Major Military Situation Updates - December 20, 2024, 13:02 UTC
Kyiv Under Attack
Explosions and Damage: Kyiv experienced a series of powerful explosions in the early hours of December 20th. Affected districts include Holosiivskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi. Missile and drone debris caused fires and damage across multiple locations.
Casualties: One person was killed in the Holosiivskyi district as a result of the missile attack. Twelve people were injured, five of them hospitalized.
Infrastructure:
630 buildings in the Holosiivskyi district, along with 16 medical facilities, 17 schools, and 13 kindergartens are without heat due to damage to a heating main.
The Toronto business center was damaged, with windows blown out and the facade damaged. The roof of the business center was also severely damaged.
St. Nicholas Cathedral suffered damage from a nearby strike, including damaged windows and facade.
Emergency crews are working to clear debris.
A large warehouse fire occurred in Boryspil, near Kyiv, following a missile attack. Firefighters battled the fire.
Missile Interception: Reports indicate the use of Khinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and a guided X-59/69 air-launched missile. Ukrainian Air Force reports that all five ballistic missiles launched at Kyiv were intercepted and destroyed. A total of 8 missiles were reportedly launched.
Air Defense: Ukrainian air defenses actively engaged incoming targets, destroying all 5 ballistic missiles and 40 out of 65 drones, including Shahed drones, with 20 drones failing to reach their targets. Germany has transferred a sixth IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine.
Aftermath: Videos and images show extensive damage to civilian buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure in Kyiv. Emergency services are actively responding to fires and providing assistance. A destroyed vehicle was found lodged in a high fence, indicating a powerful blast.
Russian Response: Russian forces targeted the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) command post, the Luch Design Bureau, and a Patriot SAM system position, allegedly in response to the earlier attack in Moscow that resulted in the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that on December 18, 2024, the AFU launched a missile strike at the Kombinat Kamensky enterprise in Rostov region by six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-based cruise missiles from the territory of Ukraine. In response, Russian forces conducted a strike on a command post of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Luch Design Bureau, and a Patriot SAM system position.
New Reports: The Kyiv City Military Administration reported damage in the Holosiivskyi district, including a damaged office building, road surface, and gas pipe, with 5 cars catching fire. One person was initially reported killed, but this was later corrected. Two people were reported injured and hospitalized. Another address in the same district had a damaged facade of an office building with a subsequent fire on the roof and structural damage on the fifteenth floor, with two people preliminarily reported as injured and hospitalized. In the Solomyansky district, a fire broke out in a non-residential building due to falling debris, but no casualties were reported. In the Shevchenkivsky district, a fire broke out in a non-residential area, with details being clarified. Reports of debris falling in the Dniprovsky district were not confirmed after verification.
Damaged Church: St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kyiv was damaged in the missile attack, with windows and stained glass damaged.
Foreign Diplomatic Missions Damaged: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed damage to foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv as a result of the attack, including those of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Montenegro. Some premises had damaged windows and doors, while others had damaged ceilings.
Air Raid Sirens: New air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv and the surrounding region.
New Drone Threat: The Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of ballistic missile use across Ukraine.
New Reports: The air raid alerts across Ukraine, including Kyiv, have been lifted. The threat of ballistic missile use has passed. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the threat has been lifted.
New Drone Reports: New groups of drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
Southern Front: Kherson Under Heavy Shelling
Intense Shelling: Kherson and its suburbs are under continuous shelling from the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River. Residential areas, critical infrastructure, and social infrastructure are being targeted.
Casualties: One killed and eighteen injured reported in Kherson due to increased shelling.
Sabotage and Reconnaissance: An enemy DRG attempted to advance towards Kherson but was reportedly detected and destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Another DRG was reportedly destroyed attempting to cross the border into the Sumy region.
Preparations for Offensive: Russian forces are reportedly preparing for an offensive on Kherson, while Ukrainian forces are preparing to repel a potential Russian attack.
Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces report a high level of enemy drone activity near the Antonovsky bridge. The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported that over the past day, there were over 300 shelling incidents and the enemy used 363 FPV drones of various modifications and dropped 350 shrapnel munitions.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive: Ukrainian forces are reportedly attacking the right bank of the Dnipro River near the bridge in Kherson.
Ukrainian Defense Forces Report: The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported repelling 8 enemy attacks, 4 in the Zaporizhzhia direction near Novodarivka and Novopola. They also reported that the enemy launched 25 guided aerial bombs and 20 unguided aerial missiles at settlements in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
New Reports: On the Kherson direction, Russians made an attempt to land a sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) on the right bank of the Dnipro River near the Antonovsky Bridge. The DRG was reportedly detected and destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian forces also reported that they destroyed a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station using drones. Ukrainian forces also reported high levels of enemy drone activity in the area, with over 300 shelling incidents and the use of 363 FPV drones of various modifications. Ukrainian forces also reported repelling 8 enemy attacks, 4 of which were in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Attempted Landing near Antonovsky Bridge: On the Kherson direction, Russians made an attempt to land a sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) on the right bank of the Dnipro River near the Antonovsky Bridge. The DRG was reportedly detected and destroyed by Ukrainian forces.
Russian Advances on Multiple Fronts
Kursk Region:
Significant Gains: Russian forces made substantial gains, liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. They established confident control over positions east of Novoyvanovka. Russian forces were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front. Russian forces attacked positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Nechaev and in the direction of Kruglyakovka.
Disrupted Rotation: Russian forces reportedly disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation near the border, destroying armored vehicles and personnel.
Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting continues along the entire front line. 55 engagements were reported, with 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
Repelled Counterattacks: Ukrainian counterattacks using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS were repelled.
Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Destruction of Reserves: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
North Korean Involvement: Reports indicate that North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in the Kursk region, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers. An image shows a Ukrainian FPV drone strike on North Korean troops in the Kursk region. Reports that North Korean soldiers are being treated in the Kursk city hospital. So far, there is no strong evidence of North Korean troops' involvement. Bodies of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been found in the region.
Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications on the border with Ukraine. The director was found with nearly 2 million rubles in cash and a collection of luxury watches.
New Reports: 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. A Ukrainian soldier was captured in the Kursk region and admitted to receiving orders to shoot civilians if necessary. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers in the region.
Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier, Artur Plombirus, confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders. Another Ukrainian soldier, Dmitry Verbitsky, reported that his unit was ordered to shoot civilians if necessary.
Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary, Lucas Ribeiro de Jesus, admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region. A criminal case has been initiated against him.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces used drones to attack Russian logistics in the Kursk region, destroying seven transport vehicles.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the Kursk region.
Donetsk Front:
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk:
Russian Control: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with intense fighting ongoing.
Encirclement Efforts: Russian forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian forces near the Kurakhov thermal power plant.
Territories Liberated: Russian forces liberated Ostrovsky (Konstantinopolskoe) and Zelenovka southwest of Kurakhove and secured a foothold in Novyi Komar. Russian forces liberated Uspenivka.
Advance Towards Ukrainka: Russian forces advanced towards Ukrainka from Pushkino and Novoolenivka.
Clashes: Clashes reported near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove, Yantarne, Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, and Novoolenivka. Russian forces engaged in combat north of Shevchenko and Novy Trud, reached Novovasilievka, and made significant advances on the Zheltaya-Pushkino line and north of Zarya. Near Kurakhovo, Russian forces took control of a significant part of Uspenovka and advanced along the Sukhoi Yal River towards Konstantinopolskoye.
Ukrainian Response: Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk to slow the Russian advance. Ukrainian forces replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).
New Reports: On the Krasnoarmeysk front, Russian forces engaged in combat north of Shevchenko and Novy Trud, reached Novovasilievka, and made significant advances on the Zheltaya-Pushkino line and north of Zarya. Near Kurakhovo, Russian forces took control of a significant part of Uspenovka and advanced along the Sukhoi Yal River towards Konstantinopolskoye.
New Liberations: The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Uspenovka and Novopustynka.
One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
Vremivka Direction:
Success in Novyi Komar: Russian forces achieved success in Novyi Komar, with ongoing clearing operations.
Attacks Near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve: Russian forces are attacking near these settlements, aiming to expand their control.
Capture of Stronghold: Russian forces advanced north of Nesterianka, capturing a Ukrainian stronghold.
Clashes: Clashes reported near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil, and Novodarivka. In the area of Velikaya Novoselka, Russian assault units reached the western part of Razdolnoye, expanded their control zone in Novy Komar, and occupied positions on the western bank of the Mokrye Yaly River near Makarovka. Russian forces continued mechanized attacks near Rovnopol towards Babya Gora.
Strategic Implications: The advances in the Vremivka direction suggest a Russian effort to push towards Velyka Novosilka and destabilize Ukrainian defenses in the southern Donetsk region.
New Reports: In the area of Velikaya Novoselka, Russian assault units reached the western part of Razdolnoye, expanded their control zone in Novy Komar, and occupied positions on the western bank of the Mokrye Yaly River near Makarovka. Russian forces continued mechanized attacks near Rovnopol towards Babya Gora. On the Orekhovsky front, Russian forces attacked a Ukrainian stronghold north of Nesterianka.
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.
New Reports: The Armed Forces of Ukraine were confirmed to have control over the territory of the Refractory Compound in Chasov Yar. Russian forces initiated offensive actions in the Kulatsky Khutor microdistrict in the southern part of Dzerzhinsk. 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.
Other Significant Developments
Drone Warfare:
Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Russian forces are using approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone.
Russian forces destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions.
Ukrainian forces used drones to target a Russian position near a road and successfully targeted two soldiers in the open.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to drop multiple munitions on targets, including personnel and buildings.
A Russian military drone destroyed a camouflaged M119 howitzer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
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.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Pilots from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade are destroying enemy armored vehicles along with their occupants.
Russian forces used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations along a road in Kursk region.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported activity of Russian tactical aviation in the east, with a threat of the use of aerial weapons.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported destroying all drones launched by Russia to attack Kyiv.
An advertisement for drone operator training in Moscow was released, offering courses starting February 4, 2025.
A video from the 65th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces showed drone strikes on Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
A video from the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces showed a drone strike on a Russian "space marine" on the Bakhmut front.
A Ukrainian sniper from the "Sniper Group E40" was shown targeting and eliminating a Russian soldier, with the kill confirmed by drone footage.
A Russian soldier, Maxim Potashev, was awarded the title of Hero of Russia for destroying multiple Ukrainian targets with UAVs. He was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
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.
425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko.
Drone operators of the Southern group of forces disrupted the rotation of a unit of the 33rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kurakhovo direction. Operators first targeted the personnel, and then finished off the ammunition that was brought in with drops.
Ukrainian forces reported that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Ukrainian forces used drones to attack Russian logistics in the Kursk region, destroying seven transport vehicles.
Drone operators of the Southern group of forces disrupted the rotation of a unit of the 33rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations in the Kursk region, targeting various Russian military vehicles.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces used drones to attack Russian logistics in the Kursk region, destroying seven transport vehicles.
Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
Video shows Ukrainian forces using a drone to destroy a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
Ukrainian forces are utilizing a drone to drop multiple munitions on targets, including personnel and buildings.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
Testimony of Russian POW: A captured Russian soldier provided testimony detailing manpower shortages, inadequate training, low morale, and broken promises within the Russian military. Another Russian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region under orders from his commanders.
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 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 and stated that Zelensky has completely ruled out the possibility of continuing gas transit through Ukraine, potentially harming the European bloc.
Hungary: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will reportedly postpone the decision on extending sanctions against Russia until after Trump's inauguration. The EU Council called a mistake its statement that "Ukraine must win this war."
Turkey: Turkey reportedly received an exemption from the US for Gazprombank for gas payments from Russia.
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. Two people died in a train collision near Murmansk.
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.
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. Ukrainian officials reported that the cyberattack on the state registry systems did not result in data leaks.
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.
New statement from the Pentagon: There are about 2,000 US troops in Syria, not 900 as previously stated.
NATO Preparation: NATO is reportedly preparing for war with Russia, and Moscow is taking these risks into account in its military planning.
Poland: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Lviv to meet with President Zelensky.
Steam Platform Disruption: Russian media reported a global disruption in the operation of the Steam platform.
New Bill: The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a bill to compensate for property destroyed in temporarily occupied territories and active combat zones. The law will come into effect four months after the President signs it.
Ukrainian Military Formation: The Ukrainian military is forming a third heavy mechanized brigade from the 5th Separate Tank Brigade, following similar changes with the 17th Tank and 117th Mechanized Brigades. The structure is expected to include at least 2-3 tank battalions and 2-3 mechanized battalions.
Map of Deployment: A map dated December 20, 2024, shows the deployment of Ukrainian heavy mechanized brigades, particularly around Donetsk, indicating a dynamic frontline with contested regions and potential offensive actions.
Collection for Repeater: A collection is underway for a repeater for a drone strike group, with a goal of 38,000 UAH.
Russian Hero: A Russian soldier, Maxim Potashev, was awarded the title of Hero of Russia for destroying multiple Ukrainian targets with UAVs. He was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Ukrainian Soldier Captured: A Ukrainian soldier was captured in the Kursk region and admitted to receiving orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
Russian Ka-52 Helicopter: A Russian Ka-52 helicopter accompanied an Il-76MD military transport aircraft during takeoff from the Khmeimim airbase.
Brazilian Mercenary: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
HIMARS Attack: 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.
Russian UN Statement: The Russian Permanent Mission to the UN stated it will raise the issue of the terrorist attack on Kirillov at a Security Council meeting on December 20.
Russian Attacks: Russian forces attacked positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Nechaev and in the direction of Kruglyakovka in the Kursk region.
Russian Advances: Russian forces established confident control over positions east of Novoyvanovka in the Kursk region.
AFU Control: The Armed Forces of Ukraine were confirmed to have control over the territory of the Refractory Compound in Chasov Yar.
Russian Offensive Actions: Russian forces initiated offensive actions in the Kulatsky Khutor microdistrict in the southern part of Dzerzhinsk.
Rostov Region Attack: The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that on December 18, 2024, the AFU launched a missile strike at the Kombinat Kamensky enterprise in Rostov region by six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-based cruise missiles from the territory of Ukraine. In response, Russian forces conducted a strike on a command post of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Luch Design Bureau, and a Patriot SAM system position.
Russian Advances: The total advance of Russian forces in the area of operations was reported as +64.2 km², with a daily advance rate of 16.05 km². In the Kursk region, the total advance was +14.9 km².
Family Tragedy: A participant in the conflict reportedly killed his 14-year-old daughter, injured his wife and son, and then committed suicide. The family had come to visit him from Yakutia.
Ukrainian President's Statement: Ukrainian President Zelensky reportedly ruled out the possibility of continuing gas transit through Ukraine, according to Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Fire in Boryspil: Firefighters battled a large warehouse fire in Boryspil, near Kyiv, following a missile attack.
Ukrainian Parliament Bill: The Ukrainian Parliament passed a bill on compensation for destroyed property in temporarily occupied territories and active combat zones.
Ukrainian Drone Testing: The Ukrainian General Staff reported that a series of drones with fiber optic communication, including the "BLACK WIDOW WEB 10" kamikaze drone, have successfully completed testing.
Donations: Donations of 2,000 UAH and 3,000 UAH were made to support Ukrainian causes and military support.
Estimated Enemy Losses: The Ukrainian Operational Tactical Group (OTG) "Kharkiv" reported on the estimated losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022, to December 20, 2024, including personnel, aircraft, helicopters, tanks, UAVs, armored personnel vehicles, cruise missiles, artillery systems, warships/boats, MLRS, submarines, anti-aircraft warfare systems, vehicles and fuel tanks, and special equipment.
Cyber Attack Aftermath: Ukrainian state registries were reportedly taken down by Russian hackers, causing significant disruption.
Terrorist Attack in Moscow: A military expert, Eduard Basurin, commented on the December 17th terrorist attack in Moscow on Ryazansky Prospekt, which resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, suggesting UK involvement.
Russian Offensive Preparations: Russian forces are reportedly preparing for an offensive on Kherson, while Ukrainian forces are preparing to repel a potential Russian attack, according to statements from officials on both sides.
Casualties in Kherson: Ukrainian authorities reported that one person was killed and 18 were injured in Kherson region due to Russian shelling.
Detainment in Kursk: Russian media reported that the head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained in connection with the construction of defense structures.
Ukrainian Defense Forces Report: The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported that they are continuing to repel enemy attacks and inflict fire damage on enemy positions and rear areas. They reported losses for the enemy in terms of personnel, artillery systems, anti-tank missile systems, vehicles, tanks, UAVs, boats, ATVs, quad bikes, motorcycles, UAV control antennas, electronic warfare stations, video surveillance cameras, Starlink systems, and generators. They also reported damage to enemy dugouts, personnel shelters, UAV control points, ammunition storage, observation posts, and a firing position.
Ukrainian Air Force Pilots: Ukrainian Air Force pilots reportedly sent a "pre-Christmas greeting" to Russian forces.
73rd Special Operations Center Video: A video from the 73rd Special Operations Center showcased their capabilities in night operations, maritime operations, and land warfare, emphasizing their readiness and professionalism.
Russian EOD Specialists: Russian EOD specialists from the Sever Group of Forces are continuing to neutralize explosive objects in liberated areas of the Kursk region.
14th Guards Special Forces Brigade Video: A video from the 14th Guards Special Forces Brigade showed the destruction of a concentration of enemy infantry on the South Donetsk front using UAVs.
Detainment in Kursk: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was reportedly detained in connection with the construction of defense structures.
Verkhovna Rada Bill: The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed a bill on compensation for destroyed property in temporarily occupied territories and active combat zones, as reported by the head of the VRU, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Steam Platform Disruption: Russian media reported a global disruption in the operation of the Steam platform.
Corruption in Kursk: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region, Vladimir Lukin, was detained for alleged embezzlement of over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications. He was found with nearly 2 million rubles in cash and a collection of luxury watches worth over $100,000.
Explosions in Donetsk: Six explosions were reported in Donetsk, with damage to a building used by the "MGB DNR" (now the FSB of the Russian Federation). The building reportedly had a history of being used for torture.
Water Supply in Donetsk: Water supply in Donetsk will be reduced until December 25 due to planned repairs.
Military Technology Claims: CNN published a statement from Patrick Senft of Armament Research Services about Ukraine's potential to develop directed-energy weapons. The statement suggests that Ukraine could develop functional directed-energy weapons (DEW) capable of destroying some aerial targets, especially using commercial welding lasers combined with other available technologies. This is seen as a way to conceal the delivery of experimental Western laser weapons to Ukraine.
Drone Strike Aftermath: A video showed the aftermath of a drone strike in Donetsk, with a body lying amidst the debris.
Russian MoD statements: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 59 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered in the past week, 10 settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic were liberated, MiG-29 aircraft and 519 Ukrainian drones were shot down, 24 strikes were carried out using high-precision weapons and drones, hitting energy facilities supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Ukrainian forces lost over 3,610 soldiers in the responsibility zone of the "West" group, over 2,675 soldiers in the responsibility zone of the "North" group, up to 440 soldiers and 6 field ammunition depots in the responsibility zone of the "Dnepr" group, up to 1,250 soldiers and one Leopard tank in the responsibility zone of the "East" group, over 2,365 soldiers in the responsibility zone of the "South" group, and over 2,945 soldiers in the responsibility zone of the "Center" group, with two tanks and 15 armored fighting vehicles destroyed.
Georgian Ministry of Defense: The Ministry of Defense of Georgia summoned the British ambassador after the UK imposed sanctions on the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic and other high-ranking officials.
Podcast on "Komsomolskaya Pravda-Novorossiya": A new podcast episode of "Basurin Responds!" was released, featuring a discussion with historian, publicist, and expert of the Izborsk Club, Alexander Dmitrievsky, on topics including the borders of modern Russia, repeated peace initiatives from the Russian President, the freezing of the Ukrainian conflict, the "State of Ukraine" project, the restoration of liberated territories, and the Intermovement of Donbas.
Pensioner Conviction: A 75-year-old pensioner from Omsk was found guilty of "rehabilitating Nazism" for reposting content from the social network "Odnoklassniki". She received a one-year suspended sentence and a two-year ban on posting online.
New Reports: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 2,200 Russian soldiers were killed, and 8 tanks, 24 armored fighting vehicles, 42 artillery systems, and 1 air defense system were destroyed in the past 24 hours.
New Reports: Ukrainian forces reported that they destroyed a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station using drones. They also reported high levels of enemy drone activity in the Kherson region. The bodies of North Korean soldiers have been reported to have been found in the Kursk region. A Ukrainian soldier was captured in the Kursk region and confessed to receiving orders to shoot civilians. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. Russian forces reported destroying an enemy command post using drones. A video from the 73rd Special Operations Center showcased their capabilities in night operations, maritime operations, and land warfare.
New Reports: The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Uspenovka and Novopustynka.
New Reports: Russian forces reported destroying an enemy command post using drones.
Body Exchange: Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of deceased soldiers, with Russia handing over 503 bodies and receiving 42 in return. Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers - 42 for 508. The proportions again indicate the terrible losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On November 29, an exchange of 48 Russian soldiers for 502 Ukrainian soldiers took place. On November 8 - 37 for 563. As of the end of November, the total number of already identified bodies of soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stored in the morgues of southern Russia awaiting exchange exceeded 4,000.
Financial Aid to Ukraine: The Biden administration is preparing a $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine. Ukraine has begun to receive money from frozen Russian assets.
Allegations of Mistreatment in Yakutsk Detention Center: A video was released alleging that captured soldiers in a Yakutsk pre-trial detention center were being tortured to force them to return to the front. The alleged mistreatment included beatings
