandoned to protect the troops located there.
Increase focus on anti-drone measures: Given the increased usage of drones by both sides, focus on ways to detect and disable drones.
Monitor for changes in Russian troop deployments: Analyze reports and intelligence about potential Russian shifts in personnel deployment, and be prepared to react to these movements.
Monitor and control supply lines: Ensure that supply lines are protected and maintained, especially around Kurakhovo and nearby regions, where there are reports of an attempt to encircle Ukrainian forces.
Adapt military strategies: Recognize the increased importance of drones on the modern battlefield, and adapt tactics accordingly.
Major Updates:
Russian Advances: Russian forces are advancing near Velyka Novosilka, Storozheve, Neskuchne, Pischane, Chynyshyne, Belhiyka, and Krasne, with Ukrainian forces mounting counterattacks. Russian forces destroyed a key crossing near NovoOcheretovato with an airstrike. Russian forces have also advanced into Kurakhovo, as well as near the town of Kruglyakovka. Russian forces have taken the town of Zarya. Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector. Russian forces are making progress towards the north of Shevchenko and continue their advance south of Pokrovsk. Russian forces are also reportedly in control of the town of Veselyi Gai. Russian forces have reached the outskirts of Pushkino and the southern approach of Krasnoarmeisk.
Increased Drone Activity: High levels of drone activity across multiple Ukrainian regions, heading toward urban areas like Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kyiv, with reports of drones heading into Kyiv from multiple directions, and also Sumy from the Kursk region. Russian forces are actively targeting Ukrainian drones with their own drone systems. High levels of drone activity have been reported over Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad and Vinnytsia Oblasts.
Uspenovka Pocket: Ukrainian forces are increasingly at risk of being encircled in the "Uspenovka pocket".
Syria: Russia is in contact with HTS and Israel regarding Syria. Reports indicate the Russian withdrawal and that Russia is close to an agreement to retain its military bases.
Casualties: High casualties on both sides, with over 40 deaths and 100 injuries reported in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Legal and Political: The Ukrainian National Bank has increased its interest rate to 13.5% to fight inflation, and the official currency rate of the dollar has decreased to 41.6588 UAH as of December 13th. A Berlin Declaration was signed by six European countries and the EU, affirming support for Ukraine joining both the EU and NATO, and stating that peace must be based on the Ukrainian peace formula.
A trans-woman was arrested by Russian authorities and sent to a recruiting station, indicating the Russian military is deploying controversial recruitment tactics.
Israel has stated that is preparing for a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
A fire was reported in a warehouse in Novosibirsk, Russia.
Russian forces are conducting mine-clearing operations near Pavlovka close to Donetsk.
Russia has started proceedings against soldiers captured in the Kursk region.
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine stated that Ukraine was not ready for negotiations.
Donald Trump has suggested that European troops should be used as a peacekeeping force in the region and does not support Ukraine's entry into NATO.
Ukrainian forces remotely laid mines in the Serebryansk forest.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region.
There are reports that North Korean troops are fighting in Ukraine near Kursk.
A Ukrainian captured soldier has stated that he was sent to fight in the Kursk region, given instructions not to surrender, but rather to destroy himself with grenades and to kill any Russians he could.
A Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a tank was reported near Novotroitskoye.
