Major Military Situation Updates - December 15, 2024, 03:23 UTC
Overall Situation
The conflict in Ukraine intensifies, with significant fighting across multiple fronts. Russian forces continue to achieve notable advances, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, where 700 Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly trapped in a cauldron and have been denied retreat eight times by their command. Heavy fighting is ongoing in Vovchansk, Hlyboke, Starytsya, and along the Vremivka axis.
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. Casualty reports for these troops are beginning to emerge. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that the use of North Korean troops could extend to other parts of the frontline. There are reports that these troops are being used in large numbers, and that they are poorly trained. There are also reports of a friendly fire incident where North Korean troops fired upon a motor vehicle of the "Akhmat" battalion, resulting in 8 deaths. The incident is attributed to a language barrier. Russia is reportedly experiencing difficulties in coordinating with the North Korean troops due to a language barrier. Russia has approximately 11,000 North Korean troops stationed on its territory. Russian FSB agents are conducting counterintelligence operations in areas where North Korean troops are stationed.
Drone Warfare: 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.
Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian mortar positions and their ammunition depot.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast. A Russian golf cart was destroyed.
Ukrainian forces report that they destroyed 3 Russian BTRs and damaged a Russian position near Kursk.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ukrainian forces are experiencing an increased threat from FPV drones.
Russian operators of FPV drones are reported to have destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk, and destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle with a drone in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling west from Sumy Oblast.
Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling southwest from Poltava Oblast.
Ukrainian forces may have used a fiber optic drone to attack a Russian vehicle.
Ukrainian forces may be using modified drones with tail fins and mini-bombs for more effective attacks.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Ukrainian forces are using precision-guided FPV drones.
High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
Air raid alerts are in effect over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating continued drone activity.
13 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov and Lipetsk regions.
Russian forces have destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone and damaged a Ukrainian position near Kursk.
A Ukrainian drone attack near Ochakiv damaged an "Ukraposhta" (Ukraine Post) vehicle, injuring the driver.
A Ukrainian drone attacked an oil depot in the Oryol region of Russia. A second fire was reported at the same oil depot following another drone attack.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Pilots from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade are destroying enemy armored vehicles along with their occupants.
In the Kharkiv region, border guard drones identified enemy shelters that were likely preparing for assault operations. Reconnaissance was conducted, and the moment was chosen when the enemy soldiers would enter the shelter to warm up. The operators then lifted their attack drones into the air and destroyed the dugout.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed a Russian electronic warfare system near Kalynivka.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly experiencing a shortage of drone supplies.
A Ukrainian UAV reportedly crashed in Kyiv.
Russian forces are reportedly using drones to target Ukrainian positions near Kurakhove.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly using drones to target Russian supply lines near Neskuchne and Storozheve.
Multiple drones are reported to be active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
Multiple drones are reported to be approaching or over Sumy.
Russian forces are reportedly using drones to target Ukrainian positions near Kurakhove.
Ukrainian drones are active across the country.
Numerous drones are moving across Ukraine towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions, and also towards Sumy and Pryluky.
A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the north.
A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region from occupied territory, moving north/northeast.
Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast.
Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Varvarivka.
One drone is flying near Poltava.
One new drone has flown past Rybakivka heading north.
Three new drones are flying over the Lyman through Parutyne towards Mykolaiv.
One drone is flying over Balabanivka towards Mykolaiv.
One drone is in the area of Nova Odesa heading towards Bashtanka.
One drone flew past Mykolaiv heading north.
One drone is near Varvarivka heading towards Balovne.
Russian forces used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian howitzer and personnel.
One drone is in the area of Nova Odesa, moving east.
Four new drones are moving from the Tendra Spit towards Koblevo/Rybakivka.
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.
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 Russian 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.
One drone flew past Balabanivka heading towards Mykolaiv.
One drone is circling in the south of the Kirovohrad region.
Four drones are just west of Mykolaiv, flying through the Voznesensky district towards Vozsiyatse.
Two new drones were spotted near the Kinburn Spit towards Ochakiv.
One drone flew past Bereznehuvate towards Vysokopillia.
One drone is west of Mykolaiv, with a northern course.
One drone is in the Voznesensky district.
One drone is heading towards or through Kropyvnytskyi.
One drone is heading towards or through Kryvyi Rih.
One drone flew past Oleksandriia towards the Dnipropetrovsk region.
One drone flew past Kryvyi Rih heading northeast.
One drone is west of Nova Odesa, heading south.
One drone is in the Bashtanka area, heading south.
Drones are active in the east of Kirovohrad Oblast, moving northeast.
Drones are active in Mykolaiv Oblast, moving south.
Drones are active in the west of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, moving northeast towards Dnipro.
Russian forces used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations along a road in the Kharkiv Oblast near Liptsi, successfully targeting three Ukrainian soldiers.
Missile Attacks: Missile attacks continue, with Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions and a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia.
Many regions of Ukraine are under threat of ballistic missile attacks.
Ukrainian Pilot Loss: A young Ukrainian pilot from the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade was reported KIA after not returning from a combat mission. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the loss of a pilot and a Su-25 ground attack aircraft near Kherson. This loss underscores the high risks faced by Ukrainian pilots who are operating under intense pressure and often against superior enemy air defenses.
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. The leader of the new Syrian authorities called on the international community to intervene and stop the "Israeli escalation" in Syria.
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. Russian forces also evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
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.
Continued Fighting Near Kurakhove: The 5th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces reportedly engaged in mine-laying operations and repelled a Ukrainian counterattack involving two armored fighting vehicles near a garage cooperative on Zaporozhsky Prospekt in Kurakhove. One Ukrainian vehicle was destroyed, and the other retreated.
Capture of Kurakhove City Council Building: Russian forces have reportedly captured the city council building in Kurakhove. Ukrainian forces confirmed that Russian troops raised their flag over the city council building. This is a significant symbolic and strategic gain, suggesting that Russian forces control a substantial portion of the city's center.
Drone Strike Aftermath in Orel: Video footage from Orel shows the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot, with a second reservoir catching fire. This attack highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Russian infrastructure to Ukrainian drone attacks.
Power Outages in Ukraine: 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. Scheduled outages will continue on December 15th.
Increased Attacks in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: There were 268 attacks on 10 settlements, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
New Attacks 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.
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.
US Cost of Russian Victory: A former Pentagon official calculated that a Russian victory in Ukraine would cost the US $808 billion in defense spending over the next five years.
George Bush Presidential Center Recommendations: The center advised doubling support for Ukraine to ensure its victory, and recommended that a Trump administration prioritize supporting Ukraine's victory by accelerating military aid.
Chernobyl Liquidators Honored: A ceremony was held in Zaporizhzhia to honor the liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster.
Belarusian Military Tests: Belarus conducted successful tests of the "Sapphire" grenade launcher complex at the "Borisovsky" training ground.
Protests in Tbilisi: The lighting of the New Year's tree in Tbilisi was postponed due to protests. Police are massing near the parliament building.
Russian Military Values: President Putin stated that the main task of the National Center "Russia" is to promote traditional spiritual and moral values.
Ukrainian Counterattacks: Ukrainian counterattacks near Shevchenko are attempting to limit Russian advances.
Syrian Army Collapse: The reasons for the collapse of the Syrian army are being attributed to economic factors rather than enemy actions. The Syrian military lost all of its combat aircraft and most of its air defense systems in 42 hours as a result of Israeli airstrikes. The Syrian opposition has ordered its forces to withdraw from the cities they captured.
Situation in Syria: The new leader of Syria has declared a willingness to run for president if requested by the people or his entourage.
Russian Troop Withdrawal from Syria: Reuters reports that Russia is withdrawing troops from the front lines in Syria, including senior Syrian officers and heavy equipment, but maintains that they are not planning to withdraw from their two main bases.
Alleged Atrocities in Syrian Military Prisons: Reports of atrocities in Syrian military prisons add to regional instability.
Naval Activity: One Russian "Kalibr" carrier is present in the Black Sea (no missiles), none in the Azov Sea, and six in the Mediterranean Sea (four carrying up to 41 Kalibr missiles).
Nuclear Weapons in Belarus: Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the presence of nuclear weapons in Belarus and stated that Belarus will determine the targets for the Oreshnik missile system and act jointly with Russia if it needs to launch them.
Russian Sanctions Circumvention: Russian soldiers have found a method of circumventing sanctions to purchase US-made chips via the Texas Instruments online store.
Ukraine's Mobilization Challenges: Ukraine is reportedly considering lowering the mobilization age from 25 to 20.
Potential for Increased Long-Range Missile Use: Russia's increased production capacity for Oreshnik missiles and potential deployment of additional Oreshnik missiles in Belarus requires urgent strategic adaptation.
Moldova: Moldova is expected to receive drone interception equipment from the EU in 2025.
Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan has reportedly invited Ukrainian children affected by the war for a vacation.
New Zealand: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
Georgia: The organizers of rallies in Tbilisi plan to disrupt the Georgian presidential elections scheduled for December 14th. The rallies are being coordinated with foreign intelligence agencies. The organizers of the rallies in Tbilisi are planning to assassinate 2-3 people in order to escalate the situation in the country and blame the government. A citizen of New Zealand was sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison for participating in an incursion into Kursk Oblast. Tbilisi has informed Moscow of the arrest of 15 Russian citizens at protests in Tbilisi.
Ukraine: The Ministry of Defense is allocating an additional 1.1 billion UAH for the purchase of drones.
Austria: Austria's termination of the contract for Russian gas will not go unanswered, according to the Russian ambassador in Vienna.
Georgia: The Georgian Parliament has passed a law banning masks at protests.
Syria: Russia is reportedly negotiating with the emergent Syrian authorities to secure continued operation of two Russian military bases in Syria.
France: Francois Bayrou, leader of the centrist Democratic Movement party, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of France.
Alleged Israeli Involvement: Reports suggest that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Other Fronts: Russian 16th Special Forces Brigade is conducting operations near the Serebryansk forest, utilizing drones to eliminate Ukrainian forces. A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian BTR-4 armored personnel carrier near Kharkiv. Russian drones are targeting Ukrainian pick-up trucks and manpower with drone-delivered munitions in the Serebryansky forest. There is increased Russian tactical aviation activity on the northeastern front.
Strategic Operations: Hostile drone activity is increasing across Ukraine, including the regions surrounding Kyiv and other major population centers.
Drone Activity: 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.
New Information: A source within the Russian TASS agency reported that Russia is engaged in negotiations with the emergent Syrian authorities to secure the continued operation of two Russian military bases within Syria.
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: A drone attack on a police special forces barracks in Grozny resulted in minor injuries to 4 guards. Chechen leader Kadyrov blames Ukraine.
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.
Syrian Conflict: Reports suggest the Assad regime in Syria has collapsed. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Muhammad al-Basheer are key contenders for power. The intensity of Israeli operations and reports of atrocities in Syrian military prisons add to regional instability. Israeli airstrikes have targeted numerous military installations, including around Damascus. The Syrian government reports the complete destruction of its Navy by Israeli forces.
Information Warfare: Numerous Telegram channels are disseminating disinformation campaigns.
Civilian Casualties: Civilian casualties continue to rise in Ukraine and Russia.
Armenia: A USAID program proposal for Armenia, focusing on education and culture, was released.
Training Issues: Concerns are being raised about the effectiveness of Russian military training programs, with reports of inexperienced instructors and inadequate training practices. These issues are reportedly leading to low morale and poor performance among Russian troops.
There is a trend of regular officers avoiding combat training with new recruits, potentially due to a lack of effective training themselves or a fear of undermining their authority.
Soldiers with combat experience, especially those from private military companies (PMCs) like Wagner, often challenge the authority of regular army officers and instructors.
Many officers are not prepared to lead troops effectively when their rank alone is not enough to command respect.
Explosion in Sergiev Posad: Two new suspects have been arrested in connection with the 2023 explosion at a pyrotechnics warehouse in Sergiev Posad, Russia.
New Information: Russian aviation of the "Vostok" group destroyed an enemy crossing in the area of Novoocheretuvate, north of Velyka Novosilka.
Russian Medical Development: The Russian Ministry of Health announced that a new cancer vaccine, showing high effectiveness in preclinical trials, will be provided free of charge to patients. The cost of creating a personalized vaccine is estimated at around 300,000 rubles per patient.
Political Appointments: US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Richard Grenell as a special envoy for missions. Grenell will be working in various global hotspots, including Venezuela and North Korea.
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.
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, with 700 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly trapped and denied retreat. 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. Russian forces advanced 1.5 km north of Uspenivka along the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway and established a new position. A Ukrainian drone attacked a Russian forward position in this area.
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 Kurakhovo 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.
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. 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.
Air Raid Alert: An air raid alert has been announced for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Kherson Oblast
Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka. One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Varvarivka. One drone is flying over Balabanivka towards Mykolaiv. One drone is in the area of Nova Odesa heading towards Bashtanka. One drone is near Varvarivka heading towards Balovne.
Kherson Threat:Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
Firefight: There was a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
