Major Military Situation Updates - December 17, 2024, 07:02 UTC
Eastern Front
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk
Intense Fighting in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with Ukrainian forces controlling no more than 20%. Russian forces have captured the city council building in Kurakhove.
Encirclement in Annivka: Approximately 700 Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Annivka, south of Kurakhove. While completing the sweep of the cauldron near Uspenovka, Russian forces made a surprising 3 km advance towards Zelenovka. Ukrainian forces from the 79th Air Assault Brigade were reportedly forced to evacuate from an area near Kurakhove due to the threat of encirclement.
Significant Advances: Russian forces captured Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Zholte, and Zarya. Russian forces have reportedly captured Yelizavetovka.
Supply Route Pressure: Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Pokrovsk Advance: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. The head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) announced the capture of Shevchenko.
Bridge Destruction: Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk to slow the Russian advance.
Desertion: Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area.
Captured Equipment: Russian forces captured a rare "Panther" APC near Kurakhovo.
Drone Warfare: Russian FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove.
Mine-Laying Operations: The 5th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces engaged in mine-laying operations and repelled a Ukrainian counterattack involving two armored fighting vehicles near a garage cooperative on Zaporozhsky Prospekt in Kurakhove.
Territorial Gains: Russian forces have reportedly gained 5.85 km² of territory in total.
Civilian Evacuations: 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.
Ukrainian Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces are attempting to restore their tactical position near Storozheve, Sukhi Yaly, Kostiantynopil, and Veselyi Hai. Ukrainian forces restored their position near Kolesnykivka. Ukrainian forces using two Bradley BMPs and a platoon of infantry attempted a counterattack near Krasnoarmiisk but were repelled.
Artillery Strikes: Donetsk units are targeting and destroying Ukrainian positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts in Kurakhovo.
Drone Usage: Drone operators of the Southern group of forces disrupted the rotation of a unit of the 33rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kurakhovo direction. Operators first targeted the personnel, and then finished off the ammunition that was brought in with drops.
Ukrainian Reinforcements: Ukrainian assault units are being deployed to clear out streets in the Pokrovsk direction.
Recruitment of Children: Ukrainian forces are reportedly recruiting children from orphanages in occupied territories to join the military. A specific incident occurred in the Melitopol social rehabilitation center, where children were offered positions in a military school in Mariupol.
HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces attempting to storm Ukrainian positions near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, Kursk region. The attack resulted in heavy losses for the North Korean troops, and the assault was repelled. However, North Korean forces continue to engage in fierce battles in the area.
Continued Advances in Kurakhove: Russian forces continue to advance within Kurakhove itself, capturing multi-story buildings. Russian forces have cleaned out the Southern microdistrict.
Update on Kurakhove: Active combat is ongoing in Kurakhovo, with a sapper group of the Russian Armed Forces installing a minefield in the central part of the city. An attack by two Ukrainian armored vehicles was repulsed, with the lead vehicle being destroyed by a mine and the second vehicle retreating. The zone of control of the Russian Armed Forces in the center of Kurakhovo has been expanded by up to 500 meters.
Toretsk and Chasov Yar
Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). Ivanov paratroopers are clearing out Ukrainian forces from the refractory plant in Chasov Yar. Russian forces are advancing on the western and southern outskirts of Toretsk.
Spoil Heap Control: 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.
Chasov Yar Fighting: 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.
Seversk Advance: 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
Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket." Russian forces have cut off Makarivka from Ukrainian supply lines and are approaching Neskuchne.
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Trudove, Velykyi Hai, Kostiantynopilske, Sukhi Yaly, Blahodatne, Storozheve, and Neskuchne.
Storozheve Push: 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.
Attacks on Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate: Russian assault units are also attacking in the direction of Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate. A bridge near Novoocheretuvate was destroyed, making it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to reinforce their troops. Russian forces have managed to establish a foothold in Novyi Komar.
Advances towards Yantarne: 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.
Drone Operations: Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Островское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.
Advance near Storozheve: Russian forces advanced near Storozheve.
Drone Warfare: Group "East" of the 5th Army utilized drones to destroy enemy firing positions on the Vremivka front.
Surrender of Ukrainian Troops: At least 80 Ukrainian troops have surrendered in the area from Ugledar to Velikaya Novoselka over the past three months.
Staromaiors'ke: A satellite image shows the aftermath of heavy fighting in Staromaiors'ke, with extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The village was one of the last to be liberated during the 2023 counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces suffered heavy losses in capturing the village from Russian forces. The liberation of Staromaiors'ke allowed Ukrainian forces to capture Urozhaine.
Northern Front
Kursk Region
Engagements: There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
Liberations: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. Russian forces are developing success east of Novoivanovka and are advancing in the surrounding forests.
Fortified Position Capture: Russian marines took a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
North Korean Involvement: 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.
Equipment Destruction: Russian forces destroyed an M1 Abrams tank with an FPV drone and two Ukrainian vehicles with fiber optic drones near Mala Loknya.
Civilian Evacuations: Residents of liberated Kursk villages are to be evacuated.
North Korean Soldiers in Assaults: Russian forces have reportedly begun using North Korean soldiers in assaults in the Kursk region.
Helicopter Attack: A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border. A Russian Mi-28N helicopter destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold and vehicles in the Kursk region.
Drone Strikes: Reports of multiple successful drone strikes by Russian forces near the border of the Kursk region.
FPV Drone Strike on North Korean Troops: An image has surfaced showing a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
Destruction of BTRs: Ukrainian forces report that they destroyed 3 Russian BTRs and damaged a Russian position near Kursk.
Drone and Position Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone and damaged a Ukrainian position near Kursk.
Mercenary Sentencing: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
Active Combat in Sudzha: Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with Russian infantry attacking Ukrainian positions near Nechaev.
Organized Defense by Ukrainian Forces: Despite low morale, Ukrainian forces are managing to conduct organized defense and counterattacks in forest areas near Mala Loknia and Cherkaske Porichne.
Sumy Oblast
Drone Activity: 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. New groups of drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
Air Alert and Defense: An air alert has been issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity. Air defense is active in the region.
Threat to Sumy:Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
Tactical Aviation Activity: Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
Force Concentration: Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel.
Ammunition Depot Destruction: Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
Drone Movement:
Drones are moving through the center of Sumy Oblast in a northeasterly direction.
Drones are moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction.
Drones are moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
Kharkiv Oblast
Heavy Fighting in Volchansk: 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.
Other Areas of Fighting: Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk.
Consolidation: Russian forces are consolidating their positions in the areas of Masytivka and Dvorichna.
Ballistic Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Disrupted Attack: Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian attack in the Liptsi area.
Civilian Evacuations: Ukrainian forces are evacuating residents of 344 settlements.
Civilian Injuries: Four civilians were injured after a Russian attack in Myrne.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, and Starytsya.
Air and Drone Strikes: Russian forces carried out 10 air strikes and 45 strikes using kamikaze drones in the region.
Bombardments: Russian forces carried out 304 bombardments of Ukrainian defensive positions.
Russian Losses: Russian forces report they have lost 109 personnel, 49 items of military equipment, and 70 defensive shelters in the Kharkiv area.
Ukrainian Claims: Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 33 Russian soldiers, wounded 75, and captured 1 in the Kharkiv region.
Drone Attacks: 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.
UAV Crash: A Ukrainian UAV reportedly crashed in Kyiv.
Advance near Zelenivka: Russian forces advanced near Zelenivka.
Destruction of "Baba Yaga" Hexacopters: Russian forces report the mass destruction of seven Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" hexacopters in the Kharkiv direction.
High-Speed Target: A high-speed target was detected in Kharkiv Oblast.
Drone Movement: A drone is moving through the northwest of Kharkiv Oblast in a southerly direction.
Southern Front
Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Attacks on Settlements: There were 268 attacks on 10 settlements, involving 150 drones, 8 Grad rocket barrages, and 109 artillery strikes.
HIMARS Deployment: Ukrainian HIMARS units are deployed in Zaporizhzhia.
Civilian Evacuations: Ukrainian authorities are evacuating civilians from Mala Tokmachka.
Video of Ukrainian Strike: A video shows a Ukrainian strike on a van in the Zaporizhzhia region, using multiple munitions.
Aviation Strikes: Russian forces renewed aviation strikes and dropped guided bombs on Stepnogirsk and Mala Tokmachka.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction, near Novodarivka and Novopola.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are in effect over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating continued drone activity.
Guided Air Bombs: Russian forces launched guided air bombs in Zaporizhzhia.
Alert Called Off: The air raid alert in Zaporizhzhia has been called off.
Kherson Oblast
Threat to Kherson:Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
Firefight near Antonovsky Bridge: There was a reported firefight near the Antonovsky Bridge.
Attacks on Mikhailovka and Nikolsky: Russian forces attacked Mikhailovka and Nikolsky.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
Aircraft Downing: A Ukrainian Su-25 ground attack aircraft was shot down near Kherson. A Ukrainian Su-24 bomber was shot down near the village of Zolotoye, Donetsk Oblast.
Kherson Direction
River Crossing Issue: 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 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 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.
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.
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.
New Drone Activity:
Kyiv Oblast is under threat of drone attacks.
A drone initially heading towards Brovary and Kyiv has changed its course towards Chernihiv Oblast.
An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv.
The air raid alert in Kyiv has been lifted.
4 drones near Chernihiv, moving north towards Kyiv Oblast.
1 drone near Shostka.
2 drones in Sumy Oblast, moving west towards Chernihiv Oblast.
3 drones near Okhtyrka.
1 drone towards/through Myrhorod.
1 drone east of Poltava, moving south.
3 drones through Kupyansk district, moving northwest.
1 drone near Balakliia, moving northwest.
1 drone in Donetsk Oblast, moving towards/through Pokrovsk.
1 drone north of Dnipro, moving towards Kamianske.
Threats in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.
Drone Activity Over Russian Territory: Five Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk oblasts, as well as over the Black Sea.
Drone Activity Near Sochi: Reports of multiple explosions over the Lazarevsky district of Sochi, with locals claiming air defense systems were activated.
Russian M113 APC Destroyed: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian M113 armored personnel carrier using a mine barrier. The explosion destroyed the vehicle and some of the personnel, while the survivors fled.
Ukrainian Drone Usage: Ukrainian forces utilized approximately 20 drone crews in a large-scale drone operation.
Successful Ukrainian Drone Strikes: Ukrainian drone operators claim successful strikes, as evidenced by thermal imagery of explosions.
Unidentified Drones Disrupt Airport: Unidentified drones disrupted operations at an airport in New York State.
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.
Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missiles are reported in Kryvyi Rih. Ballistic missiles are reported in Kryvyi Rih.
Other Developments
Killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov: Reports indicate that Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, was killed in an explosion in Moscow, along with his aide. The explosion occurred on Ryazansky Prospekt and is being investigated as a terrorist act. The Investigative Committee of Russia has confirmed the deaths. The explosion was caused by a device planted on a scooter near the entrance of a residential building. The explosion caused damage to the building, shattering windows from the first to the third floors, and damaged three cars. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) had previously accused Kirillov of ordering the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. 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.
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.
Explosion in Moscow: An explosion occurred on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow, with preliminary reports of two fatalities, allegedly a general-lieutenant and his assistant. The explosion reportedly occurred around 6 AM, shattering windows in nearby apartments. The device is suspected to have been detonated remotely.
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.
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. 6 hostile warships present, 3 missile carriers with "Kalibr" missiles, and 25 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. In 24 hours 3 vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Black Sea, and 2 of these vessels continued their transit towards the Bosporus Strait. In 24 hours 6 vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Azov Sea, and 3 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
