Major Military Situation Updates - December 13, 2024
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction:
Ukrainian forces launched counterattacks near Shevchenko and Novovasylivka. 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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian forces have improved their tactical position, resulting in Ukrainian losses of up to 515 soldiers.
Russian forces are attempting to solidify their positions east of the highway M-30 and push in direction of Novoukrainka.
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.
Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian units near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city's multi-story buildings.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
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.
Russian forces are targeting supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
Russian forces have secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, cutting off Ukrainian escape routes from Annivka.
Russian forces pushed towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye. They also cleared the eastern edge of the village and are fortifying and laying mines.
Reports indicate that Russian forces are advancing in the Kurahov area, with fighting occurring in the town center and near Uspenivka, with a reported push towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
Video evidence of Ukrainian tank engagements near Romaniivka and Russian drone strikes against Ukrainian forces near Kurakhovo has been confirmed.
Video showing Russian forces in the area of Kurakhove’s elevator has been released.
Reports indicate fighting in Dzerzhinsk and Russian advances towards Scherbinovka.
A video shows the assault of Russian forces on a Ukrainian position near Kurakhovo.
Reports suggest significant corruption and leadership problems within the 152nd Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
A successful Russian counter-attack in the Kurakhove region has been reported.
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.
Reports of multiple successful drone strikes by Russian forces near the border of the Kursk region.
Ukraine reports receiving 230 additional drones, bringing the total to 125,754 FPV drones.
A Ukrainian drone strike near the border with Russia targeted an Orlan drone, successfully destroying it.
A successful FPV drone strike by the 56th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in Kursk Oblast.
The 331st Regiment, 98th Airborne Division, eliminated a Ukrainian position ("Baba Yaga") on the Chasov Yar front.
Reports indicate that 13 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Belgorod, Rostov, and Astrakhan regions, and a further 14 over Bryansk Oblast, further strengthening Russian air defenses.
14th and 16th Special Forces Brigade Drone Operations:** The 14th and 16th Special Forces Brigades conducted successful drone operations targeting enemy vehicles, field depots, and manpower near the Sukhie Yaly River and Serebryansk forest respectively.
Successful Ukrainian drone strikes near Vovchansk:** The drone strikes resulted in the confirmed deaths of approximately 30 Russian soldiers.
8 mopeds from Sumy Oblast are moving to Poltava Oblast via Romny.
2 mopeds are near Zlatopil, Kharkiv Oblast, heading west.
Several groups of UAVs are in Sumy Oblast, heading towards Poltava Oblast.
A group of UAVs is in Kharkiv Oblast, heading west.
A group of UAVs is in the north of Poltava Oblast, heading towards Myrhorod.
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.
Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs.
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.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration is considering imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports before Trump's inauguration, potentially impacting global oil prices.
President Biden's claim that the US significantly weakened Russia is refuted.
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.
A report in the National Interest suggests NATO may deploy B-61 nuclear bombs in Poland or Ukraine as a response to the deployment of Russian Oreshnik missiles.
A complete power outage has occurred across Abkhazia.
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.
Russia released its first AI textbooks for grades 5-9.
Reports suggest that the Ukrainian military successfully deployed a new drone called the "Postman."
Reports suggest that the Ukrainian military has successfully tested a new missile called the "Ruta".
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.
A prominent Syrian opposition figure stated that Syria seeks to resolve differences with all countries, based on non-interference principles. He later stated that the new Syrian government will consider the issue of Russian military bases.
Reports suggest that President Macron is seeking allies for a potential European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration is considering imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports before Trump's inauguration, potentially impacting global oil prices.
Maria Zakharova stated that the US aid to Ukraine is intended to prolong the conflict.
Maria Zakharova urged Russian citizens to avoid travel to Western countries, while Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia’s nuclear disarmament cooperation with unfriendly nations is “politically unacceptable.”
Vyacheslav Volodin expressed Russia’s commitment to addressing illegal migration, seeking migrants who respect Russian laws and traditions.
Reports suggest that current mobilization efforts in Ukraine are insufficient to cover losses. The lowering of the draft age to 18 is being considered, with the US stating that they and their allies will be willing to provide the equipment and training for such new forces.
Poland is considering legalizing mercenary activity for Ukrainians fighting in Ukraine.
Russia and the US have not contacted each other at a high level regarding the situation in Syria.
Former General Prosecutor Kostin is to become ambassador to the Netherlands.
The Ukrainian Football Association has contacted FIFA and UEFA regarding the incorrect depiction of Ukraine without Crimea on a map.
The President of Georgia has stated that she will not recognize the results of the upcoming presidential elections and will remain in the presidential palace after the end of her term.
A military advisor to Donald Trump has stated that the war in Ukraine could end in a matter of months if Trump takes action.
A TASS report indicates that the messaging app Viber has been blocked in Russia due to numerous violations of Russian laws.
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.
A Ukrainian Su-24 bomber was shot down near the village of Zolotoye, Donetsk Oblast.
Reports indicate that Russian forces are advancing in the Kurahov area, with fighting occurring in the town center and near Uspenivka, with a reported push towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of Daryino and Plyukhovo in Kursk Oblast.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims Ukrainian losses of over 200 soldiers, one tank, and three Bradley fighting vehicles in Kursk Oblast.
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.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
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.
Reports indicate a firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge in Kherson Oblast. Residents confirm intense shelling from both sides for approximately 3 hours.
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.
A Ukrainian UAV was shot down near Crimea.
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.
Reports indicate that 13 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Belgorod, Rostov, and Astrakhan regions, and a further 14 over Bryansk Oblast, further strengthening Russian air defenses.
Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar, capturing a strongpoint despite Ukrainian use of cluster munitions.
Increased activity of Russian tactical aviation is reported in the southeastern direction of Ukraine, posing a threat to the use of air weapons in areas near the front.
Ukrainian air forces reported increased activity of Russian tactical aviation in the southeast.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been 268 attacks on 10 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
Ukrainian F-16s are based in Poland, with 7 already operational and flying missions over Ukraine, while additional aircraft are undergoing preparations.
The US State Department approved a $266 million package for servicing Ukrainian F-16s.
A video shows Russian forces breaking through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar after heavy shelling, taking a strategic position.
A T-72B3M tank successfully destroyed a Ukrainian firing position with direct fire, clearing a path for advancing infantry through a minefield.
Russian forces have broken through Ukrainian lines near Chasov Yar, capturing a strongpoint despite Ukrainian use of cluster munitions.
UAV operators of the Sever Group of Forces destroyed a camouflaged position of an AFU D-30 howitzer in Kharkov region.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian advance near Konstantinovskoye, though Russians advanced near other settlements.
Ukrainian forces used drones for 24-hour operations.
Ramzan Kadyrov met with Anton Vaino.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that its embassy in Syria is operating under extremely high security threats.
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.
Reports of mass casualties in Syria, alongside the release of prisoners from Assad-era prisons, indicative of intensified fighting between various factions.
President Zelenskyy reported record Russian casualties in November and December.
A resident of Yenakiieve reports a strike on an ammunition depot, further highlighting continued attacks within occupied territories.
Other Fronts:
Serebryansk Forest: Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations, utilizing drone-delivered munitions to eliminate enemy combatants.
