Major Military Situation Updates - December 20, 2024, 18:55 UTC
Kyiv Missile Attack Aftermath
Kyiv Under Attack: Kyiv was struck by multiple missiles and drones on December 20th. The Holosiivskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts were impacted, with debris causing fires and damage.
Casualties: One fatality in the Holosiivskyi district, with the injured count in Kyiv rising to 13.
Infrastructure Damage:
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: 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. The warehouse of the "Silpo" retail chain was destroyed, causing over 400 million hryvnias in damage.
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. Germany is reportedly sending 20 additional Marder IFVs to Ukraine, with delivery expected in the first half of 2025.
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.
Intensified Drone Warfare Across Ukraine
Widespread Drone Activity: Reports of high drone activity across numerous regions including Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Tatarbunary, Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, Kryvyi Rih, Myrhorod, Shostka, Pryluky, Kremenchuk, Okhtyrka, Shepetivka, Smila, Kamianske, Izium, and Ukrainka.
Specific Drone Movements:
New drone groups entering Sumy Oblast from Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
Drones reported near Kharkiv, Pavlohrad, Dnipro, Tatarbunary, Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv, and Kherson.
Drone activity in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
High-speed drones threatening Ternopil.
Drones moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
Large group of drones launched from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary.
Drones approaching Kherson and Mykolaiv from Zelenovka.
Enemy drones moving towards Myrhorod and over Pavlohrad.
Sumy under threat from the northwest and northeast.
Drone groups moving from occupied territories through Zaporizhzhia towards Dnipropetrovsk.
8 drones moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
4 drones in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka.
1 drone approaching Shepetivka.
2 drones near Zhytomyr, heading southwest.
5 drones north of Cherkasy.
1 drone flying past Cherkasy towards Smila.
1 drone east of Cherkasy.
1 drone in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading towards Kamianske.
1 drone in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium.
1 drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
6 drones are circling north of Cherkasy.
1 drone is west of Smila, heading southwest.
1 new drone is in Sumy Oblast, flying towards Poltava Oblast.
1 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.
Drone Warfare Incidents:
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces targeted Russian positions and soldiers with drones.
Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged M119 howitzer with a drone.
Germany transferred Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over Dnipropetrovsk region.
Russian forces disrupted Ukrainian mine-laying operations in Kursk region with drones.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaged a Russian command post with drones.
Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces destroyed a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region with an FPV drone.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian BMPT "Terminator" near Kreminna.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk with an FPV drone.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
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.
Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
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.
Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
422nd Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems Luftwaffe on the Zaporizhzhia direction hit and destroyed a buggy, 2 ATVs, 9 dugouts, 8 shelters, 6 enemy KIA and 5 WIA.
UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations in the Kursk region, targeting various Russian military vehicles.
Ukrainian forces report that they destroyed 3 Russian BTRs and damaged a Russian position near Kursk.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
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.
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.
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. Ukrainian forces are dropping leaflets in Korean, targeting North Korean soldiers in the Kursk area.
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. A pregnant woman was injured in the shelling. 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. Russia states that the massive strike on Ukrainian infrastructure on December 17th was a response to the Ukrainian use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog.
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.
Kryvyi Rih and Nikopolshchyna Attacked: Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, damaging infrastructure, two nine-story buildings, a hospital, a school, a store, and ten cars. One of the boilers was stopped in Kryvyi Rih. Traffic was restored, and the overhead wires were repaired. They also attacked Nikopolshchyna 15 times throughout the day using heavy artillery and kamikaze drones, damaging five private houses and two outbuildings.
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. Russian forces cleared Novyi Komar, with marines from the 40th Brigade, motorized riflemen, and tank crews from the 36th Army participating. Velyka Novosilka is increasingly surrounded.
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. Russian forces advanced in Dzerzhinsk (Toretsk) towards Krymske.
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: See details in the "Intensified Drone Warfare Across Ukraine" section above.
Assassination of a Russian General:
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.
Russian officials confirmed his death, along with his assistant, Major Polikarpov.
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. The suspect is being investigated by the Uzbek authorities. The detonation was triggered remotely from Dnipro, Ukraine. The suspect has been transported to the scene of the crime for investigative actions. New suspects might be identified.
Medvedev stated that the military-political leadership of the Kyiv regime will face inevitable retribution 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.
Maria Zakharova stated that the attack against Kirillov was a result of the West's approval of Kyiv's crimes.
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, stated that special services are efficiently investigating the murder and that it is obvious that the Kyiv regime is the customer.
Russian authorities indicated that new suspects might be identified.
The Uzbekistan embassy is in contact with Russia regarding the citizen detained for the murder.
CNN published an article stating that Kirillov's death was caused by Ukrainian operatives.
The head of the Ukrainian Security Services, Vasyl Malyuk, is suspected to be responsible for organizing the assassination.
There was a discussion about the assassination of Kirillov in the Security Service of Ukraine.
Ryabkov stated that the reaction of the West to the murder of Kirillov confirms that they divide terrorists into "us" and "them".
New: A scandal has emerged regarding a CNN report from the location of Kirillov's assassination, raising questions about foreign journalist activity in Russia and potential security breaches.
Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine:
War Crimes: A Russian lieutenant general has been charged with ordering the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The deputy chief of the Russian general staff has been charged with organizing a missile strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk that killed a Reuters journalist.
Collaborators: The head of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with a Russian online casino. A group in Dnipropetrovsk was exposed for gathering data on F-16 fighter jets for the enemy.
Organized Crime: Channels for drug supply and distribution were eliminated in Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv. A private notary in Kyiv and four others are suspected of forging over 2,000 documents.
Anti-Corruption: The head of the Mariupol Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC) is suspected of extorting bribes from internally displaced persons for disability status.
Case of the Week: A suspect in the February 14 terrorist attack in Dnipro, which resulted in one death and injuries to police officers, has been detained without bail.
Military Operations:
Ukrainian sniper fire eliminated a Russian soldier near Pokrovsk, confirmed by drone footage from the 425th Separate Assault Battalion "Skala".
Update on the Military Situation Based on New Messages
The military situation remains highly dynamic, with significant developments in drone warfare, the Kursk region, and further details emerging about the assassination of Lt. Gen. Kirillov.
Drone Activity Intensifies
New Drone Threats: Multiple new groups of drones are reported across various regions.
Sumy Oblast: New groups entering from Kursk region, moving west/southwest. Additional drones reported in the south, heading towards Poltava. Drone activity continues with reports of drones moving through the center of the region in a northeasterly direction, and through the southeast and southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction.
Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava Oblasts: Drones reported moving through these regions, with specific movements towards Pavlohrad, Pokrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.
Cherkasy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi Oblasts: Drone activity reported with movements towards Cherkasy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytskyi.
Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast.
New: Air raid alerts issued for Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts due to drone activity.
New: Air Force reports multiple drone groups heading north from Poltava towards Cherkasy.
New: Air Force reports drone threat for Zaporizhzhia.
New: Air Force reports drone threat for Sumy from the northwest.
New: Air Force reports drone threat for Pryluky from the north.
New: Air Force reports drone threat for Myrhorod from the northeast.
New: Air Force reports drone threat for Cherkasy from the northeast.
New: Air Force reports drone threat for Kyiv from the northeast.
Air Defense Activation: Air defense is reported to be active in Sumy Oblast.
Russian Tactical Aviation: Active in Sumy Oblast, conducting guided air bomb strikes.
Drone Warfare Continues:
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
A group of UAVs is moving in Sumy Oblast in the direction of Chernihiv and Poltava Oblasts.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
Kursk Region: Focus of Intense Fighting
Heavy Fighting: 55 engagements reported, with 25 ongoing. Kursk remains the hottest point with 57 clashes.
Russian Advances:
Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district.
Russian forces took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo.
Russian marines took a fortified position in the Kursk border region.
Paratroopers are pushing Ukrainian units back from the Kursk region. Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district.
Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with Russian infantry attacking Ukrainian positions near Nechaev.
Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo using large infantry units. Ukrainian forces lost their strongholds in the forest belt.
New: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
New: Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
New: 76th Airborne Division reportedly storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
Ukrainian Counterattacks: Four unsuccessful counterattacks using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS were repelled.
North Korean Involvement: Reports continue to claim North Korean special forces involvement, with further reports of casualties. Three North Korean soldiers have also been reported missing near Kurilovka. The involvement of North Korean troops is not yet confirmed.
HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, resulting in heavy losses.
Casualties: Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank.
New: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
New: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
New: Explosions reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
New: 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, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The attack suggests a complex and coordinated effort, with concentrations near Kyiv, western regions, and some paths reaching as far south as Odesa.
Rylsk Under Attack
Heavy Shelling: The town of Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions.
Casualties: At least six killed, including a child, and up to 30 injured. A 13-year-old child is among the injured.
Damage: Significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including the Church of the Ascension.
Escalation: The Russian MoD claims this attack is retaliation for Ukraine's prior use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, suggesting a potential cycle of escalation.
New: The Russian MoD reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost 225 troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five armored fighting vehicles in the Kursk direction in the past 24 hours.
Assassination of Lt. Gen. Kirillov: Further Developments
Suspect Charged: The arrested suspect, Akhmad Kurbanov, has been charged with terrorism and illegal manufacturing of explosives. He is awaiting trial.
Investigation Continues: FSB and Uzbek special services are working to identify accomplices.
Uzbekistan's Response: President Mirziyoyev expressed condolences and condemned the assassination, offering assistance in the investigation.
Scandal: A scandal has emerged regarding a CNN report from the location of Kirillov's assassination, raising questions about foreign journalist activity in Russia and potential security breaches.
Other Notable Updates
Eastern Front:
Kurakhove and Pokrovsk: Intense fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling approximately
