Major Military Situation Updates - December 22, 2024, 06:55 UTC
Intensified Drone Warfare Across Multiple Regions
Ukraine
Extensive Drone Activity:
Widespread drone activity is 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.
Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
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.
In Brovary, Kyiv region, debris fell on the roof of an apartment building, causing a fire.
Drone Warfare Incidents:
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.
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.
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.
Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
A soldier successfully destroying an enemy drone using a small arm.
Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
Ukrainian forces used drones to target a Russian position near a road and successfully targeted two soldiers in the open.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over Dnipropetrovsk region.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian BMPT "Terminator" near Kreminna.
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.
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.
Anti-Drone Technology:
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.
Work of individual EW system of the 114th brigade of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation was shown on the video.
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.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over Dnipropetrovsk region.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the threat of strike UAVs has been cleared.
Russia
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.
New: Russian MoD reported that Russian air defense systems destroyed 42 Ukrainian UAVs overnight. 20 were destroyed over the territory of the Orel region, 8 over the Rostov and Bryansk regions, 5 over the Kursk region, and 1 over the Kuban region.
New: Overnight, 42 UAVs were shot down over Russia, 20 of them in the Oryol region. A fire broke out at a fuel infrastructure facility in the Oryol region due to a UAV attack.
New: 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.
Drone Warfare Incidents:
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle in the Vremivka direction.
Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Russian drone operators destroyed a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier "Kozak" and a MaxxPro vehicle using mines and drones.
Russian forces used drones to destroy a Ukrainian armored vehicle in a wooded area.
Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
A Russian military drone destroyed a camouflaged M119 howitzer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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.
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.
"Sudoplatov" unit released footage of their work on destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line.
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.
Russian 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.
Russian forces disrupted Ukrainian mine-laying operations in Kursk region with drones.
Russian forces destroyed a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region with an FPV drone.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Russian drone teams are active in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, positions, and armored vehicles.
Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian logistics and troops are reported, including the destruction of a Ukrainian ammunition depot.
New: Group Vostok, Polozhskoe direction, drone operators of the 38th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 35th Army identified and destroyed a group of enemy infantry.
Ground Warfare
Donetsk Oblast
Russian Advances:
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.
At Kurakhivka axis clashes reported near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove and Yantarne.
At Pokrovsk axis clashes reported near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske and Novoolenivka.
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.
Guided Bomb Strikes: Russian tactical aviation launched guided bomb strikes in the Donetsk region.
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.
Vremivka Direction:
At Vremivka axis clashes 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.
Other Areas:
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that the situation at the front remains difficult. The enemy, using its advantage in manpower and equipment, is attacking Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian defenders are steadfastly holding back the onslaught of the Russian occupiers, inflicting significant losses on them. In total, 186 combat clashes were recorded over the past day. Yesterday, the enemy launched one missile strike and 37 airstrikes, dropping 70 KABs on the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas. In addition, it carried out more than five thousand shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops, including 137 from multiple launch rocket systems. The aggressor carried out airstrikes, in particular, in the areas of Ivanivka, Yampolivka, Zakitne, Siversk, Zvanivka, Markove, Chasiv Yar, Kostyantynivka, Romanivka, Katerynivka, Udachne, Oleksandropil, Pokrovsk, Lysivka, Zvirove, Temyrivka, Sadove, Prydniprovske and Antonivka. Yesterday, the missile troops and artillery of the Defense Forces inflicted ten strikes on areas of concentration of enemy personnel and weapons. On the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked 20 times. He tried to advance near Zeleny Gai, Grekivka, Nadiya, Terny and Ivanivka. Using aviation in the Siversk direction, the enemy attacked twice in the direction of Verkhnyokamyansky and Білогорівка. In the Kramatorsk direction, the occupiers carried out two assaults near Stupochki. In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 29 offensive actions of the aggressor near Myrolyubivka, Promenya, Lysivka, Zeleny, Novy Trud, Dachenske and Novovasilivka. The enemy actively used aviation. In the Kurakhiv direction, the Defense Forces repelled 15 attacks in the areas of Stary Terny, Kurakhove and Dachne. In the Vremivka direction, according to updated information, the enemy carried out 47 attacks on Ukrainian positions near Uspenivka, Yantarne, Kostyantynopil, Novosilky, Blagodatne and in the direction of Rozlyv and Odradne. Over the past day, in the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian positions were attacked seven times near Novoandriivka and Pyatykhatky. In the Prydniprovskyi direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled five assault actions, the enemy was unsuccessful. The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to repel the attacks of the occupying army units in the Kursk region. Over the past day, the enemy made 41 attempts to oust Ukrainian defenders. In the Volyn and Polissya directions, no signs of the formation of enemy offensive groups were found. On the border with the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, the enemy uses artillery from the territory of the Russian Federation in the areas of Ukrainian settlements. Conducts reconnaissance. Ukrainian soldiers are actively inflicting significant losses on the occupying forces in manpower and equipment. In total, over the past day, the losses of the Russian invaders amounted to 1,820 people. Also, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed 15 tanks, 29 armored combat vehicles, 32 artillery systems, three air defense systems, 50 operational-tactical UAVs and 81 vehicles.
Kursk Region
Russian Advances:
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.
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 assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
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.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
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.
Other Developments:
Disrupted Rotation and Mine-Laying: Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation and used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations.
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.
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.
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.
Kharkiv Region
New: In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy unsuccessfully stormed the positions of our units six times in the areas of Kozacha Lopan, Vysokaya Yaruga and Vovchansk.
On the Kupyansk direction, four enemy attacks took place during the day. The Defense Forces repelled the enemy's assault actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka.
New: In the Kupyansk direction, the aggressor carried out offensive actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka. Ukrainian defenders stopped two enemy attacks. Two more clashes continue.
New: As a result of increased evacuation measures from the Kupyansk and Borivskyi directions, 5 people have been evacuated.
Zaporizhzhia Region
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.
Other Significant Developments
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 distribution were eliminated in Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv. A private notary in Kyiv and four others are suspected of forging over 2,000 documents.
Anti-Corruption: The head of the Mariupol Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC) is suspected of extorting bribes from internally displaced persons for disability status.
Case of the Week: A suspect in the February 14 terrorist attack in Dnipro, which resulted in one death and injuries to police officers, has been detained without bail.
The number of the Kherson agglomeration population has decreased from 500 thousand to 50-60 thousand people, according to the Governor of the Kherson region.
A new Prime Minister has been appointed in Kyrgyzstan.
The atomic submarine "Arkhangelsk" will join the Russian Navy at the end of December, according to a source in the shipbuilding industry.
In the evening and at night, Russians shelled settlements in the Nikopol region. They used heavy artillery to hit the Marganets and Pokrovsk communities. There were no casualties.
Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, was awarded the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" III degree by Putin for her contribution to the development of journalism.
New: Over 10 arson attacks on ATMs and pyrotechnic explosions have occurred in Moscow and the Moscow region in the past 24 hours. The perpetrators have been detained and were acting on the instructions of telephone scammers.
New: Deputy of the State Duma Artem Kiryanov proposed to tighten control over pyrotechnics. He suggested banning the sale of fireworks during the holiday period or conducting large-scale raids to check the licenses of sellers.
Strategic Implications
Escalation and Multi-Front Pressure: The intensified drone attacks across multiple regions, combined with Russian advances on several fronts, indicate a strategy of escalation and multi-front pressure on Ukraine. The new threat of using ballistic weapons from the northeast adds to the escalation.
Drone Warfare: The widespread use of drones by both sides underscores the importance of this technology in modern warfare, necessitating both offensive and defensive strategies to counter it. The introduction of new anti-drone technology by China could shift the balance in drone warfare.
Information Warfare: Both sides are actively engaged in information warfare, with Russia making claims about Ukrainian atrocities and drone attacks, while Ukraine highlights Russian advances and the use of North Korean troops.
Internal Challenges: Reports of corruption within the Russian military and the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general suggest internal challenges that could impact their long-term operational capabilities.
International Divisions: The differing positions of various countries on sanctions and military aid to Ukraine reveal growing divisions within the international community, potentially impacting the unity and effectiveness of the Western response.
Cyber Warfare: The increasing reports of cyberattacks and the use of technology to spread misinformation highlight the importance of cybersecurity and the need for robust defenses.
Negotiation Challenges: The statements from Ukrainian and Russian officials highlight the significant obstacles to achieving a negotiated settlement, with both sides holding firm to their positions.
Protracted Conflict: The ongoing fighting, internal challenges, and geopolitical divisions suggest the conflict is likely to be protracted, with no clear end in sight. The potential for further escalation remains high, particularly with the involvement of foreign actors and the use of increasingly sophisticated weaponry.
Civilian Impact: The continued targeting of civilian areas and infrastructure underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Geopolitical Realignments: The conflict continues to reshape geopolitical alliances and rivalries, with potential long-term implications for the global order. The involvement of countries like North Korea and the shifting positions of European nations indicate a broader international dimension to the conflict.
The destruction of a US F/A-18 by a US Navy cruiser highlights the risk of friendly fire incidents in complex military operations and the potential for such incidents to impact morale and operational effectiveness.
The assassination of a Russian general, if confirmed to be a Ukrainian operation, represents a significant escalation and could lead to retaliatory actions by Russia. It also highlights the vulnerability of high-ranking officials and the potential for targeted killings to disrupt command and control.
The reported mass desertions in the British Army raise questions about morale and readiness within NATO forces, potentially impacting the alliance's ability to respond to the conflict in Ukraine.
The takeover of military aid coordination to Ukraine by NATO from the US could streamline the process and improve efficiency, but it also raises questions about burden-sharing and the potential for disagreements among member states.
The reported atrocities in Selidovo and the alleged liquidation of Colombian mercenaries, if confirmed, could further complicate the conflict and lead to calls for international investigations and accountability.
The appointment of a new Prime Minister in Kyrgyzstan and the awarding of a prestigious order to the editor-in-chief of RT, Margarita Simonyan, suggest potential shifts in political dynamics within Russia and its sphere of influence.
The arson attacks and pyrotechnic explosions in Moscow and the Moscow region, if linked to the conflict, could indicate a new front of instability and sabotage within Russia.
The proposal to tighten control over pyrotechnics in Russia reflects concerns about public safety and the potential for misuse of explosives, but it could also be seen as a way to further restrict civil liberties and control dissent.
The reported shelling of settlements in the Nikopol region and the use of heavy artillery highlight the ongoing threat to civilian populations and the potential for further escalation along the front lines.
The decrease in the population of the Kherson agglomeration underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians and the long-term demographic consequences of displacement and migration.
The planned addition of the atomic submarine "Arkhangelsk" to the Russian Navy represents a significant enhancement of Russia's naval capabilities and could have implications for the balance of power in the region.
The reported discussions between US and Ukrainian officials about ending the war suggest that there may be a renewed push for a negotiated settlement, but the divergent positions of the parties involved make a breakthrough unlikely in the near term.
The continued fighting in the Kursk region and the reported involvement of North Korean troops, if confirmed, could lead to a further escalation of the conflict and the potential for a wider regional war.
The use of drones to disrupt enemy logistics and troop rotations highlights the importance of this technology in modern warfare and the need for effective countermeasures.
The reported losses of Ukrainian military personnel and equipment underscore the high cost of the conflict and the need for continued support from international partners.
The alleged involvement of foreign mercenaries, such as the Brazilian mercenary who admitted to killing Russian soldiers, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict and raises questions about the role of non-state actors.
The reported use of HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces, if confirmed, could be seen as a violation of international norms and could lead to further condemnation of Ukraine's actions.
The statements from Russian officials about the assassination of General Kirillov and the alleged involvement of Ukrainian special services suggest a further deterioration in relations between Russia and Ukraine, as well as with Western countries.
The reported cyberattacks and the targeting of Ukrainian state registries highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
The ongoing negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials about ending the war suggest that there may be a renewed push for a diplomatic solution, but the significant differences between the parties involved make a breakthrough unlikely in the near term.
The reported use of chemical weapons by Russian forces, if confirmed, would constitute a serious violation of international law and could lead to further sanctions and isolation of Russia.
The exposure of individuals allegedly collaborating with Russian forces and the elimination of drug
