Major Military Situation Updates - December 21, 2024, 06:25 UTC
Aerial Warfare: Drone and Guided Bomb Attacks
New Guided Bomb Strikes: Russian tactical aviation has launched multiple guided bomb strikes on northern Donetsk Oblast. This signals a continuation of Russian air attacks targeting Ukrainian positions and infrastructure in the region.
Updated Drone Movements:
Poltava Oblast: A drone is moving through the west of the region in a southerly/southwesterly direction. A drone on the border of Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts is moving south. Another drone on the border of Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts is moving north. A drone is moving through the border of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts, in a northwesterly direction. An enemy drone was reported on the northeast of Poltava region, moving southwest. A drone was reported in the north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast. A drone was reported in Poltava, heading north. 8 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. 4 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
Vinnytsia Oblast: A drone is moving through the north of the region in a northerly/northeasterly direction.
Zhytomyr Oblast: A drone in the south of the region is moving northeast. A drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv. One drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast. A drone was reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi. 2 drones were reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest. 4 drones were reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka. A drone was reported approaching Shepetivka.
Chernihiv Oblast: A drone from Cherkasy Oblast is moving into Chernihiv Oblast. Drones are moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Drones are moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. A group of attack drones was reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones were reported near Pryluky.
Kyiv Oblast: A drone in the north of the region is moving northeast. A drone in the west is moving east. A drone is moving towards Kyiv from the southwest. One drone is approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka.
Sumy Oblast: New groups of drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. New groups of drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest. There is also a report of a drone flying over Shostka heading west. Drones are moving through the center of Sumy Oblast in a northeasterly direction. A drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south. A drone was reported near Okhtyrka. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. New groups of drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest. There is also a report of a drone flying over Shostka heading west. Drones are moving through the center of Sumy Oblast in a northeasterly direction. Drones are moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Drones are moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Multiple drones are reported to be approaching or over Sumy. Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. 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. An attack drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. New groups of drones are entering the eastern part of the region, moving south/southwest. There is also a report of a drone flying over Shostka heading west and 7 drones north of Myrhorod heading south.
Voronezh Oblast: Russian air defense systems have successfully intercepted several Ukrainian drones.
Cherkasy Oblast: 6 drones were reported circling north of Cherkasy. 5 drones were reported north of Cherkasy. One drone was reported flying past Cherkasy towards Smila. One drone was reported east of Cherkasy. One drone was reported west of Smila, heading southwest.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone was reported in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading towards Kamianske. The aggressor dropped a munition from a drone on the Manganets community and shelled the Myriv community with heavy artillery. No casualties were reported. A hostile UAV was destroyed in the area by the Air Command "East".
Kharkiv Oblast: A drone was reported in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium. 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv.
Khmelnytskyi Oblast: There is a drone threat in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Tatarstan: A Ukrainian UAV was shot down over Tatarstan. A UAV reportedly crashed into a residential building in Kazan.
Air Alert in Lipetsk Oblast: An air alert has been declared for the entire Lipetsk Oblast. The air alert was later lifted.
Threat of Air Strikes: Enemy tactical aviation activity is observed in the eastern direction. There is a threat of the use of aviation means of destruction for front-line regions.
Sochi Explosions: A series of explosions were reported over Sochi, with local residents hearing 7-10 blasts. Preliminary reports indicate Russian air defense systems were active, potentially targeting drones. Official confirmation is pending.
Air Defense Interceptions: Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 19 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, including nine over Belgorod Oblast, five over Voronezh Oblast, three over the Black Sea, and one each over Kursk and Krasnodar Oblasts. An additional 13 Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions.
End of Drone Threat: The threat of using strike UAVs in all areas has ended.
Drone Activity Across Regions: High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil. Multiple drones are reported to be active across Ukraine, moving towards or over Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia. A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the north. A large group of drones launched from the Black Sea, moving towards Tatarbunary. Drones are approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih. Drones are moving northwest from the border with Mykolaiv Oblast. Drones are approaching Kherson from the direction of Zelenovka. Drones are moving west/southwest from the southern part of the region. One drone is approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Zelenovka. Drone activity is reported across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. New groups of drones are entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv. Groups of enemy drones are moving from the temporarily occupied territories through Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. An enemy drone is moving towards Myrhorod from the east. Enemy drones are moving northwest over Pavlohrad. Groups of enemy drones are moving from the temporarily occupied territories through Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Drone Warfare: 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. 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. 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. Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian BMPT "Terminator" near Kreminna. 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. 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. 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. Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk. 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. 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. Operators of drones of the 3rd Tank Battalion, 68th Tank Regiment, 150th Division, 8th Guards Army of the Russian Armed Forces have learned to hit closed positions of Ukrainian nationalists by "twisting" the dropped ammunition along an oblique trajectory. Now the enemy cannot hide from experienced drone operators, even in closed places, which significantly increases the effectiveness of combat operations and control over the situation at the front. A Russian electronic warfare system intercepted a Ukrainian drone with a cumulative-fragmentation charge near a large power substation in Donetsk.
Ground Warfare: Continued Russian Advances
Chasov Yar, Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
Mikhailovka, Donetsk Oblast: A damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported in Mikhailovka, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian Advances: Russian forces continue to make advances in several directions, including Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Kursk.
Kursk Region: Russian forces made significant progress, fully liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
Donetsk Front: 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."
Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk): Russian forces continue attacks in the southern part of the Забалка (Kulatsky Khutor) district, in the direction of Koksovaya Street (through the passage between the spoil tips), along Svetlaya Street, and in the direction of the Toretskaya mine. Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast to save the Ukrainian forces from the fire bag formed by Russian forces.
Pokrovsk Direction: High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko. Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east, and have advanced west of Zarya to a depth of 500 meters in the direction of Slavyanka. This is not only a movement towards Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) but also an advance towards the enemy's Yasenevoe-Konstantinopol road, which should finally deprive the Ukrainian Armed Forces of the ability to maneuver northwest of Kurakhovo.
Kurakhovo Direction: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed, its capture completed the work of the Russian Army to clean up the "pocket" in which several villages were located along the Sukhiye Yaly River. The city of Kurakhovo itself is almost completely liberated from the enemy, after the capture of high-rise buildings, the enemy's resistance lost its meaning.
Vremivka Direction: In the north of the Vremivka direction, the Russian Armed Forces raised a flag in Novyi Komar, the enemy remains to the southwest of the village.
Zaporizhzhia Front: In the area of Kamenskoye and north of Nesterianka, units of the Russian Armed Forces are conducting assault operations.
Naval Activity
Black Sea: 3 Russian ships, carrying up to 24 "Kalibr" missiles.
Azov Sea: No Russian ships present.
Mediterranean Sea: 6 Russian ships, 3 carrying up to 25 "Kalibr" missiles.
Kerch Strait Passage (past 24 hours):
To Black Sea: 3 ships, 1 continued to Bosporus.
To Azov Sea: 4 ships, 2 from Bosporus.
Violation of International Convention: Russia continues to violate the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by switching off automatic identification systems.
Other Significant Events
Russian Military Reports: The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces revealed and suppressed over 100 Ukrainian Armed Forces targets in a day. Russian anti-aircraft systems shot down Ukrainian reconnaissance drones "Fury", "Valkyrie", "Leleka-100", "Darts", "Skif", and "PD-1".
Kyivskyi District, Kharkiv: A Russian drone attack using a "Geran-2" UAV targeted a tree in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv at 23:40 on December 20th. The attack caused minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses, with some windows broken. Two people sought medical attention for acute stress reactions, including an elderly woman.
Roscosmos Deputy Head's Property Seized: A court has seized real estate belonging to a deputy head of Roscosmos, who is accused of embezzling 435 million rubles. The seized property includes a land plot in the Moscow region and five non-residential premises.
Investigation of Ukrainian Pilots Completed: The investigation of the case of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed. They are charged with seven articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, including terrorism, violation of the rules of international flights, and illegal crossing of the state border. They are being held in a Moscow pre-trial detention center.
Saur-Mogila Memorial Ceremony: A medal ceremony was held at the Saur-Mogila memorial in the Donetsk People's Republic, awarding medals "For Courage," "For Bravery," and Georgievsky Crosses to Russian military personnel.
Rylsk Attack: The death of a child in Rylsk was not confirmed, as a result of the attack of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, five people were killed. The families of those killed in Rylsk will receive 1.5 million rubles in compensation.
Belgorod Region: In the area of the village of Repyakhovka, Krasnoyaruzhsky district, two civilians were injured as a result of a drone attack. In Shebekino, an FPV drone was shot down with subsequent detonation on the ground, and a truck was attacked in the parking lot of an agricultural enterprise - the trailer was damaged. There are reports of strikes on the Shebekino-Belgorod road.
Donetsk People's Republic: In Donetsk, a dump truck driver was injured as a result of an enemy MLRS strike. In Horlivka, three civilians were injured by artillery shelling. In Selidovo, a woman born in 1951 was injured: the enemy was using NATO artillery.
Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka under heavy enemy fire. The evacuees expressed gratitude towards the Russian soldiers and reported negative experiences with Ukrainian forces.
Corruption Investigation in Kursk Oblast: The head of the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation and his deputy are under investigation for allegedly embezzling 800 million rubles allocated for fortifications in border areas.
Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk, with footage showing the aftermath of the strikes.
Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets via artillery shells, urging Ukrainian soldiers to surrender. The operation was filmed and shared by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Gratitude for Putin's Promise: The mother of an American journalist who disappeared 12 years ago in Syria expressed her deep gratitude to Putin for his promise to help find her son.
Zaporizhzhia: 4 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia as a result of a Russian attack, including a 12-year-old boy. 1 person was injured in the Pologovsky district, and 2 people were injured in the Vasilievsky district.
Ukrainian Recruitment: The age for military conscription in Ukraine will be lowered starting in 2025.
Kryvyi Rih: The situation in Kryvyi Rih is under control. All services, municipal transport, hospitals and social institutions are working.
Fico's Allegations: Slovakian Prime Minister Fico claims that Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets in exchange for Slovakia's consent to Ukraine's NATO membership.
Analysis of Captured and Damaged Military Equipment
Canadian "Roshel Senator" Armored Vehicle: Images show a damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle in Mikhailovka, Donetsk Oblast. The damage suggests it was likely hit by an anti-tank weapon or an IED. Its capture represents a loss for Ukrainian forces and a potential intelligence gain for Russia.
Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Vehicle: Images depict a damaged MEDEVAC vehicle, likely an armored personnel carrier repurposed for medical use. The damage, including a shattered window, suggests it was targeted or caught in crossfire, raising concerns about the safety of medical personnel and the protection of humanitarian laws.
Other Damaged Vehicles: Several other images show heavily damaged or destroyed vehicles, including an APC and a civilian-style vehicle. These images highlight the intensity of the conflict and the significant attrition of military equipment.
Analysis of Armored Vehicle Interior
Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) Interior: Images show the interior of an APC, likely undergoing maintenance or upgrades. The presence of communication cables and the overall condition of the vehicle suggest ongoing efforts to maintain operational readiness. The stenciled mark on the vehicle's interior could provide insights into its unit or area of operations.
Another APC Interior: An image of another APC interior shows a degree of disorder, suggesting recent use or a hasty departure. The presence of first aid supplies and other equipment indicates the vehicle's role in troop transport and logistics.
Analysis of Video of Russian Armored Vehicle
Russian BMP-2 or Similar: A video shows a Russian BMP-2 or similar armored vehicle, marked with a "Z" symbol, actively firing its autocannon while traversing muddy terrain. This indicates ongoing offensive or fire support operations. The vehicle's use of camouflage suggests awareness of potential threats, while the muddy terrain could affect its mobility and increase its vulnerability.
Analysis of Video of Russian Artillery System
Russian "Malka" Artillery System: A video shows a Russian "Malka" artillery system destroying a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment in the Kursk region. The video highlights the system's firepower and its role in targeting enemy assets.
Analysis of Video of Medal Ceremony
Saur-Mogila Memorial: A video shows a medal ceremony at the Saur-Mogila memorial in the Donetsk People's Republic. The video highlights the significance of the location and the awarding of medals to Russian military personnel for their service in the conflict. The video also includes interviews with soldiers, providing insights into their experiences and motivations.
Analysis of Video of Russian Drone Operators
Operators of drones of the 3rd Tank Battalion, 68th Tank Regiment, 150th Division, 8th Guards Army of the Russian Armed Forces have learned to hit closed positions of Ukrainian nationalists by "twisting" the dropped ammunition along an oblique trajectory. Now the enemy cannot hide from experienced drone operators, even in closed places, which significantly increases the effectiveness of combat operations and control over the situation at the front.
Strategic Implications
Continued Russian Advances: The continued Russian advances on multiple fronts, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, indicate a sustained offensive aimed at achieving significant territorial gains. The capture of several villages and the ongoing assault on Kurakhove and Chasov Yar demonstrate the intensity of the fighting and the pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
Drone Warfare: The persistent use of drones by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict and the importance of drone warfare in reconnaissance, targeting, and attack operations. The reported drone interceptions and the explosions in Sochi indicate ongoing efforts to counter this threat.
Humanitarian Concerns: The damage to a MEDEVAC vehicle underscores the dangers faced by medical personnel and the potential violations of international humanitarian law in the conflict zone. The civilian evacuation from Razdolnoye highlights the impact of the fighting on local populations and the challenges of ensuring their safety.
Logistical Challenges: The damaged and destroyed vehicles highlight the logistical challenges faced by both sides, including the need to replace lost equipment and maintain operational readiness. The strikes on Pokrovsk suggest attempts to disrupt enemy supply lines and logistics.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: The images and videos circulating on social media, often with watermarks indicating their source, are likely being used for propaganda purposes by both sides to influence public opinion and morale. The deployment of propaganda leaflets by Russian forces is a clear example of psychological warfare aimed at undermining enemy morale.
Corruption: The investigation into alleged corruption in the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation highlights the potential for internal issues to affect military operations and resource allocation.
Changes from Previous Situation (approximately 30 minutes ago):
Air Alert Lifted in Lipetsk Oblast: The air alert declared earlier for Lipetsk Oblast has been lifted.
Clarification on Rylsk Attack: The reported death of a child in Rylsk was not confirmed. Five people were killed in the attack.
New Reports on Ground Engagements: New reports have emerged detailing the ongoing fighting in the Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhovo, and Vremivka directions, as well as on the Zaporizhzhia front. These reports indicate continued Russian advances and high-intensity battles.
Casualties and Damage in Belgorod and Donetsk Regions: New reports detail casualties and damage from drone attacks and shelling in the Belgorod and Donetsk regions.
Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka under heavy enemy fire.
Corruption Investigation in Kursk Oblast: An investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds for fortifications in Kursk Oblast has been launched.
Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.
Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets via artillery shells.
Chasov Yar: Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
Zaporizhzhia: 4 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia as a result of a Russian attack, including a 12-year-old boy. 1 person was injured in the Pologovsky district, and 2 people were injured in the Vasilievsky district.
Ukrainian Recruitment: The age for military conscription in Ukraine will be lowered starting in 2025.
Kryvyi Rih: The situation in Kryvyi Rih is under control.
Fico's Allegations: Slovakian Prime Minister Fico claims that Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets in exchange for Slovakia's consent to Ukraine's NATO membership.
Changes from Previous Situation (2 hours ago):
New Drone Activity: Updated drone movements in Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Kyiv Oblasts. A drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv. A drone is moving towards Kyiv from the southwest. A drone is moving through the border of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts, in a northwesterly direction. An enemy drone was reported on the northeast of Poltava region, moving southwest. A drone was reported in the north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast. A drone was reported in Poltava, heading north. 8 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. 4 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. One drone is flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast. A drone was reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi. 2 drones were reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest. 4 drones were reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka. A drone was reported approaching Shepetivka. Drones are moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Drones are moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. A group of attack drones was reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones were reported near Pryluky. One drone is approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka. New groups of drones are entering Sumy
