Major Military Situation Updates - December 19, 2024, 19:02 UTC
Overall Situation
The conflict in Ukraine remains intense, with Russian forces making significant advances across multiple fronts. They are pushing towards Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, along the Vremivka axis, near Toretsk, and in the Kursk region. Ukrainian defenses are significantly degraded, with reports of widespread desertion and substantial losses. Extensive drone and missile attacks continue on both sides, targeting infrastructure and military positions.
A major drone and missile attack targeted the Rostov region, with 84 Ukrainian drones intercepted. Ukrainian forces confirmed the attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery as a joint operation by the SBU and the Navy. A significant fire/explosion was reported at the refinery.
In Syria, Israeli forces are making advances, with the IDF deploying a radar system on Mount Sheikh to monitor airspace within a 400 km radius.
Key Developments
Assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection troops, was assassinated in Moscow.
Ukrainian sources claim responsibility, while US officials deny involvement.
A 29-year-old Uzbek citizen, Akhmad Kurbanov, has been arrested and confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services. He has now been charged with terrorism and illegal manufacturing of explosives. He is currently awaiting trial in the Basmanny Court.
Russian officials, including Medvedev, have vowed retribution, stating that NATO officials could be considered legitimate targets.
The Uzbekistan embassy is in contact with Russia regarding the detained citizen.
CNN reported that Kirillov's death was caused by Ukrainian operatives.
The head of the Ukrainian Security Services, Vasyl Malyuk, is suspected of organizing the assassination.
The suspect's court session involved a translator, despite his long-term work in Moscow, as he claimed not to speak Russian.
The suspect was transported to the scene for investigative actions. New suspects might be identified.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended in a hostel 300 meters from the scene of the crime.
FSB and Uzbek special services are working to identify accomplices.
Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev expressed condolences and condemned the assassination, offering assistance in the investigation.
Eastern Front
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk
Kurakhove Under Heavy Assault: Russian forces control approximately 80-90% of Kurakhove. Approximately 700 Ukrainian troops, including special forces, are surrounded south of Kurakhove. Battles are ongoing west of Mechnikov Street.
Significant Russian Advances: Russian forces have secured 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. Russian forces have completely cleared Uspenovka, Konstantinopolskoe, and Gigant. They have liberated 3 sq km near Zelenovka on the Kurakhove axis and half of Dachenske on the Pokrovsk axis. Russian forces liberated Zelenovka and installed a flag in the settlement. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Zelenovka.
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.
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. Russian forces are expanding their control near Pokrovsk, capturing Novyi Trud and advancing north of Pushkino. Russian forces have reportedly entered the village of Pisky.
Alleged Atrocities and Liquidation of Mercenaries: Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo. There are also reports of Russian forces liquidating a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
Desertion and Command Change: Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area. Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).
New Advances: Russian assault groups expanded the zone of control towards Peschanoe, attacking from Shevchenko, advancing west of Novotroitskoye, and capturing the northeastern outskirts of Novovasilyevka. Russian troops are advancing towards Dachne. Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai. Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmeisk. Ukrainian media shared a video of the arrival of a projectile in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, noting that it was first published by channels providing information support for the enemy's military operation. 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. The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka. Russian forces advanced, with reports that they have captured Peschanoye and are approaching Dachenske.
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.
Kurakhove is under Ukrainian control, but the situation is difficult.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
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. The 79th Brigade used drones to conduct a "decommunization" operation near Kurakhove.
Battle for Uspenovka: Footage has emerged showing the battle for Uspenovka, with Russian forces using anti-tank mines to destroy a Ukrainian stronghold.
Territorial Losses: Ukrainian forces have lost control of Trudove and Uspenovka. This further weakens the Ukrainian position in the area. Russian forces are attempting to cut off the supply route from Dachenske to Uspenovka.
Advance to Key Road: Russian forces have advanced to within 3 km of the Konstantinopol-Kurakhovo road, capturing Zelenovka. This puts a critical supply route for Ukrainian forces at risk.
Continued Assaults: Russian forces are continuing their assault on Kurakhove, making advances and reportedly inflicting significant casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Forced Mobilization in Ukraine: Ukrainian MP Fedienko reports that mobilization centers are forcibly mobilizing individuals with exemptions, claiming that paper documentation is not recognized if the individual's data is not in the "Oberig" system.
Kryvyi Rih and Nikopolshchyna Attacked: Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, damaging infrastructure, two nine-story buildings, a hospital, a school, a store, and ten cars. One of the boilers was stopped in Kryvyi Rih. Traffic was restored, and the overhead wires were repaired. They also attacked Nikopolshchyna 15 times throughout the day using heavy artillery and kamikaze drones, damaging five private houses and two outbuildings.
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.
Ukrainian Withdrawal from Uspenivka Pocket: Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
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 with the city effectively divided in half.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Russian forces advanced near Kalinina, around Scherbinovka, and north of Rivnopil.
Velyka Novosilka
Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka, reaching 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 advancing and expanding their control zone in Novyi Komar. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Novyi Komar.
At Vremivka axis clashes yesterday near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil and Novodarivka.
Russian forces have reportedly taken most of Novyi Komar and are closing in on Velyka Novosilka from the southwest.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing over the Mokri Yaly River.
Russian forces are advancing southwest of VelykaNovosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne, forming a new "pocket".
Battles are currently underway to eliminate this fortified area, which physically cuts the road from VelykaNovosilka to Kurakhove. This road, apart from this section, is already under Russian control.
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."
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.
A satellite image shows the aftermath of heavy fighting in Staromaiors'ke, with extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The village was one of the last to be liberated during the 2023 counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces suffered heavy losses in capturing the village from Russian forces.
The liberation of Staromaiors'ke allowed Ukrainian forces to capture Urozhaine.
Novyi Komar Advance: Russian forces have achieved success in Novyi Komar, with reports of ongoing clearing operations. They are also attacking near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve.
Advance North of Nesterianka: Russian forces have advanced north of Nesterianka on the Zaporizhzhia front, capturing a Ukrainian stronghold.
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 have been conducting an intense offensive in Kursk Oblast for three days.
North Korean Involvement: Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved, with reports of them suffering their first losses. Casualty reports for these troops are beginning to emerge. Ukrainian intelligence reports state that North Korean troops have suffered at least 30 casualties. Three North Korean soldiers have also been reported missing. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers. 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.
Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians under orders from his commanders.
HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces.
Destruction of "Abrams" Tank: A Russian BpLA calculation of Crimean paratroopers destroyed an American "Abrams" tank near Novoivanovka.
In Kursk region Ukrainian forces have repelled 42 Russian army assaults.
The Russian MoD reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost 225 troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five armored fighting vehicles in the Kursk direction in the past 24 hours.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone and damaged a Ukrainian position near Kursk.
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.
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.
Russian marines took a fortified position from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk border region.
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.
Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with Russian infantry attacking Ukrainian positions near Nechaev.
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.
A captured Ukrainian soldier, Artur Plombirus, confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders.
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.
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 advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian Counterattacks Repelled: Four unsuccessful Ukrainian counterattacks were launched using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS MLRS.
Airstrikes and Artillery: Russian Aerospace Forces and Tornado-S MLRS conducted strikes on Ukrainian forces near Sverdlikovo, Martynovka, and Belovody.
Ukrainian Reinforcements: Ukrainian forces are reportedly transferring additional reserves to the Kremenna area due to increased Russian activity.
Sumy Oblast
Drone Activity: 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.
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.
An attack drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south.
An air alert has been issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity. Air defense is active in the region.
Russian tactical aviation is active, conducting guided air bomb strikes on Sumy.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
A group of UAVs is moving in Sumy Oblast in the direction of Chernihiv and Poltava Oblasts.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
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.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Vovchanski Khutory of Kharkiv region, Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region.
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.
An air raid alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has ended.
Advance North of Nesterianka: Russian forces have advanced north of Nesterianka on the Zaporizhzhia front, capturing a Ukrainian stronghold.
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 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.
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. In addition to the drones shot down over Rostov, 21 were shot down in Bryansk, 14 in Belgorod, 6 in Voronezh, 3 in Kursk, 3 in Tambov, and 1 in Krasnodar Krai.
Drone Usage Reports: Russian sources report that drone usage is helping to stop Ukrainian counterattacks. They also report that they are improving their drones.
New Tactics: Ukrainian forces have reportedly started using signal splitters to counter Russian electronic warfare measures against their drones.
New Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.
Drone Warfare Intensification:
"Sudoplatov" unit released footage of their work on destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line.
Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions.
FPV Drones are being actively used by Russian forces in Toretsk. Operators, working directly with assault troops, are targeting enemy firing positions.
1 drone was reported near Kharkiv.
8 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
4 drones were reported near Pryluky.
1 drone was reported north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast.
1 drone was reported near Okhtyrka.
4 drones were reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka.
There is a drone threat in Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kharkiv Oblasts.
1 drone was reported approaching Shepetivka.
2 drones were reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest.
5 drones were reported north of Cherkasy.
1 drone was reported flying past Cherkasy towards Smila.
1 drone was reported east of Cherkasy.
4 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
1 drone was reported in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading towards Kamianske.
1 drone was reported in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium.
One drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Six drones are circling north of Cherkasy.
One drone is west of Smila, heading southwest.
One new drone is in Sumy Oblast, flying towards Poltava Oblast.
One drone is approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka.
1 drone was reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi.
1 drone was reported on the east of Cherkasy, heading south.
1 drone was reported on Poltava, heading north.
A group of UAVs is in the east of Poltava Oblast, heading towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
UAVs are in the west of Poltava Oblast, heading towards Cherkasy Oblast.
New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv.
Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down 51 out of 81 enemy drones launched on the night of December 17th, with 30 drones "locally lost" without reaching their targets.
A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the north.
A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary.
Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
Russian forces are launching guided air bomb attacks in the Kharkiv Oblast.
Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Zelenovka.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
422nd Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems Luftwaffe on the Zaporizhzhia direction hit and destroyed a buggy, 2 ATVs, 9 dugouts, 8 shelters, 6 enemy KIA and 5 WIA.
UA REG TEAM reports a new formation of North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
A Ukrainian drone struck a vehicle in the Belgorod region, injuring a civilian.
Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
"Two explosions occurred near the Main Naval Base of the Northern Fleet in the Barents Sea. Residents of Murmansk and Severomorsk, located 12 km away, wrote on social media about two powerful explosions on Wednesday evening, the shock waves of which were felt at a distance of several tens of kilometers. One of the explosions was caught on video."
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.
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.
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.
New Missile: A new type of air-to-surface missile is being used in the Kherson 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.
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.
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.
Attack on "Kombinat Kam'yansky" in Rostov region: On December 18, Ukrainian forces launched a missile attack on the "Kombinat Kam'yansky" enterprise in the Rostov region. Six ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles were reportedly used. Russian air defense systems reportedly shot down all ATACMS missiles and three of the four Storm Shadow missiles. One cruise missile was deflected from the target, damaging a technical building on the territory of the enterprise. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that these actions by the Kyiv regime, supported by Western curators, will not go unanswered. Russia confirmed the attack on the "Kombinat Kam'yansky" enterprise. The Russian MoD claimed all ATACMS missiles and three of four Storm Shadow missiles were shot down. The Russian MoD confirmed yesterday's Ukrainian attack on the Kombinat Kamensky plant in the Rostov region, stating that six ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow missiles were used.
Russian MoD confirmed the Ukrainian missile attack on the "Kombinat Kamensky" enterprise in the Rostov region. Six ATACMS
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. President Zelensky reportedly told US President Trump that he is in no hurry to end the war and considers an agreement with Russia dangerous.
Moldova State of Emergency: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine, starting December 16.
George Bush Presidential Center Recommendations: The center recommended doubling support for Ukraine.
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.
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.
Explosions in Ukraine: Explosions have been reported in multiple regions
