Major Military Situation Updates - December 15, 2024, 08:53 UTC

Overall Situation

The conflict in Ukraine intensifies, with Russian forces making significant advances, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions. The situation in Kurakhove has significantly deteriorated for Ukrainian forces, with a large-scale encirclement underway and reports of heavy fighting within the city. Approximately 700 Ukrainian soldiers are encircled near Kurakhove, with Russian forces occupying the city council building and controlling all residential areas. Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from parts of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky. Heavy fighting is reported in Vovchansk, Hlyboke, Starytsya, and along the Vremivka axis. Russian forces are conducting operations in Annivka and Uspenivka, consolidating positions on the western bank of the Oskol River, and beginning to occupy Dvorichna in the Kharkiv Oblast. An air alert has been issued for Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts due to an incoming high-speed target in southern Kharkiv Oblast. Drone attacks are reported across multiple Ukrainian regions and in Russia, including Mykolaiv, Kursk, Bryansk, Taganrog, Orlov, Krasnodar, and Grozny. A Ukrainian source reports a drone attack on a military base in Grozny used to deploy soldiers to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are utilizing FPV drones extensively, targeting Russian logistics and military equipment. Reports indicate that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in assault operations, initially in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian General Staff reported 292 combat clashes in the past 24 hours, with the most intense fighting occurring on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove axes.

Key Developments by Region

Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction

Intense Fighting and Russian Advance: Fierce engagements near Shevchenko, Novovasylivka, Sukhoi Yar, Lysivka, Dachevske, and Zelene.
Russian forces advanced to within 2km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk.
Russian forces are advancing towards Novooleksiyivka from the north and east.
Russian forces advanced 550 meters in eastern Shevchenko.
West of Shevchenko, Russian forces advanced 750 meters towards Pishchane.
Southern Flank and Lysivka: Significant Russian advance on the southern flank near Krasnoarmiysk.
Russian forces reached the central part of Lysivka.
Consolidation and Railway Advance: Russian forces consolidating positions east of Highway M-30 and pushing towards Novoukrainka.
Repelled Assaults and Tactical Position: Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian assaults.
Russian forces improved their tactical position near Pushkine and Pishchane.
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.
Lysivka Airstrikes: Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes in Lysivka.
Ukrainian Reserves: Ukrainian forces deployed the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade to Pokrovsk. Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi appointed to lead the "Donetsk" operational-tactical group.

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. Approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, are surrounded south of Kurakhove.
Ukrainian forces in Uspenovka, Hannevka, Trudove, Veselyi Gai, and Romanivka are at risk of encirclement, with 700 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly trapped.
Russian forces are pushing towards Stari Terny, Sontsivka, Zoria, Kurakhove, Dalne, Dachne, and Hannivka.
Russian forces advanced in central Kurakhovo and cleaned out the Southern microdistrict.
Russian forces occupied the city council building in Kurakhove.
Russian forces advanced 1.5 km north of Uspenivka along the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway.
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.
Capture of Veselyi Gai and Zarya: Russian forces captured Veselyi Gai and Zarya.
Fighting in Kurakhovo and Supply Route: Fighting continues in Kurakhovo and along the Sukhie Yaly River.
River Crossing Destruction: A Russian airstrike destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly.
Significant Casualties: Reports indicate significant Ukrainian casualties near Kurakhovo.
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.
An attack by two Ukrainian armored vehicles was repulsed.
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.
Drone Attacks: Russian FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove.
Full Control of Residential Areas: Russian forces reportedly control all residential areas of Kurakhovo, with only the industrial zone remaining.

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.
Russian Advance: Russian forces are reportedly advancing in depth within Toretsk, particularly near the Central Mine and along Svetlaya Street towards the central market.

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 continuing to advance on the Vremivka salient, pressing on Makarivka and approaching Storozheve.

Kursk Region

Russian Gains: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyukhovo in the Sudzha district, taking a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of North Korean special forces. ISW reports indicate that North Korean troops have been actively deployed in the Kursk region, with significant losses among these units.
Combat Activities: Intense combat is ongoing in the northern part of the Sudzha district.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of Daryino and Plyukhovo in Kursk Oblast.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims Ukrainian losses of over 200 soldiers, one tank, and three Bradley fighting vehicles in Kursk Oblast.
Russian forces advanced near Sudzha and Sverdlikovo, while Ukrainian forces are using drones and anti-tank mines for attacks inside Russia. More than 200 Ukrainian troops have reportedly been killed in the Kursk region over the past 24 hours.
Ukrainian drone attacks reported on police facilities in Grozny.

Sumy Oblast

Air Attacks: Russian forces launched repeated guided air bomb attacks, including on Sumy.
Territorial Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near Aleksandria.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
Russian forces have advanced into Sumy Oblast near Aleksandria, and launched an artillery strike on a railway station in Esman.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Missile Strike: A Russian quasi-ballistic missile (9M723-1 Iskander) strike hit a hospital complex, resulting in Ukrainian personnel losses and the death of a high-ranking NATO official. The death toll from the Russian missile strike on a hospital has risen to 6, with 22 injured.
Increased Attacks: There were 429 attacks on 19 settlements in the past 24 hours, including 12 airstrikes, 294 drone attacks, 4 MLRS attacks, and 119 artillery strikes.
Rolling blackouts continue due to Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. A hospital complex has been hit by a Russian quasi-ballistic missile. There have been 268 attacks on 10 settlements over the past 24 hours, and IAEA vehicles are still being targeted.
The head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, denied rumors of an impending Russian offensive on Zaporizhzhia, calling them enemy psychological operations.

Kherson Oblast

Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Kherson Threat: Kherson is under threat of attack from the north. Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to attack a civilian bus, resulting in casualties.
Reports indicate a firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge in Kherson Oblast. Residents confirm intense shelling from both sides for approximately 3 hours.

Mykolaiv Oblast

Drone Attack: An infrastructure object in Mykolaiv was damaged by a drone attack, resulting in injuries to two employees.
Explosion: An explosion was heard in Mykolaiv. The information was confirmed by the head of the regional military administration.
The explosion occurred after an air raid alert.
The explosion occurred in the Zavodskoy district.
Shrapnel was found after the explosion in Mykolaiv, indicating it was likely a drone.
Two women were injured in the drone attack.

Kharkiv Oblast

Air Attacks: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks.
Drone Attack: A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv, causing casualties.
Fighting: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya, and Vovchansk.
A Ukrainian UAV was shot down near Crimea.
UAV operators of the Sever Group of Forces destroyed a camouflaged position of an AFU D-30 howitzer in Kharkiv region.
Russian Advances: Russian forces are consolidating their positions on the western bank of the Oskol River and are beginning to occupy Dvorichna.
A high-speed target was reported in the southern part of Kharkiv Oblast.

Grozny, Chechnya

Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Grozny, with at least four explosions heard. Reports suggest a possible strike on an OMON base, and a military base used to deploy soldiers to Ukraine. A video of a drone attack in Grozny has been circulated online.

Drone Warfare

Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported across Ukraine, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Air Raid Alert: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv and several other regions, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea.
Russian Drone Movements: A Russian drone was reported moving from Poltava towards Kyiv (Yahotyn). New groups of Russian drones entered Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. Drones are also targeting areas in Cherkasy, Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv Oblasts.
Ukrainian Drone Success: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone. They are also using drones to strike Russian tanks in the Novotroitskoye area and a "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. Ukrainian forces utilized a "Baba Yaga" drone to eliminate Russian troops.
Increased FPV Drone Threat: Ukrainian forces are facing an increased threat from Russian FPV drones and request more countermeasures.
Drone Attacks in Germany: Several unidentified drones were spotted over military objects in Germany, including Rheinmetall plants, a BASF chemical plant, and the US Ramstein Air Base.
FPV Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces are reportedly using FPV drones extensively and require more countermeasures against Russian drones. Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone. A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region. A Russian FPV drone destroyed an M1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region.
River Crossing Destruction: The Russian army has reportedly destroyed a crossing over the Mokrye Yaly river using an airstrike, preventing troop reinforcements.
Reconnaissance and Guided Strikes: Russian forces are using reconnaissance drones, and then strike with guided missiles on the Polozhsk direction.
Drone Technology: The Russian military is reportedly using "Kulibin Club" donations to develop new drone, electronic warfare, robotic, and tactical transport technology. A new type of Russian drone that uses fiber optics to target vehicles has been reported. A Russian soldier used an RPO-A "Shmel" rocket propelled grenade on a Ukrainian position in Shevchenko.
Reports indicate that 13 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Belgorod, Rostov, and Astrakhan regions, and a further 14 over Bryansk Oblast, further strengthening Russian air defenses.
14th and 16th Special Forces Brigade Drone Operations: The 14th and 16th Special Forces Brigades conducted successful drone operations targeting enemy vehicles, field depots, and manpower near the Sukhie Yaly River and Serebryansk forest respectively.
Successful Ukrainian drone strikes near Vovchansk: The drone strikes resulted in the confirmed deaths of approximately 30 Russian soldiers.
Drone Swarm: 8 drones from Sumy Oblast are moving to Poltava Oblast via Romny. 2 drones are near Zlatopil, Kharkiv Oblast, heading west. Several groups of drones are in Sumy Oblast, heading towards Poltava Oblast. A group of drones is in Kharkiv Oblast, heading west. A group of drones is in the north of Poltava Oblast, heading towards Myrhorod.
Drone Attack Statistics: Ukrainian Air Force reports that out of 108 drones launched by Russia, 56 were shot down, 49 failed to reach their targets, and 3 returned to Russia.
Ukrainian Drone Operations in Lviv: An Odessa blogger was threatened after conducting a social experiment in Lviv where he spoke Russian. Many residents expressed discomfort or refused to respond in Russian. Some threatened violence. A nationalist activist called for the blogger to be punished.

Missile Attacks

Massive Attack: Ukraine reports a massive Russian attack that involved 93 missiles and 200 drones. 81 missiles were shot down, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16. Russia states that this strike was in response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
North Korean Missile: A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
Strategic Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
Kalibr Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
Multiple Launches: Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky, and multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
Kh-101 Missiles: Multiple Kh-101 missiles entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast and are traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
Kinzhal Missiles: Kinzhal Missiles are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia.
Cruise Missile Launches: Multiple Cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from the Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with some missiles passing near Bila Tserkva.
Ballistic Missile Launches: Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
New Missile: A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka.
Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks.
KAB Bombs: Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Intense Attack: The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Energy Infrastructure: Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. 50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
Russian Rationale: Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
Strike on Fuel/Energy Infrastructure: Russian missile strikes were focused on critical infrastructure targets in the fuel and energy sectors that support the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
Ukrainian Air Defense Success: A Ukrainian soldier from the Kherson anti-aircraft missile brigade shot down a Russian cruise missile using a "Stinger" MANPADS during a massive missile attack on the morning of December 13th.
Potential New Russian Missile Attack: Monitoring resources suggest that Russia might launch a new missile attack using the "Oreshnik" missile on December 18th, when the Kapustin Yar test site is expected to close.
Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
A missile or drone attack on Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, resulted in damage to an industrial facility, a boiler plant, and vehicles, possibly using ATACMS missiles.
Two Russian missiles were shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs.

United States

The US completed successful testing of a ground-based hypersonic missile, the "Dark Eagle," with a reported range of 2800 km and a speed of Mach 17 (glider component reaching Mach 5).
The US has allocated a $500 million aid package to Ukraine.
The Biden administration intends to accelerate arms supplies to Ukraine, to provide Kyiv with a "huge amount of weapons" before Trump's inauguration.
The US opposes the use of US-made missiles by the Ukrainian military inside Russia.
Trump is suggesting that Europe deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine to establish a ceasefire.
The US will announce another aid package for Ukraine which will include additional air defense systems, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles.
The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on officials and security forces from Georgia.
Ukraine has received another military aid package from the US, which will include air defense, artillery, drones, and military vehicles.
US has announced over $440 million in aid for the Ukrainian economy.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration is considering imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports before Trump's inauguration, potentially impacting global oil prices.
President Biden's claim that the US significantly weakened Russia is refuted.
The US Congress is requesting an assessment on reduced support for Ukraine and the threat of aggression from China, Iran, and North Korea.
Trump opposes US-made long-range missile strikes into Russia, citing escalation. Trump was also named Time's Person of the Year.
US airports are reporting drone activity in their airspace.

Logistics

State of Emergency in Moldova: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency starting December 16 due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
Mine Closure: The "Metinvest" metallurgical holding has stopped work at the "Shakhtoupravlenie "Pokrovskoe" coal site due to the approach of the front line.
Energy Crisis in Ukraine: Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power.
"Ukrenergo" announced that on December 14th, there will be power outages in effect from 00:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 22:00 (one queue) and from 13:00 to 17:00 (two queues).
Ukraine is implementing a new standardized system for rolling blackouts.
"Ukrenergo" has announced new power outage schedules that will provide a minimum of 3.5 hours of electricity between outages. Each group of consumers has been divided into two subgroups to facilitate more even distribution.
A report in the National Interest suggests NATO may deploy B-61 nuclear bombs in Poland or Ukraine as a response to the deployment of Russian Oreshnik missiles.
A complete power outage has occurred across Abkhazia.
China has resumed passenger trains to Russia after a 4 year break.

Technological Warfare

Russia is testing a new anti-drone camouflage system and anti-drone technology.
Belarus deployed a mobile communication system "Kulisa".
Ukrainian drones successfully used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station.
Ukrainian drones used a simultaneous drone strike on a single target.
A Ukrainian military unit successfully shot down a Russian Supercam drone.
The Russian military is testing anti-drone camouflage and new anti-drone technology.
Belarus has deployed a "Kulisa" mobile communications system.
Russia is offering free IT training to its citizens.
Ukrainian forces are increasingly threatened by FPV drones.
Russian forces have modified a car to fire on drones with an open top.
A Russian FPV drone destroyed an Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone in the Kupyansk region.
A Russian T-72 tank was destroyed in the Luhansk region by a Ukrainian FPV drone.
Telegram moderators have removed over 10 million users per month who violated policies over the past few years, and in 2024, approximately 15.4 million channels and groups were removed.
Great Britain successfully tested a laser weapon mounted on an armored vehicle.
Russia released its first AI textbooks for grades 5-9.
Reports suggest that the Ukrainian military successfully deployed a new drone called the "Postman."
Reports suggest that the Ukrainian military has successfully tested a new missile called the "Ruta".
Reports indicate that scammers are creating fake versions of popular AI tools like ChatGPT to steal data from Russians.

Political and Geopolitical

Poland does not intend to send peacekeepers to Ukraine.
The EU has stated its desire to be involved in peace talks regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
Medvedev stated that Ukraine must choose between aligning with Russia or disappearing from the world map.
Marketplaces and large retail chains are planning to start operating in the rejoined territories at the end of this year.
The Ukrainian government is trying to encourage Ukrainians currently residing in Germany to return home.
Attendees will not be allowed to bring posters or flags larger than A4 size to Putin's press conference and direct line.
Some terminals may stop supporting MasterCard and Visa cards starting January 1st. Online payments should not be affected. The company recommends using the "Mir" card for stable payments.
The Ukrainian National Bank has increased its interest rate from 13.0% to 13.5% to fight inflation.
The official currency rate of the dollar has decreased to 41.6588 UAH as of December 13th.
A prominent Syrian opposition figure stated that Syria seeks to resolve differences with all countries, based on non-interference principles. He later stated that the new Syrian government will consider the issue of Russian military bases.
Reports suggest that President Macron is seeking allies for a potential European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration is considering imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports before Trump's inauguration, potentially impacting global oil prices.
Maria Zakharova stated that the US aid to Ukraine is intended to prolong the conflict.
Maria Zakharova urged Russian citizens to avoid travel to Western countries, while Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia’s nuclear disarmament cooperation with unfriendly nations is “politically unacceptable.”
Maria Zakharova stated that the German ambassador's call for peace in Ukraine should be directed at his own government.
Vyacheslav Volodin expressed Russia’s commitment to addressing illegal migration, seeking migrants who respect Russian laws and traditions.
Reports suggest that current mobilization efforts in Ukraine are insufficient to cover losses. The lowering of the draft age to 18 is being considered, with the US stating that they and their allies will be willing to provide the equipment and training for such new forces.
Poland is considering legalizing mercenary activity for Ukrainians fighting in Ukraine.
Russia and the US have not contacted each other at a high level regarding the situation in Syria.
Former General Prosecutor Kostin is to become ambassador to the Netherlands.
The Ukrainian Football Association has contacted FIFA and UEFA regarding the incorrect depiction of Ukraine without Crimea on a map.
The President of Georgia has stated that she will not recognize the results of the upcoming presidential elections and will remain in the presidential palace after the end of her term. Georgian opposition is calling on the West to declare current Georgian authorities illegitimate.
A military advisor to Donald Trump has stated that the war in Ukraine could end in a matter of months if Trump takes action.
A TASS report indicates that the messaging app Viber has been blocked in Russia due to numerous violations of Russian laws.
G7 nations are pushing for a secular government in Syria.
Macron is in Warsaw discussing peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, with Poland stating it will not send troops.
Russia is seeking prisoner exchanges and signaling a willingness to negotiate based on preconditions Ukraine won't agree to.
NATO is concerned about the use of Oreshnik missiles, and Belarus is deploying the "Kulisas" communication system.
The EU has lost over 1.5 trillion Euros due to sanctions against Russia.
The Ukrainian government is implementing changes to restrictions on credit card transfers, and has received $454 million in healthcare funding. There are increasing protests against conscription.
Russia is offering free IT training and claims its economy is growing by 3.9%.
A German citizen with Russian citizenship was arrested for planning to sabotage railway tracks.
The FSB announced the arrest of 11 call center employees working for the SBU and a former Georgian defense minister, involved in arson attacks and disinformation campaigns.
Some countries are denying asylum to Ukrainians residing far from the front lines.
There are increasing reports of criminal activity such as stealing from delivery depots.
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.
Zelensky will meet on Wednesday with the leaders of France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland and the NATO Secretary General in Brussels to discuss further assistance to Ukraine.
Donald Trump has appointed Richard Grenell as a "messenger for special missions" who will be tasked with working in hotspots around the world, including Venezuela and North Korea.
German ambassador to Russia stated that peace must be established in Ukraine, Maria Zakharova responded by stating that the German ambassador should address this to his own government.

Other Key Developments

Casualties:
- At least 6 people were killed in Zaporizhzhia on December 13th, and 22 more injured in a hospital strike.
- Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region are stated to be over 200 soldiers.
- Russian forces report destroying a Ukrainian platoon near Velyka Novosilka.
- Over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
- One civilian was injured in Belgorod due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
- One civilian was killed and two injured in a Ukrainian FPV drone attack on a civilian bus in the Kherson region.
- More than 10 Ukrainian soldiers were liquidated near Konstantinovka after an FPV-drone attack.
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 will be provided free of charge to patients.
Political Appointments: US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Richard Grenell as a special envoy for missions.
New Equipment for Russian Armed Forces:
- Russian developers are testing new sets of military uniforms and equipment for desert, temperate, and arctic climates.
- The desert climate set features lightweight versions of all-season and insulated suits and a multifunctional poncho-blanket sleeping bag.
- The arctic set includes special clothing items, gloves, and a sleeping bag for extremely low temperatures.
- The suits are insulated, lighter, and more compact.
- The gloves are fire-resistant, moisture-proof, and can be worn with insulated mittens.
- Backpacks have been modernized with special compartments for carrying drones.
Ukrainian Mobilization: Video evidence suggests poor conditions for forcibly mobilized Ukrainians in a camp in Khmelnytskyi.
Reports of forced conscription in Kremenchuk.
Parents of conscripts from a military unit in Chebarkul report that their sons are being forced to sign contracts for military service, and then being prepared to be sent to the front.
Gaza Conflict: 194 journalists have been killed during the fighting in the Gaza Strip, according to Al Mayadeen.
Hamas claims that Israeli strikes have killed several Israeli hostages.
Fighting continues in Gaza, with Hamas claiming they are still able to inflict losses on Israeli forces.
Alleged Atrocities in Petrivka: Russian forces reportedly discovered civilians locked in basements in Petrivka, DPR.
US Soldier Hacking Training: The US is developing programs to rapidly train soldiers in hacking.
Military Activity:
- Advances: Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Dzerzhinsk and gained control of the surrounding slag heaps.
- Targeting Supply Lines: Russian forces are using artillery and drones to target supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
- Ukrainian tactical aviation is conducting guided air bomb strikes in Donetsk region.
- Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
- Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian positions using guided air bombs.
- Poland has scrambled their airforce due to the multiple missile strikes over Ukrainian territory near its border.
- A Ukrainian Su-24 bomber was shot down near the village of Zolotoye, Donetsk Oblast.
- A Ukrainian UAV was shot down near Crimea.
- Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
- The Ukrainian 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade used mobile rocket launchers in nighttime operations.
- Russian forces may be relying on public donations for essential military supplies such as drones and protection gear.
- The intensity of Russian guided air bomb usage has reportedly decreased by over 50% since the middle of November after long-range missiles were cleared for use against targets inside Russia.
- Increased activity of Russian tactical aviation is reported in the southeastern direction of Ukraine, posing a threat to the use of air weapons in areas near the front.

Situation Report