Situation Report

### Updated Military Situation Analysis - December 13, 2024 (08:15:23 UTC)

**Eastern Ukraine:**
*   Russian forces are advancing in central Kurakhovo, with Ukrainian forces at high risk of encirclement in Uspenovka, Veselyi Hai, and Annovka.
*   Russian forces continue to advance south of Sontsivka and west from Novotroitskoye and Kurakhovo.
*   Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk. Intense fighting is reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, and Promin. Ukrainian forces have sustained 203 attacks in the last 2 days.
*   Russian air attacks are targeting Toretsk, with fighting near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
*   Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
*   Russian forces have secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, cutting off Ukrainian escape routes from Annivka.
*   Russian forces are advancing towards Scherbynivka and Leonidivka west of Toretsk.
*   Russian forces have established control north of Petrovka near Pokrovsk and continue to attack towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye.
*   Russian forces are advancing near Novotroitskoye, and also south of Voznesenka, stretching Ukrainian forces.
*   Russian forces are within 2km of the outskirts of Pokrovsk.
*   Russian forces have captured Novotroitskoye and Zarya and are advancing at Sonstovka, Kruglakovka, Veselyi Gai and Uspenovka.
*   Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and have advanced near Dzerzhinsk.
*   Ukrainian forces are changing the commander of the "Donetsk" OTG after the serious worsening of operational circumstances.

**Kursk Region:**
*   Russian forces are engaged in intense combat in the northern part of the Sudzha district, specifically in the forests east of Novoivanovka and the village of Nikolayevo-Dar'ino.
*   Russian forces took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of special forces from North Korea.
*   Russian forces have reportedly liberated the village of Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district.
*   Russian drone operations continue, targeting Ukrainian positions.
*   A T-72B3M tank destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path through a minefield.
*   An M1 Abrams tank has been destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
*   A captured Ukrainian soldier stated he was instructed not to surrender, but rather to destroy himself with grenades.
*   Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region were stated to be over 200 soldiers, two armored fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and three mortars.
*   Russian marines have taken a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
*   Russian forces using fiber optic drones destroyed two Ukrainian vehicles near Mala Loknya.
*   A drone attack on a vehicle carrying Russian border guards in the Glushkovsky area resulted in 1 death and 4 injuries.
* Ukrainian forces have repelled 21 Russian army assaults.

**Sumy Oblast:**
*   Russian forces are launching repeated guided air bomb attacks in the region.
*   New groups of Russian drones are entering from the Kursk region, heading southwest, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv and Poltava and Pryluky.
*   Russian drones are moving south/southwest.
*   Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
*   Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
*   Russian forces have advanced into the region near the village of Aleksandria.

**Zaporizhzhia Oblast:**
*   Russian forces are launching attacks on locations of Ukrainian troop concentrations and drone operators.
*   A Russian quasi-ballistic missile (9M723-1 Iskander) strike hit a hospital complex, resulting in Ukrainian personnel losses and the death of a high-ranking NATO official.
*   There have been 268 attacks on 10 settlements, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
*   Ukrainian HIMARS units are deployed in Zaporizhzhia.
*   Ukrainian authorities are evacuating civilians from Mala Tokmachka.
* Russian forces are attacking enemy positions and BpLA operators on the Vasilyevsky direction.
* Ukrainian forces have repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction, near Novodarivka and Novopola.
* Russian forces have renewed aviation strikes in the area and have dropped a number of guided bombs on Stepnogirsk and Mala Tokmachka.

**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.
*   There has been a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
*   Russian forces have attacked the towns of Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
* Ukrainian forces have repelled 5 Russian army assaults.

**Kharkiv Oblast:**
*   Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks.
*   A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv, causing casualties.
*   Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
*   Ukrainian air defense systems have forced a change in Russian drone attack routes near Kharkiv.
*   Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons.
*   Russian forces have disrupted a Ukrainian attack in the Liptsi area.
*   Fighting is continuing near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk.
*   Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
*   Ukrainian forces are evacuating residents of 344 settlements.
* Four civilians were injured after a Russian attack in Myrne.

**Toretsk/Kramatorsk Direction:**
*   Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk, controlling the Zabalok district and the central mine along with its spoil heaps.
*   Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
*   Fighting is ongoing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.

**Other Fronts:**
*   Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations near the Serebryansk forest.
*   Russian forces are targeting supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve but haven't fully cut them off.
*   Russian forces are using artillery and drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
*   Russian forces have 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 have blown up a bridge leading to Pokrovsk.
*   Russian forces report using a new type of drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles.
*   A Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a tank was reported near Novotroitskoye.
*   Russian armored vehicles have achieved tactical gains to the south of Pushkino.
*   Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
*   Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
*   Russian forces have taken the village of Zarya.
*   Russian forces are pushing towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
*   Russian forces report they have broken through Ukrainian lines.
*   Russian forces liberated Novotroitskoye and Shevchenko near Pokrovsk, and Veselyi Hai south of Kurakhovo, and took full control of the Tsentralnaya mine in Toretsk.
*   Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian platoon near Velyka Novosilka.
*   Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city's multi-story buildings.
*  Russian forces have taken a portion of land measuring 4 by 1.6 kilometers in Vremevsk direction.

**Drone Warfare:**
*   Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
*   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.
*   Numerous drones are moving towards Sumy and Pryluky.
*   Drones are active on the border of Zhytomyr and Khmelnytskyi regions, moving southeast.
*   Drones are moving through the Khmelnytska and Rivne Oblasts.
*   Drones are active in eastern Kyiv region, moving west.
*   Drones are now moving from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary.
*   A large group of drones has launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
*   Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, and Borispil.
*   Drones have struck several targets in the Kursk region.
*   Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
*   Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
*   Russian forces have reported destroying a Ukrainian armored vehicle with a drone in the Kharkiv region.
*   Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
*   Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling west from Sumy Oblast and southwest from Poltava Oblast.
*   Ukrainian forces may have used a fiber optic drone to attack a Russian vehicle.
*   High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
*   13 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov and Lipetsk regions.
*   Multiple Russian drones are threatening the Lviv region.
*   A Russian drone attack has been reported in Haisyn in Vinnytsia Oblast and in the Oktyabrsky region of Belgorod.
* Russian forces have attacked three regions in Chernihiv Oblast using "Shahed" drones, causing damage to civilian structures and killing 11 cows.
* In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces have launched 180 FPV drone strikes and have dropped 125 fragmentation munitions.

**Missile Attacks**
*   Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
*   Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
*   Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
*   Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
*   "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine.
*   Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky.
*   Multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
*   Multiple Kh-101 missiles have entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast.
*   Missiles are now traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
*   Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts.
*   A rocket attack is expected in Ukrainian air space around 07:40.
*   Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, with a missile targeted at Pryluky.
*   **Kinzhal Missiles** are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia. Multiple Kinzhal missiles have been launched from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Khmelnytskyi Oblast, and another from the Savastleyka airbase toward western regions. There is a report that the Ukrainian Air Force has shot down all Kinzhal missiles.
*   **Multiple Cruise missiles** are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Some missiles are passing near Bila Tserkva.
*   **Multiple ballistic missiles** have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
*   **Multiple missiles** are passing through the Lviv region in the direction of Stryi, and are also present in the Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
*   **A new type of air-to-surface missile** is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka. Multiple missiles of this type are moving from Kherson to Mykolaiv, and then to the Kirovograd region.
* Missiles from Kyiv have changed course and moved to the Vinnitsia region, and from there they moved west near the Khmelnitsky region.
* Missiles were launched on the Khmelnitsky region, heading south east, towards Dunayivtsi.
* Missiles from the Vinnytsia region moved to areas north of the Khmelnitsky region, and then moved south west towards the Ternopil/Ivano-Frankivsk area.
*  A missile has been reported traveling to Cherkasy from Kyiv region.
* Missiles are traveling through Zhytomyr and Vinnitsa, heading to the southwest.
* Missiles have been reported traveling west, south of Vinnitsa, heading towards Khmelnitsky.
* Multiple explosions have been reported in the Vinnytsia region for the third time.
* The Ukrainian Air Force reports missiles moving through the Khmelnytskiy region, heading towards the Ivano-Frankivsk region, and from there towards the Ternopil region.
* There is a report that a rocket has been spotted in the Cherkasy region, moving northwest, which then traveled to the Kyiv region before moving to the Vinnytsia region, then changed direction to fly west near Khmelnitsky.
* Missiles are reported to be passing by the city of Kozyatyn, in the Vinnytsia region.
* Missiles have been reported to have changed course and are heading west from the Vinnitsia region, towards Khmelnitsky.

**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.
* The Russian airbase in Hmeymim, Syria is being targeted by drones.
* Russian forces report that they are manually digging bunkers due to a lack of available earthmoving equipment.
* Ukraine is preparing for a cessation of gas transit from Russia by 1 January 2025.

**Military Activity:**
*   Russian forces have secured positions within Uspenovka.
*   Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
*   Russian forces are using artillery and drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
*   Ukrainian forces are counterattacking to impede Russian advances.
*   Russian forces are using mine-clearing techniques in Pavlovka, near Donetsk, as well as direct tank fire.
*   Russian forces destroyed a German-made BMP Marder vehicle near Shevchenko.
*   Ukrainian forces are using drones near Kurakhovo.
*   Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
*   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.
*   Russian forces are pushing towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
*   Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
*  Russian forces have advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
*   Russian forces report that they have broken through Ukrainian lines.
*   Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks.
*   Russian forces are reportedly using a new type of drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles.
*   Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
*   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 troops have captured the village of Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo.
* Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
*   There are multiple reports of explosions in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Lviv Oblasts. Multiple explosions have been reported near Burshtyn. There are reports of strikes near Starokonstantyniv Airbase.
*   There is confirmed damage to energy infrastructure in the Odesa region and across Ukraine.
* Ukrainian forces are reportedly using FPV drones extensively, and require more countermeasures against Russian drones.
* The Russian army has reportedly destroyed a crossing over the Mokrye Yaly river using an airstrike, preventing troop reinforcements.
* Russian forces are using reconnaissance drones, and then strike with guided missiles on the Polozhsk direction.
* Russian forces have taken the settlement of Zholte.
* Ukrainian forces are trying to regroup on the Zholte area and have launched a counter attack that was stopped.

**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.
*   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.
*   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, as well as the issue of Russian military bases.
*   Russia 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.
*   The US has reported that they have been in contact with Turkish government officials regarding the situation in Syria.
*  Israeli forces conducted a strike in central Gaza.

**Casualties:**
*   One civilian was injured in Belgorod due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
*   A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv resulting in casualties.
*   The death toll from the Zaporizhzhia hospital attack has risen to nine.
*   Over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
*   Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian platoon near Velyka Novosilka.
*   Russian forces captured five Ukrainian soldiers near Velyka Novosilka, and additional soldiers in other regions of Ukraine.
*   Over 40 Palestinians were killed and over 100 injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza.
*   Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region were stated to be over 200 soldiers, two armored fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and three mortars.
*   One civilian was killed by a drone attack in Belgorod.
*   A drone attack on a vehicle carrying Russian border guards in the Glushkovsky area resulted in 1 death and 4 injuries.
*   At least 3 men were reported wounded due to Russian attacks in the Vasylivskyi region.
*   Two people were wounded in the Myrnoye region due to a missile attack.
*   4 civilians were reported injured in Myrne, Kharkiv Oblast due to a Russian attack.
* A drone attack in the Chernihiv region killed 11 cows.
* One civilian was killed and another badly injured due to Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes in the Belgorod region.
* Ukrainian forces report 70 Russian soldiers have been killed in the last 24 hours.

**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.
*   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.
*   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.
*   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 which will include additional air defense systems, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles.
*   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 assistance.
*   The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on officials and security forces from Georgia.
*   The US has provided a new $500 million aid package to Ukraine.
*   The Russian Duma is planning to introduce ruble-based special accounts for foreign agents.
*   The Russian Duma is preparing to review a bill to cancel the negative credit history of combatants.
*   The director of Rosgvardia has been given the title of Hero of Russia.
*   Telegram has banned around 10 million users per month.
*   Russia has reportedly refused a Ukrainian offer of a massive prisoner exchange that could have taken place at Christmas.
*  Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
*   There are multiple reports of explosions in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Lviv Oblasts. Multiple explosions have been reported near Burshtyn. There are reports of strikes near Starokonstantyniv Airbase.
*  There is confirmed damage to energy infrastructure in the Odesa region and across Ukraine.
*   Actions in Georgia have been downgraded to internal political actions.
*   The Russian government is offering support to any Russian citizens who would like to leave Syria.
*   Russia is reportedly in contact with HTS in Syria.
*   Russia is reportedly withdrawing its forces from Syria, but is working on an agreement to retain its bases there.
*   The US has also made contact with Turkish government officials regarding the situation in Syria.
* A Russian general has been appointed to lead the Vostok group.
* A high-ranking Russian military officer, General-Lieutenant Andrei Ivanayev, has been appointed as commander of the Vostok Group of forces.
* The Russian Minister of Defence has stated that the Vostok Group has seized over 300 square kilometers and 7 settlements in the last month.
* Mark Rutte, General Secretary of NATO, has stated he would be in favor of diverting some of the NATO member states’ social and pension funds to finance a much higher level of military spending in the alliance.
* The Ukrainian military reports widespread power outages, and states that half of Ukraine will be without power today.
* The Ukrainian military reports that three out of six power grids will need to be shut down due to damaged infrastructure.
* The Ukrainian ministry of energy states that attacks are targeted at power grids, gas networks and transport networks, and confirms that the attacks on energy infrastructure are occurring throughout Ukraine.

**Updated Assessment of Key Areas:**
*   **Kurakhovo/Pokrovsk Axis:** The situation is critical for Ukrainian forces, with Russian forces advancing through the central parts of Kurakhovo, and reportedly consolidating control in the south of Kurakhovo, and the villages of Uspenovka, Veselyi Hai, and Annovka are at high risk of being encircled. Russian forces are within 2km of the outskirts of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces are retreating to prepared positions and are changing their commander in the region.
*   **Kursk/Sumy Border:** Heavy fighting continues with Ukrainian counterattacks.
*   **Odessa:** Ballistic missiles have targeted the city causing explosions, damage to power grids, and disruption to water and electricity.
*   **Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure:** Sustained, coordinated missile strikes have caused wide-ranging power outages throughout Ukraine.
*  **Belgorod:**  Multiple attacks using artillery and drones have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

**Major Updates from Last Hour:**
*   **Kinzhal Missiles:** Multiple Kinzhal missiles have been launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, Zakarpattia. Multiple Kinzhal missiles have been launched from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Khmelnytskyi Oblast, and another from the Savastleyka airbase toward western regions. There is a report that the Ukrainian Air Force has shot down all Kinzhal missiles.
*   **Cruise Missiles:** Multiple cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Some missiles are passing near Bila Tserkva.
*   **Ballistic Missiles:** Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
*  **New Air-to-Surface Missiles:** A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka. Multiple missiles of this type are moving from Kherson to Mykolaiv, and then to the Kirovograd region.
*   Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
*   There are multiple reports of explosions in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Lviv Oblasts. Multiple explosions have been reported near Burshtyn. There are reports of strikes near Starokonstantyniv Airbase.
*   There is confirmed damage to energy infrastructure in the Odesa region and across Ukraine.
*   The Ukrainian energy grid is under massive attack, with power outages expected across the country, 50% of Ternopil residents are without power. Kyiv is experiencing emergency power cuts.
*   The Ukrainian military is reporting heavy use of FPV drones on their side of the conflict and requires more countermeasures against Russian drones.
*   Russian forces are reportedly using North Korean special forces in Plekhovo, Kursk region. Russian forces are also using fiber optic drones to destroy Ukrainian vehicles in the same area.
*   Russian forces are within 2km of the outskirts of Pokrovsk.
*   Russian marines have taken a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
*   The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology.
*   A T-72B3M tank destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path through a minefield.
*   Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian platoon near Velyka Novosilka.
*   Ukrainian forces were instructed not to surrender, but rather to destroy themselves with grenades.
*   Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region were stated to be over 200 soldiers.
*   Ukrainian forces are being cut off between Uspenovka and Hannevka by Russian troop movements.
*   The Russian military has begun testing the Oreshnik missile.
*   The Russian military is making advances along multiple areas including south of Bakhmut and around Avdiivka.
*   A member of a self-defense force was killed in a drone attack in the Terebrensky region of the Belgorod oblast.
*   Russia claims to have taken Novotroitskoye and Shevchenko near Pokrovsk.
*   Russia claims full control of the Tsentralnaya mine in Toretsk.
*   Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling west from Sumy Oblast.
*   Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling southwest from Poltava Oblast.
*   A Ukrainian UAV has crashed in the center of Kyiv, specifically in the Pecherskyi district.
*   Drones have struck several targets in the Kursk region.
*   One civilian was killed in a drone attack in the Belgorod region.
*   Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
*   Russian forces report that they have broken through Ukrainian lines.
*   Multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa.
*   Multiple Kh-101 missiles have entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast.
*   The Ukrainian military is reporting heavy use of FPV drones on their side of the conflict.
*   The Ukrainian military is reporting a shortage of anti-drone countermeasures.
*   Russian forces have destroyed a German-made BMP Marder vehicle near Shevchenko.
*   A ballistic missile has been reported in Kharkhiv.
*   A ballistic missile has been reported in Slobozhanske, Kharkiv Oblast.
*   A ballistic missile has been reported in the direction of Kremenchuk.
*   Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv.
* The Russian government is offering support to any Russian citizens who would like to leave Syria.
* Russia is reportedly in contact with HTS in Syria.
*   Russia is reportedly withdrawing its forces from Syria, but is working on an agreement to retain its bases there.
*  One civilian was injured due to a drone attack in the Belgorod region.
*  A drone attack on a vehicle carrying Russian border guards in the Glushkovsky area resulted in 1 death and 4 injuries.
*   Russian forces have blocked the Ukrainian grouping in Uspenovka, south of Kurakhovo, in Donetsk Oblast.
*   Russian forces have advanced in the vicinity of Kalinina, in the Artemovsk sector, and around Scherbinovka, south of Horlivka.
*   Russian forces have engaged in street fighting in Shevchenko and have made progress near Novotroitskoye and are attempting to encircle the area west of Dalnoye, near Yelyzavetovka, Veselyi Gai and Konstantinopolskoye.
*   Russian forces have advanced north of Rivnopil in the western approaches to Velyka Novosilka, and also made slight advances near Robotyne in the south-west.
* The Russian minister of defense has toured the front lines in the area controlled by the "Vostok" group and stated that they have taken more than 300 square kilometers, and 7 different towns or villages in the last month.
*  The Russian military is using robotic platforms and electronic warfare technology in the ongoing campaign.
*   The Russian military is taking steps to secure its supply lines as Ukraine is focusing on attacking these routes using its FPV drone technology.
*   Russian forces have reportedly gained control of Plekhovo, in the Kursk region, with the help of North Korean Special Forces.
*  Ukrainian forces are using drones in the area of Kurakhovo.
*   Multiple rockets have been fired on Kharkiv Oblast from the Kherson Oblast.
* The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has failed to provide any drone support to troops fighting near Pokrovsk.
* Polish military forces have been scrambled, due to a series of large missile attacks in areas of Ukraine near its border.
*  The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed strikes on energy infrastructure and are responding to them.
*  There has been a new wave of strikes on energy infrastructure across all of Ukraine.
* Mass emergency power cuts are underway in Kyiv and other cities.
*  A mass-casualty attack in Odessa caused disruption in multiple areas and has knocked out public transit.
*  Polish military has activated its air defense, and ground-based radar systems.
*   Multiple units of the Ukrainian armed forces are asking for help purchasing drones due to logistical failures within the army.
*   The Ukrainian military is reporting a shortage of anti-drone countermeasures.
*   There is a confirmed report that a strike was launched from a Tu-95MS bomber, using Kh-101 cruise missiles.
*   A hypersonic missile (likely Oreshnik) was launched at Ukraine.
* There is an ongoing operation in Pokrovsk, and the city is in danger of being surrounded by Russian forces. Ukrainian forces are retreating from the southern approaches.
*  There are confirmed reports of explosions in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Lviv Oblasts.
*   There are confirmed reports of explosions near the Burshtyn power plant.
*   There is confirmed damage to a substation in Odesa.
*   There are confirmed reports of explosions near the Starokonstantyniv airbase.
*   The city of Pokrovsk is in danger of being surrounded.
*   There are five MiG-31k aircraft in the air over Russia, and they are armed with hypersonic missiles.
*   There are reports of Russian cruise missiles flying from the Black Sea towards Ukraine.
*   Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
*   Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
*  A new ballistic missile