Updated Military Situation Analysis - December 13, 2024 (02:45:05 UTC)
Eastern Ukraine:
Russian forces continue rapid advances, breaking through weakened Ukrainian positions in the Donbas.
Russian forces have secured positions in Uspenovka, placing Ukrainian forces at high risk of encirclement, and are preparing for further operations in Uspenovka and Annovka.
Drone warfare continues with Russian forces using drones to destroy Ukrainian strongpoints near Kurakhove.
A Ukrainian prisoner of war stated that Ukrainian positions were not prepared for defense near Kurakhove.
Russian tactical aviation is launching guided air bombs in Donetsk Oblast, with repeated launches reported.
The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
Kursk Region:
A military court in Russia has begun proceedings against Ukrainian soldiers captured in the region.
There is an increased air threat, including drones, over the Kursk region.
A new Russian sniper training center will begin construction in January 2025 in Primorye.
A Russian contract soldier was sent to the front despite a severe leg injury.
A Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a Russian "UAZ" vehicle ("Buhanka") in Kursk Oblast, resulting in casualties.
Russian Mi-28NM attack helicopters destroyed a Ukrainian strongpoint, personnel, and vehicles in the border region.
Russian drone operations continue, targeting Ukrainian positions on the Kursk front. Drone operators from the BAKSAN unit are actively destroying Ukrainian positions.
Sumy Oblast:
Russian forces are launching repeated guided air bomb attacks in the region.
Multiple Russian drones are entering and moving south/southwest.
New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest.
Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
There is an increased threat from Russian tactical aviation.
Drones continue to move south/southwest.
Drones are active on the border with Poltava and Chernihiv, moving west/southwest.
Russian forces have advanced into the region near the village of Aleksandria.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Air raid alert has been lifted in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Drone activity continues.
New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region from occupied territory, moving north/northeast.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile (9M723-1 Iskander) strike hit a hospital complex, resulting in significant Ukrainian personnel losses and the death of a high-ranking NATO official.
Kherson Oblast:
Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
Drones continue to move southeast.
There has been a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
Kharkiv Oblast:
Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks.
A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv, causing an unspecified number of casualties.
Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
Ukrainian air defense systems successfully forced a change in Russian drone attack routes near Kharkiv.
Drones are active near Lozova.
A guided aerial missile has been launched into the region and is moving southwest. The missile has reportedly been neutralized.
A Ukrainian guided aerial missile has been launched through Balakleya, towards Zlatopol.
Toretsk/Kramatorsk Direction:
No significant changes reported, but Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing towards other key locations like Scherbynivka and Leonidivka.
Other Fronts:
Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations near the Serebryansk forest, utilizing drones to eliminate Ukrainian forces.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian BTR-4 armored personnel carrier near Kharkiv.
Russian drones are targeting Ukrainian pick-up trucks and manpower with drone-delivered munitions in the Serebryansky forest.
There is increased Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern front.
Russian forces are using BM-21 "Grad" rocket systems along the Dnieper River.
Russian forces have destroyed a Ukrainian grouping of forces between the villages of Elizavetovka and Uspenovka.
Russian forces are consolidating control in the southern Kurakhovo district, with fighting continuing in the city center.
Russian forces have secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, cutting off Ukrainian escape routes from Annivka.
Russian forces are making advancements near Toretsk, controlling the Zabalok district and the central mine along with its spoil heaps.
They are advancing towards Scherbynivka and Leonidivka to the west.
Near Pokrovsk, Russian forces have established control over the area north of Petrovka and continue to attack towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye.
They are making advances near Novotroitskoye, and also south of Voznesenka.
The advances are stretching Ukrainian forces and limiting their ability to transfer reinforcements.
Russian forces captured five buildings in Volchansk and repelled a counterattack. Heavy fighting continues.
Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar, capturing a strongpoint despite Ukrainian use of cluster munitions.
A video shows Russian forces breaking through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar after heavy shelling, taking a strategic position.
A T-72B3M tank successfully destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path for advancing infantry through a minefield.
Russian forces liberated Novotroitskoye and Shevchenko near Pokrovsk, and Veselyi Hai south of Kurakhovo, and took full control of the Tsentralnaya mine in Toretsk.
Drone Warfare:
Russian drones are targeting Ukrainian positions near Kurakhove.
Ukrainian drones are active across the country.
Numerous drones are moving across Ukraine towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Drones are moving from the south towards Kyiv.
Drones are moving from the southeast towards Vinnytsia.
Drones are moving from the northeast towards Zytomyr.
Drones are moving towards Sumy from the northwest and northeast.
Drones are moving towards Kharkiv from the south.
Drones are moving from the north into Sumy Oblast.
Drones are moving from the south into Kyiv.
Drones are moving west and southwest in Cherkasy, Sumy, Poltava and Kharkiv regions.
Drones are moving northwest in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.
Drones are moving southwest in Chernihiv regions.
Drones are moving south/northwest in Kirovohrad regions.
Drones are moving in the northeastern parts of the Sumy region.
Drones are moving west from Kharkiv into the Donetsk region.
Numerous drones are moving towards Sumy and Pryluky.
Drones are moving from the southeast towards Kyiv.
Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Drones are moving from the south towards Kryvyi Rih.
Drones are moving across the border region of Poltava, Sumy, and Chernihiv, moving west/southwest.
Drones are now moving in a northerly direction through Poltava and Cherkasy.
Drones are moving west through Kirovohrad, and through the south of Vinnytsia.
Drones are moving through the Khmelnytska and Rivne Oblasts.
Drones are active in the Bereznegovate and Berislav districts of Kherson.
A drone has moved from the Khmelnytska Oblast into the Rivne Oblast.
Drones are active over Vinnytsia and Poltava, moving west/southwest, and over Sumy.
A drone has moved from the area of Shostka, Sumy Oblast back towards the Russian border.
Drones have moved towards Zhytomyr from the northwest.
Drones are now moving from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary.
Drones are active in eastern Kyiv region, moving west.
Drones are active on the border of Zhytomyr and Khmelnytskyi regions, moving southeast.
Drones are active in western Kirovohrad, moving west.
Drones are active in southern Vinnytsia, moving west.
Drones are active in the northern Black Sea, moving west.
Drones are threatening the Odesa region from the Black Sea.
Several new drones have been launched from the Black Sea and are moving towards Belgorod-Dnistrovskyi in Odesa Oblast.
Several drones are currently active near Zhytomyr, moving from the west.
Several drones are approaching Kyiv from the northeast.
Several drones are active near Vinnytsia, moving from the south.
A large group of drones has launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva.
Drones are moving through and toward Belyayevka.
A drone is approaching Borispil.
A drone is approaching Zhytomyr from the west.
A drone is moving to the south of the Vinnytsia region.
Several drones are now moving towards Belgorod-Dnistrovskyi.
A drone is approaching Kyiv from the northeast.
Drones are observed in the Zhytomyr region (near the regional center), in the south of Vinnytsia region, in the south of Odessa, and new drones are entering the Odessa region from the Black Sea.
Drones have struck several targets in the Kursk region.
One drone is approaching Cherkasy.
One drone is approaching the border between Cherkasy and Kyiv Oblast, moving west.
Logistics:
Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
Military Activity:
Russian forces are using drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
Russian forces are actively attempting to destroy Ukrainian drones.
The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology.
Russian forces have secured positions within Uspenovka.
Russian forces are now within 2km of the outskirts of Pokrovsk.
Russian forces are advancing near Toretsk.
A successful FPV drone strike by the 56th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
Russian forces liberated Novotroitskoye and Shevchenko near Pokrovsk, and Veselyi Hai south of Kurakhovo, and took full control of the Tsentralnaya mine in Toretsk.
A video depicts Russian Mi-28NM attack helicopters destroying a Ukrainian strongpoint, personnel, and vehicles in the Kursk border region.
Other Conflicts:
Israeli forces are preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities after destroying most of Syria's air defense capabilities.
Israel continues to expand its occupied zone in the Golan Heights.
"Green" militant forces are expected to attempt to seize the western bank of the Euphrates River from Kurdish forces in Syria.
The US destroyed a bridge in Deir ez-Zor to halt the advance of these forces, though tensions remain.
Mass demonstrations against the SDF were reported in Raqqa and Hasaka cities.
A diplomatic meeting was held between the Turkish Foreign Minister and a French-Kurdish-US delegation in Damascus.
Israeli ground forces are occupying more areas near the UNDOF buffer zone.
Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on the Mezzeh airport near Damascus.
The US has recommended that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) not seize complete control of Syria.
Mohammed Alloush, a prominent Syrian opposition figure, has stated Syria's desire for cooperation with all nations based on non-interference, and that the Syrian people would decide on the future of US military presence in Syria. He further stated that the Syrian people will not accept an Islamic state.
Alloush also stated that the new Syrian government will consider the issue of Russian military bases in light of the interests of the Syrian people and Russia.
Casualties:
One civilian was injured in Belgorod due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv resulting in an unspecified number of casualties.
The death toll from the Zaporizhzhia hospital attack has risen to eight, with four still trapped and 22 injured.
The death toll from the Zaporizhzhia hospital attack has risen to nine.
Political and Geopolitical:
The US has allocated a $500 million aid package to Ukraine including HIMARS munitions, anti-tank weapons, and anti-drone systems.
Cuba and Bolivia may join BRICS as partner countries in 2025.
The outgoing Biden administration may increase sanctions on Russian oil exports.
The US House of Representatives has approved a 2025 defense budget without a lend-lease agreement with Ukraine.
A Trump administration may reduce US aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine may face tension with a Trump administration due to perceived support for the Democratic party in the pre-election period.
The US has removed a lend-lease agreement to Ukraine from its 2025 defense budget.
Xi Jinping is not expected to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump.
The US State Department approved a $266 million package for servicing Ukrainian F-16s.
The Canadian Parliament approved a ~$600 million direct military aid package for Ukraine, with additional funding for financial support and demining/cybersecurity.
Internal Security:
The entire Lipetsk Oblast has been put under a state of air alert.
Lipetsk, Lipetsk MO, Lebedyansky, and Dankovsky districts are under a red level threat of drone attacks.
The city of Yelets, Yelets, and Krasninsky districts are under red level threat of drone attacks.
The Stanovlyansky district is under red level threat of drone attacks.
Drivers of heavy trucks will face significantly increased fines for entering urban areas without permission in Russia.
The red level drone threat is lifted in Lipetsk, Lipetsk MO, Lebedyansky, Dankovsky, Yelets, Yelets, Krasninsky, and Stanovlyansky districts. A yellow level air raid alert is maintained in the entire Lipetsk Oblast.
Two women in Khabarovsk transferred 1.1 million rubles to fraudsters believing that they were being contacted by their employers.
Raids are underway on Ukrainian railway facilities in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast to stop an organized crime group operating within the railway system.
The yellow level air raid alert has been lifted in Lipetsk.
Technological Warfare:
Russian forces are actively deploying drones in the Sumy Oblast, with large formations detected moving southwest into the region.
Russian forces are using FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian equipment.
A Russian FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Belarus has deployed a mobile communication system called "Kulisas," described as a Belarusian equivalent to Starlink.
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development is offering free IT training to its citizens, aiming to address a significant shortage of IT professionals.
A Ukrainian military unit successfully shot down a Russian Supercam drone.
Military Leadership Changes:
The head of Rosgvardia, Viktor Zolotov, has been awarded the Hero of Russia star.
Other:
The body of the second individual who was buried under rubble at a mine in Yakutia has been found.
Open fire in Novosibirsk has been extinguished.
The leader of the "Texas" unit was killed by friendly fire after being tortured. The killers have been caught, and the court case has begun.
Alexi Raumo, former deputy director-general of the Karelian Development Corporation, was arrested in Petrozavodsk, Russia.
Three call centers in Moscow were raided by FSB and МВД, resulting in several arrests, and allegedly linked to an international network of scammers who funneled some proceeds to support the Ukrainian military effort.
A Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a Russian command post, causing significant casualties.
Kim Yong-hyun, the former South Korean defense minister, attempted suicide while in detention.
A Christmas tree installed in Petrivka was removed due to the tense security situation.
The Russian government has announced that Russian economic growth is projected at 3.9% for 2024.
Severe damage has been reported to Mariupol's sanitation system due to the ongoing conflict.
A metalurgical company, "Metinvest" announced it was shutting down its coal operations due to the approach of the front line.
Strategic Operations:
Russian forces have secured positions in Uspenovka, with Ukrainian forces under high threat of encirclement.
Hostile drone activity is increasing across Ukraine, including the regions surrounding Kyiv and other major population centers.
Russian 14th and 16th Special Forces Brigades conducted drone operations targeting vehicles, depots and manpower near the Sukhie Yaly River and Serebryansk forest.
Russian forces are advancing in the Sumy region, likely due to difficulty crossing the Psiol River in another area.
The destruction of a Ukrainian grouping of forces between the villages of Elizavetovka and Uspenovka.
Russian forces liberated Novotroitskoye and Shevchenko near Pokrovsk, and Veselyi Hai south of Kurakhovo, and took full control of the Tsentralnaya mine in Toretsk.
Drone Activity:
A large number of drones are currently active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
A large number of hostile drones are approaching or over Sumy, with some approaching the city of Pryluky in that region.
New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, and also approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv from other directions.
Drones are moving towards Kyiv from the northwest.
Drones are active near Kherson, moving to the left bank.
Drones are active over Vinnytsia, moving west.
Drones are moving from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary.
Drones are active in eastern Kyiv region, moving west.
Drones are active on the border of Zhytomyr and Khmelnytskyi regions, moving southeast.
Drones are active in western Kirovohrad, moving west.
Drones are active in southern Vinnytsia, moving west.
Drones are active in the northern Black Sea, moving west.
Drones are threatening the Odesa region from the Black Sea.
Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva.
Drones are moving through and toward Belyayevka.
A drone is approaching Borispil.
A drone is approaching Zhytomyr from the west.
A drone is moving to the south of the Vinnytsia region.
Several drones are now moving towards Belgorod-Dnistrovskyi.
A drone is approaching Kyiv from the northeast.
Drones are observed in the Zhytomyr region (near the regional center), in the south of Vinnytsia region, in the south of Odessa, and new drones are entering the Odessa region from the Black Sea.
Drones have struck several targets in the Kursk region.
One drone is approaching Cherkasy.
One drone is approaching the border between Cherkasy and Kyiv Oblast, moving west.
Key Changes:
The yellow level air raid threat has been lifted in Lipetsk.
Russian forces are reportedly making rapid advances in the Donbas, including securing positions within Uspenovka and threatening to encircle Ukrainian forces.
Drone activity continues to be extremely high across most of Ukraine, with major cities under threat, and a large number of drones are now approaching from the Black Sea.
New groups of Russian drones are approaching from multiple directions.
Russian forces are continuing to launch attacks using guided air bombs in Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts.
The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new military technologies.
The Russian military is focusing on the destruction of Ukrainian drones.
Lipetsk and surrounding regions are under a yellow level of air alert.
The Israeli military is preparing for an attack on Iran's nuclear sites.
The US government may be decreasing aid to Ukraine and increasing sanctions against Russia.
The US has allocated a $500 million aid package to Ukraine.
Ukraine may face tension with a Trump administration.
Russian tactical aviation is active on the northeastern front.
A new Russian sniper training center will be built in Primorye in January 2025.
Drones are increasingly active over the entire region, including major population centers.
Drivers of heavy trucks will face increased fines for entering urban areas without permission in Russia.
A drone has struck a residential building in Kharkiv.
Drones are moving through the Khmelnytska and Rivne Oblasts.
Drones are active in the Bereznegovate and Berislav districts of Kherson.
Drones are active over Vinnytsia and Poltava.
Xi Jinping is not expected to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump.
New drones are being launched from the Black Sea towards the Odesa region.
Russian tactical aviation activity is increasing along the northeastern front.
Russian forces are launching guided air bombs in Sumy.
A Ukrainian prisoner of war stated that Ukrainian positions were not prepared for defense near Kurakhove.
Several drones have been launched from the Black Sea towards Belgorod-Dnistrovskyi.
Several drones are now active near Zhytomyr, moving from the west.
Several drones are now approaching Kyiv from the northeast.
Several drones are now active near Vinnytsia, moving from the south.
A large group of drones has launched from the Black Sea and are moving towards Tatarbunary.
A guided aerial missile is moving through the Kharkiv region.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile strike on a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia resulted in significant losses, including the death of a high-ranking NATO official.
Belarus has deployed a mobile communication system called "Kulisas."
Russian forces have reportedly advanced into Sumy Oblast.
The Ukrainian military is suffering from severe supply shortages and low morale.
Ukrainian forces are suffering from friendly fire incidents, and reports indicate that their defensive positions are not well prepared.
Russian forces have advanced into Sumy Oblast near the village of Aleksandria.
Russian forces have improved their positions near the village of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Russian forces have destroyed a Ukrainian grouping of forces between the villages of Elizavetovka and Uspenovka, south of Kurakhovo.
Russian forces are consolidating control in the southern Kurakhovo district and that fighting continues in the city center.
Russian forces have secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, cutting off Ukrainian escape routes from Annivka.
Russian forces are making advancements near Toretsk, controlling the Zabalok district and the central mine along with its spoil heaps.
They are advancing towards Scherbynivka and Leonidivka to the west.
Near Pokrovsk, Russian forces have established control over the area north of Petrovka and continue to attack towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye.
They are making advances near Novotroitskoye, and also south of Voznesenka.
The advances are stretching Ukrainian forces and limiting their ability to transfer reinforcements.
Russian forces captured five buildings in Volchansk and repelled a counterattack. Heavy fighting continues.
Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar, capturing a strongpoint despite Ukrainian use of cluster munitions.
A T-72B3M tank successfully destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path for advancing infantry through a minefield.
Alexi Raumo, former deputy director-general of the Karelian Development Corporation, was arrested in Petrozavodsk, Russia.
Three call centers in Moscow were raided by FSB and МВД, resulting in several arrests.
A Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a Russian command post, causing significant casualties.
Kim Yong-hyun, the former South Korean defense minister, attempted suicide while in detention.
The Canadian Parliament approved a ~$600 million direct military aid package for Ukraine.
A Ukrainian guided aerial missile has been launched through Balakleya, towards Zlatopol.
A Ukrainian unit has confirmed destroying a Russian Supercam drone.
The Russian government has announced that Russian economic growth is projected at 3.9% for 2024.
Severe damage has been reported to Mariupol's sanitation system due to the ongoing conflict.
The US State Department approved a $266 million package for servicing Ukrainian F-16s.
A missile or drone strike on Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, resulted in damage to an industrial facility (the Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex), a boiler plant resulting in the loss of heat to 27 apartment buildings, and the burning of 14 vehicles.
Ten UAVs were detected and destroyed over Bryansk Oblast by Russian air defenses.
A significant explosion at a Transneft oil depot in Bryansk, and a separate incident involving a fire at a production facility.
A Russian FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Russian drone operations are targeting Ukrainian positions on the Kursk front.
A Russian video depicts Mi-28NM attack helicopters destroying Ukrainian targets in the Kursk border region.
The 14th and 16th Special Forces Brigades conducted successful drone operations targeting enemy vehicles, field depots, and manpower near the Sukhie Yaly River and Serebryansk forest respectively.
The Russian Ministry of Defense is planning to introduce deputy commander positions for logistics in airborne battalions.
Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing towards other key locations like Scherbynivka and Leonidivka.
The 331st Regiment, 98th Airborne Division, eliminated a Ukrainian position ("Baba Yaga") on the Chasov Yar front.
A resident of Yenakiieve reports a strike on an ammunition depot.
Over the past 24 hours, 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 in Zaporizhzhia.
Ukrainian forces remotely laid mines in the Serebryansk forest, using cassette munitions and German anti-tank mines.
Ukrainian F-16s are based in Poland, with 7 already operational and flying missions over Ukraine, while additional aircraft are undergoing preparations.
A Christmas tree installed in Petrivka was removed due to the tense security situation.
Maria Zakharova stated that the US aid to Ukraine is intended to prolong the conflict.
A video shows a successful sniper engagement by a commander from the Akhmat special forces, killing two Ukrainian snipers.
A report details the fraudulent enlistment of seven conscripts in Chebarkul, forcing them to sign contracts under duress.
A captured Ukrainian soldier reports low morale, widespread food poisoning, and illnesses within his unit.
The Biden administration is considering imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports.
A Ukrainian guided aerial missile has been launched through Balakleya, towards Zlatopol.
Ukrainian tactical aviation conducted guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
A report in the National Interest suggests NATO may deploy B-61 nuclear bombs in Poland or Ukraine as a response to the deployment of Russian Oreshnik missiles.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile (9M723-1 Iskander) strike hit a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia, resulting in significant losses to Ukrainian personnel and the death of a high-ranking NATO official.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed a strike on the Bryansk oil depot, resulting in a large fire.
The Washington Post reported that Ukrainian intelligence services provided support to HTS rebels in Syria before their offensive against government forces.
A video shows the severe damage to Mariupol's sanitation system due to the ongoing conflict.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced into Sumy Oblast near the village of Aleksandria.
Russian forces have improved their positions near the village of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Russian forces have destroyed a Ukrainian grouping of forces between the villages of Elizavetovka and Uspenovka.
Russian forces are consolidating control in the southern Kurakhovo district and that fighting continues in the city center.
Russian forces have secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, cutting off Ukrainian escape routes from Annivka.
Russian forces are making advancements near Toretsk, controlling the Zabalok district and the central mine along with its spoil heaps.
They are advancing towards Scherbynivka and Leonidivka to the west.
Near Pokrovsk, Russian forces have established control over the area north of Petrovka and continue to attack towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye.
They are making advances near Novotroitskoye, and also south of Voznesenka.
The advances are stretching Ukrainian forces and limiting their ability to transfer reinforcements.
Russian forces captured five buildings in Volchansk and repelled a counterattack. Heavy fighting continues.
Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar, capturing a strongpoint despite Ukrainian use of cluster munitions.
A T-72B3M tank successfully destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path for advancing infantry through a minefield.
Alexi Raumo, former deputy director-general of the Karelian Development Corporation, was arrested in Petrozavodsk, Russia.
Three call centers in Moscow were raided by FSB and МВД, resulting in several arrests.
A Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a Russian command post, causing significant casualties.
Kim Yong-hyun, the former South Korean defense minister, attempted suicide while in detention.
The Canadian Parliament approved a ~$600 million direct military aid package for Ukraine.
A Ukrainian guided aerial missile has been launched through Balakleya, towards Zlatopol.
A Ukrainian unit has confirmed destroying a Russian Supercam drone.
The Russian government has announced that Russian economic growth is projected at 3.9% for 2024.
Severe damage has been reported to Mariupol's sanitation system due to the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian air forces reported increased activity of Russian tactical aviation in the southeast and that they were conducting guided air bomb strikes in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian tactical aviation conducted guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
A video shows Russian forces breaking through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar after heavy shelling, taking a strategic position.
A video shows Russian infantry burning and taking heavy casualties near Pokrovsk.
The red level air raid threat has been lifted, indicating the successful interception of most drone attacks.
A Ukrainian guided aerial missile has been neutralized.
Russian forces liberated Novotroitskoye and Shevchenko near Pokrovsk, and Veselyi Hai south of Kurakhovo, and took full control of the Tsentralnaya mine in Toretsk.
A metalurgical company, "Metinvest" announced it was shutting down its coal operations due to the approach of the front line.
The yellow level air raid threat has been lifted in Lipetsk.
Active Russian tactical aviation remains a threat in the eastern direction.
One drone is approaching Cherkasy.
One drone is approaching the border between Cherkasy and Kyiv Oblast, moving west.
Significant Changes from Previous Reports:
Increased drone activity over multiple Ukrainian oblasts, now including Khmelnytska and Rivne Oblasts, as well as the Bereznegovate and Berislav districts of Kherson.
Increased threat from Russian tactical aviation on the northeastern front.
Russia is planning to open a new training center for snipers in Primorye.
US aid to Ukraine may decrease, depending on the result of the next presidential elections.
Increased tensions in Syria with Israel and Turkish forces operating in the region.
Increased fines for heavy truck drivers entering urban areas in Russia.
A drone has struck a residential building in Kharkiv.
Xi Jinping is not expected to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Russian forces are reportedly making rapid advances in the Donbas, including securing positions within Uspenovka and threatening to encircle Ukrainian forces.
New drones are being launched from the Black Sea towards the Odesa region.
Russian tactical aviation activity is increasing along the northeastern front.
Russian forces are launching guided air bombs in Sumy.
The red level drone threat is lifted in Lipetsk, Lipetsk MO, Lebedyansky, Dankovsky, Yelets, Yelets, Krasninsky, and Stanovlyansky districts, but a yellow level air raid alert is maintained in the entire Lipetsk Oblast.
A Ukrainian prisoner of war has reported that Ukrainian defenses in Kurakhove were not prepared.
The city of Kharkiv has sustained significant drone damage.
New drones are entering the Odesa region from the Black Sea.
A guided aerial missile is moving through the Kharkiv region.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile strike on a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia resulted in significant losses, including the death of a high-ranking NATO official.
A missile or drone strike on Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, resulted in damage to an industrial facility (the Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex), a boiler plant resulting in the loss of heat to 27 apartment buildings, and the burning of 14 vehicles.
Ten UAVs were detected and destroyed over Bryansk Oblast by Russian air defenses.
A significant explosion at a Transneft oil depot in Bryansk, and a separate incident involving a fire at a production facility.
A Russian FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Russian drone operations are targeting Ukrainian positions on the Kursk front.
The 14th and 16th Special Forces Brigades conducted successful drone operations targeting enemy vehicles, field depots, and manpower near the Sukhie Yaly River and Serebryansk forest respectively.
The Russian Ministry of Defense is planning to introduce deputy commander positions for logistics in airborne battalions.
Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing towards other key locations like Scherbynivka and Leonidivka.
The 331st Regiment, 98th Airborne Division, eliminated a Ukrainian position ("Baba Yaga") on the Chasov Yar front.
A resident of Yenakiieve reports a strike on an ammunition depot.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been 268 attacks on 10 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
Ukrainian forces remotely laid mines in the Serebryansk forest, using cassette munitions and German anti-tank mines.
Ukrainian F-16s are based in Poland, with 7 already operational and flying missions over Ukraine, while additional aircraft are undergoing preparations.
A Christmas tree installed in Petrivka was removed due to the tense security situation.
Maria Zakharova stated that the US aid to Ukraine is intended to prolong the conflict.
A video shows a successful sniper engagement by a commander from
