Major Military Situation Updates - December 15, 2024, 15:24 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, with a large-scale encirclement operation underway in Kurakhove. Heavy fighting is ongoing in Vovchansk, Hlyboke, Starytsya, and along the Vremivka axis. Drone warfare continues to be a dominant feature, with both sides employing extensive drone operations. Ukrainian forces are reporting increased drone attacks, especially FPV drones, and are struggling to counter them. Russian forces are employing new drone technologies, including fiber-optic guided drones and kamikaze drones to destroy Ukrainian equipment and personnel. Missile attacks continue, with Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and employing various missile types, including North Korean missiles. Ukrainian forces report a massive Russian attack involving 93 missiles and 200 drones, with 81 missiles shot down. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with ongoing reports of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Key Updates
Continued Russian Advances: Russian forces have made significant progress in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions. In Kurakhove, they have reportedly occupied the city council building and control all residential areas, with approximately 700 Ukrainian soldiers encircled. They have also captured Annivka (Annovka), Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, and Zarya. In the Pokrovsk direction, they have advanced to within 2km of the city and captured several surrounding settlements.
Drone Warfare Intensification: Both sides are heavily utilizing drones. Ukrainian forces report the destruction of a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone. Russian forces are using FPV drones to target Ukrainian troops, vehicles, and equipment, including a reported successful strike on a large Ukrainian stronghold near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское), eliminating over 10 Ukrainian soldiers. Reports indicate that Russian drone operators destroyed a Ukrainian T-64 tank near Novyi Komar. Russian forces are also deploying new drone technologies, including those using fiber optics. Ukrainian forces are increasingly threatened by Russian FPV drones and are requesting more countermeasures.
Missile Attacks: Russia continues to launch missile attacks, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. A recent massive attack involved 93 missiles and 200 drones, with 81 missiles reportedly shot down. A North Korean missile was reportedly used in the attacks.
North Korean Troops: Confirmed reports indicate that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in assault operations, initially in the Kursk region.
Alleged Deception: Reports accuse the head of Hardcore, Anatoly Sulyanov, of deceiving the 810th Marine Brigade by promising military equipment in exchange for videos expressing gratitude but failing to deliver the promised supplies.
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).
Economic Measures in Ukraine: A meeting in Zaporizhzhia focused on improving the business environment and removing administrative barriers.
Explosion in Dnipro: An explosion in Dnipro resulted in at least one death and multiple injuries, including two police officers. The incident is being investigated as a potential terrorist act.
Ukrainian Pilot Loss: A young Ukrainian pilot from the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade was reported KIA after not returning from a combat mission.
Capture of Kurakhove City Council Building: Russian forces have captured the city council building in Kurakhove.
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.
Russian Advance near Dvorichna: Russian forces are advancing near Dvorichna in the Kharkiv Oblast. A map analysis suggests Russian forces control the eastern portion of the area with recent territorial gains to the west. Both sides have heavily fortified their positions.
Air Alert in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia: An air alert has been issued for Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to the threat of ballistic missiles.
Casualties in Kursk Region: Reports of a line of North Korean and Russian soldiers' bodies in the Kursk region.
Slovakian President's Statement: The President of Slovakia stated that Ukraine might have to cede territory to Russia to end the conflict.
Alleged Ammunition Sabotage: A video shows a Ukrainian soldier discovering a mortar round filled with cardboard instead of explosives.
Oil Tanker Incident in Kerch Strait: Reports of a major oil spill in the Kerch Strait after multiple Russian tankers ran aground or broke apart due to inclement weather.
Journalist Memorial Day: Russia commemorated journalists killed in the line of duty.
Russian Advances near Kurakhove: Russian forces have reportedly advanced to Zelenivka, southwest of Kurakhove. They have also reportedly entered the southern part of Novyi Komar on the Velyka Novosilka front.
Drone Strike on Ukrainian Troops: A Russian drone strike targeted and reportedly eliminated a group of Ukrainian soldiers who were attempting to rotate positions near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское).
Air Battles over Kharkiv Oblast: Reports of air battles between Russian FPV drones and Ukrainian hexacopters over Kharkiv Oblast.
Drone Strike on Ukrainian ATGM: A Ukrainian drone reportedly destroyed a Russian "Fagot" anti-tank guided missile system near Siversk.
Brazilian President's Health: Brazilian President Lula da Silva has been discharged from the hospital and can resume his duties.
Russian Ministry of Defense Statement: The Russian Ministry of Defense denied a DW report that Maria Zakharova criticized the German ambassador for his calls for peace in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Counterattack Repelled: Russian forces reportedly repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Shevchenko and advanced towards Pishchane.
Ukrainian Air Force Reports Drone Shootdowns: The 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.
Russian Tanker Breaks Apart: The Russian tanker "Volgoneft-212" broke in two near the Kerch Strait. A Mi-8 helicopter was dispatched to assist the crew. Another tanker, "Volgoneft-239," is also reportedly in distress.
Poland's Sanctions: Poland has imposed sanctions on Russian businessman Oleg Boyko.
Heavy Fighting in Kurakhove: Russian forces expanded their zone of control in the center of Kurakhove by up to 500 meters.
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.
Drone Attack on Grozny: Three drones attacked Grozny, with two shot down by air defenses and one falling on the territory of the OMON "Akhmat-Grozny" base, resulting in minor damage and no casualties.
Destruction of Railway Bridge: Ukrainian forces destroyed a railway bridge leading to the Ulyanovsk engine plant in Russia.
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.
Guided Air Bomb Threat: Russian forces launched a guided air bomb attack in Donetsk Oblast.
Destruction of Ukrainian Air Defense: Russian forces destroyed four Patriot air defense launchers, a combat control vehicle, and an AN/MPQ-65 radar station. A Ukrainian MiG-29 was also shot down.
US and Turkey: Reports of the US and Turkey discussing potential cooperation in Syria, with Turkey expressing readiness to assist Russia but not receiving a request.
Tanker Incident: The Russian tanker "Volgoneft-212" broke in two near the Kerch Strait. A Mi-8 helicopter was dispatched to assist the crew. Another tanker, "Volgoneft-239," is also reportedly in distress.
Key Developments by Region
Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) Direction
Intense Fighting and Russian Advance: Fierce engagements are ongoing near Shevchenko, Novovasylivka, Sukhoi Yar, Lysivka, Dachevske, and Zelene. Russian forces have advanced to within 2km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk in an attempt to slow the Russian advance. Russian forces are advancing towards Novooleksiyivka from the north and east.
Southern Flank and Lysivka: A significant Russian advance is reported on the southern flank near Krasnoarmiysk, with fighting near multiple settlements. Russian forces have reached the central part of Lysivka and are pushing towards Novoelenivka, Ukrainka, and Slavyanka.
Consolidation and Railway Advance: Russian forces are consolidating positions east of Highway M-30 and pushing towards Novoukrainka. They are also advancing along the railway line towards the "Dymytrova" mine.
Repelled Assaults and Tactical Position: Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian assaults, primarily in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Russian forces improved their tactical position near Pushkine and Pishchane, as well as west and east of Shevchenko.
Ukrainian Countermeasures: Ukrainian forces are taking measures to restore their tactical position near Storozheve, Sukhi Yaly, Kostiantynopil, and Veselyi Hai.
Artillery and Drone Strikes: Russian forces continue to use artillery and drones, resulting in intense fighting along the entire line south to Krasne (Sontsivka).
Lysivka Airstrikes: Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes in the village of Lysivka, between Pokrovsk and Selydove.
Ukrainian Counterattack Repelled: Russian forces reportedly repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Shevchenko and advanced towards Pishchane.
Kurakhove Direction
Significant Russian Advances and Encirclement Threat: Russian forces secured southeastern Uspenovka and are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant. Ukrainian forces in Uspenovka, Hannevka, Trudove, Veselyi Gai, and Romanivka are at risk of encirclement. Russian forces are pushing towards Stari Terny, Sontsivka, Zoria, Kurakhove, Dalne, Dachne, and Hannivka. Russian forces have also advanced in central Kurakhovo and cleaned out the Southern microdistrict. Russian forces have reportedly occupied the city council building in Kurakhove.
Ukrainian Withdrawals: Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from parts of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky.
Destruction of Ukrainian Grouping: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian grouping between Elizavetovka and Uspenovka, consolidating control in southern Kurakhovo.
Capture of Veselyi Gai and Zarya: Russian forces captured Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo, and the town of Zarya.
Fighting in Kurakhove and Supply Route: Fighting continues in Kurakhove and along the Sukhie Yaly River. Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
River Crossing Destruction: A Russian airstrike destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly.
Significant Casualties: Reports indicate significant Ukrainian casualties near Kurakhovo, with over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
Advances in Kurakhovo Outskirts: Russian forces advanced along Nagornaya-1 street on the southern outskirts of Kurakhovo.
Zholte Capture and Counterattacks: Russian forces captured Zholte, with failed Ukrainian counterattacks.
Allegations of Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR.
Update on Kurakhovo: Active combat is ongoing in Kurakhovo, with a sapper group of the Russian Armed Forces installing a minefield in the central part of the city. An attack by two Ukrainian armored vehicles was repulsed, with the lead vehicle being destroyed by a mine and the second vehicle retreating. The zone of control of the Russian Armed Forces in the center of Kurakhovo has been expanded by up to 500 meters.
Capture of Yelizavetovka: Russian forces have reportedly captured Yelizavetovka. Ukrainian forces from the 79th Air Assault Brigade were reportedly forced to evacuate from an area near Kurakhovo due to the threat of encirclement.
Drone Attacks: Russian FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove. Russian forces expanded their zone of control in the center of Kurakhovo by up to 500 meters.
Drone Strike on Ukrainian Troops: A Russian drone strike targeted and reportedly eliminated a group of Ukrainian soldiers who were attempting to rotate positions near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское).
Capture of Kurakhove City Council Building: Russian forces have captured the city council building in Kurakhove.
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.
Russian Advances near Kurakhove: Russian forces have reportedly advanced to Zelenivka, southwest of Kurakhove.
Toretsk and Chasov Yar
Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
Partial Dislodgement in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar.
Clashes: Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka.
Velyka Novosilka
Aleksandria Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near Aleksandria.
Pushkino Control: Russian forces likely have full control of Pushkino.
Other Advances: Russian forces advanced near Kalinina, around Scherbinovka, and north of Rivnopil.
Vremivka Axis Clashes: Clashes reported near Trudove, Velykyi Hai, Kostiantynopilske, Sukhi Yaly, Blahodatne, Storozheve, and Neskuchne. Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket".
Update on Velyka Novosilka: West of Storozheve, Russian forces continue to push Ukrainian forces in the direction of Storozheve, Height Kurgan Storozheva Mogila (Babya Gora) and northwards, in the direction of the Huliaipole-Velyka Novosilka road. Russian assault units are also attacking in the direction of Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate. The Ukrainian forces report a difficult situation in the area. South of Kurakhove, Russian units in the area of Sukhi Yaly and Ostrovske (Konstantynopilske), as well as from Dalne, are successfully advancing in the fields towards Yantarne. Through Yantarne, supplies are being delivered from Dachenske to a Ukrainian fortified area located between Yantarne and Uspenivka. Battles are currently underway to eliminate this fortified area, which physically cuts the road from Velyka Novosilka to Kurakhove. This road, apart from this section, is already under Russian control.
Disruption of Ukrainian Rotation: Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.
Russian Advance into Novyi Komar: Russian forces have reportedly entered the southern part of Novyi Komar.
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 Alert: An air alert has been issued for Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Kherson Oblast
Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast, approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Kherson Threat:Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
Firefight: There was a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
Attacks: Russian forces attacked Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
Kharkiv Oblast
Air Attacks: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks.
Drone Attack: A "Shahed" drone hit a residential building in Kharkiv, causing casualties.
Drone Movement: Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region. Ukrainian air defense systems have forced a change in Russian drone attack routes near Kharkiv.
Fighting: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk. Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian attack in the Liptsi area.
Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Evacuations: Ukrainian forces are evacuating residents of 344 settlements.
Casualties: Four civilians were injured after a Russian attack in Myrne.
Operational Situation: The operational situation on the Kharkiv direction has not changed significantly but remains complicated.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
Air Strikes: Russian forces carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
Bombardment: Russian forces carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
Russian Losses: Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, and 70 defensive shelters in the Kharkiv area.
Ukrainian Losses: Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv region.
Clashes: Clashes reported near Vovchansk.
Update on Kharkiv: Russian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region. A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Air Battles: Reports of air battles between Russian FPV drones and Ukrainian hexacopters over Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian Advance near Dvorichna: Russian forces are advancing near Dvorichna. A map analysis suggests Russian forces control the eastern portion of the area with recent territorial gains to the west. Both sides have heavily fortified their positions.
Kursk Region
Russian Gains: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. They took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of North Korean special forces and gained control of Plekhovo.
Combat Activities: Russian forces are engaged in intense combat in the northern part of the Sudzha district.
Vehicle Destruction: Russian forces destroyed an M1 Abrams tank with an FPV drone and two Ukrainian vehicles with fiber optic drones near Mala Loknya.
Ukrainian Losses: Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region are stated to be over 200 soldiers.
Fortified Position: Russian marines took a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
Surrender Instructions: A captured Ukrainian soldier stated he was instructed not to surrender, but to destroy himself with grenades.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces have repelled 22 Russian army assaults.
Alleged North Korean Involvement: Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved in operations in the Kursk region.
Update on Kursk: Ukrainian forces report that the participation of North Korean troops in the assaults in the Kursk region is exaggerated, and that they were prepared for the introduction of these troops into combat as infantry in Russian units.
Helicopter Attack: A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border.
North Korean Soldiers: Confirmed reports indicate that Russia has begun deploying North Korean soldiers in assault operations, initially in the Kursk region, with potential for expansion to other fronts. Casualty reports for these troops are beginning to emerge.
Casualties: Reports of a line of North Korean and Russian soldiers' bodies in the Kursk region.
Russian Advance from Plekhovo: Russian forces are reportedly advancing from Plekhovo towards Kurilovka.
Sumy Oblast
Air Attacks: Russian forces launch repeated guided air bomb attacks in the region.
Drone Incursions: New groups of Russian drones enter from the Kursk region, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Poltava and Pryluky.
Territorial Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near the village of Aleksandria.
Sumy Threat:Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
Drone Movement: Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
Drone Warfare
Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity across Ukraine, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. New groups are entering Sumy Oblast.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts issued for Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and several other regions. The all clear has been given in Kyiv.
Ukrainian Drone Success: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastুন-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Increased FPV Drone Threat: Ukrainian forces face an increased threat from Russian FPV drones. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are struggling to counter the increased use of Russian FPV drones.
Drone Attacks in Germany: Unidentified drones spotted over military objects in Germany.
Extensive FPV Drone Usage: Including the destruction of a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone and an M1 Abrams tank.
Reconnaissance and Guided Strikes: Russian forces are using reconnaissance drones followed by guided missile strikes.
Drone Technology: Reports of new Russian drone technology using fiber optics.
Simultaneous Strikes: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Novoshahtinsk Oil Refinery Attack: The Novoshahtinsk oil refinery in Rostov region reportedly attacked by drones.
Drone Interceptions: Russian forces destroyed multiple Ukrainian drones in Rostov and Belgorod regions.
Anti-Drone Platform: Russian army presented images of a captured Ukrainian anti-drone platform.
UAV Crash in Kyiv: Ukrainian UAV crashed in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district.
Drone Deployments in Sumy Oblast: Russian forces actively deploying drones in Sumy Oblast.
High Speed Object Detection: High-speed object detected in the Sumy area.
Modified Drone Attacks: Possible use of modified drones with tail fins and mini-bombs.
Precision-Guided FPV Drones: Ukrainian forces are using precision-guided FPV drones.
Drone Movement Towards Cities: Drones moving towards Mirgorod, Kremenchug, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Vinnitsya, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kherson, Khmelnytska, Starokostyantyniv, and Kryvyi Rih.
Guided Air Bomb Attacks: Russian tactical aircraft launched guided air bombs in the Sumy region.
Depleted Air Defense: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses.
Approach to Cities: Drones approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
High-Speed Drone Threat: High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
Lviv Region Threat: Multiple Russian drones threatening the Lviv region.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes: 180 FPV drone strikes and 125 fragmentation munitions launched by Ukrainian forces.
Increased Air Threat: Increased air threat, including drones, over the Kursk region.
Drone Shootdowns: Some drones shot down in Orel, causing a fire at an oil depot.
Drone Strikes and Countermeasures: Overnight, 37 Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down over Russia. A fire at an oil depot in Orel, Russia, was caused by a drone attack. Three private houses and a store were damaged in the Dnipropetrovsk region due to a Russian drone attack. A second fire was reported at the same oil depot following another drone attack.
Drone Destructions: Overnight, units of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces, struck the "Stalny Kon" linear production and control station in the Oryol region of the Russian Federation.
Ukrainian Drone Destroys Enemy Drone: An aerial reconnaissance officer of the 41st OMBr successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Ukrainian Drone Success: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Drone Shortage: Ukrainian forces report a shortage of drone supplies, despite sufficient production capacity.
Air Defense Activity: Air defense activity was reported in Kyiv Oblast in response to a hostile UAV.
Remote Minelaying: Ukrainian forces reportedly used remote minelaying tactics to trap and destroy a Russian "golf cart" near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast. The operation was carried out by the "Hydra" drone unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion.
Air Battles over Kharkiv Oblast: Reports of air battles between Russian FPV drones and Ukrainian hexacopters over Kharkiv Oblast.
Drone Strike on Ukrainian ATGM: A Ukrainian drone reportedly destroyed a Russian "Fagot" anti-tank guided missile system near Siversk.
Drone Strike on Ukrainian Troops: A Russian drone strike targeted and reportedly eliminated a group of Ukrainian soldiers who were attempting to rotate positions near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское).
Reports indicate that Russian drone operators destroyed a Ukrainian T-64 tank near Novyi Komar.
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.
Drone Attack on Grozny: Three drones attacked Grozny, with two shot down by air defenses and one falling on the territory of the OMON "Akhmat-Grozny" base, resulting in minor damage and no casualties.
Missile Attacks
Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
Kharkiv Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Black Sea Launch: "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine.
Multiple Launches: Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky, and multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
Kh-101 Missiles: Multiple Kh-101 missiles entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast and are traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
Missile Movement: Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, with a missile targeted at Pryluky.
Kinzhal Missiles: Kinzhal Missiles are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia.
Cruise Missile Launches: Multiple Cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with some missiles passing near Bila Tserkva.
Ballistic Missile Launches: Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
Missile Movement: Multiple missiles are passing through the Lviv region in the direction of Stryi, and are also present in the Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
New Missile: A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka.
Missile Re-routing: Missiles from Kyiv have changed course and moved to the Vinnitsia region, and from there they moved west near the Khmelnitsky region.
Missile Reports: A missile has been reported traveling to Cherkasy from Kyiv region. Missiles are traveling through Zhytomyr and Vinnitsa, heading to the southwest.
Cherkasy Region: There is a report that a rocket has been spotted in the Cherkasy region, moving northwest, which then traveled to the Kyiv region before moving to the Vinnytsia region, then changed direction to fly west near Khmelnitsky.
Missile Movement: Missiles are reported to be passing by the city of Kozyatyn, in the Vinnytsia region and have been reported to have changed course and are heading west from the Vinnitsia region, towards Khmelnitsky.
Massive Attack: Ukraine reports a massive Russian attack that involved 93 missiles and 200 drones. 81 missiles were shot down, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16. Russia states that this strike was in response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
North Korean Missile: A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks. The "Stalny Kon" linear production and control station in the Oryol region of the Russian Federation is one of the largest oil product terminals in the suburbs of Orel and is part of the Russian military-industrial complex, which ensures the supply of oil products for the Russian army.
KAB Bombs: Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Intense Attack: The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Energy Infrastructure: Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. 50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
Power Outages: Russian forces have launched missile attacks on the energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions, severely damaging their infrastructure and leading to power outages. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region.
Russian Rationale: Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
Strike on Fuel/Energy Infrastructure: Russian missile strikes were focused on critical infrastructure targets in the fuel and energy sectors that support the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
Retaliation for ATACMs: Russia has stated that its attacks are in response to Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles near
