Here's an updated situation analysis, incorporating all the new messages received since the last update:
Major Military Situation Updates - December 14, 2024, 14:50 UTC
Overall Situation
The conflict in Ukraine remains intense, with significant fighting across multiple fronts. Russian forces are making notable advances, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions. Heavy fighting is ongoing in Vovchansk, Hlyboke, Starytsya, and along the Vremivka axis. Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with both sides employing extensive drone operations. Ukrainian forces are reporting increased drone attacks, especially FPV drones, and are struggling to counter them. Russian forces are employing new drone technologies, including fiber-optic guided drones. Missile attacks continue, with Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions and a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with ongoing reports of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Ukrainian forces are reportedly facing issues with troop morale, including refusals to follow orders and issues with receiving benefits, particularly within the Wagner Group.
Key Updates Since Last Report:
North Korean Troops: Confirmed reports indicate that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in assault operations, initially in the Kursk region, with potential for expansion to other fronts. This marks a significant escalation, as highlighted by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Casualty reports for these troops are beginning to emerge.
Zelenskyy's Address: President Zelenskyy addressed the nation, condemning Russia's use of North Korean troops as a blatant escalation and a sign of Putin's intention to prolong the war. He emphasized the need for continued international support and announced upcoming discussions with European partners on further sanctions against Russia and increased military and financial aid for Ukraine.
Drone Warfare Intensification:
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Russian forces have targeted Ukrainian troops with FPV drones, including an attack on a Ukrainian unit near Kurakhove, with reports of casualties.
Russian drone operators claim to have successfully disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.
Ukrainian forces from the 79th Air Assault Brigade were reportedly forced to evacuate from an area near Kurakhove due to the threat of encirclement, with drone footage showing the evacuation.
A Ukrainian drone attack in the Oriol region of Russia reportedly caused a second fire at a targeted oil depot.
Russian forces successfully used FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
Air defense activity was reported in Kyiv Oblast in response to a hostile UAV.
Explosion in Dnipro: Reports indicate an explosion in Dnipro, resulting in at least one death and multiple injuries, including two police officers. The incident is being investigated as a potential terrorist act.
Alleged Exposure of Deception: Reports have emerged accusing the head of Hardcore, Anatoly Sulyanov, of deceiving the 810th Marine Brigade. He allegedly promised military equipment in exchange for videos expressing gratitude, but failed to deliver the promised supplies. These videos were reportedly filmed on the same day, despite being published over four months.
Turkish Statement on Syria: Turkish media close to Erdogan's administration stated that Turkey would shoot down Israeli warplanes if they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, this statement is viewed as primarily for domestic consumption and unlikely to be acted upon.
Russian Leadership Denials: The head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergey Naryshkin, denied any contact with the CIA regarding Syria and stated he had no information on whether Assad had been provided with state protection. He also confirmed ongoing contacts between Russia and the US regarding prisoner exchanges.
Alleged Russian Evacuation of Civilians: Russian forces reportedly evacuated 15 civilians during the liberation of Yelizavetovka.
Economic Measures in Ukraine: A meeting in Zaporizhzhia focused on the "Dialogue of Government and Business," addressing interactions with law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The goal is to improve the business environment and remove administrative barriers.
Key Developments by Region
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction
Intense Fighting and Russian Advance: Fierce engagements are ongoing near Shevchenko, Novovasylivka, Sukhoi Yar, Lysivka, Dachevske, and Zelene. Russian forces have advanced to within 2km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk in an attempt to slow the Russian advance. Russian forces are advancing towards Novooleksiyivka from the north and east.
Southern Flank and Lysivka: A significant Russian advance is reported on the southern flank near Krasnoarmiysk, with fighting near multiple settlements. Russian forces have reached the central part of Lysivka and are pushing towards Novoelenivka, Ukrainka, and Slavyanka.
Consolidation and Railway Advance: Russian forces are consolidating positions east of Highway M-30 and pushing towards Novoukrainka. They are also advancing along the railway line towards the "Dymytrova" mine.
Repelled Assaults and Tactical Position: Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian assaults, primarily in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Russian forces improved their tactical position near Pushkine and Pishchane, as well as west and east of Shevchenko.
Ukrainian Countermeasures: Ukrainian forces are taking measures to restore their tactical position near Storozheve, Sukhi Yaly, Kostiantynopil, and Veselyi Hai.
Artillery and Drone Strikes: Russian forces continue to use artillery and drones, resulting in intense fighting along the entire line south to Krasne (Sontsivka).
Lysivka Airstrikes: Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes in the village of Lysivka, between Pokrovsk and Selydove.
Kurakhove Direction
Significant Russian Advances and Encirclement Threat: Russian forces secured southeastern Uspenovka and are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant. Ukrainian forces in Uspenovka, Hannevka, Trudove, Veselyi Gai, and Romanivka are at risk of encirclement. Russian forces are pushing towards Stari Terny, Sontsivka, Zoria, Kurakhove, Dalne, Dachne, and Hannivka. Russian forces have also advanced in central Kurakhovo and cleaned out the Southern microdistrict. Russian forces have reportedly occupied the city council building in Kurakhove.
Ukrainian Withdrawals: Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from parts of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky.
Destruction of Ukrainian Grouping: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian grouping between Elizavetovka and Uspenovka, consolidating control in southern Kurakhovo.
Capture of Veselyi Gai and Zarya: Russian forces captured Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo, and the town of Zarya.
Fighting in Kurakhove and Supply Route: Fighting continues in Kurakhove and along the Sukhie Yaly River. Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
River Crossing Destruction: A Russian airstrike destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly.
Significant Casualties: Reports indicate significant Ukrainian casualties near Kurakhovo, with over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
Advances in Kurakhovo Outskirts: Russian forces advanced along Nagornaya-1 street on the southern outskirts of Kurakhovo.
Zholte Capture and Counterattacks: Russian forces captured Zholte, with failed Ukrainian counterattacks.
Allegations of Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR.
Update on Kurakhovo: Active combat is ongoing in Kurakhovo, with a sapper group of the Russian Armed Forces installing a minefield in the central part of the city. An attack by two Ukrainian armored vehicles was repulsed, with the lead vehicle being destroyed by a mine and the second vehicle retreating. The zone of control of the Russian Armed Forces in the center of Kurakhovo has been expanded by up to 500 meters.
Capture of Yelizavetovka: Russian forces have reportedly captured Yelizavetovka. Ukrainian forces from the 79th Air Assault Brigade were reportedly forced to evacuate from an area near Kurakhovo due to the threat of encirclement.
Drone Attacks: Russian FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove.
Toretsk and Chasov Yar
Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
Partial Dislodgement in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar.
Clashes: Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka.
Velyka Novosilka
Aleksandria Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near Aleksandria.
Pushkino Control: Russian forces likely have full control of Pushkino.
Other Advances: Russian forces advanced near Kalinina, around Scherbinovka, and north of Rivnopil.
Vremivka Axis Clashes: Clashes reported near Trudove, Velykyi Hai, Kostiantynopilske, Sukhi Yaly, Blahodatne, Storozheve, and Neskuchne. Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket".
Update on Velyka Novosilka: West of Storozheve, Russian forces continue to push Ukrainian forces in the direction of Storozheve, Height Kurgan Storozheva Mogila (Babya Gora) and northwards, in the direction of the Huliaipole-Velyka Novosilka road. Russian assault units are also attacking in the direction of Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate. The Ukrainian forces report a difficult situation in the area. South of Kurakhove, Russian units in the area of Sukhi Yaly and Ostrovske (Konstantynopilske), as well as from Dalne, are successfully advancing in the fields towards Yantarne. Through Yantarne, supplies are being delivered from Dachenske to a Ukrainian fortified area located between Yantarne and Uspenivka. Battles are currently underway to eliminate this fortified area, which physically cuts the road from Velyka Novosilka to Kurakhove. This road, apart from this section, is already under Russian control.
Disruption of Ukrainian Rotation: Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.
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.
Increased Attacks: There were 268 attacks on 10 settlements, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
HIMARS Deployment: Ukrainian HIMARS units are deployed in Zaporizhzhia.
Civilian Evacuation: Ukrainian authorities are evacuating civilians from Mala Tokmachka.
Renewed Strikes: Russian forces renewed aviation strikes and dropped 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.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction, near Novodarivka and Novopola.
Drone Attacks Confirmed: The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed a drone attack on an oil depot in the Oryol region, stating that the depot was used to supply Russian troops. A second fire was reported at the same oil depot following another drone attack.
UAV Interception: Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
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.
Firefight: There was a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
Attacks: Russian forces attacked Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
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.
Drone Movement: 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.
Fighting: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk. Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian attack in the Liptsi area.
Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Evacuations: Ukrainian forces are evacuating residents of 344 settlements.
Casualties: Four civilians were injured after a Russian attack in Myrne.
Operational Situation: The operational situation on the Kharkiv direction has not changed significantly but remains complicated.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
Air Strikes: Russian forces carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
Bombardment: Russian forces carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
Russian Losses: Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, and 70 defensive shelters in the Kharkiv area.
Ukrainian Losses: Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv region.
Clashes: Clashes reported near Vovchansk.
Update on Kharkiv: Russian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region. A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Kursk Region
Russian Gains: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. They took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of North Korean special forces and gained control of Plekhovo.
Combat Activities: Russian forces are engaged in intense combat in the northern part of the Sudzha district.
Vehicle Destruction: Russian forces destroyed an M1 Abrams tank with an FPV drone and two Ukrainian vehicles with fiber optic drones near Mala Loknya.
Ukrainian Losses: Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region are stated to be over 200 soldiers.
Fortified Position: Russian marines took a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
Surrender Instructions: A captured Ukrainian soldier stated he was instructed not to surrender, but to destroy himself with grenades.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces have repelled 22 Russian army assaults.
Alleged North Korean Involvement: Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved in operations in the Kursk region.
Update on Kursk: Ukrainian forces report that the participation of North Korean troops in the assaults in the Kursk region is exaggerated, and that they were prepared for the introduction of these troops into combat as infantry in Russian units.
Helicopter Attack: A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border.
North Korean Soldiers: Confirmed reports indicate that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in assault operations, initially in the Kursk region, with potential for expansion to other fronts. Casualty reports for these troops are beginning to emerge.
Sumy Oblast
Air Attacks: Russian forces launch repeated guided air bomb attacks in the region.
Drone Incursions: New groups of Russian drones enter from the Kursk region, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Poltava and Pryluky.
Territorial Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near the village of Aleksandria.
Sumy Threat:Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
Drone Movement: Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
Drone Warfare
Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity across Ukraine, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. New groups are entering Sumy Oblast.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts issued for Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and several other regions. The all clear has been given in Kyiv.
Ukrainian Drone Success: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastুন-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Increased FPV Drone Threat: Ukrainian forces face an increased threat from Russian FPV drones. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are struggling to counter the increased use of Russian FPV drones.
Drone Attacks in Germany: Unidentified drones spotted over military objects in Germany.
Extensive FPV Drone Usage: Including the destruction of a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone and an M1 Abrams tank.
Reconnaissance and Guided Strikes: Russian forces are using reconnaissance drones followed by guided missile strikes.
Drone Technology: Reports of new Russian drone technology using fiber optics.
Simultaneous Strikes: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Novoshahtinsk Oil Refinery Attack: The Novoshahtinsk oil refinery in Rostov region reportedly attacked by drones.
Drone Interceptions: Russian forces destroyed multiple Ukrainian drones in Rostov and Belgorod regions.
Anti-Drone Platform: Russian army presented images of a captured Ukrainian anti-drone platform.
UAV Crash in Kyiv: Ukrainian UAV crashed in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district.
Drone Deployments in Sumy Oblast: Russian forces actively deploying drones in Sumy Oblast.
High Speed Object Detection: High-speed object detected in the Sumy area.
Modified Drone Attacks: Possible use of modified drones with tail fins and mini-bombs.
Precision-Guided FPV Drones: Ukrainian forces are using precision-guided FPV drones.
Drone Movement Towards Cities: Drones moving towards Mirgorod, Kremenchug, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Vinnitsya, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kherson, Khmelnytska, Starokostyantyniv, and Kryvyi Rih.
Guided Air Bomb Attacks: Russian tactical aircraft launched guided air bombs in the Sumy region.
Depleted Air Defense: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses.
Approach to Cities: Drones approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
High-Speed Drone Threat: High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
Lviv Region Threat: Multiple Russian drones threatening the Lviv region.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes: 180 FPV drone strikes and 125 fragmentation munitions launched by Ukrainian forces.
Increased Air Threat: Increased air threat, including drones, over the Kursk region.
Drone Shootdowns: Some drones shot down in Orel, causing a fire at an oil depot.
Drone Strikes and Countermeasures: Overnight, 37 Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down over Russia. A fire at an oil depot in Orel, Russia, was caused by a drone attack. Three private houses and a store were damaged in the Dnipropetrovsk region due to a Russian drone attack. A second fire was reported at the same oil depot following another drone attack.
Drone Destructions: Overnight, units of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces, struck the "Stalny Kon" linear production and control station in the Oryol region of the Russian Federation.
Ukrainian Drone Destroys Enemy Drone: An aerial reconnaissance officer of the 41st OMBr successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Ukrainian Drone Success: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Drone Shortage: Ukrainian forces report a shortage of drone supplies, despite sufficient production capacity.
Air Defense Activity: Air defense activity was reported in Kyiv Oblast in response to a hostile UAV.
Missile Attacks
Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
Kharkiv Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Black Sea Launch: "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine.
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.
Missile Movement: Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, with a missile targeted at Pryluky.
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 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.
Missile Movement: 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.
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.
Missile Re-routing: Missiles from Kyiv have changed course and moved to the Vinnitsia region, and from there they moved west near the Khmelnitsky region.
Missile Reports: A missile has been reported traveling to Cherkasy from Kyiv region. Missiles are traveling through Zhytomyr and Vinnitsa, heading to the southwest.
Cherkasy 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.
Missile Movement: Missiles are reported to be passing by the city of Kozyatyn, in the Vinnytsia region and have been reported to have changed course and are heading west from the Vinnitsia region, towards Khmelnitsky.
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.
Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks. The "Stalny Kon" linear production and control station in the Oryol region of the Russian Federation is one of the largest oil product terminals in the suburbs of Orel and is part of the Russian military-industrial complex, which ensures the supply of oil products for the Russian army.
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.
Power Outages: 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. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region.
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.
Retaliation for ATACMs: Russia has stated that its attacks are in response to Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
Response to ATACMS attack: In response to the use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, Russian forces launched a massive strike on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Russian Missile Attack: A map shows the trajectories of Russian missiles and drones targeting various Ukrainian cities and regions on December 13th. The attack involved a mix of cruise missiles (X-22, X-59/69, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The attack suggests a complex and coordinated effort, with concentrations near Kyiv, western regions, and some paths reaching as far south as Odesa.
Air Strikes in Multiple Regions: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Turya, Tsyluryka, Alisivka, Mala Rybytsya, Hraniv, Vovchanski Khutory, Okhrimivka, Bohuslavka, Niv Kruhlyakivka, Serhiyivka, Serebryanskyy Lis, Siversk, Krymske, Stara Mykolayivka, YElyzavetivka, Velyka Novosilka, Zelene Pole.
Taganrog Targeted:Taganrog was targeted by air strikes.
Explosions in Odesa and Dnipro: Explosions were reported in Odesa and near Dnipro, with reports indicating a ballistic missile strike. A person was killed and others were injured, including two police officers, in an explosion in Dnipro. The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist act.
Other Developments
Naval Activity: Russian missile carriers were not deployed to the Black or Azov Seas today, but were present in the Mediterranean.
Thailand Incident: Four people were killed and over 40 injured in an explosion at a Red Cross fair in Thailand.
Russian Military Summary: A report from the Russian Ministry of Defense summarized the previous day's military activity.
Air Activity: Ukrainian Air Force reported activity of Russian tactical aviation in the northeast.
Meeting in Novo-Ogaryovo: Putin held a meeting with Nazarbayev in Novo-Ogaryovo.
Belgian Military Reserves: Belgium plans to increase its NATO reserve troops threefold or fourfold in 2025.
Territorial Changes: A report indicated a net gain of 18.55 km² for Russian forces on December 13, 2024.
French Proposal for Peacekeepers: French President Macron plans to propose the deployment of EU peacekeepers to Ukraine after a ceasefire, to be discussed at the EU summit on December 18-19.
Concentration of Forces in Sumy Oblast: Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel. They are considering an attack towards Kurchatov from the south.
Strategic Objective: The Russian command aims to capture more internationally recognized territories to use as leverage in future negotiations.
Successful Drone Operations: Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv. Debris was reported in the Darnitsky district.
Casualty Report: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported an estimated 761,160 enemy losses since February 24, 2022, with 1,040 in the last 24 hours.
Equipment Losses: Significant losses reported in aircraft (369), helicopters (329), tanks (9,539), UAVs (20,229), armored vehicles (19,675), cruise missiles (2,861), artillery systems (21,102), warships/boats (28), MLRS (1,253), submarines (1), vehicles & fuel tanks (31,217), anti-aircraft systems (1,023), and special equipment (3,644).
Air Defense Activity: Ukrainian air defense worked overnight and in the morning in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Georgian Presidential Elections: Opposition parties and the current president, Salome Zurabishvili, do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. Protests are taking place in front of the Georgian Parliament building. The EU is pushing for a secular government in Syria. The Georgian elections have concluded with over 50% voter turnout.
Training of Ukrainian Instructors: Ukrainian military instructors will be trained in Lithuania in 2025 as part of NATO's DEEP program.
Power Outages in Ukraine: Ukraine has decided not to implement emergency power outages.
Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations between Turkey, Russia, and Iran in Doha.
Israeli Airstrikes in Syria: Israeli Air Force continues to destroy military facilities in Syria, with overnight attacks on multiple targets.
Russian Advances in Kursk and Sumy Oblasts: Russian forces are advancing in these regions, focusing on territorial control.
Drone Attacks in Russia: Ukrainian drone attacks reported in multiple Russian regions, including Kursk, Bryansk, Taganrog, Orlov, and Krasnodar. A fire was reported at an oil depot in Orlov due to a drone attack.
Drone Attacks in Grozny: A drone attack occurred in Grozny, targeting a police special forces barracks.
Missile Attacks in Taganrog: Ukraine reportedly launched six ATACMS ballistic missiles at Taganrog.
Negotiations to End the War: The team of Donald Trump is holding negotiations with the current US administration and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war in Ukraine.
Wagner Group Members Denied Benefits: Wagner Group members are being denied veteran documentation, preventing them from receiving benefits.
South Korean President Impeached: The South Korean parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Seok-yeol, with 204 votes in favor. The Constitutional Court will have up to 180 days to make a final decision. Protests are occurring in South Korea, demanding the arrest of the impeached president.
Turkish Request to Exit Sanctions List: Turkey has applied to the US to be removed from the sanctions list for Gazprombank.
Yars Missile Deployment: Russian forces deployed Yars mobile missile launchers on combat patrol routes in the Novosibirsk region.
New Commander of Ukrainian "Donetsk" OTG: Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" operational-tactical group with Alexander Tarnavsky.
New Ukrainian Drone Deliveries: 310 new drones have been delivered to the Ukrainian military, including: 20 FPV drones for the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade, 20 FPV drones for the 124th Territorial Defense Brigade, 170 FPV drones for the
