Major Military Situation Updates - December 22, 2024, 09:55 UTC
Overview
The conflict in Ukraine continues with significant developments on multiple fronts. Russian forces are making notable advances in the Donetsk and Kursk regions, while Ukrainian forces are heavily utilizing drone warfare across a broad area. The strategic implications of these movements, combined with international reactions and internal challenges, suggest a protracted and evolving conflict.
Aerial Warfare
Drone Warfare
Extensive Drone Attacks: Both Ukrainian and Russian forces are utilizing drones extensively across multiple regions. Ukrainian drones targeted Russian positions, equipment, and infrastructure, including a fuel depot in the Oryol region and military vehicles in the Kursk region. Russian drones targeted Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, with reports of attacks in 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.
New Drone Attacks: Reports of new drone attacks in the Oryol region, with a fire at a fuel infrastructure facility.
Escalation in Drone Warfare: Increased use of drones by both sides, with more detailed reports of specific incidents and targets.
Drone Attacks in Russia:
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. Izhevsk airport has temporarily suspended operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan.
Sochi: A series of explosions were reported over Sochi, with local residents hearing 7-10 blasts. Preliminary reports indicate Russian air defense systems were active.
Voronezh Oblast: Russian air defense systems intercepted several Ukrainian drones.
Air Defense Interceptions:
Russian air defense systems 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.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Germany is transferring a new batch of Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
An additional 13 Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions.
Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Russian forces are using approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Russian forces destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk 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.
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.
Multiple Drone Groups: Several groups of attack drones are moving in the northern part of Sumy Oblast, in the direction of Chernihiv Oblast. New groups are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
New Drones: Several new drones were reported flying from Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
New Drone Activity: Updated drone movements in Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Kyiv Oblasts. Drone flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv. Drone moving towards Kyiv from the southwest. Drone moving through the border of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts, in a northwesterly direction. Enemy drone reported on the northeast of Poltava region, moving southwest. Drone reported in the north of Kremenchuk, heading southeast. Drone reported in Poltava, heading north. 8 drones reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. 4 drones reported moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast. One drone flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Drone reported on Zhytomyr, heading towards Khmelnytskyi. 2 drones reported near Zhytomyr, heading southwest. 4 drones reported in Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Shepetivka. Drone reported approaching Shepetivka. Drones moving through the southeast of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Drones moving through the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast in a westerly direction. Group of attack drones reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones reported near Pryluky. One drone approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka. New groups of drones entering Sumy.
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.
Drone Warfare Incidents:
Ukrainian forces 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 destroyed 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.
In Brovary, Kyiv region, debris fell on the roof of an apartment building, causing a fire.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone.
Pilots from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade are destroying enemy armored vehicles along with their occupants.
Video shows Ukrainian forces using a drone to destroy a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
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.
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.
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.
Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
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. 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.
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. Street fighting has continued for two months. Toretsk is effectively divided in half between the opposing forces.
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.
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. Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances. The AFU were confirmed to have control over the territory of the Refractory Compound in Chasov Yar.
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 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 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. The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications on the border with Ukraine. The director was found with nearly 2 million rubles in cash and a collection of luxury watches. The head of the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation and his deputy are under investigation for allegedly embezzling 800 million rubles.
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. 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.
Strategic Implications: The Russian advances represent a significant development, potentially opening a new front and stretching Ukrainian defenses.
Kharkiv Region
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.
In the Kupyansk direction, the aggressor carried out offensive actions near Petropavlivka and Kruhlyakivka. Ukrainian defenders stopped two enemy attacks. Two more clashes continue.
As a result of increased evacuation measures from the Kupyansk and Borivskyi directions, 5 people have been evacuated.
Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
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.
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.
Drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv have resulted in casualties. In Zaporizhzhia, a 12-year-old boy and three women were injured.
Southern Front: Kherson Under Heavy Shelling
Intense Shelling: Kherson and its suburbs are under continuous shelling from the Russian-occupied left bank of the Dnipro River. Residential areas, critical infrastructure, and social infrastructure are being targeted.
Casualties: One killed and eighteen injured reported in Kherson due to increased shelling.
Sabotage and Reconnaissance: An enemy DRG attempted to advance towards Kherson but was reportedly detected and destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Another DRG was reportedly destroyed attempting to cross the border into the Sumy region.
Preparations for Offensive: Russian forces are reportedly preparing for an offensive on Kherson, while Ukrainian forces are preparing to repel a potential Russian attack.
Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces report a high level of enemy drone activity near the Antonovsky bridge. The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported that over the past day, there were over 300 shelling incidents and the enemy used 363 FPV drones of various modifications and dropped 350 shrapnel munitions. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones. Ukrainian forces also reported high levels of enemy drone activity in the area, with over 300 shelling incidents and the use of 363 FPV drones of various modifications.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive: Ukrainian forces are reportedly attacking the right bank of the Dnipro River near the bridge in Kherson.
Ukrainian Defense Forces Report: The Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reported repelling 8 enemy attacks, 4 in the Zaporizhzhia direction near Novodarivka and Novopola. They also reported that the enemy launched 25 guided aerial bombs and 20 unguided aerial missiles at settlements in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Attempted Landing near Antonovsky Bridge: On the Kherson direction, Russians made an attempt to land a sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) on the right bank of the Dnipro River near the Antonovsky Bridge. The DRG was reportedly detected and destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaging a Russian command post with drones.
High Drone Activity: Ukrainian forces report a high level of enemy drone activity near the Antonovsky bridge, with the Ukrainian Defense Forces of the South reporting over 300 shelling incidents and the use of 363 FPV drones of various modifications and 350 shrapnel munitions dropped.
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.
Other Significant Developments
North Korean Involvement: Reports indicate North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded, though evidence of their involvement remains weak.
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. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that on December 18, 2024, the AFU launched a missile strike at the Kombinat Kamensky enterprise in Rostov region by six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow air-based cruise missiles from the territory of Ukraine. In response, Russian forces conducted a strike on a command post of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Luch Design Bureau, and a Patriot SAM system position.
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. 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.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports allege 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.
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. A 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, suspected of carrying out the attack, has been arrested.
Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine: 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.
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.
In the evening and at night, Russians shelled settlements in the Nikopol region. There were no casualties.
Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, was awarded the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" III degree by Putin.
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.
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.
First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area, Kharkiv.
Explosions Near Military Objects in Murmansk: Two explosions occurred near military objects in Murmansk on the evening of December 18. The cause is unknown but could be related to planned blasting operations or sabotage. Two people died in a train collision near Murmansk.
Missile Attack on Kryvyi Rih and Nikopolshchyna: Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, damaging infrastructure. They also attacked Nikopolshchyna 15 times throughout the day using heavy artillery and kamikaze drones.
Cyberattack on Ukraine: A large-scale cyberattack, attributed to Russian hackers, targeted Ukraine's state registry systems,
