Major Military Situation Updates - December 21, 2024, 23:25 UTC
Intensified Drone Warfare Across Multiple Regions
Ukraine
Extensive Drone Activity:
Multiple drone groups are moving in the northern part of Kyiv Oblast, in the direction of Zhytomyr region.
Several groups of drones are moving in the northern part of the Kyiv region in the direction of Zhytomyr region.
Kyiv is under drone attack, with enemy UAVs reported in the vicinity of the city. Residents are urged to remain in shelters.
A drone is approaching Kyiv through Vyshhorod.
A drone is approaching Kyiv through Brovary.
4 drones are reported from the north of Kyiv Oblast, moving towards Zhytomyr Oblast.
2 drones are circling on the intersection of Zhytomyr and Kyiv Oblasts.
1 drone is flying past Dolynska in a westerly direction.
1 drone is approaching Kutsurub from the northwest.
Widespread drone activity is also reported across Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Tatarbunary, Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, Kryvyi Rih, Myrhorod, Shostka, Pryluky, Kremenchuk, Okhtyrka, Shepetivka, Smila, Kamianske, Izium, and Ukrainka.
Specific drone movements include launches from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary, drones approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih, and new groups entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv.
Drones are moving northwest over Pavlohrad, with high-speed drones posing a threat to Ternopil.
Movements are 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.
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 are 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. A drone is moving through Zhytomyr Oblast from Kyiv Oblast.
In Zhytomyr Oblast, a drone is 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 moving towards Shepetivka, and approaching Shepetivka. 4 drones are approaching Zhytomyr.
In Cherkasy Oblast, 6 drones reported circling north of Cherkasy, 5 drones reported north of Cherkasy, one drone flying past Cherkasy towards Smila, one drone east of Cherkasy, and one drone west of Smila heading southwest.
In Chernihiv Oblast, drone from Cherkasy Oblast moving into Chernihiv Oblast. Drones moving through the southeast in a westerly direction and through the southwest in a westerly direction. A group of attack drones reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones reported near Pryluky. 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.
In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, one drone reported in the north heading towards Kamianske.
In Kharkiv Oblast, a drone was reported, heading towards Izium. 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv.
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.
Enemy UAVs are reported in Chernihiv Oblast, moving towards Kyiv Oblast.
Several groups of drones are moving through Chernihiv Oblast towards Kyiv Oblast.
Drones are reported on Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Kyiv Oblast.
In Brovary, Kyiv Oblast, a fire was reported in a multi-story building, believed to be caused by an enemy drone strike. The fire has been localized, and evacuations are underway. The fire was later confirmed to be the result of falling debris from a downed drone.
Ukrainian Air Defense:
Anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine shot down 57 "Shahed" attack UAVs and drones of other types 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.
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.
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.
Warriors of the 121st Territorial Defense Brigade shot down a rare Russian Zala Z-20 reconnaissance UAV.
Air Raid Alerts:
An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv and subsequently lifted. 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.
Kyiv city and several other regions are under threat of UAV attacks.
Ukrainian Air Force Report:
Shot down a "Neptune" guided missile and 154 Ukrainian drones.
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.
Casualties:
Drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv 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. Now 6 are reported injured, 5 of which are stress-related.
Drone Strikes:
425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko.
Pilots of the Third Assault Brigade used FPV drones to destroy a Russian cannon, mortar, "Bukhanets" truck, and infantry positions.
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.
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. A new explosion was reported in Kazan, with local sources claiming it was a Ukrainian drone that had not detonated in the morning.
Sochi: Explosions reported, with Russian air defense systems active.
Voronezh Oblast: Russian air defense systems intercepted several Ukrainian drones.
Rostov: Explosions reported, sirens activated.
Orel: Residents report explosions and flashes in the vicinity of an oil depot, previously attacked on December 14th. The Orel region is under a massive drone attack. A fuel infrastructure facility caught fire due to a drone attack.
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.
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
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.
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. The assault 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.
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.
Russian forces advanced 5km east of the Krasnoye-Starye Terny highway. They are expanding control westward towards Andreyevka, less than 8km away.
Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
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).
Russian forces are pushing the enemy out of the high-rise buildings in the center of Kurakhovo.
Russian forces have reportedly captured all residential areas of Kurakhovo and are engaged in heavy fighting, pushing Ukrainian forces into the industrial zone and towards the thermal power station (TES).
Fighting continues in the industrial zone of Kurakhovo, for Yantarnoye and west of Dalneye.
The enemy claims heavy fighting in the areas of Konstantinopol, Bogatyr, Razliv, Razdolnoye, where Russian units are attacking in the direction of the highway.
Russian forces started battles for the liberation of Yantarnoye, south of Kurakhovo.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Avdiivka Coke Plant:
Referred to as the "Azovstal of 2024," it is described as the last stronghold of Avdiivka.
Satellite imagery shows the plant's strategic importance and potential use as a defensive position.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces report that they are using drones to attack Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia region.
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.
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.
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. Reports of strikes on the Shebekino-Belgorod road.
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.
Kupyansk Direction: A Leopard tank was destroyed.
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. The last seconds of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region were captured on video. Reports of a train carrying North Korean equipment in the Tyumen region of Russia.
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.
Shebekino, Belgorod Region: An FPV drone was shot down, and a truck at an agricultural enterprise was attacked.
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.
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.
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.
Tula Oblast: Air defense is active.
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.
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.
US Central Command: Confirmed a strike on Houthi command posts in Yemen.
No enemy warships in Black and Azov Seas. Six enemy warships in the Mediterranean Sea, three armed with Kalibr cruise missiles.
Passage through Kerch Strait: One vessel towards Black Sea, five towards Azov Sea. Two continued towards Bosporus Strait.
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. 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. 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.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to defeat AFU formations in Kursk region. In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces defeated formations of one heavy mechanised brigade, five mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and four AFU territorial defence brigades close to Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Two counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kositsa, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Rubanshchina, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Loknya in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses were more than 300 troops, one tank, two U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, four armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations. 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
