Major Military Situation Updates - December 19, 2024, 04:01 UTC

Rostov Region Under Heavy Attack

• Extensive Drone and Missile Strikes: The Rostov region was subjected to a massive attack overnight and throughout the day, with over 30 drones and 13 missiles reported. This marks a significant escalation in the scale and intensity of attacks on the region.
• Air Defense Activation: Air defense systems were actively engaged throughout the day and night, protecting Taganrog, Bataysk, Rostov, Shakht, Kamensk, Millerovo, and Novoshakhtinsk. This widespread activation indicates a coordinated and extensive attack across the region.
• Damage and Casualties: One person was injured due to falling drone debris near Rostov. Houses were damaged in the Kamensk district. A fire broke out at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery.
• Ukrainian ATACMS Usage: The Russian MoD reports that this attack is in retaliation for the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.

Eastern Front

Kurakhove and Pokrovsk

• Loss of Territory: Ukrainian forces have reportedly lost control of Trudove and Uspenovka.
• Advance to Konstantinopol-Kurakhovo Road: Russian forces have advanced to within 3 km of the Konstantinopol-Kurakhovo road, capturing Zelenovka.
• Pokrovsk Advance: Russian forces continue to expand their zone of control near Pokrovsk, with a broad offensive underway. They have captured Novyi Trud and are advancing north of Pushkino.

Vremivka Direction

• Success in Novyi Komar: Russian forces have achieved success in Novyi Komar, having previously destroyed a crossing near Novoocheretuvate. However, reports indicate that the clearing of Novyi Komar was still ongoing as of the previous evening.
• Attacks on Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve: Russian forces are conducting attacks near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve.
• Advance North of Nesterianka: Russian forces have advanced north of Nesterianka on the Zaporizhzhia front and captured a Ukrainian stronghold.

Northern Front

Kursk Region

• Intense Fighting: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
• Advances in Kruhlenke and Cherkasskaya Konopelka: Russian assault groups are reportedly advancing in Kruhlenke and have achieved success in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Ukrainian Counterattacks Repelled: Ukrainian forces, having accumulated reserves, launched four counterattacks during the night and day, using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS MLRS, but were unsuccessful.
• Airstrikes and Artillery: Russian Aerospace Forces and Tornado-S MLRS carried out strikes on Ukrainian forces near Sverdlikovo, Martynovka, and Belovody.

Other Key Developments

• Chasov Yar: Russian paratroopers continue to engage Ukrainian forces in Chasov Yar.
• Kharkiv Region: A Russian drone unit reportedly disrupted Ukrainian plans in the Kharkiv region.
• Kamchatka Aircraft Incident: An An-2 aircraft carrying commercial cargo disappeared from radar in Kamchatka. An emergency landing signal has been received, and a rescue operation is underway.
• Train Collision in Murmansk: The death toll from a train collision in the Murmansk region has risen to two. The incident involved a passenger train traveling from Murmansk to St. Petersburg and a freight train. The investigation is ongoing, with the train driver and assistant driver detained on suspicion of leaving the cabin.
• Israeli Airstrikes on Yemen: The Israeli army confirmed launching airstrikes on Yemen, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.
• Discussion on Russian Prosecutor General: The Federation Council committees will discuss the candidacy of Igor Krasnov for the position of Prosecutor General on December 19, as proposed by the President of the Russian Federation.
• Air Raid Alert in Kyiv: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv.
• Air Raid Alert Lifted in Zaporizhzhia: The air raid alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been lifted.
• Detainment for Treason: A resident of Khakassia has been detained on suspicion of treason for financing the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Cossack Participation in Special Operation: 43,000 Cossacks have participated in the special military operation, with over 4,500 receiving state awards.

Analysis and Strategic Implications

The intense attack on the Rostov region, involving a large number of drones and missiles, signifies a major escalation in the conflict and is likely a response to Ukrainian ATACMS usage. The widespread activation of air defense systems and the reported damage and casualty underscore the severity of the situation. This development could lead to increased military activity and heightened tensions in the region.

Russian forces continue to make gains on the Eastern Front, particularly near Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. The reported loss of Trudove and Uspenovka by Ukrainian forces, coupled with the Russian advance towards the Konstantinopol-Kurakhovo road, further jeopardizes the Ukrainian position in the area. The expanding zone of control near Pokrovsk indicates a concerted effort to push back Ukrainian defenses.

On the Vremivka direction, the success in Novyi Komar and the attacks on Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve demonstrate continued Russian pressure in this sector. The advance north of Nesterianka on the Zaporizhzhia front suggests a potential shift in the frontline.

In the Kursk region, the intense fighting and reported advances in Kruhlenke and Cherkasskaya Konopelka highlight the ongoing efforts to push back Ukrainian forces. The repelled Ukrainian counterattacks and the use of airstrikes and artillery indicate a strong Russian defensive posture.

The disappearance of the An-2 aircraft in Kamchatka and the train collision in Murmansk, while not directly related to the conflict in Ukraine, highlight logistical and safety challenges in Russia. These incidents could potentially impact military operations and resource allocation.

The Israeli airstrikes on Yemen represent a further expansion of the conflict in the Middle East. This development could have broader implications for regional stability and international relations.

The discussion on the candidacy of Igor Krasnov for the position of Russian Prosecutor General indicates ongoing political developments within Russia. This could potentially impact the legal and political landscape surrounding the conflict.

The air raid alert in Kyiv and the lifting of the alert in Zaporizhzhia suggest continued aerial threats and defensive measures. The detainment of a resident of Khakassia for treason underscores the internal security challenges faced by Russia.

The significant participation of Cossacks in the special military operation highlights the mobilization of various groups in support of Russian objectives.

The situation remains highly volatile, with the attack on the Rostov region, the ongoing fighting on the Eastern and Northern fronts, and the broader geopolitical developments being key factors to monitor. These developments could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.