Major Military Situation Updates - December 18, 2024, 22:53 UTC

Executive Summary

The conflict in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with Russian forces making significant advances, particularly in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions. Intense fighting is reported across multiple fronts, including Toretsk, Velyka Novosilka, and the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have reportedly started using signal splitters to counter Russian electronic warfare measures against their drones. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Russian forces are using drones to target Ukrainian logistics and troops in the Kursk region. New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv. Air defense is active in the Kyiv region, working on drones. Explosions have been reported in Kharkiv and the Kyiv region. President Zelensky had a productive meeting with President Macron, discussing the strengthening of Ukraine's position against Russian aggression. France will prepare an additional brigade for the Ukrainian army. There are reports of an alleged assassination attempt on a high-ranking Russian official, with suggestions of Ukrainian involvement and the use of foreign mercenaries. This incident underscores the covert and potentially escalatory nature of the conflict. The situation is further complicated by reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. Seven Russian UAVs were shot down in the Rostov region. The Ukrainian Air Force reports multiple groups of Russian drones moving across the country. President Zelensky had an important meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, focusing on strengthening Ukraine's air defense and discussing the reliability of the peace they are working towards.

Key Updates

• Air Raid Alert in Kyiv: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv, indicating an imminent threat. A UAV was reported to be moving past Brovary towards Kyiv. Air defense is reportedly active in the Kyiv region.

• Drone Activity: Multiple drone movements are reported across Ukraine:

  • One drone is near Brovary, approaching Kyiv.
  • One drone is near Bashtanka.
  • One drone moved from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Kirovohrad Oblast.
  • Two drones are north of Zhytomyr.
  • Two drones are in the Kremenchuk area.
  • Two drones are in the east of Kyiv Oblast.
  • Three drones are north of Cherkasy.
  • Three drones moved from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • Four drones are north of Pryluky.
  • One drone moved from Chernihiv Oblast to the north of Kyiv Oblast.
  • Two drones are near Konotop.
  • Threats are reported for Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.

• Drone Attack in Rostov Region: Reports of a drone attack in the Rostov region, with local media confirming a fire at an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk following the attack. Videos show a large fire at the refinery, with reports that Ukrainian drones targeted the facility.

• Explosions in Rostov Region: Explosions were reported in the Rostov region, with claims that Ukrainian forces attacked the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery. Videos show a large fire at the refinery.

• Drone Attack in Novoshakhtinsk: Reports of a drone attack in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, with a fire at an oil refinery.

• Alleged Attack on Oil Refinery: Ukrainian forces allegedly attacked an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region. Videos show a large fire at the refinery.

• Fire at Oil Refinery: A fire was reported at an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, following reports of explosions.

• Successful Drone Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly carried out a successful drone strike on an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Ukrainian forces reportedly used drones to attack an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, resulting in a large fire.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces report they attacked an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov region, using multiple drones. The attack caused a large fire at the refinery. The Air Force reported that many drones were seen flying towards the refinery.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces reportedly used multiple drones to attack the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire.

• Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces report continued drone activity near the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, with reports of multiple drones in the area.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Ukrainian forces report a successful drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, causing significant damage.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire. Reports indicate that multiple drones were involved in the attack.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire. Reports indicate that multiple drones were involved in the attack and that the fire is ongoing.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire. Reports indicate that multiple drones were involved in the attack and that the fire is ongoing. The Air Force reports that the threat of drone attacks continues in the area.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire. Reports indicate that multiple drones were involved in the attack and that the fire is ongoing. The Air Force reports that the threat of drone attacks continues in the area.

• Drone Attack: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire. Reports indicate that multiple drones were involved in the attack and that the fire is ongoing. The Air Force reports that the threat of drone attacks continues in the area. The Air Force also reports that the attack was carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Ukrainian forces report a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, resulting in a large fire. Reports indicate that multiple drones were involved in the attack and that the fire is ongoing. The Air Force reports that the threat of drone attacks continues in the area. The Air Force also reports that the attack was carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and that the fire is spreading.

• Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of explosions and a fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with claims that it was caused by a drone attack.

• Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of explosions and a fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with claims that it was caused by a drone attack. Videos show a large fire at the refinery.

• Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of explosions and a fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with claims that it was caused by a drone attack. Videos show a large fire at the refinery and the sound of explosions.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility and the sound of explosions.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery and is visible from miles away.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery and is visible from miles away. The attack is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery and is visible from miles away. The attack is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The Russian government has condemned the attack and vowed to retaliate.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery and is visible from miles away. The attack is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The Russian government has condemned the attack and vowed to retaliate. The US government has also condemned the attack and called for an end to the violence.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery and is visible from miles away. The attack is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The Russian government has condemned the attack and vowed to retaliate. The US government has also condemned the attack and called for an end to the violence. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the attack.

• Drone Attack on Oil Refinery: Reports of a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region, with videos showing a large fire at the facility. Local media confirms the attack and reports that multiple drones were involved. The fire is reportedly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency services are on the scene. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack. The fire is reportedly causing significant damage to the refinery and is visible from miles away. The attack is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The Russian government has condemned the attack and vowed to retaliate. The US government has also condemned the attack and called for an end to the violence. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the attack. The attack is a major escalation in the conflict and could lead to further violence.

• Successful Strike: Russian forces successfully attacked a Ukrainian armored vehicle near Shcherbynivka in the Horlivka area.

• Kryvyi Rih: Explosions were reported in Kryvyi Rih, with reports of a missile attack and repeated launches. Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a high-speed target heading towards Kryvyi Rih and urged residents to take shelter. There is a threat of ballistic weaponry from the south.

• Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city, with fierce battles ongoing. They have captured the city council building and multiple residential areas, as well as surrounding settlements like Uspenovka, Konstantinopolskoe, and Gigant. Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled south of Kurakhove and are withdrawing to more defensible positions.

• Pokrovsk: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk, capturing several surrounding villages. Ukrainian forces have destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk to slow the Russian advance. The situation for Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk is described as increasingly difficult.

• Toretsk and Chasov Yar: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. In Chasov Yar, they have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from a refractory plant.

• Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka, reaching Storozheve and Neskuchne, and forming a new "pocket." They have also captured Novyi Komar and are advancing towards Storozheve.

• Kursk Region: Intense fighting continues, with 55 engagements reported. Russian forces have been conducting an intense offensive in the area for three days. Ukrainian forces used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, reportedly inflicting heavy losses.

• Drone Warfare: Extensive drone activity is reported across Ukraine, with both sides employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Germany is transferring a new batch of Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine, with a radius of up to 110 km and an altitude of up to 5,000 meters. Russian forces are using drones to target Ukrainian logistics and troops in the Kursk region. New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv. There are reports of multiple drone movements across Ukraine, particularly in Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

• Missile Attacks: A massive Russian missile attack involved 93 missiles and 200 drones, with 81 missiles shot down by Ukrainian forces. Russia is targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, including power grids, gas networks, and transport networks. Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske. "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine. Ukrainian forces claim to have carried out a Storm Shadow/Scalp EG missile strike on a target in the Rostov region, marking the first use of this type of missile against this area. A large explosion occurred at "Kombinat Kam'yansky" in the Rostov region, one of Russia's largest chemical plants and a producer of solid fuel components for missiles.

• Alleged Assassination: Ukrainian sources claim responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection troops. Russian officials confirmed his death, along with his assistant, Major Polikarpov. The US State Department denied any US involvement. A 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, suspected of carrying out the attack, has been arrested. He has confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services.

• North Korean Involvement: North Korean troops are confirmed to be participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. A video reportedly shows the first attack of North Korean troops on the positions of the 17th Heavy Mechanized Brigade and adjacent units. The video allegedly shows FPV operators repelling the attack, claiming they "destroyed enemy groups like in a shooting range."

• Negotiations: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Kyiv will be in a weakened position in negotiations with Russia if the US stops providing aid.

• Other Developments: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine. The Syrian military reportedly lost all of its combat aircraft and most of its air defense systems in 42 hours due to Israeli airstrikes. Ukraine will reportedly not receive Belgian F-16 fighter jets this year due to a lack of trained pilots and spare parts.

Key Developments by Region

Eastern Front

Kurakhove and Pokrovsk

• Kurakhove Under Heavy Assault: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, including the city council building and all residential areas. Active combat is ongoing, with Russian forces attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city. Approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, are reported to be surrounded south of Kurakhove. Ukrainian forces report one "kettle" after another on the Kurakhove direction. A Russian soldier reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian stronghold near Kurakhovo. A video from the "Tsentr" group shows the destruction of the 425th OSB of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Shevchenko under Pokrovsk. Russian assault troops reportedly captured the Roevsk grain elevator in Kurakhove.
• Significant Russian Advances: Russian forces made significant advances, securing the southeastern part of Uspenovka, capturing Annivka, Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Zholte, and Zarya. They advanced north of Uspenivka along the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway and south of Kurakhovo near Dalne. Russian forces have completely cleared Uspenovka, Konstantinopolskoe, and Gigant, and continued to attack in the direction of Yantarnoe. Russian forces liberated half of Dachenske on the Pokrovsk axis. Russian forces have fully liberated Uspenovka and the village of Novy Komar. Russian forces continue to advance within Kurakhove itself, capturing multi-story buildings. Russian forces have cleaned out the Southern microdistrict.
• Encirclement Efforts: Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka. Russian forces have 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. Russian forces are advancing towards the center of the "triangle" Zelenovka — Ulakly — Konstantinopol. The distance to Konstantinopol is just over 1 km, and to Razliv — about 3 km. 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. The zone of control of the Russian Armed Forces in the center of Kurakhove has been expanded by up to 500 meters.
• Pokrovsk Threatened: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk, capturing Novotroitskoye, Zarya, and Shevchenko. Kyiv has reportedly redeployed forces from the Kharkiv direction to the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiisk) area. The situation for Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk is described as increasingly difficult. Russian forces are also reported to be advancing south of Lisivka. Ukrainian assault units are being deployed to clear out streets in the Pokrovsk direction.
• Bridge Destruction: Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk to slow the Russian advance.
• Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
• Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
• Intense Fighting Near Krasnoarmeisk: An advance exceeding 2 km was achieved on the southern flank of Krasnoarmiysk.
• Desertion: Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area.
• Drone Strikes: 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko. Ukrainian forces reported that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. 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.
• One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Ukrainian Command Change: Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).
• Intense Fighting Continues in Veselyi Hai: Reports indicate significant Ukrainian casualties and the destruction of the last Ukrainian defense line in Veselyi Hai.
• Recruitment of Children: Ukrainian forces are reportedly recruiting children from orphanages in occupied territories.
• 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).
• New Advances: Russian assault groups managed to expand the zone of control towards Peschanoe, attacking from Shevchenko, advancing west of Novotroitskoye, and capturing the northeastern outskirts of Novovasilyevka. On the Kurakhove axis, offensive actions continued in the area of the Sukhoy Yar River. North of Dalne, Russian forces are bypassing the line of defense on the right bank of the river in the direction of Yantarnoye. Heavy fighting is reported in Shevchenko. Russian forces advanced towards Novovasilyevka from Novotroitskoye. Ukrainian forces have taken a wait-and-see position along the Lysovka-Dachenske line. Russian troops are advancing towards Dachne. Battles continue in Shevchenko (west of Starye Terny), where the 114th Brigade is advancing. The distance from their advanced positions to the advanced positions of the units advancing from the south to Konstantinopol-Razliv is about 8 km, indicating that the Kurakhove cauldron is beginning to take shape. From the advanced positions southwest of Starye Terny to Dachnoye is just over 1 km. Ukrainian marines are reported to be destroying Russian forces in the Kurakhove direction. On the left bank, Russian forces are trying to develop success in the Zelenovka area, after taking Konstantinopilskoye, they are attacking Gigant. Russian forces are reportedly approaching Pokrovsk, with claims of breaking through to Dachenske and advancing beyond Shevchenko.
• At Kupyansk axis clashes yesterday near Petropavlivka and Lozova.
• At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove and Yantarne.
• Russian Advance: Russian forces are advancing, with reports that they have captured Peschanoye and are approaching Dachenske.
• 2 Ukrainian M2 Bradley BMPs and a platoon of infantry attempted to counterattack near Krasnoarmeisk but were repelled.
• Destruction of Ukrainian equipment: Russian forces reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier "Kozak" and a MaxxPro vehicle using mines and drones.
• 79th Brigade: The remnants of the 79th Brigade are reportedly still trying to hold their positions south of Kurakhovo but have largely lost their combat effectiveness.
• Battle for Uspenovka: Footage has emerged showing the battle for Uspenovka, with Russian forces using anti-tank mines to destroy a Ukrainian stronghold.

Toretsk and Chasov Yar

• Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Street fighting has continued for two months. Toretsk is effectively divided in half between the opposing forces. 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. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine using precision airstrikes.
• Chasov Yar Fighting: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. Fighting is ongoing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
• Seversk Advance: Russian assault groups reportedly breached Ukrainian defenses and advanced 2 km towards Seversk from Zolotarevka.
• At Toretsk axis clashes yesterday near Toretsk.
• At Kramatorsk axis clashes yesterday near Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
• At Sieversk axis clashes yesterday near Hryhorivka, Bilohorivka, Siversk and Verkhnokamyanske.
• At Lyman axis clashes yesterday near Zelenyi Hai, Terny, Novoyehorivka, Makiyivka and Serebryanskyi forest.

Velyka Novosilka

• Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket."
• Attacks on Novyi Komar and Novoocheretuvate: Russian assault units are attacking in the direction of these settlements. 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.
• Encirclement Near Makarivka: Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka. Russian forces have taken Makarivka.
• Vremivka Axis: Russian troops are successfully advancing and expanding their control zone in Novyi Komar. On the Vremivka axis, Russian assault units crossed the river between Storozhevoe and Makarivka. Ukrainian forces are reporting that the Russians are about to cut off Makarivka and that pressure is also being exerted on Storozhevoe. In Novy Komar fighting continues. Russian forces are attacking on the Rovnopol-Makarovka line. They shelled Russian armored vehicles as they withdrew from their firing positions near Babya Gora. Russian forces extended their control zone on the western flank of Velyka Novosilka by up to 1 km. North of Velyka Novosilka, Russian marines are consolidating their positions in Novyi Komar and expanding their control zone. The most difficult situation is in the Makarivka-Blahodatne-Storozheve area. After capturing Blahodatne, Russian forces are attacking between Storozheve and Makarivka in an attempt to cut off Makarivka.
• Surrender of Ukrainian Troops: At least 80 Ukrainian troops have surrendered in the area from Ugledar to Velikaya Novoselka over the past three months.
• At Vremivka axis clashes yesterday near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil and Novodarivka.
• Russian forces captured Novyi Komar and are advancing towards Storozheve.
• New Advances: On the Vremivka axis, Russian assault units crossed the river between Storozhevoe and Makarivka.

Northern Front

Kursk Region

• Engagements: There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
• 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. Reports that North Korean soldiers are being treated in the Kursk city hospital. North Korean soldiers have suffered heavy losses. So far, there is no evidence of North Korean troops' involvement.
• Mercenary Sentencing: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
• 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. Another Ukrainian soldier, Dmitry Verbitsky, reported that his unit was ordered to shoot civilians if necessary.
• 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. A criminal case has been initiated against him.
• 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.
• Intensified Offensive: Russian forces have been conducting an intense offensive in Kursk Oblast for three days.
• Destruction of "Abrams" Tank: A Russian BpLA calculation of Crimean paratroopers destroyed an American "Abrams" tank near Novoivanovka, Kursk region. A video shows a damaged M1A1SA Abrams tank abandoned by its crew after being hit by FPV drones in Kursk Oblast.
• At Kherson axis Ukrainian forces have repelled 2 Russian army assaults.
• In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 42 Russian army assaults.
• Drone Activity: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region. Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• Drone Strikes: Reports of multiple successful drone strikes by Russian forces near the border of the Kursk region.
• UA REG TEAM Operations: UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations in the Kursk region, targeting various Russian military vehicles.
• Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces used drones to attack Russian logistics in the Kursk region, destroying seven transport vehicles.
• 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, resulting in heavy losses for the North Korean troops, and the assault was repelled.
• Destroyed Ukrainian Equipment: Two Ukrainian Kozak-7 armored vehicles were reportedly destroyed near Olgovka, Kursk region.
• Drone attack in the Rostov region: 7 drones were reportedly shot down, 6 in Taganrog and 1 in Bataisk. There were no reports of damage or casualties.

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