Ukrainian forces launched counterattacks near Shevchenko and Novovasylivka, employing armored vehicles and infantry. They successfully occupied positions on the northern outskirts of Shevchenko and near Novovasylivka.
Russian forces are responding with artillery and drone strikes. Intense fighting continues along the entire line south to Krasne (Sontsivka). Fresh Ukrainian reserves have been introduced near Shevchenko to halt Russian advances.
Russian forces have advanced to within 2km of the outskirts of Pokrovsk, with small groups infiltrating the city. They captured Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko.
Positional fighting is reported near Krasnoarmiisk, with shelling on Russian forward positions on the Krasnoarmiysk-Kurakhove railway and on the outskirts of Novyi Trud. An advance of over 2km was made on the southern flank of Krasnoarmiysk.
Russian forces have improved their tactical position, resulting in Ukrainian losses of up to 515 soldiers, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Kurakhove Direction:
Russian forces made significant advances, securing the southeastern part of Uspenovka and raising their flag at the Kurakhove elevator and at Veselyi Hai. They are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city's multi-story buildings.
Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Russian forces have secured positions in Uspenovka, with Ukrainian forces under high threat of encirclement.
The "Uspenovka pocket" has reportedly been eliminated, with Ukrainian forces trapped there completely defeated. Russian forces have raised their flag in the center of Uspenovka.
Russian forces have effectively destroyed a Ukrainian grouping of forces between the villages of Elizavetovka and Uspenovka, south of Kurakhovo, consolidating control in the southern Kurakhovo district. Fighting continues in the city center.
Russian forces captured the village of Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo.
A new Ukrainian drone, the "Postman," is reported deployed near Kurakhovo, delivering targeted strikes.
Ukrainian forces report repelling a Russian advance near Konstantinovskoye, though Russians advanced near other settlements.
Russian forces are advancing in the Kurakhove direction, with reports of fighting in the town of Kurakhove itself. Russian advances are reported along the Sukhie Yaly River, with the capture of two settlements, Annovka and Veselyi Hai, confirmed.
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 continue to make gains, consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing towards other key locations like Scherbynivka and Leonidivka. Heavy fighting continues near Pokrovsk, with Russian forces achieving notable successes.
Russian forces have effectively destroyed a Ukrainian grouping of forces between the villages of Elizavetovka and Uspenovka, south of Kurakhovo. Further reports indicate that Russian forces are consolidating control in the southern Kurakhovo district and that fighting continues in the city center.
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.
Russian forces captured five buildings in Volchansk and repelled a counterattack. Heavy fighting continues.
A video shows Russian infantry burning and taking heavy casualties near Pokrovsk.
Further reports indicate active fighting around Ugledar, an infantry assault on Veselyi Hai, and a 3km advance north of Ugledar.
Drone Warfare:
Extensive Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported across Ukraine, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Air Raid Alert: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv and several other regions, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea.
Russian Drone Movements: A Russian drone was reported moving from Poltava towards Kyiv (Yahotyn). New groups of Russian drones entered Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. Drones are also targeting areas in Cherkasy, Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
Ukrainian Drone Success: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone. They are also using drones to strike Russian tanks in the Novotroitskoye area and a "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian forces utilized a "Baba Yaga" drone to eliminate Russian troops.
Increased FPV Drone Threat: Ukrainian forces are facing an increased threat from Russian FPV drones and request more countermeasures.
Drone Attacks in Germany: Several unidentified drones were spotted over military objects in Germany, including Rheinmetall plants, a BASF chemical plant, and the US Ramstein Air Base.
FPV Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces are reportedly using FPV drones extensively and require more countermeasures against Russian drones. Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone. A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region. A Russian FPV drone destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region.
River Crossing Destruction: The Russian army has reportedly destroyed a crossing over the Mokrye Yaly river using an airstrike, preventing troop reinforcements.
Reconnaissance and Guided Strikes: Russian forces are using reconnaissance drones, and then strike with guided missiles on the Polozhsk direction.
Drone Technology: The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology. A new type of Russian drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles has been reported. A Russian soldier used an RPO-A "Shmel" rocket propelled grenade on a Ukrainian position in Shevchenko.
Russian forces have released a video of Russian drones destroying Ukrainian drones in the Kupyansk area.
Russian forces have destroyed 10 Ukrainian drones in the Rostov and Belgorod regions in the last hour.
The Russian army has presented images of a Ukrainian vehicle they've captured, modified to act as an anti-drone platform.
The Russian army has released footage of an FPV drone destroying a Ukrainian T-72 tank.
Ukrainian forces are using drones near Kurakhovo.
A Ukrainian drone struck and damaged a Russian command post.
A Ukrainian drone crashed in the central part of Kyiv.
The Russian military is reporting that they have destroyed 10 drones over Rostov and Belgorod oblasts.
Russia has reported 6 drones shot down over Rostov Oblast and 4 over Belgorod Oblast.
Russian drone operators have reportedly shot down a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
Ukrainian forces are reporting an increase in FPV drone activity.
The Russian airbase in Hmeymim, Syria is being targeted by drones, which can "freely" fly over the base.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Ukrainian forces have used a surveying instrument to assist in artillery preparation.
Ukrainian forces may have used a fiber optic drone to attack a Russian vehicle.
Ukrainian forces may be using modified drones with tail fins and mini-bombs for more effective attacks.
A Ukrainian military unit successfully shot down a Russian Supercam drone.
A Russian T-72 tank was destroyed in the Luhansk region by a Ukrainian FPV drone.
A Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a tank was reported near Novotroitskoye.
Ukrainian forces used drones for 24-hour operations, sinking and destroying multiple Russian vessels and vehicles.
Ukrainian forces are actively preparing to defend from long range artillery fire with the use of surveying equipment.
A Russian vehicle was destroyed with the use of what appears to be a fiber optic FPV drone.
A pro-Ukrainian source has stated that 375 drones have been purchased.
Multiple reports of explosions in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Lviv Oblasts.
Hostile drone activity is increasing across Ukraine, including the regions surrounding Kyiv and other major population centers.
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.
Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks.
A Ukrainian drone strike destroyed a Russian command post.
Russian forces have modified a car to fire on drones with an open top.
Russian forces are using drones to target supply lines.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to strike Russian tanks.
Russian forces are reportedly using a new type of drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles.
Ukrainian forces are increasingly threatened by FPV drones.
Russia is testing a new anti-drone camouflage system and anti-drone technology.
Belarus deployed a mobile communication system "Kulisa".
Ukrainian drones successfully used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Ukrainian drones used a simultaneous drone strike on a single target.
The Russian military is testing anti-drone camouflage and new anti-drone technology.
Belarus has deployed a "Kulisa" mobile communications system.
Great Britain successfully tested a laser weapon mounted on an armored vehicle.
Russian forces are continuing to advance in these regions, focusing on territorial control. Ukrainian forces are using drone attacks in the Kursk region. Russia is increasing its border operations and has liberated a village in Kursk Oblast. Russian troops are reportedly advancing into Sumy Oblast and are near Aleksandria.
Russian forces continue to make significant gains, particularly near Kurakhovo, and are putting pressure on Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold defensive positions and are losing ground. Intense fighting continues across Donbas and in Lyman. Supply lines to Kurakhovo have been severely severed. Ukrainian forces are demonstrating shortages of resources and leadership.
Missile Attacks:
Massive Attack: 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. Russia states that this strike was in response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
North Korean Missile: A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
Strategic Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
Kalibr Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
Multiple Launches: Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky, and multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
Kh-101 Missiles: Multiple Kh-101 missiles entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast and are traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
Kinzhal Missiles: Kinzhal Missiles are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia.
Cruise Missile Launches: Multiple Cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from the Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with some missiles passing near Bila Tserkva.
Ballistic Missile Launches: Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
New Missile: 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.
Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks.
KAB Bombs: Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Intense Attack: The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Energy Infrastructure: Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. 50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
Russian Rationale: Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
Strike on Fuel/Energy Infrastructure: Russian missile strikes were focused on critical infrastructure targets in the fuel and energy sectors that support the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
Ukrainian Air Defense Success: A Ukrainian soldier from the Kherson anti-aircraft missile brigade shot down a Russian cruise missile using a "Stinger" MANPADS during a massive missile attack on the morning of December 13th.
Potential New Russian Missile Attack: Monitoring resources suggest that Russia might launch a new missile attack using the "Oreshnik" missile on December 18th, when the Kapustin Yar test site is expected to close.
Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
A missile or drone attack on Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, resulted in damage to an industrial facility, a boiler plant, and vehicles, possibly using ATACMS missiles.
Two Russian missiles were shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
United States:
The US completed successful testing of a ground-based hypersonic missile, the "Dark Eagle," with a reported range of 2800 km and a speed of Mach 17 (glider component reaching Mach 5).
The US has allocated a $500 million aid package to Ukraine.
The Biden administration intends to accelerate arms supplies to Ukraine, to provide Kyiv with a "huge amount of weapons" before Trump's inauguration.
The US opposes the use of US-made missiles by the Ukrainian military inside Russia.
Trump is suggesting that Europe deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine to establish a ceasefire.
The US will announce another aid package for Ukraine which will include additional air defense systems, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles.
The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on officials and security forces from Georgia.
Ukraine has received another military aid package from the US, which will include air defense, artillery, drones, and military vehicles.
US has announced over $440 million in aid for the Ukrainian economy.
Logistics:
State of Emergency in Moldova: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency starting December 16 due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
Mine Closure: The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
Energy Crisis in Ukraine: Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power.
"Ukrenergo" announced that on December 14th, there will be power outages in effect from 00:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 22:00 (one queue) and from 13:00 to 17:00 (two queues).
Ukraine is implementing a new standardized system for rolling blackouts.
Technological Warfare:
Russia is testing a new anti-drone camouflage system and anti-drone technology.
Belarus deployed a mobile communication system "Kulisa".
Ukrainian drones successfully used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Ukrainian drones used a simultaneous drone strike on a single target.
A Ukrainian military unit successfully shot down a Russian Supercam drone.
The Russian military is testing anti-drone camouflage and new anti-drone technology.
Belarus has deployed a "Kulisa" mobile communications system.
Russia is offering free IT training to its citizens.
Ukrainian forces are increasingly threatened by FPV drones.
Russian forces have modified a car to fire on drones with an open top.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
A Russian T-72 tank was destroyed in the Luhansk region by a Ukrainian FPV drone.
Russian forces have released a video of Russian drones destroying Ukrainian drones in the Kupyansk area.
Russian forces have destroyed 10 Ukrainian drones in the Rostov and Belgorod regions in the last hour.
The Russian army has presented images of a Ukrainian vehicle they've captured, modified to act as an anti-drone platform.
The Russian army has released footage of an FPV drone destroying a Ukrainian T-72 tank.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region.
Russian forces are using drones to target supply lines.
Ukrainian forces are using drones to strike Russian tanks.
A Ukrainian drone struck and damaged a Russian command post.
A Ukrainian drone crashed in the central part of Kyiv.
The Russian military is reporting that they have destroyed 10 drones over Rostov and Belgorod oblasts.
Russia has reported 6 drones shot down over Rostov Oblast and 4 over Belgorod Oblast.
Russian drone operators have reportedly shot down a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
Ukrainian forces are reporting an increase in FPV drone activity.
The Russian airbase in Hmeymim, Syria is being targeted by drones, which can "freely" fly over the base.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Ukrainian forces have used a surveying instrument to assist in artillery preparation.
Ukrainian forces may have used a fiber optic drone to attack a Russian vehicle.
Ukrainian forces may be using modified drones with tail fins and mini-bombs for more effective attacks.
Telegram moderators have removed over 10 million users per month who violated policies over the past few years, and in 2024, approximately 15.4 million channels and groups were removed.
Great Britain successfully tested a laser weapon mounted on an armored vehicle.
Political and Geopolitical:
Poland does not intend to send peacekeepers to Ukraine.
The EU has stated its desire to be involved in peace talks regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
Medvedev stated that Ukraine must choose between aligning with Russia or disappearing from the world map.
Marketplaces and large retail chains are planning to start operating in the rejoined territories at the end of this year.
The Ukrainian government is trying to encourage Ukrainians currently residing in Germany to return home.
Attendees will not be allowed to bring posters or flags larger than A4 size to Putin's press conference and direct line.
Some terminals may stop supporting MasterCard and Visa cards starting January 1st. Online payments should not be affected. The company recommends using the "Mir" card for stable payments.
The Ukrainian National Bank has increased its interest rate from 13.0% to 13.5% to fight inflation.
The official currency rate of the dollar has decreased to 41.6588 UAH as of December 13th.
Other Key Developments:
Donetsk Oblast:
Commander Replacement: Alexander Tarnavsky has replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" operational-tactical group.
Kurakhovo: Russian forces made significant advances in central Kurakhovo, securing the southeastern part of Uspenovka and raising their flag at the Kurakhove elevator and at Veselyi Hai. They are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city's multi-story buildings. Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces advanced, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. They are within 2km of the city outskirts, and small groups of Russian forces have infiltrated Pokrovsk.
Toretsk: Russian forces are consolidating control, controlling the Zabalok district and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk, gaining control of the surrounding slag heaps and the central mine along with its spoil heaps.
Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces advanced north of Rivnopil in the western approaches to Velyka Novosilka and destroyed a Ukrainian platoon.
Konstantinopolskoye: Russian forces pushed towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye. They also cleared the eastern edge of the village and are fortifying and laying mines.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Russian forces have advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
Ukrainian forces are counterattacking to impede Russian advances.
Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Russian forces are using mine-clearing techniques in Pavlovka, near Donetsk, as well as direct tank fire.
Kursk Region:
Russian Gains: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyukhovo in the Sudzha district, taking a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of North Korean special forces.
Combat Activities: Intense combat is ongoing in the northern part of the Sudzha district.
Sumy Oblast:
Air Attacks: Russian forces launched repeated guided air bomb attacks, including on Sumy.
Territorial Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near Aleksandria.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Missile Strike: 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. The death toll from the Russian missile strike on a hospital has risen to 6, with 22 injured.
Increased Attacks: There were 268 attacks on 10 settlements.
Kherson Oblast:
Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Kherson Threat: Kherson is under threat of attack from the north. Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to attack a civilian bus, resulting in casualties.
Kharkiv Oblast:
Air Attacks: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks.
Drone Attack: A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv, causing casualties.
Fighting: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya, and Vovchansk.
Military Activity:
Advances: Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
Targeting Supply Lines: Russian forces are using artillery and drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
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 are attacking Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs.
Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
A Ukrainian Su-24 bomber was shot down near the village of Zolotoye, Donetsk Oblast.
A Ukrainian UAV was shot down near Crimea.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
The Ukrainian 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade used mobile rocket launchers in nighttime operations.
Russian forces may be relying on public donations for essential military supplies such as drones and protection gear.
The intensity of Russian guided air bomb usage has reportedly decreased by over 50% since the middle of November after long-range missiles were cleared for use against targets inside Russia.
Donetsk is under attack from Ukrainian rockets.
Casualties:
At least 6 people were killed in Zaporizhzhia on December 13th, and 22 more injured in a hospital strike.
Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region are stated to be over 200 soldiers.
Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian platoon near Velyka Novosilka.
Over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
One civilian was injured in Belgorod due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
One civilian was killed and two injured in a Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a civilian bus in the Kherson region.
Other Fronts:
Serebryansk Forest: Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations, utilizing drone-delivered munitions to eliminate enemy combatants.
Alleged International Involvement:
Unconfirmed reports claim that North Korean special forces participated in the liberation of Plekhovo in the Kursk region. A video from a Russian source states that North Korean troops were involved, but in conjunction with the 810th Marine Brigade.
Reports suggest that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Drone Attacks in Germany: Several unidentified drones were spotted over military objects in Germany, including Rheinmetall plants, a BASF chemical plant, and the US Ramstein Air Base.
Reports indicate that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
A prominent Syrian opposition figure, Mohammed Alloush, 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. He later stated that Syria will not become an Islamic state, that the new government will consider the future of Russian military bases, and that Syria seeks cooperation based on non-interference.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that its embassy in Syria is operating under extremely high security threats.
The Russian Foreign Ministry urged Russians in Syria to take maximum precautions.
The death of a Taliban minister in Kabul due to an explosion was reported.
Internal Security:
A trans-woman in Russia was arrested and sent to a military recruiting office.
An ex-governor of the Ryazan region of Russia has been arrested on bribery charges.
A chief investor of the Russian football club "Khimki" was found not required for pre-trial custody and was released.
A Russian missile designer was reported killed by Ukrainian GUR agents.
There are reports of an ongoing dispute between the security forces of Hodorkovsky and Nevzlin related to an attack.
Increasing reports of corruption and embezzlement in Russia and Ukraine.
An FSB border guard recruitment video highlights their advanced technology and readiness for operations.
A Russian court sent the main investor of the football club "Khimki" under house arrest.
Reports indicate a Russian missile designer was killed by Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces have started proceedings against soldiers captured in the Kursk region.
An Odessa resident confessed to setting fire to several government buildings.
The Ukrainian National Police arrested a gambling ring that was fixing sports matches.
A Ukrainian citizen who is a supporter of the Shariy Party has been arrested on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.
The investigation has revealed a network of propagandists who take orders from outside of Ukraine.
A Russian politician was convicted of receiving sexual services from minors.
A Ukrainian soldier was captured and found with instructions to not surrender, but rather to destroy themselves with grenades and to take out any nearby Russians.
Seven individuals who attacked a Jewish target at an airport in Makhachkala have been sentenced to 8-9 years in prison.
A Moscow resident jumped out of a window after his wife refused his request for a threesome.
Ukrainian forces have captured a group of Russian soldiers near Kharkiv.
A fake website impersonating the KGB of Belarus has been discovered. The fake website is hosted on a Romanian server and is designed to collect personal information from users. The official KGB website is currently under development. The official Telegram channel is @KGB_BY_channel, and the official feedback bot is @KGB_BY_bot.
The former head of the DPR government apparatus, Petkun, is accused of large-scale embezzlement.
The Minister of Digital Development and Communications of the Omsk region, Tsukanov, has been placed under house arrest on charges of embezzlement.
Alexi Raumo, former deputy director-general of the Karelian Development Corporation, was arrested in Petrozavodsk, Russia. He had previously fled Russia due to geopolitical issues.
Raid on Moscow Call Centers: Three call centers in Moscow were raided by FSB and МВД, resulting in several arrests. These centers were allegedly linked to an international network of scammers who funneled some proceeds to support the Ukrainian military effort.
A Ukrainian soldier was captured and found with instructions to not surrender, but rather to destroy themselves with grenades and to take out any nearby Russians.
A group of Russian soldiers has been captured by Ukrainian forces near Kharkiv.
Other:
Ukraine will be discussing further anti-aircraft support with western allies next week.
The Ukrainian government is trying to encourage Ukrainians currently residing in Germany to return home.
A fire was reported in a warehouse in Novosibirsk, Russia, which has now been confirmed to be a 5,000 square meter warehouse fire, and a special firefighting train has been deployed to the area.
Ukrainian forces laid mines in the Serebryansk forest, using cassette munitions and German anti-tank mines.
Several large fires were reported, including a 5,000-square meter warehouse fire in Novosibirsk, and a fire at a Transneft oil depot in Bryansk, and a fire at a production facility (fire extinguished by emergency services) in Bryansk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces remotely laid mines in the Serebryansk forest.
A report indicates that Russia destroyed ten UAVs over Bryansk Oblast.
A Russian quasi-ballistic missile struck a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia, killing nine people and injuring twenty-two.
There are reports that North Korean troops are fighting in Ukraine near Kursk.
A Ukrainian captured soldier has stated that he was sent to fight in the Kursk region, given instructions not to surrender, but rather to destroy himself with grenades and to kill any Russians he could.
Ukrainian forces have blown up a bridge leading to Pokrovsk.
A fire has been reported at a Russian warehouse in Novosibirsk, covering over 5000 square meters.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly blocked a group of Russian soldiers in the Kurakhovo Thermal Power Plant.
Reports indicate a potential Russian ballistic missile launch has been cancelled as NOTAM messages about airspace being closed in that region have been rescinded.
Ukrainian instructors will be trained in basic combat techniques in Lithuania in 2025.
It is planned to launch a pilot project next year to train instructors in shooting courses with the support of NATO.
Only 4% of Ukrainians donated 1,000 UAH of the "Winter eSupport" to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The majority spent the money on utilities (63%) and mobile communications (17%).
The former head of the DPR government apparatus, Petkun, is accused of large-scale embezzlement.
The Minister of Digital Development and Communications of the Omsk region, Tsukanov, has been placed under house arrest on charges of embezzlement.
"Russia has reported 6 drones shot down over Rostov Oblast and 4 over Belgorod Oblast." This statement has been updated to "Russia has reported 16 drones shot down over Rostov Oblast and 4 over Belgorod Oblast."
Updated Assessment of Key Areas:
Eastern Ukraine: Russian forces continue to make significant gains, particularly near Kurakhovo, and are putting pressure on Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold defensive positions and are losing ground. Intense fighting continues across Donbas and in Lyman. Supply lines to Kurakhovo have been severely severed. Ukrainian forces are demonstrating shortages of resources and leadership. Russian forces are advancing in Donetsk Oblast with the capture of Zarya, as well as other areas north and south of Pokrovsk.
Russian Operations in Kursk and Sumy Oblasts: Russian forces are continuing to advance in these regions, focusing on territorial control. Ukrainian forces are using drone attacks in the Kursk region. Russia is increasing its border operations, and has liberated a village in Kursk Oblast. Russian troops are reportedly advancing into Sumy Oblast and are near Aleksandria.
Drone Warfare: Drones are increasingly used by both sides for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted attacks, including FPV drones and kamikaze drones. There is a critical need for effective counter-drone measures. Russia is using drones to target Ukrainian air assets on the ground. Ukraine is using drones and ATACMS missiles to strike infrastructure. Drones are being used both offensively and defensively by both sides.
Information Warfare: Both sides actively engage in information warfare, attempting to undermine opponent morale and influence public opinion through propaganda. Social media is a critical part of these operations. Ukraine is considering more restrictions on Telegram as a source of disinformation. Russian sources are using propaganda channels, including a "Diary of a Paratrooper" social media group to distribute messaging. Ukrainian officials are trying to restrict access to Telegram as they claim it is a source of disinformation. Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
Internal Security: Both Ukraine and Russia are actively working to prevent and deter internal threats. Russia is increasing counter-terrorism operations in border regions. Ukraine is arresting Shariy Party members and propagandists to undermine internal destabilization.
Economic Instability: The Russian economy is showing continued signs of struggle with evidence of corruption, economic uncertainty, and decreased stability. Ukrainian forces are suffering from significant logistical issues, a direct symptom of resource limitation.
Humanitarian Crisis: Civilian casualties continue to rise, particularly in areas heavily targeted by missiles and artillery. Civilian access to basic medical services is a primary concern, especially for displaced people. There is a clear need for humanitarian support. There are increasing reports of civilian suffering and a greater need for resilience centers. Water shortages persist in the LNR.
Updated Strategic Recommendations for Commanders:
Strengthen Defenses: Fortify key locations of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove due to heightened Russian military activity. Enhance defenses against advancing Russian forces in the Sum
