Major Military Situation Updates - December 22, 2024, 02:55 UTC
Key Developments
Drone Warfare Intensifies
Introduction of Chinese Anti-Drone Technology: A Chinese company, Anwei, has introduced a portable individual FPV-drone jammer, the AT-623. This device suppresses FPV drone frequencies with a range of 150 meters and a response time of 2 seconds. It is equipped with a replaceable lithium-ion battery, providing 30 minutes of continuous use at full power and weighs 1.6 kg. A video demonstrating the device shows a soldier using the "FPV Killer" to neutralize small, first-person view (FPV) drones. The device's lightweight design, replaceable battery (Type-C), and one-button control make it user-friendly. Soldiers armed with Chinese-made QBZ-95 rifles are seen using the device in field exercises, highlighting the growing threat of drone warfare and the development of effective counter-drone technologies.
Continued Drone Activity: Drone warfare remains a significant aspect of the conflict, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Reports of drone movements and engagements continue across multiple regions in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Poltava Oblasts.
Russian Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least eight impacts, including six on residential buildings. Fires were reported in multiple districts, leading to evacuations. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones across various regions.
Ground Warfare: Russian Advances Continue
Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces continue to make advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk.
Kurakhove: Russian forces have reportedly liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka, and are pushing Ukrainian forces out of high-rise buildings in the center of Kurakhove. Heavy fighting continues in the industrial zone and for Yantarnoye.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. High-intensity battles are reported near several settlements, with Russian forces storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
Toretsk: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. They have made advances in the Khomkolonka microdistrict and near the small mine No. 10 spoil heap.
Kursk Region: Russian forces have fully liberated Novoivanovka and are advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Other Significant Developments
Guided Bomb Strikes in Donetsk: Russian tactical aviation launched guided bomb strikes in the Donetsk region, indicating continued air operations targeting Ukrainian positions.
Destruction of Ukrainian Military Equipment: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued and subsequently lifted in several regions, including Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. New alerts have been issued for Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts due to drone activity.
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. A retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Daniel Davis, suggested that attacks on Russian cities could worsen Ukraine's position in negotiations, as they anger Russian citizens and leadership without having a significant military effect.
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).
North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces.
NATO to Coordinate Military Aid to Ukraine: NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
Regional Analysis
Drone Warfare
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.
Air Defense and Countermeasures: Ukrainian air defenses have shot down numerous "Shahed" UAVs and drones of other types across multiple regions. Anti-aircraft units are active near Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued and subsequently lifted in several regions. New alerts have been issued for Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts due to drone activity.
Russia
Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least eight impacts and fires in multiple districts. Explosions were also reported in Sochi, with Russian air defense systems active.
Air Defense Interceptions: Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones across multiple regions.
Ground Warfare
Donetsk Oblast
Chasov Yar: Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar, with fighting continuing on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.
Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk): Russian forces are consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
Pokrovsk Direction: High-intensity battles are reported near several settlements, with Russian forces advancing towards Andreyevka.
Kurakhovo Direction: Russian forces have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka. Heavy fighting is reported as Russian forces push Ukrainian forces into the industrial zone and towards the thermal power station (TES). Battles are ongoing for Yantarnoye.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces raised a flag in Novyi Komar and continue to expand the zone of control towards Velikaya Novoselka.
Kursk Region
Russian Advances: Russian forces fully liberated Novoivanovka and are advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Zaporizhzhia Front
Assault operations are reported near Kamenskoye and north of Nesterianka.
Kharkiv Front
One clash occurred near Vovchansk. Russian forces conducted airstrikes and drone strikes, along with shellings of Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area.
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.
Strategic Implications
Russian Advances: Continued Russian advances, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, indicate a sustained offensive aimed at achieving significant territorial gains.
Drone Warfare: The persistent use of drones by both sides highlights the evolving nature of the conflict. The introduction of the Chinese anti-drone technology, the AT-623, signifies an advancement in counter-drone warfare, potentially altering the dynamics of drone usage on the battlefield.
Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of alleged atrocities in Selidovo and the continued fighting in populated areas raise humanitarian concerns.
Negotiations: The discussions about negotiations and potential involvement of European troops highlight the complex and evolving nature of the conflict. The potential weakening of Ukraine's position in negotiations due to continued attacks on Russian cities adds another layer of complexity.
Changes from Previous Situation (approximately 30 minutes ago)
New Guided Bomb Strikes: Russian tactical aviation launched guided bomb strikes in the Donetsk region.
Introduction of Chinese Anti-Drone Technology: The introduction of the AT-623 portable FPV-drone jammer by a Chinese company.
Destruction of Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" Armored Vehicle: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
Negotiations: A retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel suggested that attacks on Russian cities could worsen Ukraine's position in negotiations.
Clarification on Kazan Drone Attacks: Russian Ministry of Defense reported six drones, not eight, in Kazan, with three downed and three suppressed by electronic warfare.
Analysis of Destroyed Ukrainian Military Vehicle: A video showed a destroyed Ukrainian military vehicle, scattered debris, and anti-personnel mines in an open field, suggesting a tactical misstep and ongoing mine deployment operation.
ISW Report on Russian Military Prestige: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggested that Russia is increasing efforts to raise the prestige of military service among youth, potentially for long-term military actions in Ukraine and possible future conflicts with Western countries.
Analysis of Russian Military Training: An image showed a large group of military cadets undergoing marching drills, suggesting early-stage military preparedness and troop readiness.
Daniel Davis on Attacks on Russian Cities: Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis suggested that attacks on Russian cities could worsen Ukraine's position in negotiations.
New Information on Drone Warfare: The introduction of Chinese anti-drone technology, the AT-623, has been reported. This device is designed to suppress FPV drone frequencies and could significantly impact the use of drones in the conflict.
Destruction of Additional Military Equipment: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported to have been destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction, indicating continued attrition of Ukrainian military equipment.
Strategic Implications of Drone Warfare: The continued use of drones by both sides and the introduction of new counter-drone technology highlight the evolving nature of the conflict and the importance of drone warfare in reconnaissance, targeting, and attack operations.
Potential Impact on Negotiations: The report that attacks on Russian cities could worsen Ukraine's position in negotiations adds a new dimension to the strategic considerations surrounding the conflict.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: The ISW report and the image of Russian military training are likely being used for propaganda purposes to influence public opinion and morale, both domestically and internationally.
