Major Military Situation Updates - December 21, 2024, 08:55 UTC
Aerial Warfare: Extensive Drone Attacks and Air Defense Actions
Widespread Drone Activity:
Extensive drone activity reported across multiple regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.
Drones launched from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary.
Drones approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
New groups of drones entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv.
Drones moving northwest over Pavlohrad.
High-speed drones are a threat to Ternopil.
Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Poltava Oblast: Drone movements reported through the west in a southerly/southwesterly direction, on the border moving south, on the border moving north, on the border of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts in a northwesterly direction, northeast of the region moving southwest, in the north of Kremenchuk heading southeast, in Poltava heading north, and 8 drones moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast, 4 drones were reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
Vinnytsia Oblast: Drone moving through the north in a northerly/northeasterly direction.
Zhytomyr Oblast: Drone in the south moving northeast, flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv, flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast, reported on Zhytomyr heading towards Khmelnytskyi, 2 drones near Zhytomyr heading southwest, 4 drones in Zhytomyr Oblast moving towards Shepetivka, and approaching Shepetivka.
Chernihiv Oblast: Drone from Cherkasy Oblast moving into Chernihiv Oblast. Drones moving through the southeast in a westerly direction and through the southwest in a westerly direction. A group of attack drones reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones reported near Pryluky.
Kyiv Oblast: Drone in the north moving northeast, a drone in the west moving east, a drone moving towards Kyiv from the southwest, and one drone approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka.
Sumy Oblast: New groups of drones entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest, new groups entering the eastern part, moving south/southwest, a drone flying over Shostka heading west, drones moving through the center in a northeasterly direction, a drone reported in the south heading towards Poltava, and attack drones reported heading south. A drone was reported near Okhtyrka. Multiple drones are reported to be approaching or over Sumy. Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. An enemy drone is moving towards Myrhorod from the east.
Cherkasy Oblast: 6 drones reported circling north of Cherkasy, 5 drones reported north of Cherkasy, one drone flying past Cherkasy towards Smila, one drone east of Cherkasy, and one drone west of Smila heading southwest.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: One drone reported in the north heading towards Kamianske.
Kharkiv Oblast: A drone was reported in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium. 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv.
Khmelnytskyi Oblast: Drone threat reported.
Air raid alerts issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Dnipro.
Drone Attacks in Russia:
Kazan, Tatarstan: Multiple drone attacks reported, with at least eight impacts, including six on residential buildings. Fires reported in multiple districts. Evacuations underway. No casualties reported as of yet, but local media reports injuries. Russian Ministry of Defense later reported six drones, not eight, and that three were downed and three suppressed by electronic warfare measures.
Sochi: Explosions reported, with Russian air defense systems active.
Voronezh Oblast: Russian air defense systems intercepted several Ukrainian drones.
Air Defense Interceptions:
Russian air defense systems 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.
Ukrainian Air Force Report: On the night of December 21, 2024, the enemy launched a missile attack using an S-400 anti-aircraft guided missile from the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast in the direction of Poltava Oblast, resulting in no reported consequences. They also deployed 113 attack UAVs of the "Shahed" type and drones of other types from various directions, including Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Berdyansk. The air attack was countered by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine. As of 09:00, 57 "Shahed" attack UAVs and drones of other types were confirmed to have been shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Due to the active counteraction of the Defense Forces, 56 enemy drone simulators were locationally lost without negative consequences. In the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv Oblasts, downed attack UAVs damaged private and apartment buildings, property, and citizens' cars. Assistance is being provided to the victims.
Ground Warfare: Continued Russian Advances and Reports of Heavy Fighting
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.
Russian Advances:
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. 76th Airborne Division reportedly storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
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. Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
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.
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.
Kharkiv Front: The operational situation on the Kharkiv front remains complex. Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian troops. One clash occurred near Vovchansk. Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes. They also carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces are responding and inflicting losses on the enemy. Russian losses in the past day include 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
MoD Briefing:
The "Center" group of forces inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
The "West" group repelled two counterattacks, with Ukrainian losses of up to 460 troops.
Air defense forces shot down a "Neptune" guided missile and 154 Ukrainian drones.
Russian forces struck airfields and Ukrainian manpower in 149 areas.
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.
Other Significant Events
Russian Military Reports: 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, causing minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses. Two people sought medical attention for acute stress reactions.
Roscosmos Deputy Head's Property Seized: A court has seized real estate belonging to a deputy head of Roscosmos, accused of embezzling 435 million rubles.
Investigation of Ukrainian Pilots Completed: The investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed. They are charged with seven articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Saur-Mogila Memorial Ceremony: A medal ceremony was held at the Saur-Mogila memorial in the Donetsk People's Republic.
Rylsk Attack: The death of a child in Rylsk was not confirmed, five people were killed as a result of the attack of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Belgorod Region: Two civilians were injured as a result of a drone attack. In Shebekino, an FPV drone was shot down, and a truck was attacked.
Donetsk People's Republic: 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 was injured by NATO artillery.
Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka under heavy enemy fire.
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.
Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.
Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets via artillery shells.
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.
Izhevsk Airport Closure: Izhevsk airport has temporarily suspended operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan.
Casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv: Drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv have resulted in casualties. In Zaporizhzhia, a 12-year-old boy and three women were injured. In Kharkiv, two people were injured in the Kyivskyi district due to a drone strike.
First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area, Kharkiv, according to ISW.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo. A resident, Irina Strelnik, reported the disappearance and death of her 77-year-old neighbor, Maria Ivanovna Semyonova, after encountering Ukrainian military personnel. Ukrainian soldiers reportedly referred to local residents as "Moskals."
Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
57th Motorized Rifle Regiment: The Russian Defense Minister congratulated the command and personnel of the 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment with the liberation of Elizavetovka (DPR) from neo-Nazis. More than 1,100 servicemen of the regiment were presented with state awards and departmental insignias for bravery and resilience in the fight with armed Ukrainian formations. A video shows how the 57th regiment liberated Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
Drone Strikes: 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko. A video shows drone footage in a snowy, wooded area of a military operation.
Ukrainian Withdrawal from Uspenivka Pocket: Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
Toretsk and Chasov Yar: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (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. Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Russian assault troops were able to advance 500 meters to the west in the Khimkolonka area and occupy new positions in the private sector. Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in ChasovYar. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka. The assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and the use.
Moldova: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
Negotiations: 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.
NATO to Coordinate Military Aid to Ukraine: NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
Discussion on European Troops in Ukraine: Discussions are reportedly taking place in Brussels about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Putin on "Oreshnik": Putin stated that "Oreshnik" is based on Russian developments and is a "modern and very new weapon." He claimed that no one has a chance to shoot down "Oreshnik." He also mentioned that the range of "Oreshnik" is up to 5,500 kilometers. He suggested a "technological duel" with the West, proposing to choose a target in Kyiv, concentrate all air defense and missile defense forces there, and Russia will strike it with "Oreshnik." He also stated that he does not know why "Oreshnik" is called "Oreshnik." Putin offered to conduct a test of the "Oreshnik" system against a target in Kyiv, where all Western air defense systems would be concentrated.
Putin on Negotiations with Ukraine: Putin stated that there are many people in Ukraine who want to rid the country of neo-Nazism and that Russia has someone to talk to there.
Putin on THAAD System: Putin stated that he sees no problem if the US deploys the THAAD air defense system to Ukraine. He called the American air defense system expensive and ineffective.
Putin on Nuclear Doctrine: Putin stated that the protection of Belarus is a very important component of Russia's updated nuclear doctrine.
Putin on Payments to Soldiers: Putin stated that all soldiers fighting in the Kursk region should receive payments as participants in the special operation. He promised to check why this is not happening.
Putin on Restoration of New Regions: Putin stated that Russia has enough strength and resources to restore all its historical territories. He said that a program has been developed until 2030 to address housing, utilities, and infrastructure issues. He also mentioned plans to build a ring road around the Sea of Azov, similar to the Tavrida highway in Crimea.
Putin on Mariupol: Putin stated that 1,700 houses have already been restored in Mariupol and that more than 300,000 people have returned to the city.
Putin on Assad: Putin stated that he has not yet met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since his arrival in Moscow but plans to talk to him. He also promised to discuss the issue of a missing American journalist in Syria with Assad and the new Syrian authorities.
Air Raid Alert: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv. The alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been lifted.
Analysis of Captured and Damaged Military Equipment
Canadian "Roshel Senator" Armored Vehicle: Damaged and captured in Mikhailovka, Donetsk Oblast. Likely hit by an anti-tank weapon or an IED.
Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Vehicle: Damaged, including a shattered window, suggesting it was targeted or caught in crossfire.
Other Damaged Vehicles: Several images show heavily damaged or destroyed vehicles, including an APC and a civilian-style vehicle, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.
Destruction of "Abrams" Tank: A Russian BpLA calculation of Crimean paratroopers destroyed an American "Abrams" tank near Novoivanovka, Kursk region. A video shows a damaged M1A1SA Abrams tank abandoned by its crew after being hit by FPV drones in Kursk Oblast.
Destruction of Ukrainian equipment: Russian forces reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier "Kozak" and a MaxxPro vehicle using mines and drones.
Destroyed Ukrainian Equipment: Two Ukrainian Kozak-7 armored vehicles were reportedly destroyed near Olgovka, Kursk region.
Analysis of Armored Vehicle Interior
Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) Interior: Images show the interior of an APC, likely undergoing maintenance or upgrades.
Another APC Interior: Image shows recent use or a hasty departure, with first aid supplies and other equipment visible.
Analysis of Video of Russian Armored Vehicle
Russian BMP-2 or Similar: Video shows a Russian BMP-2 or similar, marked with a "Z" symbol, actively firing its autocannon while traversing muddy terrain, indicating ongoing offensive or fire support operations.
Analysis of Video of Russian Artillery System
Russian "Malka" Artillery System: Video shows a Russian "Malka" artillery system destroying a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment in the Kursk region.
Analysis of Video of Medal Ceremony
Saur-Mogila Memorial: Video shows a medal ceremony at the Saur-Mogila memorial in the Donetsk People's Republic, awarding medals to Russian military personnel.
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.
Strategic Implications
Continued Russian Advances: Sustained offensive aimed at achieving significant territorial gains, particularly in Donetsk and Kursk regions.
Drone Warfare: Persistent use of drones by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict. Drone attacks on Kazan and fires in multiple districts demonstrate the vulnerability of civilian areas.
Humanitarian Concerns: Damage to a MEDEVAC vehicle underscores the dangers faced by medical personnel. Civilian evacuation from Razdolnoye highlights the impact of fighting on local populations.
Logistical Challenges: Damaged and destroyed vehicles highlight logistical challenges faced by both sides. Strikes on Pokrovsk suggest attempts to disrupt enemy supply lines.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: Images and videos circulating on social media are likely being used for propaganda purposes. Deployment of propaganda leaflets by Russian forces aims at undermining enemy morale.
Corruption: Investigation into alleged corruption in the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation highlights potential for internal issues to affect military operations.
Negotiations: 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.
NATO to Coordinate Military Aid to Ukraine: NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
Discussion on European Troops in Ukraine: Discussions are reportedly taking place in Brussels about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Statements from Officials: President Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not need mediators like Hungary and its Prime Minister Orban and emphasized the need for direct relations with the US. 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 he does not need intermediaries in communicating with Trump. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not have the forces to recapture Crimea and Donbas, but Ukraine cannot give up these territories.
NATO to Coordinate Military Aid to Ukraine: NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
Discussion on European Troops in Ukraine: Discussions are reportedly taking place in Brussels about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Statements from Officials: President Zelensky stated that Ukraine will not agree to reduce the size of its armed forces, even if invited to join NATO.
Changes from Previous Situation (approximately 30 minutes ago):
Air Alert Lifted in Lipetsk Oblast: Air alert declared earlier for Lipetsk Oblast has been lifted.
Clarification on Rylsk Attack: Reported death of a child in Rylsk was not confirmed. Five people were killed in the attack.
New Reports on Ground Engagements: Detailed fighting in Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhovo, and Vremivka directions, and on the Zaporizhzhia front. 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.
Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye.
Corruption Investigation in Kursk Oblast: Investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds for fortifications 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.
Izhevsk Airport Closure: Izhevsk airport has temporarily suspended operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan.
Casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv: Drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv have resulted in casualties. In Zaporizhzhia, a 12-year-old boy and three women were injured. In Kharkiv, two people were injured in the Kyivskyi district due to a drone strike.
First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area, Kharkiv.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo. A resident, Irina Strelnik, reported the disappearance and death of her 77-year-old neighbor, Maria Ivanovna Semyonova, after encountering Ukrainian military personnel. Ukrainian soldiers reportedly referred to local residents as "Moskals."
Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
57th Motorized Rifle Regiment: The Russian Defense Minister congratulated the command and personnel of the 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment with the liberation of Elizavetovka (DPR) from neo-Nazis. More than 1,100 servicemen of the regiment were presented with state awards and departmental insignias for bravery and resilience in the fight with armed Ukrainian formations. A video shows how the 57th regiment liberated Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.
Drone Strikes: 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko. A video shows drone footage in a snowy, wooded area of a military operation.
Ukrainian Withdrawal from Uspenivka Pocket: Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
Toretsk and Chasov Yar: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (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. Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Russian assault troops were able to advance 500 meters to the west in the Khimkolonka area and occupy new positions in the private sector. Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in ChasovYar. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka. The assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and the use.
Ukrainian Air Force Report: On the night of December 21, 2024, the enemy launched a missile attack using an S-400 anti-aircraft guided missile from the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast in the direction of Poltava Oblast, resulting in no reported consequences. They also deployed 113 attack UAVs of the "Shahed" type and drones of other types from various directions, including Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Berdyansk. The air attack was countered by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine. As of 09:00, 57 "Shahed" attack UAVs and drones of other types were confirmed to have been shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Due to the active counteraction of the Defense Forces, 56 enemy drone simulators were locationally lost without negative consequences. In the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv Oblasts, downed attack UAVs damaged private and apartment buildings, property, and citizens' cars. Assistance is being provided to the victims.
MoD Briefing:
The "Center" group of forces inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
The "West" group repelled two counterattacks, with Ukrainian losses of up to 460 troops.
Air defense forces shot down a "Neptune" guided missile and 154 Ukrainian drones.
Russian forces struck airfields and Ukrainian manpower in 149 areas.
Kharkiv Front: The operational situation on the Kharkiv front remains complex. Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian troops. One clash occurred near Vovchansk. Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes. They also carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces are responding and inflicting losses on the enemy. Russian losses in the past day include 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
Changes from Previous Situation (2 hours ago):
New Drone Activity: Updated drone movements in Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Kyiv Oblasts. Drone flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv. Drone moving towards Kyiv from the southwest. Drone moving through the border of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts, in a northwesterly direction. Enemy drone reported on the northeast of Poltava region, moving southwest. Drone reported in the north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast. Drone reported in Poltava, heading north. 8 drones reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. 4 drones reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. One drone flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Drone reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi. 2 drones reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest. 4 drones reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka. Drone reported approaching Shepetivka. Drones moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Drones moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Group of attack drones reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones reported near Pryluky. One drone approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka. New groups of drones entering Sumy.
Changes from Previous Situation (approximately 6 hours to 3 days ago):
Extensive drone attacks are reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with multiple impacts on residential buildings.
Russian forces are making significant advances in the Donetsk and Kursk regions.
Heavy fighting is reported in Chasov Yar, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city.
New reports of casualties and damage from drone attacks and shelling in various regions.
A detailed analysis of captured and damaged military equipment is provided.
Strategic implications of the continued Russian advances, the intensification of drone warfare, and humanitarian concerns are discussed.
New information on the situation in Zaporizhzhia, including casualties and the lowering of the military conscription age in Ukraine.
Allegations made by Slovakian Prime Minister Fico regarding Zelensky and NATO membership.
Closure of Izhevsk airport due to drone attacks.
Detailed reports on drone activity across multiple regions, including specific movements and threats.
Analysis of the strategic implications of the ongoing conflict, including the impact on civilian areas and the use of propaganda.
Updates on the situation in various regions, including new drone movements and air defense actions.
Clarification of the situation in Rylsk and new details on ground engagements.
Reports on casualties and damage in Belgorod and Donetsk regions.
Civilian evacuation near Velyka Novosilka and a corruption investigation in Kursk Oblast.
Russian forces targeting warehouses in Pokrovsk and deploying propaganda leaflets.
The age for military conscription in Ukraine will be lowered starting in 2025.
The situation in Kryvyi Rih is reported to be under control.
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico's allegations regarding Zelensky and NATO membership.
Izhevsk airport temporarily suspends operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan.
Casualties reported in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv due to drone attacks.
New drone activity reported in Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Kyiv Oblasts.
A drone is reported to be 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.
