Major Military Situation Updates - December 22, 2024, 05:25 UTC
Key Developments
Drone Warfare
Continued Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare remains a significant aspect of the conflict, with widespread activity reported across multiple regions in Ukraine, 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.
Multiple groups of attack drones are moving in the northern part of Sumy Oblast, in the direction of Chernihiv Oblast. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
Several new drones were reported to be flying from Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
An air raid alert was issued in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to drone activity and has since been lifted.
Reports of drone movements and engagements continue across multiple regions in Ukraine.
8 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Rostov Oblast. The Russian MoD claims this large-scale drone attack is retaliation for Ukraine's prior use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, suggesting a potential cycle of escalation.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
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.
Russian Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least six impacts. Fires were reported in multiple districts, leading to evacuations. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones across various regions.
Drone Warfare Incidents:
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces targeted Russian positions and soldiers with drones.
Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged M119 howitzer with a drone.
Germany transferred Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over Dnipropetrovsk region.
Russian forces disrupted Ukrainian mine-laying operations in Kursk region with drones.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaged a Russian command post with drones.
Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian forces destroyed a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region with an FPV drone.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian BMPT "Terminator" near Kreminna.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk with an FPV drone.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian "Sherhni Dovbush" unit conducted a successful drone strike on a Russian soldier in an open field.
Ukrainian "Shadow" unit used drones to successfully attack a Russian position in a residential area during the day, and a Russian bunker at night.
Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian logistics and troops are reported, including the destruction of a Ukrainian ammunition depot.
Russian drone teams are active in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, positions, and armored vehicles.
A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
+330 drones were purchased thanks to donations. In total, 127,329 FPV drones have been purchased.
Donetsk scouts identify positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then destroy them.
There is a graph showing the number of drone launches over a 7 day period.
Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
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.
UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations in the Kursk region, targeting various Russian military vehicles.
Ukrainian forces report that they destroyed 3 Russian BTRs and damaged a Russian position near Kursk.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
Russian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces were reportedly killed by Russian drones near Kharkiv.
Russian forces reportedly used drones to eliminate a Ukrainian special forces group near Kupyansk.
Russian forces have used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Russian forces have used FPV drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a forest.
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.
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.
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.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
"Sudoplatov" unit released footage of their work on destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line.
Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions.
FPV Drones are being actively used by Russian forces in Toretsk. Operators, working directly with assault troops, are targeting enemy firing positions.
Ukrainian forces are using FPV drones to target Russian logistics and troops in the Kursk region.
Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed an ammunition depot near Markine in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
A soldier successfully destroying an enemy drone using a small arm.
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 control approximately 80% of Kurakhove. They 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. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine.
Kursk Region: Russian forces have fully liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. They established control over positions east of Novoyvanovka and were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front. Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Nechaev and in the direction of Kruglyakovka. Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. Russian forces took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo. Russian marines took a fortified position in the Kursk border region.
Disrupted Rotation and Mine-Laying: Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation and used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations.
Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting continues along the front line, with 55 engagements reported and 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes. Paratroopers are pushing Ukrainian units back from the Kursk region. Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district. Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with Russian infantry attacking Ukrainian positions near Nechaev.
Repelled Counterattacks: Ukrainian counterattacks using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS were repelled.
Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Destruction of Reserves: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
North Korean Involvement: Reports indicate North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers. Reports suggest North Korean soldiers are being treated in the Kursk city hospital, though evidence of their involvement remains weak. Ukrainian forces are dropping leaflets in Korean, targeting North Korean soldiers in the Kursk area. Reports continue to claim North Korean special forces involvement, with further reports of casualties. Three North Korean soldiers have also been reported missing near Kurilovka. The involvement of North Korean troops is not yet confirmed.
Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region. Another Ukrainian soldier reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces conducted successful drone operations, targeting Russian military vehicles and logistics. UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations, targeting various Russian military vehicles. Ukrainian forces reported that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
VSU Losses: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the region.
Rylsk Shelling: The town of Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions, resulting in multiple civilian casualties (at least five killed and up to 30 injured) and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. A pregnant woman was injured in the shelling. The Russian MoD reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost 225 troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five armored fighting vehicles in the Kursk direction in the past 24 hours.
Strategic Implications: The Russian advances represent a significant development, potentially opening a new front and stretching Ukrainian defenses.
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.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
76th Airborne Division reportedly storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
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.
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.
Chasov Yar
Fighting in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
Other Significant Developments
Activity of Russian Tactical Aviation: Activity of Russian tactical aviation is reported on the south-eastern direction, with a threat of the use of aviation weapons for front-line areas.
Guided Bomb Strikes in Donetsk: Russian tactical aviation launched guided bomb strikes in the Donetsk region.
US Cruiser Mistakenly Shoots Down F/A-18: A US Navy cruiser mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea during airstrikes on Houthi targets. Both pilots were rescued, with one sustaining minor injuries.
Destruction of Ukrainian Military Equipment: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction. A Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle was destroyed by Russian drone operators in the Vremivka direction.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued and subsequently lifted in several regions, including Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. A new alert was issued for Sumy Oblast 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.
Mass Desertions in the British Army: Over 15,000 British military personnel reportedly left the armed forces in October, despite a record pay raise.
Memorial Song for Fallen Soldiers: A song was recorded and shared in memory of Russian soldiers from the "North Group" who died in the Kursk and Kharkov regions.
A soldier is consuming a meal consisting of field rations and coffee: The elements suggest a wooded outdoor location, highlighting the logistical and operational aspects of a potential military mission.
Assassination of a Russian General:
Ukrainian sources claim responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection troops in Moscow.
US officials stated they were not aware and were not involved.
Russian officials confirmed his death, along with his assistant, Major Polikarpov.
Arrest of Suspect: A 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, suspected of carrying out the attack, has been arrested. He has confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services. The detonation was triggered remotely from Dnipro, Ukraine. The suspect has been transported to the scene of the crime for investigative actions. New suspects might be identified. The arrested suspect, Akhmad Kurbanov, has been charged with terrorism and illegal manufacturing of explosives. He is awaiting trial.
Medvedev stated that the military-political leadership of the Kyiv regime will face inevitable retribution and that if The Times considers the murder of Kirillov a legitimate act, then all NATO officials can be considered legitimate targets for Moscow.
The Governor of Kostroma Oblast suggested that Kirillov's work exposing secret bio-labs may have been the reason for his assassination.
Russian officials will raise the issue of the attack at the UN Security Council on December 20th. The UN did not condemn the attack.
Maria Zakharova stated that the attack against Kirillov was a result of the West's approval of Kyiv's crimes.
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, stated that special services are efficiently investigating the murder and that it is obvious that the Kyiv regime is the customer.
Russian authorities indicated that new suspects might be identified.
The Uzbekistan embassy is in contact with Russia regarding the citizen detained for the murder.
CNN published an article stating that Kirillov's death was caused by Ukrainian operatives.
The head of the Ukrainian Security Services, Vasyl Malyuk, is suspected to be responsible for organizing the assassination.
There was a discussion about the assassination of Kirillov in the Security Service of Ukraine.
Ryabkov stated that the reaction of the West to the murder of Kirillov confirms that they divide terrorists into "us" and "them".
A scandal has emerged regarding a CNN report from the location of Kirillov's assassination, raising questions about foreign journalist activity in Russia and potential security breaches. FSB and Uzbek special services are working to identify accomplices. President Mirziyoyev expressed condolences and condemned the assassination, offering assistance in the investigation. A scandal has emerged regarding a CNN report from the location of Kirillov's assassination, raising questions about foreign journalist activity in Russia and potential security breaches.
Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine:
War Crimes: A Russian lieutenant general has been charged with ordering the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The deputy chief of the Russian general staff has been charged with organizing a missile strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk that killed a Reuters journalist.
Collaborators: The head of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with a Russian online casino. A group in Dnipropetrovsk was exposed for gathering data on F-16 fighter jets for the enemy.
Organized Crime: Channels for drug supply and
Regional Analysis
Drone Warfare
Ukraine
Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported across multiple regions.
Several groups of attack drones are moving in the northern part of Sumy Oblast in the direction of Chernihiv Oblast.
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. A new alert was issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity, and the alert for Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been lifted.
Russia
Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least six 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, including 8 over Rostov oblast.
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. Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.
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. A Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle was destroyed in this area.
Kursk Region
Russian Advances: Russian forces fully liberated Novoivanovka and are advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was shown carrying out a likely bombing mission, targeting Ukrainian infantry and a stronghold.
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.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
76th Airborne Division reportedly storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
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.
North Korean Involvement: Reports indicate North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers.
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: No Russian warships present.
Azov Sea: No Russian warships 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. The bombing mission by the Su-34 in Kursk further reinforces this offensive posture.
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 the potential weakening of Ukraine's position due to continued attacks on Russian cities add another layer of complexity to the conflict.
Accidental Shootdown: The accidental downing of a US F/A-18 by a US Navy cruiser highlights the risks and potential for error in complex military operations, especially in contested airspace.
Continued Russian advances on multiple fronts: This highlights the sustained offensive posture of Russian forces and their apparent initiative in the conflict. Their ability to make gains in multiple locations suggests a coordinated strategy and potentially superior force deployment. The Ukrainian defense appears to be stretched thin, struggling to contain Russian advances simultaneously in different regions.
Escalation in the Kursk region: This marks a significant development, with Russia potentially opening a new front. This could force Ukraine to divert resources from other areas, further straining their defenses. The involvement of North Korean troops, although unconfirmed, adds another layer of complexity and international concern to the conflict.
Persistent drone warfare: The widespread use of drones by both sides underscores their importance in modern warfare. The introduction of new anti-drone technology by China could potentially shift the balance in drone warfare, giving an advantage to the side that can deploy and utilize it effectively. The continued development and deployment of drone countermeasures will be crucial for both sides.
Changes from Previous Situation (approximately 30 minutes ago)
US Cruiser Mistakenly Shoots Down F/A-18: A US Navy cruiser mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea.
Memorial Song for Fallen Soldiers: A song was recorded in memory of Russian soldiers from the "North Group" who died in the Kursk and Kharkov regions.
Mass Desertions in the British Army: Over 15,000 British military personnel reportedly left the armed forces in October.
Su-34 Bombing Mission in Kursk: A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was shown carrying out a likely bombing mission in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian infantry and a stronghold.
Destruction of Ukrainian "Kozak" Armored Vehicle: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle in the Vremivka direction.
Air Raid Alert Lifted: The air raid alert for Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been lifted.
8 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Rostov Oblast: There were no casualties.
A soldier is consuming a meal consisting of field rations and coffee: The elements suggest a wooded outdoor location, highlighting the logistical and operational aspects of a potential military mission.
A soldier successfully destroying an enemy drone using a small arm: This highlights the increasing importance of anti-drone measures in modern warfare.
Drone Warfare Incidents: A series of drone attacks and counterattacks, highlighting the evolving tactics and technologies used by both sides.
Ground Warfare: Continued Russian advances in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, indicating a sustained offensive.
Alleged Assassination of a Russian General: Further details and reactions surrounding the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, with accusations and investigations ongoing.
Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine: New charges related to war crimes, collaborators, and organized crime.
Changes from Older Situations (6 hours to 3 days ago)
Major Escalation: The large-scale drone and missile attack on the Rostov region, with 84 Ukrainian drones intercepted (36 over Rostov), marked a significant escalation in the scale and intensity of attacks.
Air Defense Activation: Widespread activation of air defense systems across multiple locations.
Casualties and Damage: One injury near Rostov, damage to houses in the Kamensk district, and a fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery.
Ukrainian Drone Losses: Ukrainian forces reported shooting down 45 out of 85 drones, with 40 additional drones "locationally lost."
New Drone Activity: New drone activity reported in Sumy and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts.
Air Raid Alert: Air raid alert issued for Kyiv, lifted in Zaporizhzhia.
Cossack Participation: 43,000 Cossacks reported to have participated in the special military operation.
Naval Activity: No enemy warships in the Black and Azov Seas, six in the Mediterranean.
Territorial Changes: Reported Russian net gain of 15.68 km² in the "KTO Zone" on December 18.
British Aid Package: Announcement of a new 286 million hryvnia military aid package from Britain.
Zelensky-Rutte Meeting: Discussion on strengthening Ukraine's air defense and security guarantees.
Other Developments: Increase in Murmansk train collision death toll, confession of suspect in General Kirillov's assassination attempt.
Ukrainian Reserves Targeted: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Mobilization in Ukraine: Reports of Ukrainian mobilization efforts targeting individuals with exemptions, claiming that paper documentation is not recognized if the individual's data is not in the "Oberig" system.
Ukrainian Casualties: Reports of a Ukrainian police major being killed by a Russian drone strike in the Chernihiv region.
German Military Aid: Germany is reportedly sending 20 additional Marder IFVs to Ukraine, with delivery expected in the first half of 2025.
North Korean Losses: Reports of significant North Korean troop losses in the Kursk region.
Confirmation of Novoshakhtinsk Refinery Attack: Ukrainian forces confirmed the attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery as a joint SBU and Navy operation.
Continued Russian Advances: Russian forces continue to make advances on the Eastern Front, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, capturing several settlements and expanding their zone of control.
Intense Fighting: Intense fighting is reported along the Vremivka axis, in the Toretsk area, and the Kursk region, where Russian forces have renewed their offensive.
Drone Warfare: Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides employing extensive drone operations and new tactics.
Missile Attacks: Missile attacks continue to target Ukrainian infrastructure, with significant damage reported in the Lviv and Ternopil regions.
Alleged Assassination of a Russian General: The alleged assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov remains a significant development, with a suspect arrested and confessed.
International Involvement: NATO has taken over coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US. Discussions about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
North Korean Involvement: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict continue.
Negotiations: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war.
Syrian Situation: Israeli airstrikes continue in Syria, with reports of Russian troop withdrawals from the front lines.
Desertion in the Ukrainian Army: The number of Ukrainian soldiers deserting their posts has significantly increased.
New Mobilization Effort in Ukraine: A new mobilization effort is potentially targeting younger age groups.
Russian Military Reports: The Russian MoD reported that all tasks assigned to the Russian Armed Forces for 2024 have been completed. The main training event for 2025 will be the joint strategic exercise "West-2025" with Belarus.
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.
Drone Shootdowns: Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down 51 out of 81 enemy drones launched on the night of December 17th, with 30 drones "locally lost" without reaching their targets.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts are active in Mariupol and Pryazovia due to the threat of drones and missiles.
Missile Attack on Rostov Oblast: Three missiles were shot down over Rostov Oblast, with one hitting a farm building. A residential building was set on fire due to falling fragments from a downed rocket. No deaths were reported from the missile attacks.
Arrest of Suspect in Assassination: A 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, suspected of carrying out the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, has been arrested and has confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services. The detonation was triggered remotely from Dnipro, Ukraine.
Casualty Reports: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU)
