Major Military Situation Updates - December 20, 2024, 01:32 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.

Kryvyi Rih Ballistic Missile Strike

• A Russian ballistic missile struck a two-story residential building in Kryvyi Rih.
• Casualties: 5 confirmed injuries: a 15-year-old girl, two men aged 38 and 49, and two women aged 30 and 82. Two individuals were rescued from the rubble. All casualties are reported to be in moderate condition.
• Damage: Significant damage to the targeted building and surrounding structures, including multiple apartment buildings and private sector buildings.
• Rescue Operations: Emergency rescue operations were completed.
• Hospital Evacuation: Patients from a nearby hospital, which suffered damage to its windows, are being transported to other facilities.
• Aid Center: A support center for affected residents has been established at a nearby school.

Major Cyberattack on Ukraine

• A large-scale cyberattack targeted Ukraine's state registry systems on December 19th.
• Impact: The attack temporarily disrupted the operation of the Unified State Registries under the Ministry of Justice's jurisdiction.
• Perpetrator: Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna stated that the attack was carried out by Russian hackers.
• Objective: The attack aimed to disrupt Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
• Affected Systems: The targeted systems include the Unified State Register of all organizations and individuals, property, courts, debtors, convicts, powers of attorney, inheritance, notarial documents, Ministry of Justice documents, civil status acts, mortgages, transactions, media, and personal data databases.
• Data Breach: Russian hacker group XakNet claimed responsibility, stating they had downloaded all databases from the National Information System, totaling over 1 billion entries. They also claim to have deleted data from servers in Poland where backups were stored.
• Recovery: Specialists are working to restore access to the registries, estimated to take up to two weeks.

Intensified Drone Activity

• New Drone Activity:
  • Three drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • One drone was reported near the intersection of Kirovohrad and Cherkasy Oblasts, moving west.
  • One drone was reported in Poltava Oblast, heading towards Kremenchuk.
  • One drone was reported moving from Sumy Oblast to Poltava Oblast.
  • Drones were reported circling in Sumy and Chernihiv Oblasts.
  • One drone was reported approaching Brovary, with anti-aircraft activity potentially audible.
  • One drone near Kharkiv, moving towards Pavlohrad.
  • 8 drones moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Pavlohrad.
  • 1 drone flew past Pokrovsk heading south.
  • 1 drone moved from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, heading south.
  • 1 drone from Bilhorod entered Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Kharkiv.
  • 4 drones are east of Cherkasy, heading south.
  • 5 drones are in Sumy Oblast heading towards Poltava.
  • 1 drone flew near Konotop, heading west.
  • 1 drone is in the east of Kyiv Oblast.
  • Poltava - a UAV from the south in the direction of the city.
  • New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
  • An attack drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava.
  • Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south.
  • New groups of Russian drones enter from the Kursk region, with multiple drones moving towards Kyiv, Poltava and Pryluky.
  • Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
  • A drone was reported to be moving past Sumy to the southwest.
  • Another drone was reported in the Sumy region, moving towards Poltava Oblast.
  • A drone was reported moving past Sumy to the southwest.
  • An enemy drone was reported on the northeast of Poltava region, moving southwest.
  • A group of attack drones was reported in Chernihiv region, heading west.
  • 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.
  • Drone activity continues in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
  • High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
  • Multiple drones are reported to be active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
  • Multiple drones are reported to be approaching or over Sumy.
  • 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.
  • Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast.
  • Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka.
  • Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region.
  • One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Varvarivka.
  • One drone is flying near Poltava.
  • One new drone has flown past Rybakivka heading north.
  • Three new drones are flying over the Lyman through Parutyne towards Mykolaiv.
  • One drone is flying over Balabanivka towards Mykolaiv.
  • One drone is in the area of Nova Odesa heading towards Bashtanka.
  • One drone flew past Mykolaiv heading north.
  • One drone is near Varvarivka heading towards Balovne.
  • One drone is in the area of Nova Odesa, moving east.
  • Four new drones are moving from the Tendra Spit towards Koblevo/Rybakivka.
  • One drone flew past Balabanivka heading towards Mykolaiv.
  • One drone is circling in the south of the Kirovohrad region.
  • Four drones are just west of Mykolaiv, flying through the Voznesensky district towards Vozsiyatse.
  • Two new drones were spotted near the Kinburn Spit towards Ochakiv.
  • One drone flew past Bereznehuvate towards Vysokopillia.
  • One drone is west of Mykolaiv, with a northern course.
  • One drone is in the Voznesensky district.
  • One drone is heading towards or through Kropyvnytskyi.
  • One drone is heading towards or through Kryvyi Rih.
  • One drone flew past Oleksandriia towards the Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • One drone flew past Kryvyi Rih heading northeast.
  • One drone is west of Nova Odesa, heading south.
  • One drone is in the Bashtanka area, heading south.
  • Drones are active in the east of Kirovohrad Oblast, moving northeast.
  • Drones are active in Mykolaiv Oblast, moving south.
  • Drones are active in the west of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, moving northeast towards Dnipro.
  • Multiple drones are traveling west from Sumy Oblast.
  • Multiple Ukrainian drones are traveling southwest from Poltava Oblast.
• Velyka Novosilka: Drone operators from the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group are reportedly targeting Ukrainian forces near Velyka Novosilka, both day and night.
• 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.
• 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. This allows the drones to switch between two receivers, depending on which one is being jammed.
• Drone Activity: Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
• Drone Activity: Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
• Drone Activity: Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
• 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 Activity: Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
• Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.
• Drone Activity: 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.
• Drone Activity: A Ukrainian drone attack near Ochakiv damaged an "Ukraposhta" (Ukraine Post) vehicle, injuring the driver.
• Drone Activity: Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
• Drone Activity: Pilots from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade are destroying enemy armored vehicles along with their occupants.
• Drone Activity: Russian forces used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations along a road in Kursk region.
• 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.
• Drone Activity: 2 drones are reported to be circling east of Bila Tserkva. 1 drone is still reported to be circling east of Chernihiv.

Other Developments

• Kamchatka Aircraft Search: Rescuers have arrived in a nearby village to search for a missing An-2 aircraft in Kamchatka. A signal from the missing aircraft's beacon has been detected.
• Biden to Visit Rome: The White House announced that US President Biden will visit Rome from January 9-12, meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni and Pope Francis.
• Kyiv Air Alert: An air raid alert was issued for Kyiv at 23:47 and lifted at 00:00.
• US Congress: The US Congress did not support the bill on further funding for the government. The document provides, among other things, for the suspension until January 30, 2027 of the US national debt ceiling.
• Food Sharing Shelves: "A Just Russia - For Truth" party proposes mandatory food sharing shelves in stores.
• Fire in Yakutsk: Five people died and seven were injured in a fire in a detention facility in Yakutsk, where military personnel who had deserted their units were being held.
• Russian Marines in Kursk: Russian marines cleared enemy equipment and defeated Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces attempted to regain lost positions but were defeated, leaving behind wounded, dead, weapons, ammunition, and NATO equipment.
• American Instructors in Ukraine: A captured Ukrainian soldier, Sergey Strelchuk, stated that American instructors trained Ukrainian military personnel before they were sent to the front lines.
• Israeli Strikes in Gaza: Israeli army strikes in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of over 30 Palestinians in the past 24 hours.

Key Developments by Region (From reports 6h-3d old)

Eastern Front

Kurakhove and Pokrovsk

• Kurakhove Under Heavy Assault: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with active combat ongoing. Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant.
• Significant Russian Advances: Russian forces made significant advances, securing several settlements and advancing north of Uspenivka and south of Kurakhovo.
• Encirclement Efforts: Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near Makarivka and are advancing towards the center of the "triangle" Zelenovka — Ulakly — Konstantinopol.
• Pokrovsk Threatened: Russian forces have advanced to within 2 km of Pokrovsk.
• Alleged Atrocities: Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
• Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting is reported in Shevchenko and Veselyi Hai.
• Desertion: Over 1,000 personnel from the 155th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly deserted in the Krasnoarmiisk area.
• Ukrainian Command Change: Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).

Toretsk and Chasov Yar

• Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
• 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.

Velyka Novosilka

• Southwest Advance: Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka and have reached Storozheve and Neskuchne.
• 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.
• Vremivka Axis: Russian troops are advancing and expanding their control zone in Novyi Komar and attacking between Storozheve and Makarivka.
• Consequences of fighting in Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces are inspecting a Ukrainian armored vehicle abandoned in the northern part of Yasna Polyana, confirming control over the northern part of the settlement.

Northern Front

Kursk Region

• Engagements: 55 engagements in the Kursk direction, with 25 ongoing.
• North Korean Involvement: Reports claim North Korean special forces are involved, with reports of them suffering their first losses.
• Ukrainian Casualties: 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 in the Kursk region.
• 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.

Sumy Oblast

• 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.

Kharkiv Oblast

• Heavy Fighting in Volchansk: Heavy fighting is ongoing in Volchansk, with reports of Ukrainian forces deploying chemical weapons.
• Ballistic Missile Strikes: Multiple ballistic missile strikes are reported in Kharkiv and Slobozhanske.
• Destruction of "Baba Yaga" Hexacopters: Russian forces report the mass destruction of seven Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" hexacopters in the Kharkiv direction.

Southern Front

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

• Repelled Assaults: Ukrainian forces repelled 14 Russian army assaults.

Kherson Oblast

• Threat to Kherson: Kherson is under threat of attack from the north.

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. Six energy infrastructure sites have been damaged in the Lviv region.
• 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.
• Response to ATACMS attack: In response to the use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, Russian forces launched a massive strike on Ukrainian infrastructure.
• 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, Kh-101), ballistic missiles (Iskander-M), and drones (Shahed-136).

Assassination of a Russian General and Response

• Ukrainian sources claim responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection troops in Moscow.
• US officials stated they were not aware and were not involved in the plan to assassinate Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
• Russian officials confirmed his death, along with his assistant, Major Polikarpov. A homemade bomb with shrapnel was reportedly used.
• Arrest of Suspect: 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. He was promised $100,000 and relocation to the EU for carrying out the attack. The suspect placed the bomb on an electric scooter near General Kirillov's residence and used a car-sharing vehicle with a camera to monitor the location. The detonation was triggered remotely from Dnipro, Ukraine. The suspect is being investigated by the Uzbek authorities. The suspect had not previously been convicted of any crimes. Uzbekistan has sent information about the detained citizen to Moscow.
• Medvedev stated that the military-political leadership of the Kyiv regime will face inevitable retribution for the murder of Kirillov and that if The Times considers the murder of Kirillov a legitimate act, then all NATO officials can be considered legitimate targets for Moscow.
• The Governor of Kostroma Oblast suggested that Kirillov's work exposing secret bio-labs may have been the reason for his assassination.
• Russian officials will raise the issue of the attack at the UN Security Council on December 20th. The UN did not condemn the attack, stating that all sides should exercise restraint.
• Maria Zakharova stated that the attack against Kirillov was a result of the West's approval of Kyiv's crimes. She also stated that Russia's response to the 15th package of EU sanctions will not be long in coming.
• Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, stated that special services are efficiently investigating the murder of Kirillov and that it is obvious that the Kyiv regime is the customer. He further expressed that Putin sends his deep condolences in connection with the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and that Russia knows who is the customer of the terrorist attack and that the fight against the Nazi regime will continue. Finally, he stated that the murder of the chief of NBCP troops proves the correctness of Russia's actions during the special operation.
• Russian authorities indicated that new suspects might be identified.
• The Uzbekistan embassy is in contact with Russia regarding the citizen detained for the murder of Kirillov.

Rostov Region Targeted in Major Drone Attack

• Extensive Overnight Drone Attack: A significant overnight assault targeted the Rostov region, with Russian air defenses intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones, including 36 over Rostov. This represents a marked escalation in drone attacks on the region.
• Widespread Air Defense Activation: Air defense systems were heavily engaged across multiple cities, including Taganrog, Bataysk, Rostov, Shakht, Kamensk, Millerovo, and Novoshakhtinsk, demonstrating the broad scope of the attack.
• Damage and Casualties: One injury was reported near Rostov. Houses sustained damage in the Kamensk district. The Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery was attacked and set on fire by a drone strike, later confirmed by Ukrainian forces as a joint operation by the SBU and the Navy, utilizing drones to overwhelm Russian air defenses and missiles to strike the target. The fire has been extinguished. This attack underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory. The refinery is confirmed to play an important role in supplying fuel to Russian forces.
• Alleged Retaliation for ATACMS: The Russian MoD claims this large-scale drone attack is retaliation for Ukraine's prior use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, suggesting a potential cycle of escalation.
• Ukrainian Drone Losses: Ukrainian forces report downing 45 out of 85 drones launched by Russian forces, with an additional 40 drones "locationally lost" due to defensive measures.

Analysis and Strategic Implications

The overall situation remains highly volatile and dynamic. Russian forces continue to make significant advances on the Eastern Front, particularly near Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. The reported loss of several towns, along with the 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 and potentially encircle Ukrainian forces.

On the Vremivka direction, the success in Novyi Komar and the advance north of Nesterianka demonstrate continued Russian pressure and a potential shift in the frontline on the Zaporizhzhia front. The clearing of Novyi Komar further solidifies Russian gains in this area.

In the Kursk region, intense fighting and reported advances in Kruhlenke and Cherkasskaya Konopelka highlight efforts to push back Ukrainian forces. Repelled Ukrainian counterattacks and the use of airstrikes and artillery indicate a strong Russian defensive posture. Ukrainian reinforcement of the Kremenna area suggests concern about increasing Russian activity in the north. The reported heavy losses suffered by North Korean troops in the Kursk region, if true, indicate the significant risks faced by foreign forces involved in the conflict.

The massive drone attack on the Rostov region marks a significant escalation and could lead to increased military activity and heightened tensions. Russian air defense systems were heavily engaged, highlighting both their effectiveness and the scale of the Ukrainian drone threat. The targeting of the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery demonstrates the vulnerability of critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory and could impact Russia's fuel supply and logistics. This attack was confirmed to be a joint operation conducted by the SBU and Ukrainian Navy, utilizing drones to overwhelm Russian air defenses and missiles to strike the target.

The disappearance of the An-2 aircraft in Kamchatka and the train collision in Murmansk, while not directly related to the conflict, highlight logistical and safety challenges in Russia, potentially impacting military operations and resource allocation. The successful detection of the missing aircraft's beacon signal is a positive development in the ongoing search.

The neutralization of an extremist group in Kyrgyzstan demonstrates ongoing regional security challenges. Israeli airstrikes on Yemen and Gaza, with reported casualties, represent a further expansion of the Middle East conflict.

The discussion on Igor Krasnov's candidacy for Russian Prosecutor General indicates ongoing political developments within Russia. The air raid alert in Kyiv and the lifting of the alert in Zaporizhzhia suggest continued aerial threats and defensive measures.

The absence of enemy warships in the Black and Azov Seas, with a concentration in the Mediterranean, suggests a potential shift in naval strategy. Reported reinforcement of the Russian army, use of conscripts in Ukraine, and procurement of drones for Ukrainian forces indicate an intensification of military efforts on both sides.

Reported territorial gains by Russian forces suggest a dynamic and evolving battlefield. The confession of the suspect in General Kirillov's assassination attempt, if true, represents a significant escalation, highlighting the potential for covert operations and targeted killings.

The new British aid package for Ukraine and the Zelensky-Rutte meeting demonstrate continued international support for Ukraine. The confirmation of a visit by a US Special Envoy and discussions about a peacekeeping contingent suggest ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict.

The destruction of a significant number of Ukrainian drones and continued fighting on multiple fronts indicate the conflict is far from over, with both sides actively engaged. The successful interception of many drones demonstrates Ukrainian air defense effectiveness, likely influencing strategic decisions regarding drone use and air defense systems in future operations.

NATO's reported takeover of coordinating military aid to Ukraine from the US and discussions about deploying European troops in case of a ceasefire or peace agreement signal a potential shift in international involvement and long-term planning for the conflict.

President Zelensky's statement about Ukraine not agreeing to reduce its armed forces, even if invited to NATO, underscores Ukraine's determination to maintain a strong military posture regardless of international alliances or negotiations.

The confirmation of American instructors training Ukrainian military personnel adds another layer to the international dimension of the conflict. The ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza highlight the continued volatility in the Middle East.

Changes from Previous Situation (6 hours ago):

• New Drone Activity: Reports of drones circling east of Bila Tserkva and Chernihiv.
• Kamchatka Aircraft Update: Signal from the missing An-2 aircraft's beacon has been detected.
• American Instructors in Ukraine: Confirmation of American instructors training Ukrainian military personnel.
• Israeli Strikes in Gaza: Reports of over 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours.

Changes from Older Situations (6 hours to 3 days ago):

• Continued Russian Advances: Russian forces continue to make advances on the Eastern Front, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, capturing several settlements and expanding their zone of control.
• Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported along the Vremivka axis, in the Toretsk area, and the Kursk region, where Russian forces have renewed their offensive.
• Drone Warfare: Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides employing extensive drone operations and new tactics.
• Missile Attacks: Missile attacks continue to target Ukrainian infrastructure, with significant damage reported in the Lviv and Ternopil regions.
• Alleged Assassination of a Russian General: The alleged assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov remains a significant development, with a suspect arrested and confessed.
• International Involvement: NATO has taken over coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US. Discussions about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
• North Korean Involvement: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict continue.
• Negotiations: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war.
• Syrian Situation: Israeli airstrikes continue in Syria, with reports of Russian troop withdrawals from the front lines.
• Desertion in the Ukrainian Army: The number of Ukrainian soldiers deserting their posts has significantly increased.
• New Mobilization Effort in Ukraine: A new mobilization effort is potentially targeting younger age groups.
• Russian Military Reports: The Russian MoD reported that all tasks assigned to the Russian Armed Forces for 2024 have been completed. The main training event for 2025 will be the joint strategic exercise "West-2025" with Belarus.
• Statements from Officials: President Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not need mediators like Hungary and its Prime Minister Orban and emphasized the need for direct relations with the US. Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that "real negotiations" about peace with Russia will only begin when Russia no longer has the resources to continue the war.
• Drone Shootdowns: 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.
• Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are active in Mariupol and Pryazovia due to the threat of drones and missiles.
• Missile Attack on Rostov Oblast: Three missiles were shot down over Rostov Oblast, with one hitting a farm building. A residential building was set on fire due to falling fragments from a downed rocket. No deaths were reported from the missile attacks.
• Arrest of Suspect in Assassination: A 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, suspected of carrying out the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, has been arrested and has confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services. The detonation was triggered remotely from Dnipro, Ukraine.
• Casualty Reports: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the Kursk region.

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