Major Military Situation Updates - December 20, 2024, 17:25 UTC
Kyiv Missile Attack Aftermath
Kyiv Under Attack: Kyiv was struck by multiple explosions in the early hours of December 20th. The Holosiivskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts were impacted, with missile and drone debris causing fires and damage.
Casualties: One fatality was reported in the Holosiivskyi district, with the injured count in Kyiv rising to 13.
Infrastructure Damage: Extensive damage to civilian infrastructure was reported.
Holosiivskyi District: 630 buildings, 16 medical facilities, 17 schools, and 13 kindergartens were initially without heat. "Kyivteploenergo" restored heat to most buildings, leaving only 3 buildings without. 18 houses, one hospital, and 13 administrative buildings remain without heating and hot water.
Toronto Business Center: Suffered significant damage, including blown-out windows, facade damage, and severe roof damage.
St. Nicholas Cathedral: Damaged from a nearby strike, with windows and facade affected.
Boryspil: A large warehouse fire occurred following a missile attack.
Missile Interception: Ukrainian Air Force reports the interception and destruction of all five ballistic missiles launched at Kyiv, including Khinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and a guided X-59/69 air-launched missile.
Air Defense: Ukrainian air defenses destroyed all 5 ballistic missiles and 40 out of 65 drones, with 20 drones failing to reach their targets. Germany transferred a sixth IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine and plans to transfer 4 more IRIS-T SLM and 3 IRIS-T SLS by next year.
Aftermath: Videos and images show widespread damage to civilian buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. Emergency services are actively responding.
Diplomatic Missions Damaged: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported damage to foreign diplomatic missions, including those of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Montenegro. A spokesperson condemned the attacks on diplomatic missions.
Drone Activity: New drone groups were reported entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region. Drone threats were reported across various regions, including Kharkiv, Pavlohrad, Dnipro, Tatarbunary, Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv, and Kherson.
Southern Front: Kherson Under Siege
Intense Shelling: Kherson and its suburbs are under continuous shelling from the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.
Casualties: One person was killed, and eighteen were injured in Kherson due to increased shelling.
Sabotage and Reconnaissance: A Russian DRG was reportedly destroyed near Kherson, and another near the Sumy region border.
Offensive Preparations: Russian forces are reportedly preparing for an offensive on Kherson, while Ukrainian forces are preparing to repel a potential attack.
High Drone Activity: High levels of enemy drone activity are reported near the Antonovsky bridge. The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported over 300 shelling incidents, 363 FPV drone strikes, and 350 shrapnel munitions dropped.
Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaged a Russian command post with drones. A video shows a drone duel over Chasov Yar. Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs. A Ukrainian sniper successfully targeted and eliminated a Russian soldier, confirmed by drone footage. Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Ukrainian Defense Forces Report: Ukrainian forces repelled 8 enemy attacks, including 4 in the Zaporizhzhia direction near Novodarivka and Novopola. They also reported 25 guided aerial bombs and 20 unguided aerial missiles launched at settlements in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Russian Advances on Multiple Fronts
Kursk Region:
Significant Gains: Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. They established control over positions east of Novoyvanovka and were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front. Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Nechaev and in the direction of Kruglyakovka.
Disrupted Rotation and Mine-Laying: Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation and used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations.
Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting continues along the front line, with 55 engagements reported and 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 North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers. Reports suggest North Korean soldiers are being treated in the Kursk city hospital, though evidence of their involvement remains weak.
Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region. Another Ukrainian soldier reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces conducted successful drone operations, targeting Russian military vehicles and logistics. UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations, targeting various Russian military vehicles. Ukrainian forces reported that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
VSU Losses: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the region.
Rylsk Shelling: The town of Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions, resulting in multiple civilian casualties (at least five killed and up to 30 injured) and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
Strategic Implications: The Russian advances represent a significant development, potentially opening a new front and stretching Ukrainian defenses.
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), Zelenovka, Uspenivka, and secured a foothold in Novyi Komar. They also attacked from Shevchenko, advancing west of Novotroitskoye, and capturing the northeastern outskirts of Novovasilyevka.
Advance Towards Ukrainka: Russian forces advanced towards Ukrainka from Pushkino and Novoolenivka.
Clashes: Clashes were reported near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove, Yantarne, Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, and Novoolenivka. Russian forces took control of a significant part of Uspenovka and advanced along the Sukhoi Yal River towards Konstantinopolskoye. They are trying to develop success in the Zelenovka area after taking Konstantinopilskoye, they are attacking Gigant. North of Dalne, Russian forces are bypassing the line of defense on the right bank of the river in the direction of Yantarnoye.
Ukrainian Response: Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a bridge leading to Pokrovsk and replaced the commander of the "Donetsk" Operational Tactical Group (OTG).
Drone Operations: Drone operators of the Southern group of forces disrupted the rotation of a unit of the 33rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko.
Strategic Implications: The advances near Kurakhove and Pokrovsk indicate a sustained Russian offensive, aiming to capture key towns and encircle Ukrainian 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.
Capture of Stronghold: Russian forces captured a Ukrainian stronghold north of Nesterianka.
Clashes: Clashes were reported near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil, and Novodarivka. 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. Russian assault units crossed the river between Storozhevoe and Makarivka. Ukrainian forces are reporting that the Russians are about to cut off Makarivka and that pressure is also being exerted on Storozhevoe.
Strategic Implications: The advances suggest a Russian effort to push towards Velyka Novosilka and destabilize Ukrainian defenses in the southern Donetsk region.
Toretsk and Chasov Yar:
Consolidation and Advances: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with street fighting ongoing for two months. The city is effectively divided in half. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine.
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.
Other Significant Developments
Extensive Drone Warfare:
Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones overnight, and approximately 100 Geran drones were used to deplete Ukrainian air defenses.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
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.
Germany is transferring a new batch of Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone.
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.
"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.
Ukrainian forces are using FPV drones to target Russian logistics and troops in the Kursk region.
Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed an ammunition depot near Markine in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian "Sherhni Dovbush" unit conducted a successful drone strike on a Russian soldier in an open field.
Ukrainian "Shadow" unit used drones to successfully attack a Russian position in a residential area during the day, and a Russian bunker at night.
Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian logistics and troops are reported, including the destruction of a Ukrainian ammunition depot.
Russian drone teams are active in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, positions, and armored vehicles.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
+330 drones were purchased thanks to donations. In total, 127,329 FPV drones have been purchased.
Donetsk scouts identify positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then destroy them.
There is a graph showing the number of drone launches over a 7 day period.
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.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
Groups of enemy drones are moving from the temporarily occupied territories through Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
