Operational Situation Report: December 23, 2024, 09:25 UTC

Major Updates

Donetsk Oblast

Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city and have captured Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and have begun battles for Yantarnoye. Intense fighting continues in the industrial zone and near Yantarnoye, with Ukrainian forces holding some high-rise buildings in the northern part. Extensive drone warfare is reported, including the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine by Ukrainian forces.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky and storming Novooleenovka. High-intensity battles are ongoing near several settlements. Drone warfare is significant, with reports of a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone.
Toretsk: Russian forces are consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk, with street fighting dividing the city. Clashes continue near Toretsk, Krymske, and Dyliivka. Both sides are actively using FPV drones.
Chasov Yar: Russian forces reportedly control over half of Chasov Yar. Fighting continues, with Ukrainian forces regrouping to prevent further advances.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces captured Storozheve and are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar. Clashes are reported near several settlements.

Other Key Developments

Elizavetovka reportedly liberated by the 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment.
Reports of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs by the 110th Brigade, presented as a potential war crime.
Multiple attacks towards Ulakly, Kostyantynopil, Bohatyr, and Otradne.
Donetsk scouts are actively identifying and destroying Ukrainian equipment and positions.
Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region.
Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering on the Donetsk front.
Extensive drone warfare continues, with numerous drone strikes and interceptions reported across the region.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate.
New: A Ukrainian drone strike hit a Russian position, causing it to burn.
New: Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.

Kremennaya-Terny

Active combat operations are ongoing near Kremennaya.
Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control by up to 400 meters, also pushing towards Borova.
Kyiv is reportedly transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.

Kursk Region

Russian forces have fully liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Intense fighting continues along the front line, with reports of shelling and attacks.
Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.

Non-Military Developments

Shooting incident in Kupiansk resulted in one Ukrainian soldier killed and another injured.
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.

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.
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.
Air Raid Alerts: Issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and 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.
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.

Russia

Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least eight impacts. Explosions reported in Sochi and Voronezh Oblast.
Air Defense Interceptions: Intercepted 19 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions. An additional 13 Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, and Lipetsk regions.

Other Locations

Kyivskyi District, Kharkiv: A Russian drone attack caused minor damage to the facades of about ten private houses.

Ground Warfare

Donetsk Oblast

Chasov Yar: Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.
Mikhailovka: A damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported.
Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk): Russian forces are consolidating control and reportedly advancing.
Pokrovsk Direction: High-intensity battles are reported in several areas.
Kurakhovo Direction: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed. The city of Kurakhovo itself is almost completely liberated from the enemy.
Vremivka Direction: Russian forces raised a flag in Novyi Komar.
Russian Advances: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky.

Kursk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces made significant progress, fully liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Rylsk Attack: The death of a child in Rylsk was not confirmed, five people were killed.

Zaporizhzhia Front

Units of the Russian Armed Forces are conducting assault operations near Kamenskoye and north of Nesterianka.

Kharkiv Front

The operational situation remains complex, with Ukrainian forces holding back Russian troops.

Other Locations

Belgorod Region: Two civilians were injured as a result of a drone attack.
Donetsk People's Republic: A dump truck driver was injured as a result of an enemy MLRS strike.
Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye.
Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.
Zaporizhzhia: 4 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia as a result of a Russian attack.
Kryvyi Rih: The situation is under control.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians.
Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the 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.
North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict.
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 regiment on the liberation of Elizavetovka.

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.

Other Significant Events

Investigation of Ukrainian Pilots Completed: The investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed.
Corruption Investigation in Kursk Oblast: The head of the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation and his deputy are under investigation.
Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets.
Fico's Allegations: Slovakian Prime Minister Fico claims Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets.
Izhevsk Airport Closure: Izhevsk airport has temporarily suspended operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan.
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.
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.

Major Updates from December 21, 2024, 23:25 UTC (6h-3d old)

Intensified Drone Warfare Across Multiple Regions

Ukraine

Extensive Drone Activity: Multiple drone groups are moving in the northern part of Kyiv Oblast, in the direction of Zhytomyr region. Widespread drone activity is also reported across Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Tatarbunary, Bila Tserkva, Belyayevka, Borispil, Kryvyi Rih, Myrhorod, Shostka, Pryluky, Kremenchuk, Okhtyrka, Shepetivka, Smila, Kamianske, Izium, and Ukrainka.
Ukrainian Air Defense: Anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups shot down 57 "Shahed" attack UAVs and drones of other types in several oblasts.
Air Raid Alerts: An air raid alert has been issued for Kyiv and subsequently lifted. Alerts also issued for other regions.
Ukrainian Air Force Report: Shot down a "Neptune" guided missile and 154 Ukrainian drones.
Casualties: Drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv resulted in casualties. Now 6 are reported injured, 5 of which are stress-related.
Drone Strikes: Ukrainian units conducted various drone strikes, including one near Markine in the Donetsk region.

Russia

Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least eight impacts. Explosions also reported in Sochi, Voronezh, Rostov, and Orel.
Air Defense Interceptions: Intercepted 19 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions. An additional 13 Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over several regions.

Ground Warfare

Donetsk Oblast

Chasov Yar: Russian forces control over half of Chasov Yar. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound.
Mikhailovka: A damaged, captured Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported.
Toretsk (Dzerzhinsk): Russian forces are consolidating control and reportedly advancing.
Pokrovsk Direction: High-intensity battles are reported in several areas.
Kurakhovo Direction: The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed. The city of Kurakhovo itself is almost completely liberated.
Vremivka Direction: Russian assault units continue to expand the zone of control in the direction of Velikaya Novoselka.
Russian Advances: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky.

Kursk Region

Russian Advances: Russian forces made significant progress, fully liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Rylsk Attack: The death of a child in Rylsk was not confirmed, five people were killed.

Zaporizhzhia Front

Units of the Russian Armed Forces are conducting assault operations in the area of Kamenskoye and north of Nesterianka.

Kharkiv Front

The operational situation remains complex, with Ukrainian forces holding back Russian troops.

Other Locations

Belgorod Region: Two civilians were injured as a result of a drone attack.
Donetsk People's Republic: A dump truck driver was injured as a result of an enemy MLRS strike.
Civilian Evacuation near Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces evacuated civilians from Razdolnoye.
Strikes on Pokrovsk: Russian forces targeted enemy warehouses in Pokrovsk.
Zaporizhzhia: 4 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia as a result of a Russian attack.
Kryvyi Rih: The situation is under control.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians.
Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the 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.
North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict.
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 regiment on the liberation of Elizavetovka.

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.

Other Significant Events

Investigation of Ukrainian Pilots Completed: The investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed.
Corruption Investigation in Kursk Oblast: The head of the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation and his deputy are under investigation.
Propaganda Leaflet Operation: Russian artillery units deployed propaganda leaflets.
Fico's Allegations: Slovakian Prime Minister Fico claims Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets.
Izhevsk Airport Closure: Izhevsk airport has temporarily suspended operations due to the drone attack on Tatarstan.
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.
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.

Changes to the Situation

Donetsk Oblast: The situation in the Donetsk Oblast remains highly volatile, with Russian forces making significant advances across multiple axes. The capture of Storozheve and the advance towards Velyka Novosilka in the Vremivka direction represent a notable shift, forming a new "pocket" and further threatening Ukrainian positions. The intensification of fighting in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk indicates a focused Russian offensive aimed at securing key locations in the region.
Drone Warfare: The continued and extensive use of drones by both sides underscores a significant evolution in the conflict's tactics. Drones are being deployed for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks, highlighting their crucial role in shaping battlefield dynamics. Ukrainian forces' successful use of drones to destroy a Russian ammunition depot near Markine demonstrates their effectiveness in countering Russian logistics.
Kremennaya-Terny: The active combat operations and Russian advances in Terny, coupled with the expansion of control by up to 400 meters, signify an escalation in this area. The reported transfer of Ukrainian reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast suggests an attempt to counter Russian advances and stabilize the front.
Kursk Region: The liberation of Novoivanovka and advances in the Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka by Russian forces indicate a significant offensive push in the Kursk region. The reported destruction of Ukrainian reserves in the Sumy region further highlights the intensity of the conflict in this area.
Humanitarian Situation: The reports of civilian casualties in Kharkiv and the evacuation of civilians from Toretsk and Razdolnoye near Velyka Novosilka reflect the deteriorating humanitarian situation. These incidents underscore the impact of the conflict on the civilian population and the challenges in providing safety and aid.
Allegations of War Crimes: The reported shooting of Ukrainian POWs by the 110th Brigade and the execution of four Ukrainian soldiers after surrendering on the Donetsk front, if confirmed, represent serious violations of international law. These incidents could have significant implications for the conduct of hostilities and the treatment of prisoners of war.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: The renaming of Sontsovka to Krasnoye and the deployment of propaganda leaflets by Russian artillery units indicate ongoing efforts to shape the narrative and influence public perception. These actions are part of a broader information warfare strategy aimed at demoralizing the enemy and bolstering domestic support.
Drone Activity in Poltava and Myrhorod: The report of drone activity in these areas suggests an expansion of the conflict's geographical scope. This could indicate Russian efforts to target new areas or disrupt Ukrainian operations further from the front lines.
NATO Secretary General's Call: The NATO Secretary General's call for Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over the refusal to supply Taurus missiles reflects the internal tensions within the alliance regarding the level and type of military support for Ukraine. This could impact the cohesion and effectiveness of international support for Ukraine.
US State Department Warning on Belarus: The US State Department's warning for American citizens to leave Belarus immediately highlights the perceived instability and risk in the region. This could be linked to Belarus's support for Russia's war in Ukraine and the potential for further escalation or civil unrest.
Reported Russian Offensive Plans: The widespread dissemination of information on Ukrainian channels about a planned Russian offensive on Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, particularly near Piatykhatky, could be part of a psychological operation to induce fear or preemptively justify future actions.
Cyberattack on Ukrainian Ministry of Justice: The cyberattack on the Ministry of Justice's registers, with entry through a highest-level account, indicates a significant security breach. This could compromise sensitive information and disrupt governmental functions, impacting both civilian and military operations.
Alleged Russian Troop Burial on Landfill: The report of Russian soldiers being buried at a former landfill in the Stavropol region, if true, could significantly impact the morale of Russian troops and their families. It also raises questions about the treatment of war dead and the respect for military casualties.
Increased Arms Shipments from North Korea to Russia: The reported increase in arms shipments from North Korea to Russia, including artillery shells and ballistic missiles, signifies a deepening military alliance between the two countries. This could significantly enhance Russia's military capabilities in Ukraine.
Potential Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Call Centers: The concern over potential Russian strikes on Ukrainian call centers, allegedly linked to the SBU and GUR, suggests that these centers might be involved in intelligence or counter-intelligence operations. This could lead to an escalation in targeting civilian infrastructure.

Updated Situation

The conflict in Ukraine remains highly dynamic, with Russian forces making significant advances in the Donetsk region, particularly in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk. The capture of Storozheve and the advance towards Velyka Novosilka represent a notable shift in the Vremivka direction. The extensive use of drones by both sides continues to be a defining feature of the conflict, with significant implications for reconnaissance, targeting, and combat operations. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with reports of civilian casualties and forced evacuations. Allegations of war crimes, including the shooting of POWs, further escalate the severity of the conflict. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area and the Kursk region also indicates an intensification of fighting and strategic repositioning of forces. The increased drone activity in new areas like Poltava and Myrhorod, along with the cyberattack on Ukrainian government systems and reports of inadequate burial practices for Russian soldiers, add to the complexity of the situation. The international dimension, including NATO's internal tensions and the US warning on Belarus, further complicates the geopolitical landscape. The reported increase in arms shipments from North Korea to Russia and the potential targeting of Ukrainian call centers reflect the evolving tactics and alliances in the conflict.

The overall situation suggests a significant escalation in multiple areas, with both sides adapting their strategies and tactics in response to the evolving battlefield dynamics. The conflict's impact on civilians, the extensive use of drone warfare, and the allegations of war crimes highlight the severe and multifaceted nature of the ongoing hostilities.