Major Military Situation Updates - December 16, 2024, 06:06 UTC

Key Developments

Eastern Front

• Intense Fighting in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk:

  • Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove. Ukrainian forces control no more than 20%.
  • Russian forces captured the city council building in Kurakhove.
  • Approximately 200 Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Annivka, south of Kurakhove. Ukrainian forces have not received an order to retreat despite the risk of encirclement.
  • 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, Annivka 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 in the last 24 hours, and 19.55 km² of territory in total.
  • 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.
  • A calculation from the self-propelled 203-mm "Malka" gun of the "Center" troop group reportedly thwarted a rotation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
  • Russian forces repelled several Ukrainian counterattacks near Novyi Komar.
  • Russian forces are creating a visible presence with small groups and are using drones to stop Ukrainian forces from securing their positions in villages near Konstantinopilskoye, Uspenovka, and Annovka.
  • Russian forces are continuing their assault on Toretsk and Kurakhovo, making advances and reportedly inflicting significant casualties on Ukrainian forces.

• 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). Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces have reportedly advanced in the southern part of the "Central" mine near Toretsk, capturing two objects on the outskirts of the spoil heap.
  • Fighting continues near the Chemical, Coke, Svetlaya, Friendship, and Mirnaya streets in Toretsk.

• 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.
  • Russian aviation destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.

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 forces are advancing near Guevo.
  • 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.
  • Two Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Bryansk region.

• Sumy Oblast:

  • New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
  • An attack drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava.
  • Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south.
  • A group of attack drones was reported in Chernihiv region, heading west.
  • 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.
  • A group of UAVs is moving in Sumy Oblast in the direction of Chernihiv and Poltava Oblasts.
  • UAVs are in the west of Poltava Oblast, heading towards Cherkasy Oblast.
  • A group of UAVs is in the east of Poltava Oblast, heading towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
  • A group of UAVs is in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading towards Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
  • A group of UAVs is in the north of Kyiv Oblast, heading towards Zhytomyr Oblast.
  • A UAV is in Zhytomyr Oblast, heading southwest.
  • Enemy drones are currently observed in Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr oblasts.

• 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. There are reports that Russian forces are creating a new landing point near Masyutivka.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces report the mass destruction of seven Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" hexacopters in the Kharkiv direction.

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, including the outskirts of Cherkasy and in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

• 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.
  • Russian electronic warfare systems reportedly thwarted nearly 140 Ukrainian aerial attacks in the DPR over the past week.
  • Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, according to the regional FSB. The "Donbass Dome" air defense and electronic warfare system intercepted 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions. An FPV drone carrying an IED was captured, and the FSB helped neutralize these drones and their attached IEDs, with no civilian casualties or infrastructure damage reported.
  • FPV Drones are being actively used by Russian forces in Toretsk. Operators, working directly with assault troops, are targeting enemy firing positions.

• New Drone Activity:

  • 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv.
  • 8 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • 4 drones were reported near Pryluky.
  • 1 drone was reported north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast.
  • 1 drone was reported near Okhtyrka.
  • 4 drones were reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka.
  • There is a drone threat in Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kharkiv Oblasts.
  • 1 drone was reported approaching Shepetivka.
  • 2 drones were reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest.
  • 5 drones were reported north of Cherkasy.
  • 1 drone was reported flying past Cherkasy towards Smila.
  • 1 drone was reported east of Cherkasy.
  • 4 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • 1 drone was reported in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading towards Kamianske.
  • 1 drone was reported in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium.
  • One drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
  • Six drones are circling north of Cherkasy.
  • One drone is west of Smila, heading southwest.
  • One new drone is in Sumy Oblast, flying towards Poltava Oblast.
  • One drone is approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka.
  • 1 drone was reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi.
  • 1 drone was reported on the east of Cherkasy, heading south.
  • 1 drone was reported on Poltava, heading north.

• 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. The air raid alert has ended in Kyiv.

• New Tactics: Ukrainian forces have reportedly started using signal splitters to counter Russian electronic warfare measures against their drones. This allows the drones to switch between two receivers, depending on which one is being jammed.

• Image Analysis: An image suggests active surveillance and potential targeting of a specific location (coordinates 50.44430° C and 30.52814° B). The presence of stylized damage and human figures suggests a location already experiencing conflict, currently being surveyed, and a potential target for further operations. The message on the car suggests there is either some form of communication going on at the location or it is some form of propaganda or psychological operation, perhaps as a call to action.

• Image Analysis: An image depicts a soldier in winter camouflage in a snowy wooded area, likely performing reconnaissance, as indicated by a camera on his helmet and a radio antenna. The branding "HПI разведка" suggests affiliation with a specialized reconnaissance unit.

• Video Analysis: A video shows the aftermath of a cyclone in Mayotte, France, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. Military transport planes are shown arriving, indicating a coordinated aid and rescue operation involving the military.

• Video Analysis: A video depicts a devastated area with significant mudslides and widespread destruction, likely from a natural disaster or explosive ordnance. The aerial perspective suggests reconnaissance efforts, and the coastal proximity suggests potential naval operations.

• Video Analysis: A video shows widespread damage consistent with a recent, powerful storm or a very destructive incident. The scene points to a likely humanitarian crisis, with potentially many displaced individuals and needs for aid.

• Video Analysis: A video shows a large fire/explosion at night in an urban area, suggesting a deliberate attack or a major accident. The proximity to urban areas raises concerns about collateral damage.

• Video Analysis: A video depicts a large-scale explosion or fire in a semi-urban area during nighttime. The plume suggests a significant event with implications for targeting, damage assessment, and collateral damage in a populated area.

• Video Analysis: A video likely shows a night-time, targeted strike against a high-value military target, possibly an ammunition or supply depot, weapon system site, or command center. The multiple explosions and scale of the event suggest a deliberate and coordinated attack using artillery or demolition explosives.

• Video Analysis: A video presents a series of updates regarding the conflict, primarily focusing on areas of activity and claimed successes. The video details activity around key areas and reports on Russian offensive strikes, partisan activity, Ukrainian retaliatory attacks, energetic and fuel infrastructure strikes, and frontline focus.

• Map Analysis: A map shows a strategically important region with significant towns, a road network, and varied terrain. Military operations would likely focus on controlling major cities, securing key transport routes, ensuring stable supply lines and water access, and adapting military operations to the varied terrain.

• Image Analysis: An image depicts a war memorial erected in 1864 at Ikan, commemorating fallen soldiers. The historical significance of the site, the memorial's symbolism, and the place name are relevant for any ongoing military strategy.

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. 11 people were hospitalized and two of them are in critical condition.
• 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. The Russian government fully supported the bill on special accounts for foreign agents.
• 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. An Israeli airstrike targeted an ammunition depot in Tartus, Syria. Reports indicate a Russian military base is located in Tartus, but it is unclear if it was a target.
• 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