Major Military Situation Updates - December 19, 2024, 15:02 UTC
Overview
The conflict in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with intense fighting across multiple fronts. Russian forces are making significant advances, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, the Vremivka axis, the Toretsk area, and the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces are facing substantial challenges, including reports of widespread desertion, significant losses in personnel and equipment, and ongoing mobilization efforts. Russian forces have captured several settlements and improved their tactical positions. Both sides continue to utilize extensive drone and missile attacks, targeting infrastructure and military positions.
Key Developments by Region
Eastern Front
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk
Kurakhove Under Heavy Assault: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with ongoing attempts to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant and within the city. Approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, are surrounded south of Kurakhove.
Significant Russian Advances: Russian forces have secured the southeastern part of Uspenovka, capturing Annivka, Yelizavetovka, Veselyi Hai, Zholte, and Zarya. They have advanced north of Uspenivka along the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway and south of Kurakhovo near Dalne. South of Kurakhove, Russian forces have completely cleared Uspenovka, Konstantinopolskoe, and Gigant. Russian forces have liberated 3 sq km near Zelenovka on the Kurakhove axis and half of Dachenske on the Pokrovsk axis.
Encirclement Efforts: Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka and have established themselves in the area of Sukhi Yaly and Zelenivka, aiming to cut the main highway to Kurakhove near Ulakly. They are advancing towards the center of the "triangle" Zelenovka — Ulakly — Konstantinopol, threatening to cut off the Gulyaipole — Kurakhove road and encircle the Kurakhove group.
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 area.
Kryvyi Rih and Nikopolshchyna Attacked: Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, damaging infrastructure. They also attacked Nikopolshchyna 15 times throughout the day using heavy artillery and kamikaze drones.
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.
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 to join the military.
OSCE: The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine reported increased shelling in the Donetsk region.
New Advances: Russian assault groups managed to expand the zone of control towards Peschanoe, attacking from Shevchenko, advancing west of Novotroitskoye along the banks of the Solenaya River, and capturing the northeastern outskirts of Novovasilyevka. Heavy fighting is reported in Shevchenko, where Ukrainian forces are deploying reserves.
At Kurakhivka axis clashes yesterday near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove and Yantarne.
At Pokrovsk axis clashes yesterday near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske and Novoolenivka.
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.
Chasov Yar Fighting: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from 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.
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.
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.
Northern Front
Kursk Region
Engagements: There were 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes. In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 42 Russian army assaults.
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. Reports indicate that North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in the Kursk region, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded.
Mercenary Sentencing: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
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 confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders.
Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
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.
Drone Activity: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
Syrskyi on Kursk Operation: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that he had to conduct the Kursk operation to disrupt the offensive on Kharkiv, relieve pressure on all fronts, and prevent the opening of a new front on Sumy.
Army Advances in Kursk Oblast: The Russian Army is liberating its native land in Kursk Oblast, with a cleanup operation underway near Cherkasskoye Konopelka.
Defeat of Enemy Tank near Fanasivka and Cherkaska Konopelka: A tank of the enemy was defeated between Fanasivka and Cherkaska Konopelka in Kursk Oblast.
Sumy Oblast
Drone Activity: New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. Multiple drones are reported to be active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
Threat to Sumy:Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
Force Concentration: Russian forces are concentrating significant forces in Sumy Oblast, with a potential strength of up to 12,000 personnel.
Fortifications: Ukrainian forces are actively constructing fortifications in the Sumy Oblast.
Ukrainian Reserves Targeted: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Kharkiv Oblast
Heavy Fighting in Volchansk: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons.
Other Areas of Fighting: Fighting continues near Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Starytsya and Vovchansk.
Ballistic Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 Russian army assaults in the region.
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.
At Kharkiv axis clashes yesterday near Vovchansk.
Shelling in Tsyrkuny: Four people were injured in Tsyrkuny due to enemy shelling.
Southern Front
Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults, mostly on the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are in effect over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, indicating continued drone activity. The air raid alert has been called off.
At Orikhiv axis clashes yesterday near Novoandriyivka, Orikhiv and Novodanylivka.
Drone Activity: Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Kherson Oblast
Threat to Kherson:Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.
Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 5 Russian army assaults.
At Kherson axis Ukrainian forces have repelled 2 Russian army assaults.
Drone Activity: Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Drone Warfare
Extensive Drone Activity: Drone activity is reported across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Explosions: Explosions have been reported in multiple regions due to drone attacks, including Dnipropetrovsk, Chuhuiv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Russian Drone Tactics: Ukrainian forces report a new tactic of Russian drones attacking other drones in the air.
Drone Shootdowns: 14 Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed overnight in Bryansk Oblast. Two Shahed drones were shot down over Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Ukrainian forces report downing 45 out of 85 drones launched by Russian forces, with an additional 40 drones "locationally lost" due to defensive measures.
Drone Usage Reports: Russian sources report that drone usage is helping to stop Ukrainian counterattacks. They also report that they are improving their drones.
Ukrainian Drone Strike: Ukrainian forces carried out a drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
Drone Activity Near New York: The US is responding to flights of unknown drones near New York.
End of Drone Threat: The threat of using strike UAVs in all areas has ended. The air raid alert has ended in Kyiv.
New Tactics: Ukrainian forces have reportedly started using signal splitters to counter Russian electronic warfare measures against their drones.
New Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram. 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.
New Drone Reports: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that the threat of using strike UAVs in all areas has ended. The air raid alert has ended in Kyiv. A drone was reported near Kharkiv, moving towards Pavlohrad.
Drone Activity: A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the north.
Drone Activity: A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
Drone Activity: Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
Drone Activity: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Drone Activity: Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
Drone Activity: Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Drone Activity: Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast.
Drone Activity: Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
Drone Activity: One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Zelenovka.
Drone Activity: A video shows drone footage of a battle between drones over Chasov Yar.
Drone Activity: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
Drone Activity: FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Drone Duel: A video shows a drone duel over Chasov Yar.
Destruction of Equipment in Kursk Region: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
FPV Drones in Zaporizhzhia: FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Missile Attacks
Bomber Activity: Multiple Tu-95MS strategic bombers are airborne, with repeated launch maneuvers in the Caspian Sea.
Missile Mobilization: Mobile launch platforms for Kalibr missiles are mobilizing in Novorossiysk.
Ballistic Missile Threat: Ballistic missile threat originates from Crimea.
Kharkiv Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
Black Sea Launch: "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Black Sea, triggering air raid alerts across Ukraine.
Multiple Launches: Multiple Russian missile launches are expected, with some targeted at Pryluky, and multiple Kalibr missiles are heading towards the Kirovograd Oblast, with some later changing course to Odesa and Kryvyi Rih.
Kh-101 Missiles: Multiple Kh-101 missiles entered Ukrainian airspace through the Sumy Oblast and are traveling through the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions.
Missile Movement: Missiles have reached Sumy, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts, with a missile targeted at Pryluky.
Kinzhal Missiles: Kinzhal Missiles are being launched towards western Ukraine, with vectors including Zvyagel, Shepetovka, Ternopil, Stryi, Burshytn, and Zakarpattia.
Cruise Missile Launches: Multiple Cruise missiles are being launched from the Kherson region in the direction of Mykolaiv, and from Kharkiv region towards Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with some missiles passing near Bila Tserkva.
Ballistic Missile Launches: Multiple ballistic missiles have been launched towards Odesa from Crimea.
Missile Movement: Multiple missiles are passing through the Lviv region in the direction of Stryi, and are also present in the Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions.
New Missile: A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson region in the direction of Voznesensk and Pervomaisk, and towards Bashtanka.
Missile Re-routing: Missiles from Kyiv have changed course and moved to the Vinnitsia region, and from there they moved west near the Khmelnitsky region.
Missile Reports: A missile has been reported traveling to Cherkasy from Kyiv region. Missiles are traveling through Zhytomyr and Vinnitsa, heading to the southwest.
Cherkasy Region: There is a report that a rocket has been spotted in the Cherkasy region, moving northwest, which then traveled to the Kyiv region before moving to the Vinnytsia region, then changed direction to fly west near Khmelnitsky.
Missile Movement: Missiles are reported to be passing by the city of Kozyatyn, in the Vinnytsia region and have been reported to have changed course and are heading west from the Vinnitsia region, towards Khmelnitsky.
North Korean Missile: A North Korean missile was used in the attacks.
Targeted Infrastructure: Russia is targeting key Ukrainian infrastructure including transportation and energy networks.
KAB Bombs: Three Ukrainian DSNs (State Emergency Service) workers were injured by a Russian attack using KABs (guided bombs) in Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Intense Attack: The Prykarpattya region is facing its most intense attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Energy Infrastructure: Attacks were made on energy infrastructure in Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts. 50% of the Ternopil region is without power.
Power Outages: 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.
Russian Rationale: Russian forces stated their attacks were in retaliation for Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Taganrog.
Strike on Fuel/Energy Infrastructure: Russian missile strikes were focused on critical infrastructure targets in the fuel and energy sectors that support the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
Other Developments
Negotiations to End the War: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US officials 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.
Trump's Envoy to Visit Ukraine: Keith Kellogg, a special representative for Trump, will visit Ukraine in January to "gather facts," not to conduct negotiations. Representatives from European capitals will also accompany him.
Moldova State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
Alleged Deception by Head of Hardcore: Reports accuse the head of Hardcore, Anatoly Sulyanov, of deceiving the 810th Marine Brigade by promising but failing to deliver military equipment.
Turkish Statement on Syria: Turkish media stated that Turkey would shoot down Israeli warplanes if they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), but this is viewed as unlikely.
Russian Leadership Denials: The head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) denied contact with the CIA regarding Syria and confirmed ongoing contacts with the US regarding prisoner exchanges.
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.
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.
Air Superiority: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Explosions in Ukraine: Explosions have been reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
Black Sea and Azov Sea Activity: No hostile warships are detected in the Black Sea or the Azov Sea.
Mediterranean Sea Activity: 7 hostile warships present, 4 missile carriers with "Kalibr" missiles, and 41 total missile volleys in the Mediterranean Sea.
Kerch Strait Passage: No passages were registered for the Black Sea, 4 Russian vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Azov Sea, and 2 of these vessels continued their transit towards the Bosporus Strait.
Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations in Doha.
Israeli Airstrikes in Syria: Israeli Air Force continues to destroy military facilities in Syria.
Georgian Presidential Elections: Protests are taking place in Georgia as opposition parties do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. Donald Trump has officially won the US presidential election.
Protests in Tbilisi: The lighting of the New Year's tree in Tbilisi was postponed due to protests.
Russian Military Values: President Putin stated the main task of the National Center "Russia" is to promote traditional spiritual and moral values.
Chernobyl Liquidators Honored: A ceremony was held in Zaporizhzhia to honor the liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster.
French Diplomats to visit Syria: A group of French diplomats will travel to Syria on Tuesday to show France's readiness to support the Syrian people.
Job-Hopping in Russia: There is a new trend of job-hopping among Russians, with many changing jobs every 2-3 years.
Ukrainian Army+ Application: The Army+ application now allows for transfers within the National Guard of Ukraine. There are plans to expand this to include transfers between the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Border Guard Service. There have been 3607 successful transfer requests within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Heat Loss in Cheboksary: 26,000 people were left without heat in Cheboksary due to a utility accident.
South Korean Military: South Korea has arrested the current and former heads of military intelligence on suspicion that the current head knew in advance of President Yoon Suk-yeol's plan to declare martial law. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol failed to appear for police questioning regarding the rebellion case.
Journalist Memorial Day in Russia: December 15 is the Day of Remembrance for Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty in Russia.
Russian Monitoring of Kerch Strait: The Russian Federal Fisheries Agency is monitoring the situation in the Kerch Strait following the sinking of two tankers.
Cyber Attacks: In 2024, cybercriminals have actively been spreading the Mamont mobile banking trojan, targeting Russian users of Android smartphones.
Russia-China Relations: The relationship between Russia and China is becoming increasingly mature, stable, and resilient, according to the Chinese Foreign Minister. Three meetings between Putin and Xi Jinping in 2024 have contributed to deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Syria:
On the south of Syria, the Israeli Defense Forces continue to push into Syrian territory. In the past 24 hours, the Israelis have reached the province of Damascus, captured the Beit Jinn farm, and entered the city of Khan Arnabeh.
Israeli aircraft conducted another raid in Syrian territory, attacking several positions of the former Syrian army.
On the north, American troops, as part of the de-escalation of tensions between the Kurdish "Syrian Democratic Forces" and Turkey, entered the settlement of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab).
American military personnel have also been deployed near the Karakozak Bridge to monitor the demarcation line between the pro-Turkish formations of the "Syrian National Army" and the SDF.
The new Syrian authorities, namely the leadership of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham", have given an ultimatum to several pro-Turkish formations, such as "Ahrar al-Sharqiya", "Jaysh al-Sharqiya", "Sultan Murad", and "Suleiman Shah", 48 hours to lay down their arms and integrate into HTS.
Meanwhile, ISIS continues to increase its activity. South of Palmyra, militants of the terrorist organization organized an attack on civilians, killing six people.
The Israeli Air Force carried out a massive strike on an ammunition depot of the former Syrian Arab Army in Tartus.
Turkish Statement on Syria: Turkish media close to Erdogan's administration stated that Turkey would shoot down Israeli warplanes if they support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Economic Measures in Ukraine: A meeting in Zaporizhzhia focused on the "Dialogue of Government and Business," addressing interactions with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Negotiations in Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that Bashar al-Assad stepped down as President of Syria following negotiations between Turkey, Russia, and Iran in Doha.
Georgian Presidential Elections: Opposition parties and the current president, Salome Zurabishvili, do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections. Protests are taking place in front of the Georgian Parliament building. The EU is pushing for a secular government in Syria.
Alleged Israeli Involvement: Reports suggest that Israeli forces are expanding their occupied zone in the Golan Heights and preparing for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Armenia: A USAID program proposal for Armenia, focusing on education and culture, was released.
New Zealand: A New Zealand mercenary was sentenced to 14 years in prison for invading Kursk Oblast.
Austria: Austria's termination of the contract for Russian gas will not go unanswered, according to the Russian ambassador in Vienna.
Syrian Conflict: Reports suggest
Hungary: There is speculation that Orban is acting as a mediator between Trump and Putin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán requested a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss a potential ceasefire with Russia, but the request was denied, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
South Korea: The current and former heads of Korean intelligence have been arrested for their involvement in an attempted coup. The South Korean president is expected to be imprisoned.
Georgia: The new president of Georgia has stated that it makes no sense for Georgia to join the EU if it means giving up Georgian values.
Bashkiria: There was an incident where local nationalists in Bashkiria forced young men who had taken a photo with the flag of the Russian Empire to apologize.
Desertion in the Ukrainian Army: The number of Ukrainian soldiers deserting their posts has significantly increased, with 18,984 new criminal cases initiated in November 2024, double the previous month's figure. Since February 2022, a total of 114,280 cases related to desertion have been registered.
Snow Cover in Russia: Nearly 99% of Russia's territory is covered in snow, according to the head of the Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand.
Inspiration for China's Leader: Chinese leader Xi Jinping is reportedly inspired
Zelensky on Orban: President Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not need mediators like Hungary and its Prime Minister Orban. He emphasized the need for direct relations with the US.
Capture of Ukrainian Soldier in Kursk: A Ukrainian soldier was captured in the Kursk region and admitted to receiving orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
Moldova: Moldova introduced a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
Russian Missile Attack: A map shows the trajectories of Russian missiles and drones targeting various Ukrainian cities and regions on December 13th. The attack involved a mix of cruise missiles (X-22, X-59/69, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The attack suggests a complex and coordinated effort, with concentrations near Kyiv, western regions, and some paths reaching as far south as Odesa.
Zelensky on Negotiations with Russia: Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that "
Zelensky on Technological Duel with Putin: Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed Putin's proposal of a "technological duel" involving the "Oreshnik" missile as a sign of inadequacy, calling him "just a frostbitten person." He emphasized the need for guarantees and a strong position for Ukraine before any ceasefire.
Zelensky on Christmas Truce and Prisoner Exchange: Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he had no conversation on this topic with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, dismissing it as political PR and emphasizing that Ukraine's affairs cannot be discussed without its participation. He stressed the need for security guarantees before any ceasefire.
Zelensky on Mobilization Age: Ukrainian President Zelensky sharply criticized calls to lower the mobilization age, reminding partners that Ukrainian soldiers need to be armed first.
Zelensky on "Istanbul Agreements": Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed the so-called "Istanbul Agreements" as a Russian ultimatum that Ukraine did not agree to, calling Putin a "fantasist" living in his own world.
Putin on the Middle East: Russian President Putin called Israel the main beneficiary of the situation in Syria, where the government has changed. He stated that he does not know Israel's ultimate goals in the Gaza Strip but believes it deserves condemnation. Russia condemns Israel's seizure of any Syrian territories, noting that Israel is currently bringing in troops and plans to strengthen its presence.
Putin on Kursk Region: Russian President Putin stated that the Special Military Operation (SMO) should have been started earlier and prepared for more thoroughly. He emphasized that Russian forces are advancing along the entire front line and will liberate the Kursk region from the presence of Ukrainian forces. He also acknowledged the omission that soldiers fighting in the Kursk region are not receiving payments as participants in the military operation.
Putin on New Regions: Russian President Putin stated that 21,000 objects have been restored in the new regions, with 11,000 funded by the federal budget and 10,000 by older regions. He also announced plans to restore the entire road network in the new regions and build a ring road around the Azov Sea.
Putin on Foreign Policy: Russian President Putin stated that Russia has become stronger and more sovereign over the past two years. He emphasized Russia's readiness to engage in dialogue without preconditions but based on the agreements reached in Istanbul and the realities on the ground. He also stated that Russia would speak with Zelensky if he is elected and gains legitimacy. Putin denied that events in Syria could be considered a defeat for Russia and stated that the issue of preserving Russian bases in Syria remains open and depends on the interests of the new Syrian authorities.
Putin on the Economy: Russian President Putin noted that Russia's economy has grown by about 8% over the past two years, compared to 5-6% in the US, 1% in the Eurozone, and 0% in Germany. He acknowledged inflation as a concern but noted that real wages have grown by 9%. He expects GDP growth of 2-2.5% in 2025.
Putin on Personal Happiness: Russian President Putin stated that his happiness cannot be complete until Russian soldiers return from the front and are reunited with their families. He emphasized the importance of young people creating families and having children for the future of Russia.
Putin on Equality for Defenders: Russian President Putin stated that all defenders of Russia, including former employees of PMC "Wagner," should be equal in payments and status.
Putin's Press Conference: The main theses of Russian President Putin's year-end press conference included statements on the SMO and Kursk region, the restoration of new regions, foreign policy, and the economy.
**Accusations of Ukrainian Forces Shelling Shevchenk
