Major Military Situation Updates - December 21, 2024, 15:55 UTC

Drone Warfare Intensifies Across Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine

• Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported across multiple regions, including 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:

  • Drone launches from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary.
  • Drones approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih.
  • New groups entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv.
  • High-speed drones posing a threat to Ternopil.
  • New groups of drones entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
  • Multiple drones approaching or over Sumy.
  • An enemy drone is moving towards Myrhorod from the east in Sumy Oblast.
  • 4 new drones detected over Zaporizhia.
  • 1 drone near Kryvyi Rih.
  • 3 drones over Zaporizhzhia.
  • 1 drone towards Dnipro.
  • 4 drones near Pavlohrad.
  • 2 drones from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast moving into Kharkiv Oblast.
  • 1 drone near Kharkiv.
  • 5 drones near Poltava.
  • 1 drone past Kremenchuk towards Oleksandriia.
  • 5 drones at the intersection of Poltava and Sumy Oblasts.
  • 6 drones past Okhtyrka towards Poltava Oblast.
  • 11 drones near Pryluky.
  • 2 drones approaching Chernihiv.
  • 1 drone north of Chernihiv, moving towards Belarus.
  • 1 drone east of Chernihiv Oblast.
  • 1 drone west of Cherkasy.

• Ukrainian Air Defense:

  • Neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • Anti-aircraft units are active near Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv.
  • EW specialists in the Kherson region report over 1,000 downed enemy drones.
  • Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
  • A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
  • On the night of December 21, 2024, 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.
  • Warriors of the 121st Territorial Defense Brigade shot down a rare Russian Zala Z-20 reconnaissance UAV.

• Air Raid Alerts: Issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Dnipro.

• Drone Strikes:

  • 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko.
  • SPEAR GROUP 118 ОБрТРО used drones to destroy a Russian mechanized assault on the Siverskyi direction, including a rare BMP-1AM Basurmanin.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
  • First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area, Kharkiv.

Russia

• Drone Attacks:

  • Kazan, Tatarstan: Multiple drone attacks reported, with at least eight impacts, including six on residential buildings. Fires reported. 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.
  • Rostov region: 7 drones were reportedly shot down, 6 in Taganrog and 1 in Bataisk. There were no reports of damage or casualties.

• Air Defense Interceptions:

  • 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.
  • 84 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight by Russian air defenses across multiple regions.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that over the past day, Russian air defense systems destroyed 34 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ground Warfare

Donetsk Oblast

• Chasov Yar:
  • Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar.
  • Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.
  • Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound.
• Mikhailovka: A damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported.
• Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk):
  • Russian forces continue attacks in the southern part of the Забалка (Kulatsky Khutor) district.
  • Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
  • Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
  • Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
• Kurakhovo Direction:
  • The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed.
  • Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
  • Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka southwest of Kurakhove.
  • Russian forces started battles for the liberation of Yantarnoye, south of Kurakhovo.
  • Russian forces are pushing the enemy out of the high-rise buildings in the center of Kurakhovo.
  • Fighting continues in the industrial zone of Kurakhovo, for Yantarnoye and west of Dalneye.
• 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 assault units continue to expand the zone of control in the direction of Velikaya Novoselka.
• 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 continue their offensive on the Kursk front, initiating an assault on Kruglenkoye.
  • 76th Airborne Division reportedly storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
  • The "Sever" group of forces is conducting fierce battles along the entire front line.
  • Russian assault groups advanced in Kruhlenke and made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
  • Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
  • Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
  • HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, resulting in heavy losses.
• 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.

Other Locations

• Belgorod Region: Two civilians were injured as a result of a drone attack.
• 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.
• Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka under heavy enemy fire.
• Zaporizhzhia: 4 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia as a result of a Russian attack, including a 12-year-old boy.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Other Significant Events

• Investigation of Ukrainian Pilots Completed: The investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed.
• 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.
• 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. The restrictions have been lifted.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Putin on Restoration of New Regions: Putin stated that Russia has enough strength and resources to restore all its historical territories.
• 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.
• 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.
  • The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to defeat AFU formations in Kursk region.
  • Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 42,750 troops, 249 tanks, 189 infantry fighting vehicles, 130 armoured personnel carriers, 1305 armoured fighting vehicles, 1166 motor vehicles, 323 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 78 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 27 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, six armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.
• 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. German Defense Minister Pistorius stated that as the largest NATO country in Europe and the largest economy in Europe, Germany "could not stand aside and remain on the sidelines." "But until the war (in Ukraine) is over, there will be no German soldiers on Ukrainian soil," the minister stated. Zelensky: This night, Russian terrorists used more than 110 attack drones against our people. A cancer clinic in Kherson was destroyed, apartment buildings in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia were hit, earlier - ballistics on Kyiv, shelling of Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, Donetsk region. More than 550 guided aerial bombs, almost 550 attack drones and more than 20 missiles of various types were used by terrorists this week alone. This is Russian terror that we are counteracting. I thank the partners who continue to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. Together, we will ensure a stable peace. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied the Guardian's claim that the General Staff ordered the Air Force Command to send air defense personnel to the front as infantrymen. They clarified that a certain number of servicemen from the Air Force units were reassigned to positions according to their military occupational specialties, but this does not apply to air defense specialists. They emphasized that the situation on the front line is difficult and the main goal is to hold the front. They also stated that the number of downed Russian "Shahed" drones has not decreased.

Analysis of Captured and Damaged Military Equipment

• Canadian "Roshel Senator" Armored Vehicle: Damaged and captured in Mikhailovka, Donetsk Oblast.
• Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Vehicle: Damaged, including a shattered window.
• 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 a "Leopard" Tank: A Russian BpLA calculation reportedly destroyed a "Leopard" tank of the 155th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Solenoye. A video shows the destruction of a Ukrainian T-72 tank in the Kharkiv region by a drone.
• Drone operators of the "West" group destroyed a Ukrainian Leopard-2A6 tank in the Kharkiv region.
• New: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
• New: Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.

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

Analysis of the last 6 hours

• In St. Petersburg, there was an explosion at a Sberbank branch with no reported injuries.
• Air defense forces destroyed three Ukrainian drones over Crimea.
• The Guardian reports that due to significant losses, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are transferring air defense specialists to the infantry, along with older, less capable individuals.
• A pensioner in Moscow allegedly set off a "salute" at a shopping mall under the instructions of Ukrainian curators. She had previously transferred 120,000 rubles to them. Witnesses reported hearing several pops similar to gunshots. The mall was evacuated.
• A video from "mash" shows an office setting with multiple desks, computers, and printers. A series of loud bangs are heard, and a bright orange light appears on the windows from outside. The people in the office are visibly and audibly scared.
• Crimea is currently under attack by Ukrainian drones. Air defense is active.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense showed a video of drone pilots destroying a Ukrainian Leopard tank in the Kharkiv region.
• The Ukrainian General Staff reportedly ordered the transfer of air defense units to the infantry due to a severe shortage of personnel on the front, according to The Guardian.
• An image from ASTRA shows a stylized illustration with red flowers with closed eyes, gray jagged leaves, a potted plant, a yellow watering can, and the text "ПОДДЕРЖИ АСТРУ" (Support Astra) in Cyrillic, along with a peace symbol.
• Multiple images show deceased soldiers in various settings, likely casualties of the conflict.
• Images from Colonelcassad show the aftermath of an explosion at a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg.
• A video from Colonelcassad shows an emergency response to a fire on a snowy street in St. Petersburg, with firefighters and police present.
• Photos from Дневник Десантника show snipers from the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment in camouflage, emphasizing the importance of concealment.
• An image from Alex Parker Returns shows a damaged building entrance, likely from an explosion.
• Another image from Alex Parker Returns shows damaged Sberbank ATMs.
• The Ukrainian Air Force reports multiple groups of Russian drones moving across the country.
• Explosions were reported in Kryvyi Rih, with reports of a missile attack and repeated launches.
• Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, with fierce battles ongoing.
• Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. In Chasov Yar, they have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from a refractory plant.
• Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka, reaching Storozheve and Neskuchne, and forming a new "pocket."
• Intense fighting continues in the Kursk region, with 55 engagements reported.
• Extensive drone activity is reported across Ukraine, with both sides employing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks.
• A massive Russian missile attack involved 93 missiles and 200 drones, with 81 missiles shot down by Ukrainian forces.
• Ukrainian sources claim responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection troops.
• North Korean troops are confirmed to be participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces.
• 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.
• Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
• Explosions were reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
• A map shows the trajectories of Russian missiles and drones targeting various Ukrainian cities and regions on December 13th. The attack involved a mix of cruise missiles (X-22, X-59/69, X-101/55CM, Kalibr), ballistic and aero-ballistic missiles, drones, and potentially Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
• Drone groups are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. New groups of drones are reported across various regions.
• Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
• EW specialists in the Kherson region report over 1,000 downed enemy drones.
• Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
• Guided air bombs were launched towards Kherson and Sadovoe.
• Paratroopers of the 76th division of the Airborne Forces are storming the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Mykolaivka.
• The "Sever" group of forces is conducting fierce battles along the entire front line.
• Russian assault groups advanced in Kruhlenke and made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, resulting in heavy losses.
• Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
• An explosion occurred in a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg, with no reported injuries. The head of the Krasnogvardeisky district, Andrey Hort, confirmed the incident.
• Russian air defense forces reportedly shot down three Ukrainian drones over Crimea.
• The British newspaper The Guardian reports that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are experiencing significant losses and are now deploying air defense specialists, elderly individuals, alcoholics, and those deemed unfit for service to the infantry. The article suggests that these problems have been ongoing for several months, with a notable decrease in the number of Soviet air defense systems. The main goal of the article appears to be to persuade the public of the need for a new mobilization threshold of 18 years.
• A video from Шеф Hayabusa shows an office setting where a series of loud bangs are heard, accompanied by a bright orange light outside the windows, indicating an explosion nearby.
• Another video from Шеф Hayabusa shows a similar incident with loud bangs and a bright flash of light outside office windows.
• Air raid alerts are in effect in Crimea, with reports of three enemy drones being shot down.
• A video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows drone pilots destroying a Ukrainian tank in the Kharkov region.
• A photo from Воин DV shows a headline from The Guardian about Ukraine facing difficult decisions due to an acute shortage of frontline troops. The image depicts Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training.
• Photos from ASTRA depict stylized flowers with closed eyes and gray, jagged leaves in a pot, with a yellow watering can and a peace symbol, accompanied by the text "ПОДДЕРЖИ АСТРУ" (Support Astra).
• Photos from Шеф Hayabusa show deceased soldiers lying on the ground in various settings, indicating recent combat casualties.
• Photos and a video from Colonelcassad show the aftermath of an explosion at a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg, with significant damage to the ATMs and building entrance.
• Photos from Два майора show a series of images with cats in military settings, suggesting a humanizing element amidst the conflict.
• A video from Дневник Десантника reports that Kazan was subjected to a massive attack by enemy drones, resulting in the deployment of an operational headquarters and the organization of temporary shelters for residents. All mass events in the republic have been canceled for the weekend.
• A video from Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны shows various scenes of destruction and arson, allegedly carried out by individuals influenced by Ukrainian special services.
• A video from the Russian Ministry of Defense shows the final meeting of the Technical Council of the Russian Defence Ministry and the All-Russian National Front, focusing on the development and deployment of unmanned systems.
• Key statements from the meeting include the delivery of over 65 types of military products, including 31 types of UAVs, to the troops since April, and the significant increase in production volumes by civilian manufacturers.
• Photos from РБК-Україна show a damaged building entrance and destroyed ATMs, similar to the Sberbank incident.
• Videos from РБК-Україна show a crowd of people in a shopping mall and an office setting where an explosion occurs outside.
• A video from Оперативний ЗСУ shows a soldier in a camouflage uniform expressing disorientation and aggression.
• Photos from Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими show the evacuation of 34 people from Syria, including 31 Ukrainian citizens and 3 Syrian citizens, with the assistance of the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
• A video from ТАСС shows Andrei Belousov participating in the final meeting of the technical council of the Ministry of Defense of Russia and the People's Front.
• A video from Mash на Донбассе discusses recent arson attacks in Russia, allegedly carried out by individuals influenced by Ukrainian curators.
• Photos from Alex Parker Returns show the aftermath of an explosion at a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg.
• A message from АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z states that Ukraine is developing its own production of FPV drones, with 70% of the components produced in the country.
• A photo from ТАСС shows figure skater Vladislav Dikiji winning the Russian championship in men's singles figure skating.
• A photo from НгП раZVедка shows a tweet from the Polish Minister of Defense, calling the placement of UPA flags on Rosomak armored personnel carriers a provocation.
• A video and photos from РБК-Україна show various scenes related to the conflict, including a damaged building entrance, destroyed ATMs, and a crowd of people in a shopping mall.
• Photos from Дневник Десантника show snipers from the 56th Guards Airborne Assault Regiment in camouflage.
• A photo from Alex Parker Returns shows a damaged building entrance.
• Photos and a video from Colonelcassad show the aftermath of an explosion at a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg, along with a video of an emergency response to a fire.
• Photos from Дневник Десантника show snipers in winter camouflage and a snowy woodland environment.
• A photo from Alex Parker Returns shows damaged ATMs at a Sberbank branch.
• A message from АРХАНГЕЛ СПЕЦНАЗА Z discusses the development of FPV drone production in Ukraine.
• A photo and caption from РБК-Україна report a "strange flash mob" of firework explosions in banks, post offices, and shopping centers in Russia.
• Videos from РБК-Україна show a crowd in a shopping mall and an office setting during an explosion.
• A video from Оперативний ЗСУ shows a soldier expressing disorientation and aggression.
• Photos from Координаційний штаб з питань поводження з військовополоненими show the evacuation of people from Syria.
• A video from ТАСС shows Andrei Belousov at a meeting on unmanned systems.
• A video from Mash на Донбассе discusses recent arson attacks in Russia.
• Photos and a video from Colonelcassad show destroyed urban areas and a damaged industrial complex.
• A map from Z комитет + карта СВО shows the operational zone in the Kursk region, with areas controlled by Russian and Ukrainian forces, as well as fortifications and "grey zones."
• A video from Z комитет + карта СВО shows two vehicles moving along a treeline in an open field.
• A message from КМВА states that a high-speed target is approaching Kyiv from the Chernihiv region.
• Photos from Оперативний ЗСУ show an air raid alert map of Ukraine and report on an air raid alert in Kyiv and several northern regions.
• A photo from ТАСС shows Maria Zakharova comparing Zelensky to Osama bin Laden.
• A message from Повітряні Сили ЗС України reports a threat of enemy drones in the Kyiv region from the Poltava and Cherkasy regions.
• A video from РБК-Україна reports on a failed attempt by Russian forces to cross the Dnipro River near the Antonivskyi Bridge.
• A video and message from ASTRA discuss the "undesirable" designation of the "Canadian Center for Development of Democracy in Russia" by the Russian Prosecutor General's Office, allegedly due to their investigation into Russian agents in Canada.
• A message from ТАСС reports that the individual who ran over people in Magdeburg will be charged with the murder of 5 and attempted murder of 205 people.
• A video from БУТУСОВ ПЛЮС shows a soldier lying on the ground, possibly dead or injured.
• A message from ТАСС reports that Putin was informed about the drone attack on Kazan and is in regular contact with the military.
• A video from MoD Russia discusses the final meeting of the Technical Council of the Russian Defence Ministry and the All-Russian National Front, focusing on the development and deployment of unmanned systems.
• A message from Дневник Десантника reports a threat of ballistics in Kyiv and several regions.
• A message from ТАСС states that the US is an unfriendly country whose missiles are hitting Russia, according to Peskov.
• A video from Colonelcassad shows the destruction of a "Leopard" tank in the Kupyansky direction.
• A video from Alex Parker Returns shows an individual setting fire to kiosks in a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg.
• A message from ТАСС reports that the Romanian authorities' claims of Russian interference in the elections were not confirmed.
• A video from Kadyrov_95 shows a cultural event in Grozny, Chechnya.
• A photo from Новости Москвы reports that Russians spent a record 650 billion rubles on food orders from restaurants in 2024.
• A message from ТАСС reports that a state of emergency has been