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

Drone Warfare Intensifies Across Multiple Regions

Extensive Drone Activity

• Mykolaiv, Kherson Oblasts: A complex drone engagement is reported. 1 drone is approaching Mykolaiv from Kirovohrad Oblast, with an air raid alert activated in Mykolaiv Oblast. A high-speed target was reported in the Kherson region. 1 drone is reported in the Bilozerka Raion, heading towards Kherson. 2 drones are reported in the area of Antonivka, heading towards Oleksandrivka in the Bashtanka Raion of Mykolaiv Oblast. 1 drone is approaching Mykolaiv through Raketnaya Roshcha. 3 drones are approaching Mykhailo-Larine. 1 drone is in the Odesa region, moving towards Rozdilna. 1 drone is flying near Voskresenske, heading northwest. 1 drone flew past Novyi Buh, heading west. 1 drone is flying near Mishkovo-Pohorilove. 2 drones are north of Odesa. 4 drones are near Zlatopil, heading north. 1 drone is flying around Mykolaiv, and 1 drone is moving south from Mykolaiv Oblast.

• Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Poltava, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia Oblasts: Multiple drone groups observed.

  • Sumy Oblast: New groups are detected, moving southwest. 1 drone is reported to be flying around Okhtyrka. 5 drones were reported in the Sumy region, heading towards Konotop. An attack drone was reported in the south of Sumy region, heading towards Poltava. Attack drones were reported in Sumy region, heading south. 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. Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region. 3 drones are moving through the center of the Sumy region in a northeasterly direction. 1 drone is flying over Shostka, heading west. 4 drones are moving from Sumy Oblast towards Pryluki. 1 drone has flown from Sumy Oblast into Poltava Oblast. 6 drones are moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv Oblast.

  • Cherkasy Oblast: 2 drones are flying towards Kirovohrad Oblast; 2 are near Cherkasy, 2 are north of the city, and 1 is circling nearby. 1 drone is reported to be flying north of Cherkasy. Another drone is reported to be flying on the border of Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts, heading north. 1 drone is flying near Smila. 3 drones are near Cherkasy. 1 drone is moving northwest from Cherkasy Oblast.

  • Poltava Oblast: 8 drones are flying towards Cherkasy Oblast, 5 are circling north of the oblast, and 1 is circling north. A drone is reported to be flying west through Poltava Oblast in a southern/southwestern direction. Another drone is reported to be flying on the border of Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts, heading south. 1 drone is reported to be flying in the north of Poltava Oblast. 1 drone is moving past Sumy to the southwest. 1 drone is in the northeast of the Poltava region, moving southwest. 7 drones are north of Myrhorod, heading south. 1 drone is in the east of the Poltava region, heading towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. UAVs are in the west of the Poltava region, heading towards Cherkasy Oblast. 1 drone is in the north of the Dnipropetrovsk region, heading towards Kamianske. 1 drone is flying north, and 1 drone is flying around Kremenchuk, heading southeast. 4 drones are moving from the Poltava region to the Cherkasy region. 1 drone is heading towards Dnipro from the north. 1 drone is circling on the north of the Poltava region. 1 drone is north of Kremenchuk, heading northwest. 3 drones are from Poltava Oblast, heading towards Cherkasy Oblast.

  • Chernihiv Oblast: 3 drones are in the oblasts, 1 is west of Nizhyn. Drones are moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Drones are moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. A drone is reported to be flying into Chernihiv Oblast from Cherkasy Oblast. 1 drone is reported to be flying in the north of Kyiv Oblast and the south of Chernihiv Oblast. A group of attack drones was reported in the Chernihiv region, heading west. 1 drone is in the east of Chernihiv Oblast. 1 drone is south of Chernihiv. 1 drone is approaching Chernihiv. Several groups of drones are moving in the northern part of the Kyiv region in the direction of Zhytomyr region.

  • Kyiv Oblast: 1 drone is in the south of the oblast. 1 drone is flying past Borispil towards Kyiv. New groups of drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest. 1 drone is reported to be flying east in the west of Kyiv Oblast. 3 drones are reported to be flying near Boryspil. 1 drone is reported to be flying north in the north of Kyiv Oblast. 1 drone is approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka. 4 drones are moving from Chernihiv Oblast to the north of Kyiv Oblast.

  • Zhytomyr Oblast: A drone is reported to be flying northeast in the south of Zhytomyr Oblast. 1 drone is reported to be flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv. 1 drone is reported to be flying south of Zhytomyr, heading west. 1 drone is flying from Zhytomyr to Khmelnytskyi. 1 drone is in Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi. 2 drones are near Zhytomyr, heading southwest. 4 drones are in the Zhytomyr region, moving towards Shepetivka. 1 drone is approaching Shepetivka.

  • Vinnytsia Oblast: A drone is reported to be flying north/northeast in the north of Vinnytsia Oblast. Missiles are moving through Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia, heading southwest. A missile changed course and is heading west from the Vinnytsia region towards Khmelnytskyi.

  • Khmelnytskyi Oblast: There is a drone threat. 1 drone is west of Smila, heading southwest. A missile was spotted in the Cherkasy region, moving northwest, then traveled to the Kyiv region, then to the Vinnytsia region, then changed direction to fly west near Khmelnytskyi.

  • Pryluky: 3 drones were reported near the city. 4 drones are towards/through Pryluki.

  • Borispil: Multiple drones are approaching, 5 from Poltava Oblast, and 1 is flying past towards Kyiv.

  • Bila Tserkva, Boryspil, Kryvyi Rih: Drones are approaching.

  • Myrhorod: 7 drones are north of the city, heading south.

• Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia: Drone activity reported.

• Tatarbunary: A large group of drones was launched from the Black Sea.

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Several new drones were reported to be flying from Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. 3 new drones are reported to be flying from Zaporizhzhia towards Dnipropetrovsk.

• Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: 3 new drones are reported to be flying from Zaporizhzhia towards Dnipropetrovsk. 4 drones are moving from the Dnipropetrovsk region to the Kharkiv region. 2 drones are moving from the Dnipropetrovsk region to the Poltava region. 1 drone is moving south from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

• Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia: 1 drone is reported to be heading towards Dnipro. 1 drone is reported to be heading towards Zaporizhzhia. 1 drone is flying to/through Dnipro. 1 drone is flying to/through Zaporizhzhia. 1 drone is flying near Kryvyi Rih.

Air Raid Alerts

• Kyiv City: Air raid alert lifted, then reactivated.

• Kyiv Oblast: Air raid alert remains in effect.

• Zaporizhzhia Region: Air raid alert lifted.

• Sumy Oblast: Air alert issued due to drone activity.

• Lipetsk Oblast: An air alert was declared and later lifted.

• Mykolaiv Oblast: Air raid alert activated due to drone threat.

• Chernihiv Oblast: Air raid alert activated due to drone threat.

• Cherkasy Oblast: Air raid alert activated due to drone threat.

Attacks Inside Russia

• Kazan: Confirmed Ukrainian drone attacks on residential buildings. A new explosion was reported, with local sources claiming it was a Ukrainian drone that had not detonated in the morning.

• St. Petersburg: Explosions and arson attacks, including a Sberbank branch and a post office.

• Leningrad Oblast: Arson attack on a post office. Arson attack on a bank in Anapa.

• Belgorod Region: Ukrainian drone struck a vehicle, injuring a civilian.

• Moscow and St. Petersburg: Explosions reported in shopping centers.

• Volgograd: The Traktorozavodsky district of Volgograd heard sounds resembling drones, followed by two explosions. Sirens were heard in the city during the day, and personnel were evacuated from chemical industry enterprises.

• Voronezh Oblast: Russian air defense systems have successfully intercepted several Ukrainian drones.

• Tula Oblast: Air defense is active.

• Rylsk: Initial reports of a child's death were not confirmed. Five fatalities were reported, with 14 residents receiving medical treatment. The initial restoration work has been completed.

• Shebekino, Belgorod Region: An FPV drone was shot down, and a truck at an agricultural enterprise was attacked. Reports of strikes on the Shebekino-Belgorod road.

• Anapa: A woman set off fireworks near a police station and attempted to set fire to ATMs. She has been detained, and a criminal case has been opened.

• Kolpinsky District, St. Petersburg: The alleged perpetrator of the arson of ATMs has been detained.

Drone Warfare Developments

• Ukrainian forces are using "snake-like" drone formations.
• Russian forces are using FPV drones against Ukrainian drones and vehicles.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
• Ukrainian forces shot down 45 out of 85 drones, 40 "locationally lost."
• Britain announced a 286 million hryvnia aid package, likely including drone technology.
• Ukrainian forces are utilizing a drone to drop multiple munitions on targets, including personnel and buildings.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
• Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine in the Donetsk region.
• Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
• Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk.
• In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
• Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
• Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone.
• Pilots of the "ACHILLES" battalion of the 92nd brigade, operating heavy night bombers, are reported to have destroyed enemy personnel and a truck in the Kharkiv region.
• Video shows Ukrainian forces using a drone to destroy a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
• Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
• Russian forces report that the front needs help to break through enemy defenses, specifically requesting "Mavic" drones.
• Russian forces report that the 27th Brigade is using drones to attack Ukrainian positions near Kupyansk.
• Ukrainian forces report that Russian drones are dropping K-51 grenades on Ukrainian positions.
• Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to drop grenades on Russian positions.
• Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to destroy Russian equipment and personnel.
• Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to attack Russian positions in the Kursk region.
• Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to attack Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia region.
• Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to attack Russian positions in the Kherson region.
• Ukrainian "Nemesis" unit used drones to destroy Russian artillery.
• Russian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a UAZ-452 "Bukhanka" used by Ukrainian forces.
• Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to attack Russian positions near the Antonovsky Bridge.
• +210 drones were purchased for Ukrainian forces.

Air Activity

• Activity of enemy tactical aircraft is reported in the southern direction.
• Threat of using aviation means of destruction for front-line areas.
• Guided aerial bombs were launched by tactical aircraft in the Kherson region.
• New groups of enemy drones detected in Sumy Oblast, moving in a southwesterly direction.
• Guided aerial bombs were launched by tactical aircraft in the Donetsk region.
• A Ukrainian missile was destroyed in the sky over Kursk Oblast.

Ground Engagements and Frontline Developments

Kursk Region

• 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region.
• Intense fighting near Kruhlenke and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.
• Heavy losses reported for North Korean troops.
• Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo using large infantry units. Ukrainian forces lost their strongholds in the forest belt.
• Russian forces destroyed a concentration of Ukrainian military equipment with the use of a "Malka" artillery system.
• Russian forces are developing an offensive in the direction of Malaya Loknya.
• North of Kruhlenky, Russian forces dislodged Ukrainian forces for 2 km.
• Russian forces are pushing along the Gluboky Yar gully, clearing forest areas.
• Russian forces are clearing Russkoye Porechnoye.
• Russian forces advanced to Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.
• Russian forces continue to defeat Ukrainian formations in the region, reporting over 300 Ukrainian casualties, along with the destruction of one tank, two U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, two armored personnel carriers, four armored fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations.

Donetsk Region

• Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
• Advances in Toretsk and near Dzerzhinsk.
• Russian forces partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from a fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar.
• Russian forces advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka, reaching Storozheve and Neskuchne.
• Clashes near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka.
• 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 also continued attacks in the southern part of the Забалка (Kulatsky Khutor) district, in the direction of Koksovaya Street (through the passage between the spoil tips), along Svetlaya Street, and in the direction of the Toretskaya mine.
• 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.
• At Kurakhivka axis, clashes were reported near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove, and Yantarne. Russian forces are also 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." Russian forces are continuing to advance, aiming to cut off the supply route to Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces have reportedly broken through to Yantarne and are completing the assault on Kurakhove. South of Zelenivka, Russian units have occupied several forest belts on a 2.5 km wide and 1.2 km deep area.
• At the Pokrovsk axis, clashes were reported near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske, and Novoolenivka. 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.
• 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.
• Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
• In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
• Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
• Near Novoocheretuvate, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving 5 units of equipment.
• Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours.
• Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
• Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself.
• Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai.
• The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
• Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmeisk.
• Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
• Russian forces liberated Ostrovskoye.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Ostrovskoye.
• The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Pokrovsk direction had the highest number of enemy losses in the past 24 hours, with 404 enemy troops neutralized, 193 of them irreversibly.

Kharkiv Region

• Explosive strikes reported.
• One clash near Vovchansk.
• Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 NARs and 27 drone strikes.
• Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
• Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces: 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed/damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
• At the Kharkiv axis, clashes were reported near Vovchansk.
• Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Vovchanski Khutory of Kharkiv region, Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region.
• Lozova: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.

Zaporizhzhia Region

• FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians.
• At the Vremivka axis, clashes were reported near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil, and Novodarivka. 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.
• 422nd Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems Luftwaffe on the Zaporizhzhia direction hit and destroyed a buggy, 2 ATVs, 9 dugouts, 8 shelters, 6 enemy KIA, and 5 WIA.
• In the area of Kamenskoye and north of Nesterianka, units of the Russian Armed Forces are conducting assault operations.

Other Areas

• Rostov Region (December 19): Massive overnight attack, 84 Ukrainian drones shot down, 36 over Rostov. Air defense heavily activated. One person injured, houses damaged in Kamensk district. Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery set on fire due to a drone attack, fire later extinguished.

• Eastern Front (December 19): Russian forces lost control of Trudove and Uspenovka. Advanced within 3 km of Konstantinopol-Kurakhovo road, capturing Zelenovka, continued expanding control near Pokrovsk, capturing Novyi Trud and advancing north of Pushkino.

• Vremivka Direction (December 19): Russian forces achieved success in Novyi Komar, launched attacks near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve. Advanced north of Nesterianka on the Zaporizhzhia front.

• Northern Front (December 19): "Sever" group engaged in fierce battles, repelling Ukrainian counterattacks involving NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS MLRS. Russian Aerospace Forces used airstrikes and artillery, including Tornado-S MLRS.

• Kupyansk Direction: A Leopard tank was destroyed.

• Kherson axis: Ukrainian forces repelled 2 Russian assaults. Ukrainian forces report a high level of enemy drone activity near the Antonovsky bridge. The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported that over the past day, there were over 300 shelling incidents and the enemy used 363 FPV drones of various modifications and dropped 350 shrapnel munitions.

• Donetsk People's Republic: In Donetsk, a dump truck driver was injured as a result of an enemy MLRS strike. In Horlivka, three civilians were injured by artillery shelling. In Selidovo, a woman born in 1951 was injured: the enemy was using NATO artillery.

• Kramatorsk: Ukrainian media shared a video of a projectile impact.

• Sadove, Kherson Oblast: Launch of a guided aerial bomb reported. Another launch reported later.

• Nikopolshchyna: The area was attacked almost 18 times using drones and heavy artillery, resulting in two injuries and damage to 19 private houses, one dacha, 5 outbuildings, 2 garages, 2 cars, 40 solar panels, power lines, gas pipelines, and a water pipe.

• Antonivka/Zelenivka, Kherson Oblast: Launch of a guided aerial bomb reported.

• Velyka Novosilka Direction: Fighting continues near Storozheve and Novosilka. Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian forces in these areas and west/southwest of them. Russian forces are also pushing towards Novosilka and conducting airstrikes near Temyrivka. Fighting is ongoing north of Novyi Komar.

Other Significant Developments

• Alleged Assassination Attempt: Reports of an alleged assassination attempt on Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov. Suspect confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services.

• Casualties and Losses: Reports of significant losses on both sides. Civilian casualties reported due to shelling and drone strikes.

• Negotiations: Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war.

• NATO Involvement: NATO reportedly took over coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US. Discussions about sending European troops to Ukraine in case of a ceasefire or peace agreement.

• Information Warfare: Both sides actively engaged in information warfare.

• Diplomatic Statements:

  • Russian UN Representative Nebenzya criticized NATO's "double standards."
  • US Secretary of State Blinken claimed China's support for Russia hinders relations with European countries.
  • Polish President Duda mentioned the possibility of sending Polish troops to Ukraine.

• Statement by Maria Zakharova: Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson compared Ukrainian President Zelensky to Osama bin Laden.

• Statement by Polish Minister of National Defense: Called the placement of UPA flags on Polish Rosomak APCs a provocation.

• Statement by Dmitry Peskov: Putin receives reports from military commanders twice a day. Did not confirm/deny Slovak PM's visit to Moscow. Stated the US is an unfriendly country whose missiles are hitting Russia. Putin will traditionally congratulate foreign leaders for the New Year, but not those from unfriendly countries. Putin will congratulate the peoples of unfriendly countries.

• Naval Activity: No enemy warships in Black and Azov Seas. Six enemy warships in the Mediterranean Sea, three armed with Kalibr cruise missiles.

• Britain Announces Aid Package: 286 million hryvnia military aid package for Ukraine.

• Zelensky-Rutte Meeting: Discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense and security guarantees with NATO Secretary General.

• Zelensky-Macron Meeting: Discussed strengthening Ukraine's position against Russian aggression. France to prepare an additional brigade for the Ukrainian army.

• North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating, suffering losses, and mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. Reports of a train carrying North Korean equipment in the Tyumen region of Russia.

• Destruction of "Leopard" Tanks: Multiple videos showing destruction of Leopard tanks.

• "Canadian Center for the Development of Democracy in Russia": Declared "undesirable" in Russia after investigating Russian agents in Canada.

• Expenditure on Food Delivery in Russia: Russians spent a record 650 billion rubles on food delivery in 2024.

• Emergency Situation in Kerch: Emergency situation declared due to a fuel oil spill.

• Meeting of Coordination Council of Rectors in Zaporizhzhia: Discussed development of higher education in the region.

• Cultural Event in Grozny: 16th final of Republican TV festival-competition "Sinmekhallash" (Spiritual Values) held in Grozny.

• Arson in Leningrad Region: Unknown individuals set fire to a post office.

• Statement by US Republican Party: Proposed recognizing Somaliland.

• Discussion in Federation Council: Committees discussed candidacy of Igor Krasnov for Prosecutor General on December 19.

• Detainment for Treason: Resident of Khakassia detained for financing Ukrainian Armed Forces.

• Cossack Participation in Special Military Operation: 43,000 Cossacks participated, over 4,500 received state awards.

• Passage through Kerch Strait: One vessel towards Black Sea, five towards Azov Sea. Two continued towards Bosporus Strait.

• Russia Reinforces Army and Uses Conscripts in Ukraine: ISW reports Russia is intensifying army recruitment and coercing conscripts into signing contracts.

• Territorial Changes on December 18: Russian source reported a net gain of 15.68 km² in "KTO Zone," no changes in "SVO Zone."

• Train Collision in Russia: Two people died in a train collision near Murmansk.

• Propaganda Video: Video showing Ukrainian journalist in Pokrovsk interrupted by Russian artillery fire.

• Liberation of Zelenovka and Novyi Komar (08:37:12 UTC, 08:52:07 UTC): Russian MoD confirmed liberation of Zelenovka and Novyi Komar in Donetsk People's Republic. Capture of Novyi Komar allows Russian forces to cut off a supply route to Ukrainian forces in Velyka Novosilka.

• MoD Briefing (08:37:20 UTC):

  • "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
  • "West" group repelled two counterattacks, Ukrainian losses 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.

• Drone Attack on Novoshakhtinsk Refinery (08:39:40 UTC): Combined operation involving drones and missiles. Drones used to overload air defenses, creating opportunity for missiles to strike.

• Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen (08:29:01 UTC): Israel and US conducted airstrikes in Yemen, including port of Hodeidah. Houthi forces retaliated with missile attack on Tel Aviv, claiming to use "Palestine-2" hypersonic missile.

• Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo (08:12:02 UTC): Reports allege Ukrainian forces committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.

• Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries (08:12:02 UTC): Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).

• 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment (08:12:02 UTC): Russian Defense Minister congratulated command and personnel with liberation of Elizavetovka (DPR) from neo-Nazis. Over 1,100 servicemen presented with awards. Video shows liberation of Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.

• Drone Strikes (08:12:02 UTC): 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted drone strike operation in Shevchenko.

• Ukrainian Withdrawal from Uspenivka Pocket (08:12:02 UTC): Ukrainian forces withdrawn from "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.

• One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk (08:12:02 UTC): Due to shelling by Russian forces.

• Toretsk and Chasov Yar (08:12:02 UTC): Russian forces consolidating control in Toretsk, advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Civilians evacuated from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk). Advanced in Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk. In Toretsk, in southern part of "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects on outskirts of spoil heap. Fighting continues on northern and western edge of Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Advanced towards small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Assault troops advanced 500 meters west in Khimkolonka area, occupied new positions in private sector. Partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, Dyliivka. Assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and use of heavy weaponry.

• Finns and the Economy (16:26:22-16:26:23 UTC): Municipalities in Eastern Finland demand authorities restore region's economy, plunged into crisis due to anti-Russian sanctions.

• Image Analysis (16:26:22-16:26:23 UTC): Closed, snow-covered border crossing in cold climate. Strategically vulnerable when deserted and unguarded.

• Tactical Aviation Activity (16:30:13 UTC): Hostile tactical aviation reported in south-eastern direction. Threat of aviation means of destruction for front-line areas.

• Image Analysis (16:30:04-16:30:05 UTC): Civilian buildings and infrastructure heavily damaged, likely by powerful explosive weapon. Provides information for targeting assessments, casualty estimates, infrastructure analysis, location awareness, intelligence gathering. High potential impact on civilian population. Dog in one image indicates civilians close to affected area.

• Volgograd Governor and Stalin Monument (16:30:34-16:30:36 UTC): Governor laid flowers in memory of politically repressed, then opened Stalin monument. Monument opened in "Vologda Exile" museum-reserve.

• Image Analysis (16:30:34-16:30:36 UTC): Public relations or propaganda events involving Russian officials. Cultivate domestic morale, project national identity and resolve, influence public opinion. Shape sociopolitical environment, affect support for and outcome of military operations.

• Peskov on US-Russia Relations (16:31:02-16:31:03 UTC): US is an unfriendly country, whose missiles are hitting Russia. Developments depend on new US administration's plans and statements.

• Image Analysis (16:31:02-16:31:03 UTC): Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of President of Russia, in formal setting. Potential indicator of official announcements, policy decisions, influence operations related to conflict.

• TASS Main Events Summary (16:31:19-16:31:20 UTC): Liberation of Ostrovsky in DPR, drone attacks on Kazan, casualties in Kursk region, other domestic news.

• Image Analysis (16:31:19-16:31:20 UTC): TASS graphic presenting "Main News. Evening." Curated communication from Russia. Propaganda tool to control information, maintain domestic support, influence international perception.

• Drone Strike Video Analysis (16:32:01-16:32:02 UTC): Active combat zone with enemy personnel and heavy ordnance usage. Terrain has open spaces, natural cover, fortified positions. Used for targeting, assessing enemy movements, formulating strategies.

• Former Deputy Minister of Education Detained (16:34:58 UTC): Detained at Moscow airport in criminal case of fraud.

• Ukrainian Sabotage and Reconnaissance Group (16:35:07-16:35:08 UTC): Three-

New Updates from Recent Messages

• New explosion in Kazan: Another explosion has been reported in Kazan, with local sources claiming it's a Ukrainian drone that failed to detonate earlier