Major Military Situation Updates - December 17, 2024, 07:32 UTC
Eastern Front
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk
Kurakhove Under Heavy Assault: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, including the city council building. Ukrainian forces maintain control of no more than 20%. Active combat is ongoing, with a zone of control in the center of Kurakhove expanded by up to 500 meters. Russian forces control all residential areas, with only the industrial zone remaining.
Annivka: Most of the approximately 200 Ukrainian forces previously reported as encircled in Annivka have escaped. Russian forces captured Annivka and evacuated civilians.
Significant Russian Advances: Russian forces captured Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Zholte, and Zarya. They advanced 1.5 km north of Uspenivka along the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway and 2.5 km south of Kurakhovo near Dalne. Russian forces are positioned along Grueshevaya street, Lermontov street, have secured the town's city council, and the southern portion of the town. 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.
Supply Route Pressure: Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Pokrovsk Threatened: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. They have liberated Shevchenko under Krasnoarmeysk and improved their situation in this direction. Russian forces are advancing in the direction of Lozovaya.
Intense Fighting Near Krasnoarmeisk: Positional fighting was observed near Krasnoarmiysk, with shelling on Russian forward positions. An advance exceeding 2 km was achieved on the southern flank of Krasnoarmiysk. Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours. Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka. Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself. Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai. The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka. Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmeisk.
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.
Mine-Laying Operations: The 5th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces engaged in mine-laying operations and repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Kurakhove.
Territorial Gains: Russian forces have reportedly gained 5.85 km² of territory in the last 24 hours, and 19.55 km² in total.
Civilian Evacuations: Russian forces have discovered civilians locked in basements in Petrivka, DPR. Russian forces are evacuating civilians from south of Kurakhove.
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: 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. 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. Russian FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian BMC Kirpi and another armored vehicle near Kurakhove.
Continued Assaults: Russian forces are continuing their assault on Toretsk and Kurakhovo, making advances and reportedly inflicting significant casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian Response: The Ukrainian OS্মদ "Kharkiv" stated that Kurakhove is under Ukrainian control, but the situation is difficult.
New Attacks: Ukrainian forces launched guided bombs on the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts.
Russian Advance Near Kurakhovo:
Russian forces are advancing towards a crossing over the Sukhi Yaly River near Uspenovka. They have advanced up to 1 km along the Velyka Novosilka-Kurakhovo highway from the south.
Russian forces made significant advances, securing the southeastern part of Uspenovka and raising their flag at the Kurakhove elevator and at Veselyi Hai. They are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city.
The 5th Brigade of the 51st Army of the Southern Military District has raised its flag over the Kurakhove elevator.
Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from portions of Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Annovka, Uspenovka, and Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolsky), while maintaining control of Yantarne.
Russian forces secured positions in Uspenovka, with Ukrainian forces under high threat of encirclement. The "Uspenovka pocket" has reportedly been eliminated, with Ukrainian forces trapped there completely defeated.
Russian forces raised their flag in the center of Uspenovka.
Russian forces effectively destroyed a Ukrainian grouping of forces between Elizavetovka and Uspenovka, consolidating control in the southern Kurakhovo district. Fighting continues in the city center.
Russian forces captured Veselyi Gai, south of Kurakhovo.
A new Ukrainian drone, the "Postman," is reported deployed near Kurakhovo.
Ukrainian forces reported repelling a Russian advance near Konstantinovskoye.
Russian forces are advancing in the Kurakhove direction, with reports of fighting in Kurakhove itself and along the Sukhie Yaly River.
The capture of Annovka and Veselyi Hai is confirmed.
Russian forces are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Uspenovka-Annovka-Veselyi Hai sector.
Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Yantarne to Uspenovka.
Russian forces advanced on the Vremevsk direction by 4 by 1.6 kilometers.
Ukrainian forces are counterattacking to impede Russian advances.
Russian forces are using mine-clearing techniques in Pavlovka, as well as direct tank fire.
Russian forces are targeting supply lines to Neskuchne and Storozheve.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the river Mokrye Yaly with an airstrike.
Russian forces secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka and pushed towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye, clearing the eastern edge of the village.
Reports indicate fighting in Kurakhovo's town center and near Uspenivka, with a push towards the outskirts of Konstantinopolskoye.
Russian forces have reportedly inflicted significant casualties on Ukrainian forces near Kurakhovo.
Russian forces are positioned along Grueshevaya street, Lermontov street, have secured the town's city council and the southern portion of the town.
Russian forces have taken the town of Zarya.
Fighting is ongoing near the fire station on Grueshevaya street, and near a school, a lyceum, and the high school on Pushkina street in Kurakhovo.
Fighting is continuing near Yelizavetovka and Sukhyi Yaly.
Over 20 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed near Storozheve and Neskuchne.
Russian forces captured five Ukrainian soldiers near Velyka Novosilka.
Ukrainian forces in Uspenovka, Hannevka, Trudove, Veselyi Gai, and Romanivka are at risk of encirclement.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly experiencing heavy losses as a result of this encirclement.
Ukrainian forces are facing a highly critical situation in the Uspenovka area, with a high risk of encirclement.
Russian forces have advanced into Uspenovka, leading to fierce fighting within the village.
Russian forces have advanced along Nagornaya-1 street on the southern outskirts of Kurakhovo and secured an area at highway O-05-10.
Ukrainian forces are suffering heavy losses in the Kurakhovo region, with a significant grouping of troops reportedly lost near Elizavetovka and Uspenovka.
Russian forces have blocked the Ukrainian grouping in Uspenovka.
Russian forces captured Zholte.
Ukrainian counterattacks failed.
Ukrainian soldiers were captured near Zholte.
Russian forces advanced in central Kurakhovo.
Ukrainian forces are trying to regroup in the Zholte area and launched a counterattack that was stopped.
Ukrainian forces are reporting that they are in an operational encirclement near Kurakhovo and are sustaining significant losses.
Ukrainian TV information is false, and that Ukrainian forces near Kurakhove are in an operational encirclement and suffering significant losses.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo. A resident, Irina Strelnik, reported the disappearance and death of her 77-year-old neighbor, Maria Ivanovna Semyonova, after encountering Ukrainian military personnel. Ukrainian soldiers reportedly referred to local residents as "Moskals."
Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
57th Motorized Rifle Regiment: The Russian Defense Minister congratulated the command and personnel of the 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment with the liberation of Elizavetovka (DPR) from neo-Nazis. More than 1,100 servicemen of the regiment were presented with state awards and departmental insignias for bravery and resilience in the fight with armed Ukrainian formations. A video shows how the 57th regiment liberated Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
Drone Strikes: 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko. A video shows drone footage in a snowy, wooded area of a military operation.
Ukrainian Withdrawal from Uspenivka Pocket: Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
Ukrainian forces report one "kettle" after another on the Kurakhove direction. The Ukrainian forces have not had time to complete the withdrawal of units from the Uspenovka area, and the Russian forces are already trying to take the entire Kurakhove area into encirclement. The Russian forces have already established themselves in the area of Sukhi Yaly and Zelenivka, and will then try to cut the main highway to Kurakhove in the area of the village of Ulakly. If they succeed, the group of troops near Kurakhove will not have normal communication routes.
Ukrainian Encirclement: Approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, are surrounded south of Kurakhove.
OSCE: The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine reported increased shelling in the Donetsk region, with a majority of ceasefire violations recorded in areas controlled by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
Ukrainian Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces launched counterattacks near Shevchenko and Novovasylivka, establishing positions on the northern outskirts of Shevchenko and near Novovasylivka.
Ukrainian Command Change: Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG) with Alexander Tarnavsky.
Intense Fighting Continues in Veselyi Hai: Reports indicate significant Ukrainian casualties and the destruction of the last Ukrainian defense line in Veselyi Hai. Russian forces reportedly control all residential areas of Kurakhove, with only the industrial zone remaining.
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.
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.
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). Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk. In Toretsk, in the southern part of the "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects located on the outskirts of the spoil heap. Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Russian assault troops were able to advance 500 meters to the west in the Khimkolonka area and occupy new positions in the private sector. 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.
Chasov Yar Fighting: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka. The assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and the use of bad weather to enter the territory of a refractory plant.
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. Ukrainian border guards repelled a large scale attack in the direction of Siversk, using mortars and drones, resulting in 14 enemy KIA and 12 WIA.
Street Fighting: Fighting continues near the Chemical, Coke, Svetlaya, Friendship, and Mirnaya streets in Toretsk.
Fighting Near Lozova: Russian forces report fighting for the outskirts of Lozova in the Kupyansk direction.
Intense Fighting Near Toretsk: Ukrainian forces report that the "Azov" regiment is engaged in intense fighting on the Toretsk front, using FPV drones and artillery to target Russian positions.
Precision Strikes: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine using precision airstrikes.
Toretsk: Although fighting for Toretsk is ongoing, Russian forces have captured a significant portion of the city. The battles for every street, neighborhood and house are fierce. In some places, there is simply no contact line, as the positions of the Ukrainian forces and the Russian forces exist in a mixed manner.
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.
Velyka Novosilka
Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket." Russian forces advanced into the region near Aleksandria. Russian forces likely have full control of Pushkino. Russian forces advanced near Kalinina, around Scherbinovka, and north of Rivnopil. 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.
Drone Operations: Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.
Aviation Strikes: Russian aviation destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
New Advances: Russian forces continue their advances in the area, with the 68th Army Corps clearing Trudovoe and beginning to clear the western portion of Konstantinopilskoe (Ostrovskoe).
Capture of Trophies: Soldiers of the 1st MSB 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the "East" group captured trophies during combat operations in Trudovoy.
Encirclement Near Makarivka: Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka. Russian forces have reportedly taken most of Novyi Komar and are closing in on Velyka Novosilka from the southwest.
Destruction of Crossing: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the Mokri Yaly River. Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket". West of Storozheve, Russian forces continue to push Ukrainian forces in the direction of Storozheve, Height Kurgan Storozheva Mogila (Babya Gora) and northwards, in the direction of the Huliaipole-Velyka Novosilka road. Russian assault units are also attacking in the direction of Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate. The Ukrainian forces report a difficult situation in the area. South of Kurakhove, Russian units in the area of Sukhi Yaly and Ostrovske (Konstantynopilske), as well as from Dalne, are successfully advancing in the fields towards Yantarne. Through Yantarne, supplies are being delivered from Dachenske to a Ukrainian fortified area located between Yantarne and Uspenivka. Battles are currently underway to eliminate this fortified area, which physically cuts the road from Velyka Novosilka to Kurakhove. This road, apart from this section, is already under Russian control. Russian drone operators reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near Konstantinopolskoye (Oстровское) using a UAV-launched explosive device.
Vremivka Axis: Russian troops are successfully advancing and expanding their control zone in Novyi Komar. Clashes continue in the center of Razdolne. On the southern flank, there is an offensive in the direction of Storozheve from Blahodatne. The territory along the Mokri Yaly River is in the "gray zone."
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.
Northern Front
Kursk Region
Engagements: There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes. Russian forces are engaged in intense combat in the northern part of the Sudzha district. Ukrainian losses in the Kursk region are stated to be over 200 soldiers. A captured Ukrainian soldier stated he was instructed not to surrender, but to destroy himself with grenades. Ukrainian forces have repelled 22 Russian army assaults.
Liberations and Advances: Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. Russian forces are advancing near Guevo. Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. They took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo with the use of North Korean special forces and gained control of Plekhovo. The 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment took the village of Novaya Ivanovka by storm. The assault troops used the terrain and weather conditions to stealthily enter the village. Despite the enemy's resistance, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were destroyed. Some Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner. After capturing the specified line, the Airborne Forces began to hold it.
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. Casualty reports for these troops are beginning to emerge. Ukrainian intelligence reports state that North Korean troops have suffered at least 30 casualties in the Plekhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka areas. Three North Korean soldiers have also been reported missing near Kurilovka. Russian forces have reportedly begun using North Korean soldiers in assaults in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces report that the bodies of North Korean soldiers have been identified, along with Russian troops, following a drone attack in the region. Reports of North Korean soldiers' involvement in the fighting in Kursk is exaggerated. Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved in operations in the Kursk region. Reports that North Korean troops are participating in assaults are likely exaggerated. New reports indicate that North Korean troops suffered their first losses in the region, and that they mistakenly fired upon Chechen forces. Russian forces have reportedly begun using North Korean soldiers in assaults in the Kursk region.
Video Evidence: 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. Another video shows the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike on North Korean troops. Another video was released claiming to show Russian forces burning the faces of North Korean soldiers to conceal their deaths.
Civilian Evacuations: Residents of liberated Kursk villages are to be evacuated.
Helicopter Attack: A Russian Ka-52M helicopter reportedly attacked a Ukrainian stronghold near the Kursk border. 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.
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. Russian forces reportedly came under fire near Kruglenkoye. Russian forces reportedly advanced 3 km south towards Kruglenkoye.
Su-34 Operations: The breathtaking footage of an Su-34 fighter bomber crew in action at night in the border area of Kursk region was shown by the Russian MoD.
Ukrainian Casualties and Tank Loss: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the Kursk region.
Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier, Artur Plombirus, confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders.
Large Infantry Attack: Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo using large infantry units. Ukrainian forces lost their strongholds in the forest belt.
Paratrooper Operations: Paratroopers are pushing Ukrainian units back from the Kursk region. Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district. They used the terrain and weather conditions to stealthily enter the settlement and liberate it.
Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary, Lucas Ribeiro de Jesus, admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region. He reportedly mutilated their bodies, taking an ear from the son and the father's helmet as trophies.
Equipment Destruction: Russian forces destroyed an M1 Abrams tank with an FPV drone and two Ukrainian vehicles with fiber optic drones near Mala Loknya.
Drone Strikes: Reports of multiple successful drone strikes by Russian forces near the border of the Kursk region.
Drone and Position Destruction: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone and damaged a Ukrainian position near Kursk.
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. New groups of Russian drones enter from the Kursk region, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Poltava and Pryluky. Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. A drone was reported to be moving past Sumy to the southwest. Another drone was reported in the Sumy region, moving towards Poltava Oblast. A drone was reported moving past Sumy to the southwest. An enemy drone was reported on the northeast of Poltava region, moving southwest. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. A group of attack drones was reported in Chernihiv region, heading west.
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: 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 Movements: 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. Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions. There are reports of drones on the north of Sumy Oblast heading north, drones on the south of Sumy Oblast heading south, and drones in Poltava Oblast heading towards Myrhorod from the east. Four drones were reported to be moving from Poltava to Kyiv Oblast. One drone was reported to be moving from Poltava Oblast towards Cherkasy. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. New groups of drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest. There is also a report of a drone flying over Shostka heading west and 7 drones north of Myrhorod heading south. 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.
Kyiv Oblast Threat: A group of UAVs is in the north of Kyiv Oblast, heading towards Zhytomyr Oblast.
Zhytomyr Oblast Threat: A UAV is in Zhytomyr Oblast, heading southwest.
Enemy Drone Presence: Enemy drones are currently observed in Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr oblasts.
Guided Bomb Attacks: Russian forces launched guided bombs on Sumy Oblast. Russian forces launch repeated guided air bomb attacks in the region. Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
DRG Activity: Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian DRG (sabotage and reconnaissance group) that attempted to cross the border on December 10th.
Russian Aviation Conducted Airstrikes at Shopyne and Baranykivka.
Fortifications: Ukrainian forces are actively constructing fortifications in the Sumy Oblast.
Territorial Advance: Russian forces advanced into the region near the village of Aleksandria.
Myrhorod: An enemy drone is heading towards Myrhorod from the northeast. A "Shahed" drone is heading towards Myrhorod.
Kharkiv Oblast
Heavy Fighting in Volchansk: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons. Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk. 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 and New Landing Point: 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. Russian forces are beginning to occupy Dvorichna. Russian forces are consolidating their positions in the areas of Masytivka and Dvorichna, and are continuing their offensive actions. The Ukrainian bridgehead on the western bank of the Oskol River near Masytivka is gradually expanding to include the village of Dvorichna.
Ballistic Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske. There is a current missile threat for Kharkiv oblast.
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.
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.
Drone Usage: 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
