Major Military Situation Updates - December 15, 2024, 19:54 UTC

Key Developments

Eastern Front

• Intense Fighting in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk:
  • Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces controlling no more than 20%. DPR head Pushilin reports that only 20% of Kurakhove remains to be liberated by Russian forces.
  • Approximately 200 Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Annivka, south of Kurakhove.
  • Russian forces have reportedly captured the city council building in Kurakhove.
  • Heavy fighting is ongoing in and around Kurakhove, with reports of significant Ukrainian casualties and the destruction of the last Ukrainian defense line in Veselyi Hai.
  • Russian forces have reportedly captured Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Zholte, and Zarya.
  • Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
  • Ukrainian forces are attempting to restore their tactical position near Storozheve, Sukhi Yaly, Kostiantynopil, and Veselyi Hai.
  • Russian forces have advanced to within 2km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko.
  • Russian forces are advancing in the direction of Lozovaya.
  • Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk to slow the Russian advance.
  • Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area.
  • Russian forces captured a rare "Panther" APC near Kurakhovo.
  • Russian forces are advancing near Novotroitskoye and Pushkino.
  • Ukrainian forces from the 79th Air Assault Brigade were reportedly forced to evacuate from an area near Kurakhovo due to the threat of encirclement.
  • Russian FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove.
• Russian Advances Near Toretsk and Chasov Yar:
  • Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
  • Fighting is ongoing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar, which is being used by Ukrainian forces as a strongpoint. Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound.
  • Russian forces have made a breakthrough in the Khomkolonka microdistrict and are attempting to take control of spoil heaps No. 1 and No. 2.
  • Russian forces are advancing towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk.
  • Ivanovo paratroopers are clearing out Ukrainian forces from the refractory plant in Chasov Yar.
  • Russian assault groups, supported by armored vehicles, artillery, and FPV drones, reportedly breached Ukrainian defenses and advanced 2 km towards Seversk from Zolotarevka.
• Velyka Novosilka:
  • Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket."
  • Clashes are reported near Trudove, Velykyi Hai, Kostiantynopilske, Sukhi Yaly, Blahodatne, Storozheve, and Neskuchne.
  • West of Storozheve, Russian forces continue to push Ukrainian forces in the direction of Storozheve, Height Kurgan Storozheva Mohyla (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.
  • 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.
  • Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.

Northern Front

• Kursk Region:
  • There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing.
  • Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district.
  • Russian marines took a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
  • Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved in operations in the Kursk region, with reports of them suffering their first losses and mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. Their participation is likely exaggerated.
  • A video has surfaced that reportedly shows North Korean troops preparing for an attack in the Kursk region and being targeted by Ukrainian cluster munitions. The video highlights the vulnerability of these troops, who are shown moving in the open and lacking awareness of being observed.
  • Russian forces destroyed an M1 Abrams tank with an FPV drone and two Ukrainian vehicles with fiber optic drones near Mala Loknya.
  • Residents of liberated Kursk villages are to be evacuated.
  • Russian forces have reportedly begun using North Korean soldiers in assaults in the Kursk region.
  • A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border.
  • Reports of multiple successful drone strikes by Russian forces near the border of the Kursk region.
  • An image has surfaced showing a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
• Sumy Oblast:
  • New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
  • An air alert has been issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity. Air defense is active in the region.
  • Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
  • Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
  • Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel.
• Kharkiv Oblast:
  • Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons.
  • Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk.
  • Russian forces are consolidating their positions in the areas of Masytivka and Dvorichna.
  • Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
  • Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian attack in the Liptsi area.
  • Ukrainian forces are evacuating residents of 344 settlements.
  • Four civilians were injured after a Russian attack in Myrne.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
  • Russian forces carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
  • Russian forces carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
  • Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, and 70 defensive shelters in the Kharkiv area.
  • Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv region.
  • 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.
  • Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.

Southern Front

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
  • There were 268 attacks on 10 settlements, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
  • Ukrainian HIMARS units are deployed in Zaporizhzhia.
  • Ukrainian authorities are evacuating civilians from Mala Tokmachka.
  • A video shows a Ukrainian strike on a van in the Zaporizhzhia region, using multiple munitions.
  • Russian forces renewed aviation strikes and dropped guided bombs on Stepnogirsk and Mala Tokmachka.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction, near Novodarivka and Novopola.
• Kherson Oblast:
  • Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
  • There was a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
  • Russian forces attacked Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
• Kherson Direction: There is a continuing issue with the transportation of troops across rivers in this area.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive Drone Activity: Drone activity is reported across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
• New Drone Groups: New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv.
• Explosions: Explosions have been reported in multiple regions due to drone attacks.
• Russian Drone Tactics:
  • Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
  • Ukrainian forces report a new tactic of Russian drones attacking other drones in the air, specifically mentioning such attacks near Kharkiv.
• Ukrainian Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces are utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and kamikaze attacks. Ukrainian forces are using FPV drones to target Russian logistics and troops in the Kursk region.
• Drone Shootdowns: 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast. Two Shahed drones were shot down over Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
• Specific Drone Attacks:
  • Ukrainian drone attacks reported in multiple Russian regions, including a fire at an oil depot in Orlov.
  • Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
  • A Ukrainian drone attack near Ochakiv damaged an "Ukraposhta" vehicle.
  • A drone attack on a police special forces barracks in Grozny resulted in minor injuries to 4 guards.
  • Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
  • Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
  • Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
  • Ukrainian "Sherhni Dovbush" unit conducted a successful drone strike on a Russian soldier in an open field.
  • Ukrainian "Shadow" unit used drones to successfully attack a Russian position in a residential area during the day, and a Russian bunker at night.
  • Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian logistics and troops are reported, including the destruction of a Ukrainian ammunition depot.
  • Russian drone teams are active in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, positions, and armored vehicles.
• Drone Usage Reports: Russian sources report that drone usage is helping to stop Ukrainian counterattacks. They also report that they are improving their drones.
• Ukrainian Drone Strike: Ukrainian forces carried out a drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
• Drone Activity Near New York: The US is responding to flights of unknown drones near New York.

Missile Attacks

• Massive Attack: A massive Russian missile attack involved 93 missiles and 200 drones, with 81 missiles shot down by Ukrainian forces.
• Targets: Russia is targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, including power grids, gas networks, and transport networks.
• Specific Strikes: Explosions were reported in Odesa and near Dnipro, with reports indicating a ballistic missile strike.
• North Korean Missiles: Russia is employing various missile types, including North Korean missiles.
• F-16 Interceptions: Ukrainian F-16s reportedly shot down 11 cruise missiles during the massive attack.

Other Developments

• Ship Sinkings: Three Russian ships have reportedly sunk in the Black Sea: the tankers "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239" in the Kerch Strait, and a crane vessel near Yalta. The operation to evacuate the crew of "Volgoneft-239" was suspended due to weather. Greenpeace has warned of an environmental disaster in the Kerch Strait due to the sinking of two Russian tankers carrying fuel oil.
• Humanitarian Crisis:
  • The humanitarian situation remains dire, with ongoing reports of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
  • Ukraine is facing an ongoing energy crisis due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Half of the population is expected to be without power.
  • DTEK reports that new power outage schedules will be implemented on December 16, with further information delayed until 01:00 due to system updates.
  • "Ukrenergo" announced power restrictions for December 16. Power outages will be in effect from 07:00 to 20:00.
• Moldova State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
• Economic Measures in Ukraine: A meeting in Zaporizhzhia addressed improving the business environment and removing administrative barriers. The Ukrainian government is considering a proposal to provide quarterly financial assistance to veterans for sports activities.
• Explosion in Dnipro: Reports indicate an explosion in Dnipro, resulting in at least one death and multiple injuries. The incident is being investigated as a potential terrorist act. Ukrainian authorities have stated that this attack is an attempt by Russia to destabilize Ukraine.
• Explosion in Mykolaiv: An explosion was heard in Mykolaiv, confirmed by the head of the regional military administration, likely caused by a drone. Two women were injured.
• Alleged Deception by Head of Hardcore: Reports accuse the head of Hardcore, Anatoly Sulyanov, of deceiving the 810th Marine Brigade by promising but failing to deliver military equipment.
• Turkish Statement on Syria: Turkish media stated that Turkey would shoot down Israeli warplanes if they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), but this is viewed as unlikely.
• Russian Leadership Denials: The head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) denied contact with the CIA regarding Syria and confirmed ongoing contacts with the US regarding prisoner exchanges.
• Negotiations to End the War: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US officials and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war. The Trump administration is reportedly ready to consider Orban's initiative for a ceasefire.
• US Cost of Russian Victory: A former Pentagon official estimated a Russian victory in Ukraine would cost the US $808 billion in defense spending over five years.
• George Bush Presidential Center Recommendations: The center recommended doubling support for Ukraine.
• Syrian Army Collapse: The reasons for the collapse of the Syrian army are being attributed to economic factors. The Syrian military reportedly lost all of its combat aircraft and most of its air defense systems in 42 hours due to Israeli airstrikes.
• Alleged Atrocities in Syrian Military Prisons: Reports of atrocities in Syrian military prisons add to regional instability.
• Russian Troop Withdrawal from Syria: Reuters reports that Russia is withdrawing troops from the front lines in Syria but will maintain their two main bases. Russia reportedly assisted in evacuating personnel from diplomatic missions of Belarus, North Korea, and Abkhazia from Damascus. The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to operate. Belarus has also evacuated all its diplomats from Syria.
• Food Rationing in Russia: The Russian State Duma is considering reintroducing food ration cards, similar to those used in the USSR.
• Training of Ukrainian Instructors: Ukrainian military instructors will be trained in Lithuania in 2025 as part of NATO's DEEP program.
• Belarusian Military Tests: Belarus conducted successful tests of the "Sapphire" grenade launcher complex.
• Alleged Atrocities in Petrivka: Russian forces reportedly discovered civilians locked in basements in Petrivka, DPR.
• Capture of Ukrainian Soldiers: 700 Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly trapped near Kurakhovo.
• Territorial Gains: Russian forces have reportedly gained 5.85 km² of territory.
• Air Superiority: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
• Explosions in Ukraine: Explosions have been reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
• Black Sea and Azov Sea Activity: No hostile warships are detected in the Black Sea or the Azov Sea.
• Mediterranean Sea Activity: 7 hostile warships present, 4 missile carriers with "Kalibr" missiles, and 41 total missile volleys in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Kerch Strait Passage: No passages were registered for the Black Sea, 4 Russian vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Azov Sea, and 2 of these vessels continued their transit towards the Bosporus Strait.
• Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations in Doha.
• Israeli Airstrikes in Syria: Israeli Air Force continues to destroy military facilities in Syria.
• Georgian Presidential Elections: Protests are taking place in Georgia as opposition parties do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. There are concerns that the newly elected Georgian president will only be saved by a "kick to the face", and that this action should be taken against pro-Western elements. A video has surfaced showing a large crowd in Tbilisi, Georgia, with a Ukrainian flag visible. The purpose of the gathering is unclear, but it may be a pro-Ukraine demonstration.
• Protests in Tbilisi: The lighting of the New Year's tree in Tbilisi was postponed due to protests.
• Russian Military Values: President Putin stated the main task of the National Center "Russia" is to promote traditional spiritual and moral values.
• Chernobyl Liquidators Honored: A ceremony was held in Zaporizhzhia to honor the liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster.
• French Diplomats to visit Syria: A group of French diplomats will travel to Syria on Tuesday to show France's readiness to support the Syrian people.
• Job-Hopping in Russia: There is a new trend of job-hopping among Russians, with many changing jobs every 2-3 years. This is causing economic losses for businesses.
• Ukrainian Army+ Application: The Army+ application now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine. There are plans to expand this to include transfers between the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Border Guard Service. There have been 3607 successful transfer requests within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy announced that the "Army Plus" app now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine, with plans to expand to other branches.
• Heat Loss in Cheboksary: 26,000 people were left without heat in Cheboksary due to a utility accident.
• South Korean Military: South Korea has arrested the current and former heads of military intelligence on suspicion that the current head knew in advance of President Yoon Suk-yeol's plan to declare martial law. The former head is suspected of assisting the former Minister of Defense in preparing for the imposition of martial law.
• Journalist Memorial Day in Russia: December 15 is the Day of Remembrance for Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty in Russia. WarGonzo has released a video honoring these journalists. A video has also surfaced showing the grave of Semyon Eremin, a Russian journalist killed in the conflict.
• Russian Monitoring of Kerch Strait: The Russian Federal Fisheries Agency is monitoring the situation in the Kerch Strait following the sinking of two tankers.
• Syria:
  • On the south of Syria, the Israeli Defense Forces continue to push into Syrian territory. In the past 24 hours, the Israelis have reached the province of Damascus, captured the Beit Jinn farm, and entered the city of Khan Arnabeh. Israeli troops have now occupied 20 Syrian cities and villages.
  • Israeli aircraft conducted another raid in Syrian territory, attacking several positions of the former Syrian army. In one of the strikes, Israeli aircraft hit a storage point for Scud ballistic missiles.
  • On the north, American troops, as part of the de-escalation of tensions between the Kurdish "Syrian Democratic Forces" and Turkey, entered the settlement of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab). The US contingent has now taken up positions in the area of the former Russian base.
  • American military personnel have also been deployed near the Karakozak Bridge to monitor the demarcation line between the pro-Turkish formations of the "Syrian National Army" and the SDF. Turkish aircraft and drones continue to bomb settlements under Kurdish control.
  • The new Syrian authorities, namely the leadership of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham", have given an ultimatum to several pro-Turkish formations, such as "Ahrar al-Sharqiya", "Jaysh al-Sharqiya", "Sultan Murad", and "Suleiman Shah", 48 hours to lay down their arms and integrate into HTS. The new leadership is taking control of the situation in Syria, getting rid of the most radical movements that could create problems in the politicization of the HTS movement.
  • Meanwhile, ISIS continues to increase its activity. South of Palmyra, militants of the terrorist organization organized an attack on civilians, killing six people. Their appearance in this area indicates a strengthening of their presence west of the Syrian Desert.

Casualty and Equipment Loss Reports

• 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, a decrease from the previous report.
• 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).
• Strategic Implications of Ukrainian Pilot Loss: The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the loss of a pilot and a Su-25 ground attack aircraft near Kherson.

Strategic Implications

• The Russian advances in Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions pose a significant threat to Ukrainian defenses in the east. The potential encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Kurakhove could lead to a major loss for Ukraine.
• The widespread use of drones by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict and the importance of drone warfare in shaping the battlefield. The new tactic of drones attacking other drones may become more prevalent.
• Russia's continued targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, is creating a humanitarian crisis and putting immense pressure on the Ukrainian government and population.
• The potential involvement of North Korean troops, although likely exaggerated, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. The video showing North Korean troops under attack in Kursk region could be used for propaganda purposes by both sides.
• The concentration of Russian forces in Sumy Oblast could signal a new offensive in the north.
• Moldova's state of emergency highlights the regional instability caused by the conflict and the potential for broader implications.
• Germany's potential refusal to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine could impact Ukraine's ability to strike long-range targets and may signal a shift in Western support.
• The delay in DTEK's power outage schedules indicates ongoing challenges in managing Ukraine's energy grid and the impact of Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
• The confirmation of ship sinkings adds to the naval dimension of the conflict and may impact maritime operations in the Black Sea. The environmental impact of the tanker sinkings in the Kerch Strait is a growing concern.
• The consideration of food rationing in Russia suggests potential economic strain and challenges in maintaining supplies.
• The reported negotiations to end the war and discussions on potential costs of a Russian victory highlight the ongoing diplomatic efforts and the high stakes involved.
• The visit of French diplomats to Syria after 12 years indicates a potential shift in international relations regarding the Syrian conflict.
• The statement from the Trump administration regarding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine indicates a possible change in US policy towards the conflict.
• The reports of job-hopping in Russia indicate a new trend that is causing economic losses for businesses.
• The update on the Ukrainian Army+ application shows that the application is being expanded to allow for transfers between different branches of the military.
• The report of North Korean troops being targeted by Ukrainian FPV drones in the Kursk region adds a new dimension to the conflict and raises questions about the extent of North Korea's involvement.
• The arrest of the current and former heads of military intelligence in South Korea suggests potential political instability and internal conflict within the South Korean government.
• The commemoration of Journalist Memorial Day in Russia and the video honoring fallen journalists highlight the dangers faced by media personnel in conflict zones.
• The announcement of a potential visit by French diplomats to Syria could signal a shift in international relations and a renewed interest in resolving the Syrian conflict.
• The monitoring of the situation in the Kerch Strait by the Russian Federal Fisheries Agency indicates concerns about the environmental and economic impact of the tanker sinkings.
• The report of over 1 million appeals received for Putin's direct line suggests a high level of public engagement and interest in the Russian government's policies and actions.
• The new developments in Syria, particularly the continued Israeli advances and the US deployment to a former Russian base, indicate a significant shift in the power dynamics in the region.
• The ultimatum given by "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" to pro-Turkish formations suggests an attempt to consolidate control and eliminate potential rivals.
• The increased activity of ISIS near Palmyra highlights the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist organization and the potential for further instability in the region.

Future Outlook

The situation on the ground remains highly fluid, with intense fighting ongoing across multiple fronts. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether Russian forces can maintain their momentum and achieve a breakthrough, or if Ukrainian defenses can hold and stabilize the situation. The continued use of drones and missiles will likely shape the battlefield, while the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate. The international response, particularly regarding military aid and diplomatic efforts, will play a crucial role in determining the future course of the conflict. The situation in Syria is also rapidly evolving, with potential implications for the broader region.

Changes from the Previous Situation

• Increased Russian Control in Kurakhove: Russian forces now control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, a significant increase from previous reports. Ukrainian forces control no more than 20%. DPR head Pushilin reports that only 20% of Kurakhove remains to be liberated by Russian forces and that 200 Ukrainian troops remain encircled near Annivka.
• New Reports of Drone-on-Drone Attacks: Ukrainian forces report a new tactic of Russian drones attacking other drones in the air, particularly near Kharkiv.
• Confirmation of Ship Sinkings: Three Russian ships have reportedly sunk in the Black Sea, including two tankers and a crane vessel. Greenpeace has warned of an environmental disaster in the Kerch Strait due to the sinking of two Russian tankers carrying fuel oil.
• Food Rationing in Russia: The Russian State Duma is considering reintroducing food ration cards, similar to those used in the USSR.
• New Information on Military Aid: Poland has provided over 4.5 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine, including over 1,300 tanks, IFVs, artillery systems, aircraft, and helicopters.
• Updated Casualty and Equipment Loss Figures: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has provided updated figures on estimated enemy losses and equipment losses.
• New Information on Diplomatic Developments: Reports on the meeting between Putin and Nazarbayev, Belgium's planned increase in NATO reserve troops, and the potential deployment of EU peacekeepers.
• New Information on Drone Warfare: Details on specific drone attacks, countermeasures, and the use of new drone technologies. Ukrainian forces are using FPV drones to target Russian logistics and troops in the Kursk region. An image has surfaced showing a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
• Updates on the Situation in Syria: Information on the alleged resignation of Bashar al-Assad and ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Russia is reportedly withdrawing troops from Syria but will maintain its two main bases. Belarus has also evacuated all its diplomats from Syria.
• New Information on Drone Attacks in Russia: Details on Ukrainian drone attacks in multiple Russian regions, including a fire at an oil depot in Orlov.
• New Information on Missile Attacks in Taganrog: Ukraine reportedly launched six ATACMS ballistic missiles at Taganrog.
• Evacuation of Diplomatic Staff from Syria: Russia has evacuated some personnel from its foreign missions in Damascus and assisted in evacuating personnel from Belarusian, North Korean, and Abkhazian missions. The Russian embassy in Damascus continues to operate.
• North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops suffering their first losses and mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. A video has surfaced that reportedly shows North Korean troops preparing for an attack in the Kursk region and being targeted by Ukrainian cluster munitions.
• French Diplomats to Visit Syria: French diplomats will travel to Syria for the first time in 12 years.
• Encirclement of Ukrainian troops: Approximately 200 Ukrainian troops have been encircled in Annivka, south of Kurakhove.
• Russian Advances: Russian forces are advancing near Novotroitskoye and Pushkino.
• Statement from Trump Administration: The Trump administration is reportedly ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine.
• Job-Hopping in Russia: There is a new trend of job-hopping among Russians, causing economic losses for businesses.
• Update on Ukrainian Army+ Application: The Army+ application now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine, with plans to expand this to include transfers between the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Border Guard Service. President Zelenskyy announced that the "Army Plus" app now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine, with plans to expand to other branches.
• Capture of Rare "Panther" APC: Russian forces captured a rare "Panther" APC near Kurakhovo.
• Destruction of Ammunition Depot: Russian drone operators destroyed a large Ukrainian field ammunition depot.
• Tanker Wrecks in Kerch Strait: There was a wreck of two oil tankers in the Kerch Strait, with a rescue operation underway.
• Ukrainian Forces Killed in Kharkiv Oblast: Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
• Drone Activity Near New York: The US is responding to flights of unknown drones near New York.
• Heat Loss in Cheboksary: 26,000 people were left without heat in Cheboksary due to a utility accident.
• South Korean Military: South Korea has arrested the current and former heads of military intelligence on suspicion that the current head knew in advance of President Yoon Suk-yeol's plan to declare martial law. The former head is suspected of assisting the former Minister of Defense in preparing for the imposition of martial law.
• Journalist Memorial Day in Russia: December 15 is the Day of Remembrance for Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty in Russia. WarGonzo has released a video honoring these journalists. A video has also surfaced showing the grave of Semyon Eremin, a Russian journalist killed in the conflict.
• Russian Monitoring of Kerch Strait: The Russian Federal Fisheries Agency is monitoring the situation in the Kerch Strait following the sinking of two tankers.
• Report of Over 1 Million Appeals to Putin: Over 1 million appeals have been received for Putin's direct line, indicating a high level of public engagement.
• Air Alert in Sumy Oblast: An air alert has been issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity.
• New Developments in Syria: Israeli forces continue to advance in southern Syria, capturing more territory. US troops have deployed to a former Russian base in northern Syria. "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" has issued an ultimatum to pro-Turkish formations. ISIS has increased its activity near Palmyra.

These updates highlight the intensification of fighting in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions, the increasing importance of drone warfare, and the ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges faced by Ukraine. The potential for further escalation and the need for continued international support remain critical factors in the evolving situation. The new tactic of drones attacking other drones, the confirmation of ship sinkings, and the consideration of food rationing in Russia add new dimensions to the conflict and its broader implications. The evacuation of diplomatic staff from Syria and reports of North Korean troop involvement further highlight the international dimension of the conflict. The announcement of a visit by French diplomats to Syria could signal a potential shift in international relations regarding the Syrian conflict. The reported encirclement of Ukrainian troops near Kurakhove and advances near Novotroitskoye and Pushkino indicate a further escalation of fighting in those areas. The statement from the Trump administration regarding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, the reports of job-hopping in Russia, and the update on the Ukrainian Army+ application add new political and economic dimensions to the conflict. The capture of a rare "Panther" APC, the destruction of an ammunition depot, the tanker wrecks in the Kerch Strait, and the reported killing of Ukrainian forces in Kharkiv Oblast highlight the ongoing military actions and their consequences. The new reports of drone activity near New York indicate a potential expansion of the conflict's impact beyond the immediate war zone. The addition of an air alert in Sumy Oblast due to drone activity further emphasizes the threat faced by Ukrainian forces in the northern regions. The new developments in Syria, particularly the continued Israeli advances and the US deployment to a former Russian base, indicate a significant shift in the power dynamics in the region and add another layer of complexity to the overall situation.