Major Military Situation Updates - December 15, 2024, 23:02 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%.
  • Russian forces captured the city council building in Kurakhove.
  • Approximately 700 Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Annivka, south of 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 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.
  • 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.
  • The zone of control of the Russian Armed Forces in the center of Kurakhovo has been expanded.
  • Russian forces have reportedly gained 5.85 km² of territory.
  • 700 Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly trapped near Kurakhovo.
  • Russian forces have reportedly discovered civilians locked in basements in Petrivka, DPR.
  • 2,5 km south of Kurakhovo, in Dalnee, the 2nd battalion of the 33rd motorized rifle regiment evacuated civilians from the combat zone.
  • Donetsk units are targeting and destroying Ukrainian positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts in Kurakhovo.
  • Ukrainian assault units are being deployed to clear out streets in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Ukrainian forces restored their position near Kolesnykivka.

• Russian Advances Near Toretsk and Chasov Yar:

  • Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
  • Fighting is ongoing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. 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.
  • Russian forces advanced near Storozheve.

Northern Front

• Kursk Region:

  • There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ukrainian forces report that they destroyed 3 Russian BTRs and damaged a Russian position near Kursk.
  • Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone and damaged a Ukrainian position near Kursk.
  • A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
  • Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with Russian infantry attacking Ukrainian positions near Nechaev.

• Sumy Oblast:

  • New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. A "Shahed" drone was reported in the south of Sumy, heading towards Chernihiv. Another "Shahed" drone was reported in Sumy, heading towards Poltava. A new report of a "Shahed" drone on the north of Chernihiv region, heading south.
  • 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.
  • Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.

• Kharkiv Oblast:

  • Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Since May 2024, Russian artillery and drones have been transforming the city into ruins.
  • 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.
  • In the Kharkiv region, border guard drones identified enemy shelters that were likely preparing for assault operations.
  • Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
  • Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
  • Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
  • A Ukrainian UAV reportedly crashed in Kyiv.
  • Russian forces advanced near Zelenivka.

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.
  • Air raid alerts are in effect over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating continued drone activity.
  • Russian forces launched guided air bombs in Zaporizhzhia.
  • The air raid alert in Zaporizhzhia has been called off.

• 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.
  • A Ukrainian Su-25 ground attack aircraft was shot down near Kherson.

• 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.
  • Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian mortar positions and their ammunition depot.
  • Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
  • Russian operators of FPV drones are reported to have destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk, and destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle with a drone in the Kharkiv region.
  • Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling west from Sumy Oblast.
  • Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling southwest from Poltava Oblast.
  • Ukrainian forces may have used a fiber optic drone to attack a Russian vehicle.
  • Ukrainian forces may be using modified drones with tail fins and mini-bombs for more effective attacks.
  • High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
  • 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov and Lipetsk regions.
  • Russian forces destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions.
  • A Ukrainian drone attack near Ochakiv damaged an "Ukraposhta" (Ukraine Post) vehicle, injuring the driver.
  • A Ukrainian drone attacked an oil depot in the Oryol region of Russia. A second fire was reported at the same oil depot following another drone attack.
  • Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • Pilots from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade are destroying enemy armored vehicles along with their occupants.
  • Multiple drones are reported to be active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
  • Multiple drones are reported to be approaching or over Sumy.
  • Numerous drones are moving across Ukraine towards Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions, and also towards Sumy and Pryluky.
  • A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the north.
  • A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
  • Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
  • Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
  • Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
  • Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
  • High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
  • Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
  • New groups of Russian drones are entering the eastern part of the region from occupied territory, moving north/northeast.
  • Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
  • Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
  • Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast.
  • Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
  • A video shows a "Sudoplatov" unit destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line.
  • Footage of the "Sudoplatov" unit's work on destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line was released.
  • A video shows the work of the "Sudoplatov" unit, which destroys enemy infantry and equipment on the front line. The video shows a Russian Electronic Warfare system (REB) on what appears to be a Russian tank.
  • A video shows a drone dropping an explosive on a structure, resulting in a secondary explosion.
  • A video shows a drone dropping munitions on various targets, including vehicles, personnel, and structures.
  • A video shows thermal imaging footage of a nighttime landing operation, likely involving troop or supply transport vehicles.
  • A video shows nighttime drone operations focused on direct targeting of enemy forces and vehicles.
  • A video shows a small, dark object, possibly an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone, flying in a cloudy sky.
• 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. Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone. According to Forbes, the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) is modifying used Aeroprakt A-22 aircraft into long-range drones for attacks on Russian territory. A video reportedly shows a modified A-22 drone used in a strike on a police special forces barracks in Grozny.
• 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 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.
  • A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
  • Video footage from Orel shows the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot, with a second reservoir catching fire.
  • Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • +330 drones were purchased thanks to donations. In total, 127,329 FPV drones have been purchased.
  • Donetsk scouts identify positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then destroy them.
  • There is a graph showing the number of drone launches over a 7 day period.
• 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.
• End of Drone Threat: The threat of using strike UAVs in all areas has ended.

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.
• Missile Attacks Continue: Missile attacks continue, with Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions and a hospital complex in Zaporizhzhia.

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. 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.
  • Russian forces have launched missile attacks on the energy facilities in Lviv and the Ternopil regions, severely damaging their infrastructure and leading to power outages. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region. Scheduled outages will continue on December 15th.

• 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.

• Capture of Ukrainian Soldiers: 700 Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly trapped near Kurakhovo.

• 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 President of Georgia stated that Georgia has no reason to join the EU if it means giving up Georgian values.

• 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.

• 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.

• Journalist Memorial Day in Russia: December 15 is the Day of Remembrance for Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty in Russia.

• 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 aircraft conducted another raid in Syrian territory, attacking several positions of the former Syrian army.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Meanwhile, ISIS continues to increase its activity. South of Palmyra, militants of the terrorist organization organized an attack on civilians, killing six people.
  • The Israeli Air Force carried out a massive strike on an ammunition depot of the former Syrian Arab Army in Tartus. Videos show a large explosion and secondary detonations.

• 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 the "Dialogue of Government and Business," addressing interactions with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

• Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations between Turkey, Russia, and Iran in Doha.

• Georgian Presidential Elections: Opposition parties and the current president, Salome Zurabishvili, do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. Protests are taking place in front of the Georgian Parliament building. The EU is pushing for a secular government in Syria.

• Alleged Israeli Involvement: Reports suggest that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

• Armenia: A USAID program proposal for Armenia, focusing on education and culture, was released.

• New Zealand: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.

• Austria: Austria's termination of the contract for Russian gas will not go unanswered, according to the Russian ambassador in Vienna.

• Syrian Conflict: Reports suggest

• Hungary: There is speculation that Orban is acting as a mediator between Trump and Putin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán requested a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss a potential ceasefire with Russia, but the request was denied, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

• South Korea: The current and former heads of Korean intelligence have been arrested for their involvement in an attempted coup. The South Korean president is expected to be imprisoned.

• Georgia: The new president of Georgia has stated that it makes no sense for Georgia to join the EU if it means giving up Georgian values.

• Bashkiria: There was an incident where local nationalists in Bashkiria forced young men who had taken a photo with the flag of the Russian Empire to apologize.

• Desertion in the Ukrainian Army: The number of Ukrainian soldiers deserting their posts has significantly increased, with 18,984 new criminal cases initiated in November 2024, double the previous month's figure. Since February 2022, a total of 114,280 cases related to desertion have been registered.

• Snow Cover in Russia: Nearly 99% of Russia's territory is covered in snow, according to the head of the Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand.

• Inspiration for China's Leader: Chinese leader Xi Jinping is reportedly inspired by the Russian novel "What Is to Be Done?" by Chernyshevsky, particularly the character Rakhmetov, a revolutionary known for his iron will and determination. Xi sees himself as a modern-day Rakhmetov, aiming to challenge American power and reshape the global order.

• Xi Jinping's Strategy: Xi Jinping's reference to Chernyshevsky's novel is interpreted as a signal of his intent to unite the developing world against American influence and to replace Western ideas and institutions.

• Xi Jinping's Admiration for Rakhmetov: Xi Jinping admires the character Rakhmetov from Chernyshevsky's novel for his iron will, revolutionary spirit, and ascetic lifestyle. Xi has reportedly tried to emulate Rakhmetov's practices in his youth.

• Putin's Gift to Xi Jinping: Putin planned to give Xi Jinping an old copy of Chernyshevsky's book for his birthday and organized the BRICS summit in Tatarstan, the ancestral home of Rakhmetov.

• Xi Jinping's Vision: Xi Jinping is reportedly trying to embody the spirit of Rakhmetov and believes his leadership will rid the world of American influence.

• Nicaragua-Russia Cooperation: Russia and Nicaragua are working to create a network of ATMs in Nicaragua that will accept Russia's Mir payment cards. There are also plans to potentially issue Mir cards in Nicaragua in the future.

Changes from Previous Situation

• New Drone Activity: A "Shahed" drone was reported in the north of the Chernihiv region, heading south.
• Drone Attack on Grozny: Reports indicate that the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) is modifying used Aeroprakt A-22 aircraft into long-range drones for attacks on Russian territory. A video reportedly shows a modified A-22 drone used in a strike on a police special forces barracks in Grozny.
• Israeli Airstrikes in Syria: The Israeli Air Force carried out a massive strike on an ammunition depot of the former Syrian Arab Army in Tartus. Videos show a large explosion and secondary detonations.
• New Advances: Ukrainian forces restored their position near Kolesnykivka. Russian forces advanced near Zelenivka, Storozheve, Dachenske, Chasovyi Yar and in Novyi Komar.
• Increased Desertion in Ukrainian Army: The number of Ukrainian soldiers deserting their posts has significantly increased, with 18,984 new criminal cases initiated in November 2024, double the previous month's figure. Since February 2022, a total of 1