Operational Situation Report: Donetsk Oblast, December 23, 2024, 08:55 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces have made significant advances 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.
• New: A Ukrainian drone strike hit a Russian position, causing it to burn.

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.
• New: Six people were reported injured in Kharkiv as a result of a drone attack, five of which are stress-related.

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.

Major Updates from December 21, 2024, 15:25 UTC (6h-3d old)

Intensified Drone Warfare Across Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine

• Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity 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.

  • Specific drone movements include launches from the Black Sea towards Tatarbunary, drones approaching Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, and Kryvyi Rih, and new groups entering Sumy from the north and northeast, approaching Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Starokostiantyniv.
  • Drones are moving northwest over Pavlohrad, with high-speed drones posing a threat to Ternopil.
  • Movements are reported through the west in a southerly/southwesterly direction, on the border moving south, on the border moving north, on the border of Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Poltava Oblasts in a northwesterly direction, northeast of the region moving southwest, in the north of Kremenchuk heading southeast, in Poltava heading north, and 8 drones moving from Poltava Oblast to Cherkasy Oblast.
  • Drone in the north moving northeast, a drone in the west moving east, a drone moving towards Kyiv from the southwest, and one drone approaching Kyiv from Ukrainka in Kyiv Oblast.
  • New groups of drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest, new groups entering the eastern part, moving south/southwest, a drone flying over Shostka heading west, drones moving through the center in a northeasterly direction, a drone reported in the south heading towards Poltava, and attack drones reported heading south. A drone was reported near Okhtyrka. Multiple drones are reported to be approaching or over Sumy. Sumy is under threat of attack from the northwest and northeast. An enemy drone is moving towards Myrhorod from the east in Sumy Oblast. A drone is moving through Zhytomyr Oblast from Kyiv Oblast. In Zhytomyr Oblast, a drone is in the south moving northeast, flying from Zhytomyr Oblast towards Fastiv, flying from Zhytomyr Oblast to Khmelnytskyi Oblast, reported on Zhytomyr heading towards Khmelnytskyi, 2 drones near Zhytomyr heading southwest, 4 drones moving towards Shepetivka, and approaching Shepetivka. In Cherkasy Oblast, 6 drones reported circling north of Cherkasy, 5 drones reported north of Cherkasy, one drone flying past Cherkasy towards Smila, one drone east of Cherkasy, and one drone west of Smila heading southwest. In Chernihiv Oblast, drone from Cherkasy Oblast moving into Chernihiv Oblast. Drones moving through the southeast in a westerly direction and through the southwest in a westerly direction. A group of attack drones reported in Chernihiv region, heading west. 4 drones reported near Pryluky. A group of UAVs is moving in Sumy Oblast in the direction of Chernihiv and Poltava Oblasts. Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, one drone reported in the north heading towards Kamianske. In Kharkiv Oblast, a drone was reported, heading towards Izium. 1 drone was reported near Kharkiv. Drone threat reported for Khmelnytskyi Oblast. A new drone was reported near Kharkiv, moving towards Pavlohrad. 8 drones are reported to be moving from Kharkiv Oblast towards Pavlohrad. 1 drone flew past Pokrovsk heading south. 1 drone moved from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, heading south. 1 drone from Bilhorod entered Kharkiv Oblast, heading towards Kharkiv. 4 drones are east of Cherkasy, heading south. 5 drones are in Sumy Oblast heading towards Poltava. 1 drone flew near Konotop, heading west. 1 drone is in the east of Kyiv Oblast. Enemy UAVs are reported in Chernihiv Oblast, moving towards Kyiv Oblast. Several groups of drones are moving through Chernihiv Oblast towards Kyiv Oblast. Drones are reported on Zhytomyr Oblast, moving towards Kyiv Oblast.
  • Enemy drones are confirmed in the northern region of Chernihiv, indicating continued threats in this area.
  • A drone is reported on the north of Zhytomyr Oblast, moving southwest.
  • 4 new drones detected over Zaporizhia.
  • 1 drone near Kryvyi Rih.
  • 3 drones over Zaporizhzhia.
  • 1 drone towards Dnipro.
  • 4 drones near Pavlohrad.
  • 2 drones from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast moving into Kharkiv Oblast.
  • 1 drone near Kharkiv.
  • 5 drones near Poltava.
  • 1 drone past Kremenchuk towards Oleksandriia.
  • 5 drones at the intersection of Poltava and Sumy Oblasts.
  • 6 drones past Okhtyrka towards Poltava Oblast.
  • 11 drones near Pryluky.
  • 2 drones approaching Chernihiv.
  • 1 drone north of Chernihiv, moving towards Belarus.
  • 1 drone east of Chernihiv Oblast.
  • 1 drone west of Cherkasy.
  • Drones moving towards Sumy and Chernihiv.

• Ukrainian Air Defense:

  • Neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • Anti-aircraft units are active near Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv.
  • EW specialists in the Kherson region report over 1,000 downed enemy drones.
  • Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  • Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
  • A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
  • Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone.
  • Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed an enemy drone with an aerial ram.
  • On the night of December 21, 2024, the enemy launched a missile attack using an S-400 anti-aircraft guided missile from the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast in the direction of Poltava Oblast, resulting in no reported consequences.
  • They also deployed 113 attack UAVs of the "Shahed" type and drones of other types from various directions, including Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Berdyansk.
  • The air attack was countered by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces of Ukraine.
  • As of 09:00, 57 "Shahed" attack UAVs and drones of other types were confirmed to have been shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts.
  • Due to the active counteraction of the Defense Forces, 56 enemy drone simulators were locationally lost without negative consequences.
  • In the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv Oblasts, downed attack UAVs damaged private and apartment buildings, property, and citizens' cars. Assistance is being provided to the victims.
  • Warriors of the 121st Territorial Defense Brigade shot down a rare Russian Zala Z-20 reconnaissance UAV.
  • Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.

• Air Raid Alerts: Issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Dnipro. An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv. The alert in the Zaporizhzhia region has been lifted. Air raid alerts issued for Sumy and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts due to drone activity. Air Force reports multiple drone groups heading north from Poltava towards Cherkasy. Air Force reports drone threat for Zaporizhzhia. Air Force reports drone threat for Sumy from the northwest. Air Force reports drone threat for Pryluky from the north. Air Force reports drone threat for Myrhorod from the northeast. Air Force reports drone threat for Cherkasy from the northeast. Air Force reports drone threat for Kyiv from the northeast and east. Air Force reports a drone threat for Sumy. Air Force reports a drone threat for Dnipro.

• Ukrainian Air Force Report: Shot down a "Neptune" guided missile and 154 Ukrainian drones.

• Casualties: Drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv resulted in casualties. In Zaporizhzhia, a 12-year-old boy and three women were injured. In Kharkiv, two people were injured in the Kyivskyi district.

• Drone Strikes:

  • 425 ОШБ "Скала" conducted a drone strike operation in the village of Shevchenko.
  • Pilots of the Third Assault Brigade used FPV drones to destroy a Russian cannon, mortar, "Bukhanets" truck, and infantry positions.
  • SPEAR GROUP 118 ОБрТРО used drones to destroy a Russian mechanized assault on the Siverskyi direction, including a rare BMP-1AM Basurmanin. Almost all armored vehicles were equipped with electronic warfare equipment.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
  • Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
  • First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area, Kharkiv.

Russia

• Drone Attacks:

  • 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. A criminal investigation has been launched. The Kazan airport has lifted restrictions on the acceptance and release of aircraft. Hospitals were put on high alert.
  • Sochi: Explosions reported, with Russian air defense systems active.
  • Voronezh Oblast: Russian air defense systems intercepted several Ukrainian drones.

• Air Defense Interceptions:

  • 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.
  • Air alert declared earlier for Lipetsk Oblast has been lifted.
  • 84 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight by Russian air defenses across multiple regions.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that over the past day, Russian air defense systems destroyed 34 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.

Other Locations

• Kyivskyi District, Kharkiv: A Russian drone attack using a "Geran-2" UAV targeted a tree, causing minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses. Two people sought medical attention for acute stress reactions.

Ground Warfare

Donetsk Oblast

• Chasov Yar:

  • Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
  • Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar.
  • Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound. The assault continues with some success, including advances and the use of bad weather to enter the territory of a refractory plant.

• Mikhailovka: A damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported.

• Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk):

  • Russian forces continue attacks in the southern part of the Забалка (Kulatsky Khutor) district.
  • Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
  • Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and reportedly advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
  • Russian forces evacuated civilians from Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk).
  • Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk. In Toretsk, in the southern part of the "Central" mine, Russian fighters captured two objects located on the outskirts of the spoil heap.
  • Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk.
  • Russian assault troops were able to advance 500 meters to the west in the Khimkolonka area and occupy new positions in the private sector.
  • Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka.

• Pokrovsk Direction:

  • High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
  • Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east, and have advanced west of Zarya to a depth of 500 meters in the direction of Slavyanka.
  • Russian forces are conducting attacks in the Krasnoarmeysk direction, with intense fighting reported near several settlements.
  • Russian forces advanced 5km east of the Krasnoye-Starye Terny highway. They are expanding control westward towards Andreyevka, less than 8km away.
  • Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
  • Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.

• Kurakhovo Direction:

  • 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.
  • Ukrainian forces were successfully withdrawn from the "Uspenivka pocket" with fewer losses than anticipated.
  • Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka southwest of Kurakhove.
  • The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe). Russian forces started battles for the liberation of Yantarnoye, south of Kurakhovo.
  • Russian forces are pushing the enemy out of the high-rise buildings in the center of Kurakhovo.
  • Fighting continues in the industrial zone of Kurakhovo, for Yantarnoye and west of Dalneye.
  • The enemy claims heavy fighting in the areas of Konstantinopol, Bogatyr, Razliv, Razdolnoye, where Russian units are attacking in the direction of the highway.

• Vremivka Direction:

  • 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.
  • Russian assault units continue to expand the zone of control in the direction of Velikaya Novoselka. Russian forces report that they destroyed an enemy temporary deployment point in a residential building in Razdolnoye, as well as 6 enemy personnel with an FPV drone. In Storozhevoye, they continue to push the enemy out and are also clearing the "pocket" to the southwest.

• Russian Advances:

  • Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky.
  • They also secured a foothold in Novyi Komar on the northern Vremivka "pocket."

Kursk Region

• Russian Advances:

  • Russian forces made significant progress, fully liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Russian forces continue their offensive on the Kursk front, initiating an assault on Kruglenkoye. On the northern flank, the "Sever" group of forces has pushed through the enemy's defenses and is conducting assault operations with infantry units on the northern outskirts of Kruglenkoye, as well as in nearby forest belts and ravines. Yesterday, enemy sources also confirmed the success, reporting that Russian forces advanced in the area of the Glubokiy Yar gully and north of Kruglenkoye to a depth of up to 1.5 km. Five days ago, Russian units approached Kruglenkoye, occupying the Krucheny forest, the Mochilny Log gully, and the Novoivanovskaya gully, advancing on a front up to 5.5 km wide to a depth of up to 3 km. Fighting of varying intensity also continues in the area of Novoivanovka, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and the Naidenov tract.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
  • Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
  • 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.

• Rylsk Attack:

  • 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.

Zaporizhzhia Front

• In the area of Kamenskoye and north of Nesterianka, units of the Russian Armed Forces are conducting assault operations.

Kharkiv Front

• The operational situation on the Kharkiv front remains complex. Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian troops. One clash occurred near Vovchansk. Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes. They also carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian forces are responding and inflicting losses on the enemy. Russian losses in the past day include 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.

Other Locations

• Belgorod Region: Two civilians were injured as a result of a drone attack. In Shebekino, an FPV drone was shot down, and a truck was attacked.
• Donetsk People's Republic: A dump truck driver was injured as a result of an enemy MLRS strike. In Horlivka, three civilians were injured by artillery shelling. In Selidovo, a woman was injured by NATO artillery.
• Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka under heavy enemy fire.
• Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.
• Zaporizhzhia: 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.
• Kryvyi Rih: The situation in Kryvyi Rih is under control.
• Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo. A resident, Irina Strelnik, reported the disappearance and death of her 77-year-old neighbor, Maria Ivanovna Semyonova, after encountering Ukrainian military personnel. Ukrainian soldiers reportedly referred to local residents as "Moskals."
• Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
• One Ukrainian soldier killed, another injured in Kupiansk: Due to shelling by Russian forces.
• Alleged Assassination Attempt: Reports of an alleged assassination attempt on a high-ranking Russian official, with suggestions of Ukrainian involvement and the use of foreign mercenaries.
• North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces. The last seconds of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region were captured on video.
• Ukrainian Recruitment: The age for military conscription in Ukraine will be lowered starting in 2025.
• 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment: The Russian Defense Minister congratulated the command and personnel of the 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment with the liberation of Elizavetovka (DPR) from neo-Nazis. More than 1,100 servicemen of the regiment were presented with state awards and departmental insignias for bravery and resilience in the fight with armed Ukrainian formations. A video shows how the 57th regiment liberated Elizavetovka, advancing towards Kurakhovo.

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 Events

• Investigation of Ukrainian Pilots Completed: The investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed. They are charged with seven articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
• Corruption Investigation in Kursk Oblast: The head of the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation and his deputy are under investigation for allegedly embezzling 800 million rubles.
• Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets via artillery shells.
• Fico's Allegations: 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.
• Izhevsk Airport Closure: Izhevsk airport has temporarily suspended operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan. The restrictions have been lifted.
• Moldova: Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
• 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.
• NATO to Coordinate Military Aid to Ukraine: NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
• Discussion on European Troops in Ukraine: Discussions are reportedly taking place in Brussels about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
• **Putin