Operational Situation Report: Donetsk Oblast, December 23, 2024, 08:25 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces have made significant gains across multiple axes in Donetsk Oblast, particularly in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Chasov Yar. Intense fighting continues in these areas, with both sides utilizing extensive drone warfare. Ukrainian defenses are under severe pressure, with reports of heavy casualties and equipment losses. The situation is fluid, with Russian forces making incremental advances and Ukrainian forces attempting to hold their ground.

Key Developments

Kurakhove

Russian Control: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove and have made significant advances, capturing Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and starting battles for Yantarnoye. They have pushed Ukrainian forces out of key positions, including high-rise buildings in the city center.
Intense Fighting: Fierce clashes continue in the industrial zone and near Yantarnoye. Ukrainian forces are still holding out in some high-rise buildings in the northern part of Kurakhove. High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
Drone Warfare: Extensive drone use by both sides is reported. Drone operators are targeting enemy positions, disrupting rotations, and destroying equipment. Notably, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian ammunition depot near Markine with a drone.
Logistical Degradation: Russian forces have destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka, and struck a power substation near Dachne, further degrading Ukrainian logistics.

Pokrovsk

Russian Advances: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. They are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east and advancing towards Slavyanka.
Intense Battles: High-intensity battles are ongoing near several settlements, including Novooleenovka, Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, and Chumatske.
Drone Warfare: A drone image shows a convoy under surveillance, indicating potential targeting. A Russian drone reportedly struck a Ukrainian tank near Solone. Russian forces reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two with a drone in this direction.
Warehouse Strikes: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.

Toretsk

Russian Consolidation: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Street fighting has divided the city, with Russian forces making gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict and near the small mine No. 10 spoil heap.
Clashes: Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Clashes are reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka.
Drone Warfare: FPV drones are being actively used by both sides. Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine with a drone.
Command Post and Personnel Concentration Destroyed: A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
Civilian Evacuations: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk.

Chasov Yar

Russian Control: Russian forces have reportedly taken control of the "Severny" micro-district.
Fighting and Regrouping: Fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian forces are reportedly regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
Drone Strikes: Russian paratroopers reportedly used drone strikes to destroy a concentration of enemy troops.

Vremivka Direction

Russian Advances: Russian forces captured Storozheve and are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar. Clashes are reported near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil, and Novodarivka.
Velyka Novosilka: Active combat is taking place near Velyka Novosilka, with Russian forces reportedly advancing more than 800 meters. A group of foreign mercenaries was reportedly destroyed while trying to leave the settlement.
Uspenivka Pocket: Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
Civilian Evacuations: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka under heavy enemy fire.

Other Developments

Elizavetovka Liberated: The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
Colombian Mercenaries Liquidated: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
Shooting of Ukrainian POWs: The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, which is being presented as a potential war crime.
Sontsovka Renamed: Sontsovka has been renamed Krasnoye.
Multiple Attacks: Attacks are being made towards Ulakly, Kostyantynopil, Bohatyr, and Otradne. Fighting is ongoing to break through the Ukrainian fortified area northeast of Andriivka.
Destruction of Ukrainian Equipment: Donetsk scouts are actively identifying and destroying Ukrainian equipment, positions, and command posts. Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna, a crossing near Novoоcheretuvate, and improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses.
Uspenovka Liberated: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed.
Russian Offensive Towards Dimitrov: Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
Pushkino and Veselyi Gai: Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai.
Krasnoarmiisk Advance: The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmiisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
Aviation Strikes: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region.
Guided Air Bomb Launches: Launches of guided air bombs by Russian tactical aviation against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
Execution of Ukrainian Soldiers: Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering in the Donetsk front.
Abuse by Ukrainian Forces: Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Extensive Drone Warfare: Both sides are heavily utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Numerous drone strikes and interceptions are reported across the region. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over Dnipropetrovsk region.
Repelled Attack Near Novoocheretuvate: Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving 5 units of equipment.
MoD Briefing: "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Germany Transfers Drones: Germany transferred Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
Drone Activity: Drone activity reported in Poltava and Myrhorod.

Kremennaya-Terny

Active Combat Operations: Active combat operations are ongoing near Kremennaya, with reports of shelling and attacks.
Russian Advances: Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control by up to 400 meters. They are also pushing towards Borova, having made progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.
Map Analysis: A map dated December 22, 2024, indicates Russian forces are making progress in the Svatove direction, particularly near Lozova, Borovskaya Andreevka, and Zelenyy Gai. The presence of fortifications suggests a focus on defensive positions.
Transfer of Reserves: Kyiv is reportedly transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast to counter Russian advances.

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.

Non-Military Developments

Shooting Incident: 1 Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
Forced Mobilization: A father was reportedly shot and killed by a Ukrainian soldier while trying to rescue his son from forced mobilization in the Odesa region.
Casualties in Kharkiv: Four people were injured in Kharkiv as a result of a drone attack.

Analysis

The situation in Donetsk Oblast remains highly dynamic and volatile. Russian forces are making significant gains across multiple axes, putting immense pressure on Ukrainian defenses. The extensive use of drones by both sides underscores the evolving nature of the conflict, with technology playing a crucial role in reconnaissance, targeting, and combat operations. Ukrainian forces are facing severe challenges, with reports of heavy casualties and equipment losses, but continue to resist Russian advances. The situation is fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The humanitarian situation is also deteriorating, with reports of civilian casualties and evacuations. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with implications for regional and global security.