Major Military Situation Updates - December 21, 2024, 10:25 UTC

Drone Warfare Intensification

Ukraine

• Extensive Drone Activity: Reports of widespread drone activity continue across Ukraine. Regions affected include Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Tatarbunary, Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, Kryvyi Rih, Myrhorod, Shostka, Pryluky, Kremenchuk, Okhtyrka, Shepetivka, Smila, Kamianske, Izium, and Ukrainka.

• Specific Drone Movements:

  • 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.
  • 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 in Poltava Oblast.
  • Drone moving through the north in a northerly/northeasterly direction in Vinnytsia 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 in Zhytomyr 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 in Chernihiv Oblast. 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.
  • 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 in Kyiv 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 in Sumy Oblast. An attack drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south. 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.
  • 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 in Cherkasy Oblast.
  • One drone reported in the north heading towards Kamianske in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
  • A drone was reported in Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Izium. 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv in Kharkiv Oblast.
  • Drone threat reported for Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
  • A new drone was reported near Kharkiv, moving towards Pavlohrad. 8 drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Pavlohrad. 1 drone flew past Pokrovsk heading south. 1 drone moved from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, heading south. 1 drone from Bilhorod entered Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Kharkiv. 4 drones are east of Cherkasy, heading south. 5 drones are in Sumy Oblast heading towards Poltava. 1 drone flew near Konotop, heading west. 1 drone is in the east of Kyiv Oblast.

• Ukrainian Air Defense:

  • Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • Ukrainian forces report that anti-aircraft units are active near Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv.
  • EW specialists in the Kherson region report over 1,000 downed enemy drones.
  • Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
  • A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
  • Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone.
  • Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
  • 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.

• Air Raid Alerts: Issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Dnipro. An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv. The alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been lifted. Air raid alerts issued for Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts due to drone activity. Air Force reports multiple drone groups heading north from Poltava towards Cherkasy. Air Force reports drone threat for Zaporizhzhia. Air Force reports drone threat for Sumy from the northwest. Air Force reports drone threat for Pryluky from the north. Air Force reports drone threat for Myrhorod from the northeast. Air Force reports drone threat for Cherkasy from the northeast. Air Force reports drone threat for Kyiv from the northeast and east. Air Force reports a drone threat for Sumy. Air Force reports a drone threat for Dnipro.

• Ukrainian Air Force Report:

  • Ukrainian Air Force reports shooting down a "Neptune" guided missile and 154 Ukrainian drones.

Russia

• Drone Attacks:

  • 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. A criminal investigation has been launched. The Kazan airport has lifted restrictions on the acceptance and release of aircraft. Hospitals were put on high alert.
  • 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.
  • Air alert declared earlier for Lipetsk Oblast has been lifted.
  • 84 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight by Russian air defenses across multiple regions.

Other Locations

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Drone attack on tree in Kazan: A video shows the moment of impact of a drone strike on a tree in Kazan, suppressed by electronic warfare.

Ground Warfare

Donetsk Oblast

• Chasov Yar: Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. The assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and the use of bad weather to enter the territory of a refractory plant.
• Mikhailovka: A damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported in Mikhailovka.
• 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. 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. 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. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka.
• 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. Russian forces are conducting attacks in the Krasnoarmeysk direction, with intense fighting reported near several settlements.
• 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. Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated. Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka southwest of Kurakhove. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) in the Kurakhovo direction.
• 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.
• Russian Advances: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. They also secured a foothold in Novyi Komar on the northern Vremivka "pocket."

Kursk Region

• Russian Advances: 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.
• 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.

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.
• First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area, Kharkiv.

Other Locations

• 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.
• Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.
• 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.
• Kryvyi Rih: The situation in Kryvyi Rih is under control.
• 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).
• One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Alleged Assassination Attempt: Reports of an alleged assassination attempt on a high-ranking Russian official, with suggestions of Ukrainian involvement and the use of foreign mercenaries.
• North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces.
• Ukrainian Recruitment: The age for military conscription in Ukraine will be lowered starting in 2025.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets via artillery shells.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  • Russian forces struck airfields and Ukrainian manpower in 149 areas.
• 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. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine will not agree to reduce the size of its armed forces, even if invited to join NATO. Spanish PM Sanchez stated Spain will not support a military peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Poland has made a similar decision. Fico stated that Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets for support of Ukraine's membership in NATO on negotiations in Brussels. Fico refused. President Zelensky has made changes among ambassadors, including the dismissal of the Ukrainian ambassador to China.

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.
• Destruction of a "Leopard" Tank: A Russian BpLA calculation reportedly destroyed a "Leopard" tank of the 155th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Solenoye.

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.

Analysis of Video of Ukrainian 46th Air Assault Brigade

• The video shows drone footage, primarily using thermal imaging, showing the destruction of Russian positions and personnel by the Ukrainian 46th Air Assault Brigade. The footage alternates between thermal and regular visual spectrum and includes a logo of the 46th Air Assault Brigade at the start.

Analysis of Video of Damaged Beach

• The video depicts the aftermath of a significant oil spill or contamination event on a sandy beach. It shows:
  • Oil-Contaminated Sand: The sand is heavily permeated with oil, forming distinct layers. This indicates a substantial release and penetration of the substance into the ground.
  • Cleanup Efforts: Individuals in protective gear are seen collecting oil-soaked sand into large bags. These bags are then amassed in large quantities on the beach.
  • Leaking Oil Bags: The video highlights that many bags containing oil-soaked sand are leaking, leading to secondary contamination.
  • Beach Condition: There’s heavy vehicle traffic on the beach from the cleanup efforts and what looks to be tractors working the scene.

Analysis of Video of Explosion

• The video is captured from a car's dashcam. We see a snowy street with parked cars and a construction vehicle to the left. A large explosion occurs in the background, beyond the parked car in front of the dashcam. It's a bright, fiery explosion with a significant shockwave that is visible in the dust clouds. The timestamp indicates the video was recorded on December 21, 2024.

Analysis of Video of Fundraising Request

• The video features a Ukrainian soldier from the 47th Brigade standing in front of a damaged civilian van, as well as showing some damaged military vehicles. He explains they are in a hot combat zone, are heavily utilizing vehicles for various tasks, but that these vehicles are taking damage. He then asks viewers for donations to help repair vehicles.

Analysis of Video of Drone Strike

• The video shows the moment of impact of a drone strike on a tree in Kazan, suppressed by electronic warfare.

Analysis of Image of Children's Book

• The video predominantly displays a serene, domestic scene. It features:
  • Book: The focus is on a beautifully illustrated children's book titled "Legendary Ukraine: Stories of the Free" (translated from the Ukrainian title). The illustrations depict historical scenes, nature, Ukrainian folklore, and figures like Cossacks.
  • Comforting Objects: A cup of coffee, a lit candle in a glass holder, additional tea lights, and a light blue knit blanket are present, creating a cozy atmosphere.
  • Hands: The video captures a person's hands gently flipping through the pages of the book.
  • Setting: The scene appears to be staged on a bed, enhancing the domestic, personal feel.
  • No military elements present: There are no military uniforms, weapons, equipment, maps, troop movements, communications tools, or other signs related to any conflict present.
  • Music: Uplifting and emotional folk-inspired music.

Strategic Implications

• Continued Russian Advances: Sustained offensive aimed at achieving significant territorial gains, particularly in Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe).
• 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. 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. 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. Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south. 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.
• 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. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine will not agree to reduce the size of its armed forces, even if invited to join NATO. Spanish PM Sanchez stated Spain will not support a military peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Poland has made a similar decision. Fico stated that Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets for support of Ukraine's membership in NATO on negotiations in Brussels. Fico refused. President Zelensky has made changes among ambassadors, including the dismissal of the Ukrainian ambassador to China.
• Air Alert Status: Air raid alerts have been issued across most of Ukraine, indicating a high threat level. The alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been lifted.

Changes from Previous Situation (approximately 30 minutes ago)

• The 46th Air Assault Brigade shared a video showcasing their drone operations, targeting and destroying Russian positions and personnel. The footage uses thermal imaging and highlights the use of drones in reconnaissance and direct attacks.
• Volunteers reported issues with local authorities' organization of the removal of fuel oil waste bags, highlighting logistical challenges in cleanup operations.
• Reports from Kazan detail eight drone impacts, with six on residential buildings. Fires are reported in multiple districts, and evacuations are underway. No casualties have been reported yet.
• Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted drones over several regions, including Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Krasnodar, and the Black Sea.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials are reportedly taking place to find a way to end the war.
• NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
• Discussions are reportedly taking place in Brussels about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
• A video from the 46th Air Assault Brigade shows the destruction of Russian positions and personnel using drones, highlighting the use of thermal imaging for targeting.
• Reports indicate issues with the organization of fuel oil waste removal by local authorities, as complained by volunteers.
• Details emerge about drone attacks in Kazan, with eight impacts reported, including six on residential buildings. Fires are reported in multiple districts, and evacuations are underway.
• Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted drones over several regions.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) in the Kurakhovo direction.
• Russian forces are conducting attacks in the Krasnoarmeysk direction, with intense fighting reported near several settlements.
• Ukrainian forces are reportedly introducing reserves and conducting counterattacks to halt the Russian advance.
• A Russian BpLA calculation reportedly destroyed a "Leopard" tank of the 155th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Solenoye.
• Russian forces reportedly destroyed a disguised communications antenna in Shevchenko and are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
• Hospitals in Kazan were put on high alert after the drone attacks.
• President Zelensky made extensive personnel changes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and dismissed several ambassadors.
• The suspect in the attack in Magdeburg was reportedly under the influence of drugs.
• A court seized real estate belonging to a deputy head of Roscosmos, accused of embezzling 435 million rubles.
• An investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed. They are charged with seven articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
• A medal ceremony was held at the Saur-Mogila memorial in the Donetsk People's Republic.
• The head of the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation and his deputy are under investigation for allegedly embezzling 800 million rubles.
• Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets via artillery shells.
• The age for military conscription in Ukraine