Updated Military Situation Analysis - December 13, 2024 (09:15:23 UTC)
Eastern Ukraine:
Russian forces are advancing in central Kurakhovo, placing 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, with intense fighting 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. A retreat order has been given by the new commander. Casualties are significant.
Russian forces have reportedly taken the settlement of Zholte.
Ukrainian forces are trying to regroup on the Zholte area and have launched a counter attack that was stopped.
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.
Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks.
Russian forces are using fiber optic drones to destroy Ukrainian vehicles.
Russian forces destroyed a German-made BMP Marder vehicle near Shevchenko.
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 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.
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.
The Russian military is making advances along multiple areas including south of Bakhmut and around Avdiivka.
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.
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.
Russian forces have reportedly gained control of Plekhovo, in the Kursk region, with the help of North Korean Special Forces.
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.
Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has visited a unit that is using HIMARS in the Zaporizhzhia region.
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. Medical personnel are working near the front lines, and attending to casualties.
Operational situation on the Kharkiv direction has not changed significantly but remains complicated.
Ukrainian forces have repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
Russian forces have carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
Russian forces have also carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, 70 defensive shelters in the Kharkiv area.
Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv region.
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.
A new Russian offensive is underway near Toretsk.
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 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 advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
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.
Russian forces have taken a portion of land measuring 4 by 1.6 kilometers in Vremevsk direction.
Russian forces report 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.
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.
The Russian military has begun testing the Oreshnik missile.
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 military is making advances along multiple areas including south of Bakhmut and around Avdiivka.
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.
Ukrainian forces in the Kurakhovo region are suffering heavy losses.
Russian forces have reportedly taken the settlement of Zholte.
Ukrainian forces are trying to regroup on the Zholte area and have launched a counter attack that was stopped.
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.
Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling 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.
The Ukrainian military is reporting heavy use of FPV drones on their side of the conflict and requires more countermeasures against Russian drones.
Ukrainian forces are using drones near Kurakhovo.
A Ukrainian UAV has crashed in the center of Kyiv, specifically in the Pecherskyi district.
Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks.
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.
Ukraine reports a massive Russian attack that involved 93 missiles and 200 drones. 81 missiles were shot down, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16.
A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks.
Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts.
50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
Russian forces have launched missile attacks on the energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions, severely damaging their infrastructure and leading to power outages.
Missiles were launched on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
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.
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.
A fire occurred at a Russian factory that was responsible for servicing infrastructure.
Google Play will stop servicing Russian developers with bank accounts in Russia starting December 26th. This means Russian developers will be unable to receive payments for their apps on the Google Play Store. Furthermore, all attempts to purchase paid applications from Russian developers will be rejected.
Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power. 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.
The US Embassy reports that Russia is attacking not only energy infrastructure, but transportation networks and key infrastructure nationwide.
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.
Ukrainian forces are trying to regroup on the Zholte area and have launched a counter attack that was stopped.
Ukrainian forces in the Kurakhovo region are suffering heavy losses.
Russian forces have reportedly gained control of Plekhovo, in the Kursk region, with the help of North Korean Special Forces.
The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology.
Russian forces report that they are manually digging bunkers due to a lack of available earthmoving equipment.
A T-72B3M tank destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path through a minefield.
The Russian military has begun testing the Oreshnik missile.
Russian forces report that they have broken through Ukrainian lines.
Russian forces have blocked the Ukrainian grouping in Uspenovka, south of Kurakhovo, in Donetsk Oblast.
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.
Ukrainian forces are being cut off between Uspenovka and Hannevka by Russian troop movements.
The Russian military is making advances along multiple areas including south of Bakhmut and around Avdiivka.
The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology.
A Russian FPV drone successfully destroyed a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
The Russian military has begun testing the Oreshnik missile.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
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.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
The Russian army has reportedly destroyed a crossing over the Mokrye Yaly river using an airstrike, preventing troop reinforcements.
Russian forces report that they are manually digging bunkers due to a lack of available earthmoving equipment.
Ukrainian forces have repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
Russian forces have carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
Russian forces have also carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv 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.
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.
Israeli forces are preparing for attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, believing that the Iranian proxies have weakened and the Assad regime has fallen.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that he approved the airstrikes to prevent the captured equipment from falling into the hands of jihadists.
The Israeli military is preparing for an attack on Iran's nuclear sites.
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.
Three workers for the State Emergency Service (DSNS) were injured by a Russian KAB (guided bomb) attack in Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
One civilian was killed in 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.
The death toll from the Zaporizhzhia hospital attack has risen to nine.
One civilian was killed and another badly injured due to Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes in the Belgorod region.
Over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
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
