Major Military Situation Updates - December 14, 2024, 21:53 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. There are reports of increased drone activity across many regions of Ukraine, and explosions have been reported in multiple locations. Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel. Ukrainian forces are reporting increased drone attacks, especially FPV drones, and are struggling to counter them. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are approaching Starokostiantyniv from the northeast and northwest, with drone movement patterns updated to include: a drone in Sumy Oblast heading towards Chernihiv Oblast; several groups north-east of Myrhorod with a southern trajectory; drones in central Kharkiv Oblast moving north; drones in eastern Chernihiv Oblast heading west; drones in northern Cherkasy Oblast also going west; and drones in northern Zhytomyr Oblast moving south-west. Guided air bombs were launched on Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces are also advancing in Masytivka and Dvorichna in Kharkiv Oblast, with reports of Ukrainian forces facing challenges in coordination and resources. A single drone was reported in the north of Zhytomyr Oblast, three near Myrhorod, and eight heading from Sumy Oblast to Chernihiv and Poltava Oblasts, with an overall threat in these regions plus Zhytomyr. 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. A civilian was injured in Kurkovichi, Bryansk Oblast, due to a Ukrainian drone attack. Ukrainian forces are reportedly facing issues with troop morale, including refusals to follow orders and issues with receiving benefits, particularly within the Wagner Group. Russian forces have reportedly occupied the city council building in Kurakhove. Russian forces launched a massive strike on Ukrainian infrastructure in response to the use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog. There is a report of a Ukrainian drone attack on the village of Kurkovichi in the Starodubsky district, resulting in a civilian injury. Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" operational-tactical group with Alexander Tarnavsky, following a worsening of operational circumstances and a retreat order. Explosions were reported in Odesa and near Dnipro, with reports indicating a ballistic missile strike. Air defense activity was reported in Melitopol, indicating a potential Ukrainian missile attack.

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. Russian forces advanced 550 meters in the eastern part of Shevchenko and continue to advance towards the Belgiyskiy railway station. West of Shevchenko, Russian forces advanced 750 meters along the forest belts towards Pishchane. A major battle took place near Pishchane, where Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack and forced them to retreat to positions near Shevchenko. Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area.
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.
High Losses Near Pokrovsk: Reports indicate that Russian losses under Pokrovsk are approximately equal to the size of three armies of the Western Military District of the Russian Federation.

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 Kurakhovo.
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 Kurakhovo 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. Video footage shows the destruction of multiple Ukrainian soldiers near Blahodatne.
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.
Destruction of Ukrainian Positions: Video footage shows the destruction of the last Ukrainian defense line in Veselyi Hai near Kurakhove. The video also depicts the installation of mines on a Ukrainian stronghold by the 39th Brigade of the 68th Army Corps.

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. Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk.
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. They have launched guided bombs on the region.
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. Russian forces are consolidating their positions in the areas of Masytivka and Dvorichna, and are continuing their offensive actions. The Ukrainian bridgehead on the western bank of the Oskol River near Masytivka is gradually expanding to include the village of Dvorichna.
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. There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing.
Drone Warfare: Russian drone operations continue, targeting Ukrainian positions.
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. Reports that North Korean troops are participating in assaults are likely exaggerated. New reports indicate that North Korean troops suffered their first losses in the region, and that they mistakenly fired upon Chechen forces.
Helicopter Attack: A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border.
North Korean Troops: Russian forces have reportedly begun using North Korean soldiers in assaults in the Kursk region.
Casualty: A civilian was injured in Kurkovichi, Bryansk Oblast, due to a Ukrainian drone attack.

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 Activity: New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. New groups of drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest. One drone is moving through Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv Oblast. Several groups of drones are moving north-east of Myrhorod towards the south.

Other Fronts

Serebryansk Forest

Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations, utilizing drone-delivered munitions to eliminate enemy combatants.
Seversk Direction: Russian assault groups, supported by armored vehicles, artillery, and FPV drones, reportedly breached Ukrainian defenses and advanced 2 km towards Seversk from Zolotarevka.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv. Explosions have been reported in Dnipropetrovsk, Chuhuiv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that enemy drones are approaching Starokostiantyniv from the northeast and northwest.
Depleted Air Defense: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ukrainian Drone Activity: Ukrainian drones are active across the country.
Drone Movement: Numerous drones are moving across Ukraine towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions, and also towards Sumy and Pryluky. A drone is moving through Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv Oblast. Several groups of drones are moving north-east of Myrhorod towards the south. Drones are moving through central Kharkiv Oblast to the north. Drones are moving through eastern Chernihiv Oblast to the west. Drones are moving through northern Cherkasy Oblast to the west. Drones are moving through northern Zhytomyr Oblast to the south-west. One drone was reported in northern Zhytomyr Oblast. Three drones were reported near Myrhorod. Eight drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast to Chernihiv and Poltava Oblasts.
Black Sea Launch: A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
Approach to Cities: Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
Simultaneous Strikes: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
FPV Drone Destruction: Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Vehicle Destruction: Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
High-Speed Drone Threat: High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
Drone Downings: 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions. 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast.
Lviv Region Threat: Multiple Russian drones are threatening the Lviv region.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes: In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces launched 180 FPV drone strikes and have dropped 125 fragmentation munitions.
Ukrainian Drone Needs: The Ukrainian military is reporting heavy use of FPV drones on their side of the conflict and requires more countermeasures against Russian drones.
Drone Activity: One Ukrainian UAV was destroyed over Crimea.
Combat Use of Drones: A video from the Ukrainian Air Command "West" depicts Ukrainian troops using a Browning M2 machine gun against Russian drones and missiles. Video footage released by the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade of Air Command "West" shows mobile fire groups engaging in combat, including the downing of a drone using MANPADS. The Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed 52 cruise missiles and 2 Shahed drones in the zone of responsibility of Air Command "West." Ukrainian forces are utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and kamikaze attacks, with notable effectiveness in precision strikes. The "TROPHY HUNTERS" unit of the 148th Separate Artillery Zhytomyr Brigade reportedly achieved a high-efficiency strike, eliminating four Russian soldiers with one FPV drone.
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.
New Messages: A Ukrainian UAV was shot down near Crimea.
Drone Downings: 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast.
Ukrainian Drone Needs: The Ukrainian military is reporting heavy use of FPV drones on their side of the conflict and requires more countermeasures against Russian drones.
Drone Activity: One Ukrainian UAV was destroyed over Crimea. A drone attack on a police special forces barracks in Grozny resulted in minor injuries to 4 guards. Chechen leader Kadyrov blames Ukraine. An FPV drone was used by Russia to destroy a Ukrainian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station, while another Ukrainian electronic warfare station was also targeted. Ukrainian forces have destroyed multiple vehicles and troop positions with drones. Ukrainian drones have been spotted targeting Russian military facilities in Russian territory. Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Supercam drone. Multiple groups of enemy drones are entering the Sumy region from the Kursk Oblast, moving in a west/southwest direction.
New Drone Activity:
- 4 drones near Chernihiv, moving north towards Kyiv Oblast.
- 1 drone near Shostka.
- 2 drones in Sumy Oblast, moving west towards Chernihiv Oblast.
- 3 drones near Okhtyrka.
- 1 drone towards/through Myrhorod.
- 1 drone east of Poltava, moving south.
- 3 drones through Kupyansk district, moving northwest.
- 1 drone near Balakliia, moving northwest.
- 1 drone in Donetsk Oblast, moving towards/through Pokrovsk.
- 1 drone north of Dnipro, moving towards Kamianske.
- Threats in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.
Drone Activity Over Russian Territory: Five Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk oblasts, as well as over the Black Sea.
Drone Activity Near Sochi: Reports of multiple explosions over the Lazarevsky district of Sochi, with locals claiming air defense systems were activated.

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.
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.
New messages: A Ukrainian Su-24 bomber was shot down near the village of Zolotoye, Donetsk Oblast.
Reduced Bombing Intensity: Reports indicate that Russia has approximately halved the intensity of its KAB (guided aerial bomb) attacks following Ukrainian strikes with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory.

Logistics

State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
Mine Closure: The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
Gas Transit: Ukraine is preparing for a cessation of gas transit from Russia by 1 January 2025.
Energy Crisis: Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power.
Infrastructure Damage: The Ukrainian ministry of energy states that attacks are targeted at power grids, gas networks, and transport networks, and confirms that the attacks on energy infrastructure are occurring throughout Ukraine.
Requested Electricity Imports: Ukraine has requested imports of electricity amounting to more than 13,400 MWh per hour from 5 neighboring countries following the attacks on their energy grid.
Physiological Solution Shortages: Russia is experiencing a shortage of physiological solution due to import issues and that government fixed prices are too low.

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 Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces are counterattacking to impede Russian advances.
Mine Clearing: Russian forces are using mine-clearing techniques in Pavlovka, near Donetsk, as well as direct tank fire.
Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces are using drones near Kurakhovo.
Breakthrough Attempt: Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Withdrawal: Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Supply Route: Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Push Towards Konstantinopolskoye: Russian forces are pushing towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
Advancement on Vremevsk: Russian forces have advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
Repelled Attacks: Russian forces report they have repelled 20 Ukrainian attacks.
Fiber Optic Drones: Russian forces are reportedly using a new type of drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles.
Ukrainian Air Activity: Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
River Crossing Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river **

Situation Report