Major Military Situation Updates - December 20, 2024, 06:02 UTC
Kyiv Under Intense Missile and Drone Attack
Multiple Explosions in Kyiv: A series of powerful explosions have rocked Kyiv throughout the early hours of December 20th. Reports indicate at least six explosions, with air defense systems actively engaging incoming targets.
High-Speed Targets: Air raid alerts identified multiple high-speed targets, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles, heading towards Kyiv from various directions, including the north and through the Chernihiv region.
Damage and Fires:
Holosiivskyi District: Debris from downed missiles caused fires in a parking lot and damaged several cars. Debris also fell at another location in the district. Medics were called to the area.
Dniprovskyi District: Debris fell on an unfinished building.
Solomianskyi District: A fire was reported in a building.
Shevchenkivskyi District: Debris was reported in the area.
Other: The Mayor reported damage to a heating main in Holosiivskyi district, an office building was reported to be on fire, and debris fell on the roof of a building in Dniprovskyi district.
Casualties: At least two people are confirmed injured in the Holosiivskyi district. One has received on-site medical assistance, and the other has been hospitalized.
Air Defense Active: Ukrainian air defense systems are actively engaging targets in and around Kyiv.
Continued Shelling of Kherson and Suburbs
Intense Shelling: Kherson and its suburbs are under continuous shelling from the temporarily occupied left bank of the Dnipro River. The shelling is targeting residential areas, critical infrastructure, and social infrastructure.
Increased Casualties: The number of wounded in Kherson has increased to six.
Russian DRG Activity: Enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRGs) attempted to advance towards Kherson but were reportedly detected and destroyed by Ukrainian forces.
Russian Advances on Multiple Fronts
Kursk Region:
Russian forces made significant progress, fully liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
They reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near the border, destroying armored vehicles and personnel.
Heavy fighting continues along the entire front line.
Ukrainian counterattacks using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS were repelled.
Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian army assaults.
Donetsk Front:
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk:
Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky.
They also liberated Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolskoe) and Zelenovka southwest of Kurakhove and secured a foothold in Novyi Komar on the northern Vremivka "pocket."
Intense fighting continues in Kurakhove, with Russian forces attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant.
Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
Heavy fighting is reported in Shevchenko and Veselyi Hai.
Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).
Russian forces advanced towards Ukrainka from Pushkino and Novoolenivka.
Clashes reported near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove and Yantarne.
Clashes reported near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske and Novoolenivka.
Vremivka Direction:
Russian forces have achieved success in Novyi Komar, with ongoing clearing operations.
They are also attacking near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve.
Russian forces advanced north of Nesterianka, capturing a Ukrainian stronghold.
Clashes reported near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil and Novodarivka.
Other Significant Developments
Drone Warfare: Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Testimony of Russian POW: A captured Russian soldier provided testimony detailing manpower shortages, inadequate training, low morale, and broken promises within the Russian military.
Putin's Address: Putin addressed the FSB, SVR, FSO, and Main Directorate of Special Programs, emphasizing the need for offensive actions in Donbas and Novorossiya and highlighting the importance of counterintelligence and combating internal threats.
International Reactions:
Slovakia: Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico announced Slovakia's intention to block possible EU sanctions against Russia in the nuclear energy sector.
Hungary: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will reportedly postpone the decision on extending sanctions against Russia until after Trump's inauguration.
Explosions Near Military Objects in Murmansk: Two explosions occurred near military objects in Murmansk on the evening of December 18. The cause is unknown but could be related to planned blasting operations or sabotage.
Missile Attack on Kryvyi Rih and Nikopolshchyna: 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, damaging five private houses and two outbuildings.
Cyberattack on Ukraine: A large-scale cyberattack, attributed to Russian hackers, targeted Ukraine's state registry systems, causing significant disruption. Restoration efforts are expected to take at least two weeks.
Statements from Officials: 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. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not have the forces to recapture Crimea and Donbas, but Ukraine cannot give up these territories.
Negotiations to End the War: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Kyiv will be in a weakened position in negotiations with Russia if the US stops providing aid.
Putin on Negotiations with Ukraine: Putin stated that Russia is ready to engage in dialogue with Ukraine without preconditions, but based on the Istanbul agreements and the realities on the ground. He emphasized that any agreements must be signed with legitimate authorities in Ukraine.
Putin on "Special Military Operation": Putin stated that the "Special Military Operation" has shown that Russia has become much stronger in the last 2-3 years, contrary to the expectations of the West.
Putin on Peace Talks: Putin stated that peace talks with Ukraine are possible without preconditions, but based on the Istanbul agreements and the realities on the ground. He also stated that any peace agreement must be signed with legitimate authorities in Ukraine.
Strategic Implications
Escalation in Kyiv: The intense missile and drone attacks on Kyiv represent a significant escalation and demonstrate Russia's continued ability to strike the Ukrainian capital.
Pressure on Multiple Fronts: Russian forces are maintaining pressure on multiple fronts, particularly in the Kursk and Donetsk regions, indicating a sustained offensive effort.
Internal Challenges: The testimony of the Russian POW and reports of manpower shortages highlight potential internal challenges within the Russian military.
International Divisions: The positions of Slovakia and Hungary on EU sanctions reveal growing divisions within Europe regarding the approach to the conflict.
Cyber Warfare: The cyberattack on Ukraine demonstrates the increasing importance of cyber warfare and its potential to disrupt critical infrastructure.
Negotiation Challenges: The statements from Ukrainian and Russian officials highlight the significant obstacles to achieving a negotiated settlement.
Protracted Conflict: The ongoing fighting, coupled with the internal challenges faced by both sides and the growing divisions within the EU, suggest the conflict is likely to be protracted.
The situation remains highly volatile, with significant developments occurring rapidly. The intensification of attacks on Kyiv, the continued fighting on multiple fronts, and the evolving geopolitical landscape all contribute to a complex and uncertain situation. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict.
