Military Situation Report: December 23, 2024, 10:55 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces are making substantial gains, especially in the Donetsk Oblast, with significant advances in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. The capture of Storozheve and the development of a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka represent a major shift in the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare remains a dominant factor, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks. Ukrainian forces report extensive drone activity across various regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, and others. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with civilian casualties reported in Kharkiv and forced evacuations in Toretsk and Razdolnoye. Reports of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, further escalate the conflict's severity. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area and the Kursk region indicates intensified fighting and strategic repositioning of forces.

Key Developments - December 23, 2024, 10:55 UTC

Donetsk Oblast

Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
Kurakhove: Russian forces are consolidating their control over approximately 80% of the city.
Storozheve: The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the liberation of Storozheve. Russian forces captured Storozheve and advanced towards Velyka Novosilka, forming a new "pocket" and capturing Novyi Komar.
Toretsk: Street fighting divides the city.
Chasov Yar: Russian forces reportedly control over half of the city.
Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region.
A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka, further degrading Ukrainian logistics to the west of Kurakhovo.
The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed.
Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov.
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.
Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region.
"Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
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.

Kremennaya-Terny

Active combat operations near Kremennaya.
Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.
Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.

Kursk Region

Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Heavy fighting continues along the front line. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Paratroopers of the 76th division of the Airborne Forces are storming the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Mykolaivka.
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.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
New: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
New: Paratroopers of the 76th division of the Airborne Forces are storming the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Mykolaivka.
New: The "Sever" group of forces is conducting fierce battles along the entire front line.
New: Russian assault groups advanced in Kruhlenke and made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
New: 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.

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.
Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian forces liberated Lozovaya.
Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and another injured in Kupiansk due to shelling by Russian forces.
A Ukrainian drone hit a civilian man walking down the street in Kupyansk.
Explosive strikes reported in the region.
One clash occurred near Vovchansk.
Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes.
Russian forces carried out 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian forces inflicted losses on Russian forces, including 54 troops (16 killed, 38 wounded), 42 pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged, and 59 shelters destroyed.
A Russian attack drone unit successfully eliminated Ukrainian troops in a forested area in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian 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.
Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
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.
Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
In the Kupyansk area, fighters of the 16th Special Forces Brigade destroyed an enemy T-64BV tank with two FPV drones.
A Leopard tank was destroyed in the Kupyansk Direction.

Drone Warfare

Extensive drone activity reported across multiple regions, with Ukrainian air defense neutralizing drones near Kyiv.
Air raid alerts issued for Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Pryluky, Myrhorod, Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Dnipro.
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
Ukrainian Air Force reports increased drone activity in Poltava and Myrhorod, as well as in Kyivska and Chernihivska regions.
Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
New: 1 new drone reported on Kharkiv. 8 drones in the Izyum district. 2 drones from Poltava Oblast moved to Kharkiv Oblast.
New: Drones in the southeast of Kharkiv region are moving west/northwest.
New: Drones in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region are moving north/northeast.
New: A drone in the north of Dnipropetrovsk region is moving north/southeast.
New: 1 drone is circling near Chuhuiv.
New: A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the northwest.
New: Drones in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region are moving north/northeast.

Axis Clashes

Kharkiv Axis: Clashes near Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, Buhruvatka, and Starytsa.
Kupyansk Axis: Clashes near Kucherivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Bohuslavka, Zahryzove, and Nova Krystynivka.
Lyman Axis: Clashes near Zelenyy Hay, Novoserhiyivka, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Makiyivka, Nadiya, Ivanivka, Terny, Toretsk, Hryhorivka, Druzhelubivka, Dibrovy, and Serebryanka.
Sieversk Axis: Clashes near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Daryivka, and Vyyimka.
Kramatorsk Axis: Clashes near Vasukivka, Chasiv Yar, and Stupochky.
Toretsk Axis: Clashes near Toretsk and Druzhba.
Pokrovsk Axis: Clashes near Lysivka, Sukha Balka, Promin, Zelene, Ukrayinka, Dachenske, Shevchenko, Novoukrayinka, Pokrovsk, Novovasylivka, Novoyelizavetivka, and Novoolenivka.
Kurakhivka Axis: Clashes near Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove, Yasenove, Dachne, and towards Andriyivka.
Vremivka Axis: Clashes near Velyka Novosilka, Kostyantynopilske, Yantarne, Uspenivka, Rozlyvu, Rozdolne, Novosilka, Blahodatne, and Vremivka.
Orikhiv Axis: Clashes near Novoandriyivka.
Kherson Axis: Ukrainian forces repelled 4 Russian assaults.
Kursk Region: Ukrainian forces repelled 27 Russian assaults.

Allegations of War Crimes

Reports of Ukrainian POWs being shot by the 110th Brigade.
Video evidence of the execution of four surrendering Ukrainian soldiers.
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.

Other Key Incidents

Kyiv: Missile and drone strikes hit multiple districts, causing fires and damage. One fatality and fourteen injuries reported.
Kharkiv: A strike reported in the Kyiv district, with no casualties yet. Another strike in the Solonitsiv community caused a fire in a non-residential building.
Kharkiv: A "Geran" drone hit a high-rise building. Four people injured, including a 12-year-old girl.
Rylsk Shelling: Heavy shelling reported, with at least five killed and up to 30 injured. Significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
Drone Warfare: Widespread drone activity across Ukraine, with specific movements and engagements reported. Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
Explosions reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.

Diplomatic and Political Developments

US State Department advises American citizens to leave Belarus.
NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz over Taurus missiles.
Discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war.
NATO to coordinate military aid to Ukraine.
Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine.
Lukashenko announced an upcoming meeting with Putin and a visit to China.

Economic and Logistical Impacts

IMF provides $1.1 billion in financial support to Ukraine.
Disruption of gas transit through Ukraine and potential targeting of industrial facilities.
The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
A gas pipe was damaged in Rylsk, disrupting gas supplies to several houses.
Heat supply has been disrupted in 88 houses due to the shelling.
17 objects of cultural heritage in Rylsk were damaged as a result of the shelling.
14 residents of Rylsk are being treated in the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital, with minor injuries.

Cybersecurity

Cyberattack on the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice's registers reported.

Propaganda and Information Warfare

Ukrainian 46th Air Assault Brigade releases a propaganda video.
Announcement of Long-Range Aviation Day in Russia.
Rumors of a planned Russian offensive in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Humanitarian Efforts

Continued need for humanitarian aid and support for affected populations.

Updated Situation Analysis

The conflict in Ukraine has significantly escalated, particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces have made substantial advances in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. The capture of Storozheve, the advance towards Velyka Novosilka, and the destruction of a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river mark a major shift in the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare continues to be a defining feature of the conflict, with extensive drone activity across multiple regions and Ukrainian air defenses actively engaging enemy drones.

The humanitarian situation is worsening, with reports of civilian casualties and forced evacuations. Allegations of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, further intensify the conflict. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area and the Kursk region suggests an escalation in fighting and strategic repositioning of forces.

Diplomatic efforts and discussions are ongoing, with internal tensions within NATO and warnings from the US State Department regarding Belarus. The cyberattack on the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice and reports of inadequate burial practices for Russian soldiers add to the complexity of the situation. 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.

Air raid alerts across multiple regions signify a persistent and widespread threat, particularly from drones and missiles. The explosion in Abakan and the financial support from the IMF to Ukraine highlight the broader impacts of the conflict.

The overall situation indicates 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. The potential for further escalation, particularly in the southern front, and the involvement of international actors underscore the complex and volatile nature of the conflict. The reported Ukrainian drone strikes near Kyiv and the continued air raid alerts emphasize the ongoing threat to the capital and surrounding regions.