Major Military Situation Updates - December 23, 2024, 13:25 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces are making significant advances, particularly in the Donetsk Oblast, with major gains 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. The encirclement of Makarivka is a new key development. The liberation of Uspenovka has been completed. 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, Poltova, and others. There are reports of emergency power outages in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions due to high consumption and strain on the energy system, likely caused by damage from Russian attacks. 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. There are significant diplomatic developments, with discussions on a potential negotiated end to the conflict and increased military aid to Ukraine from Germany. Zelensky called on Slovak security services to investigate PM Fico's ties with Russia following Fico's meeting with Putin. There are reports of Ukrainian forces leaving Kurakhove.

Key Developments - December 23, 2024, 13:25 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.
- A Russian drone strike hit a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
- Enemy channels report that Ukrainian forces are leaving Kurakhove.
- Video footage from a drone shows a strike on the power substation.
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.
- Aerial reconnaissance from the "Mad Dogs" brigade detected a night raid by Ukrainian forces from the 32nd Brigade. A Russian FPV drone operator, "Dolgiy," reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian soldiers and wounded two during this raid in the Pokrovsk direction.
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.
Russian forces have reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka, south of Velyka Novosilka.
Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
A video, allegedly from February 25, 2022, shows the aftermath of an ambush by the Ukrainian 92nd Mechanized Brigade against a Russian National Guard column near Staryi Saltiv. The video was reportedly filmed by a Russian soldier.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the 4th Operational Purpose Brigade "Syla Svobody", reportedly repelled a Russian assault using a combination of circular defense tactics and drone support. Details regarding the location and specific units involved on the Russian side are not provided.
A Russian soldier was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces on the eastern outskirts of Novovasilivka.
Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
Video shows the aftermath of a drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, with four people injured, including a 12-year-old boy. The blast wave and debris damaged windows in a nine-story building.
Video shows a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated. The video shows the importance of surveillance and the potential for heavy losses in combat operations.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement, likely in a wooded area near a road. The imagery includes soldiers, some lying prone, others moving about. The uniforms and equipment suggest they are involved in active combat operations. The area is characterized by trees, undergrowth, and what appears to be trenches or fighting positions. The video shows troop movements, including individuals trying to find cover and those who appear to be injured. There is a red box on the upper left of the video saying "Kurakhovskoe Napravlenie" which translates to "Kurakhovo Direction." Additionally, there are Russian text annotations stating, "The work of the fighters of the 68th tank regiment," and that the "battalion took the enemy's position and caught enemy reinforcements by surprise." The presence of crosshairs on the screen indicates that this video is likely a recording of a drone's targeting system. At the time mark of 0:18 a black box with white text that states “N activated normal mode” appears on the screen. At the end of the video there are multiple explosions seen in the bushes. The video is labeled as from the "Kurakhovo Direction". This is likely a reference to a sector in the ongoing conflict where fighting is taking place near Kurakhove, Ukraine. The video captures elements of a dynamic battlefield situation. A Russian battalion reportedly took enemy position and also caught enemy reinforcements by surprise. The activity of soldiers suggests a close-quarters engagement and an attempt to clear a defended position. The usage of a drone for surveillance and possibly targeting suggests a sophisticated level of tactical capability. The crosshairs overlay indicates the footage is from the drone's targeting system, which has potential for both surveillance and direct attack. The video may serve as propaganda, highlighting the success of the attacking Russian troops. The drone footage could be used in analysis to improve future combat tactics. The appearance of the “N activated normal mode” text indicates the switching between different drone modes, and reveals potential tactical information if the switching is connected to a specific strategic decision. The nature of the engagement, namely the surprise of enemy reinforcements, can inform future counter-offensive tactics. The video depicts a close-range military engagement, most likely part of the operations near Kurakhove, Ukraine, where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking enemy position and surprising reinforcements. The use of drone surveillance and targeting systems is a key feature of the operation. The recorded footage could be used to improve tactics and serve as a morale booster for the Russian side.
Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.

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.
Russian forces are successfully storming Zahryzove, pushing through enemy defenses near Lozova (which the Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced as liberated) and Zelenyi Hai, moving towards Borova. They have also made progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.

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.
Russian Defense Ministry reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces lost over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three infantry fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three armored fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 armored recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles in the Kursk direction.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone. The operation was carried out by the 3rd Company of the "Achilles" strike drone battalion, 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. The operation resulted in the destruction of a significant amount of Russian military equipment and ammunition. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed the operation and praised the effectiveness of the Ukrainian drone units.
Active combat operations reported near Sudzha, with Russian forces attacking in the direction of Viktorivka and advancing up to 2 km.

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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the Spear Group of the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade, reportedly repelled a Russian assault using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles in the Siversk direction. The video evidence suggests the use of FPV drones and possibly drone-dropped munitions.
Two knights captured five occupiers! It is getting hot in the Toretsk direction. The number of enemy assaults is increasing, although they end the same way for the enemy. But recently there was a unique case. At first, the occupiers began to throw smoke bombs at our infantry from drones in order to "smoke" them out of position. While at the same time, the first 8 assault aircraft launched an assault. However, as soon as the occupiers were spotted by the pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMB, hell on earth began for them. The stormtroopers were driven into the dugout and began to be "dismantled" by attack copters. At the same time, two infantrymen decided to take the occupiers prisoner. At first, the assault troops refused to surrender. However, with a few well-aimed grenade throws, the infantrymen explained to the occupiers that this was the only chance to survive. As a result, 5 occupiers surrendered, and all subsequent groups were defeated by our defenses. It is important that one of the heroes who took the prisoners had previously been in the SZCh for about a year, but thanks to the return to service program, he decided to join the ranks of the 28th OMB. And now, motivated to beat the occupier, he successfully performs combat missions. And later you will learn firsthand from the prisoners how the commission from Moscow sends Russians and "DNR residents" to the assaults, how they realized that it was time to surrender, how they evaluate the work of our infantrymen, and how to get a certificate of a combatant "without firing a shot." To be continued!

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.
1 new drone reported on Kharkiv. 8 drones in the Izyum district. 2 drones from Poltava Oblast moved to Kharkiv Oblast.
Drones in the southeast of Kharkiv region are moving west/northwest.
Drones in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region are moving north/northeast.
A drone in the north of Dnipropetrovsk region is moving north/southeast.
1 drone is circling near Chuhuiv.
A drone is moving towards Dnipro from the northwest.
Drones in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region are moving north/northeast.
Two drones are reported near Cherkasy, one west of Pryluky heading towards Cherkasy Oblast.
Confirmed reports of a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone being destroyed on the Kherson front. Video evidence shows the drone being targeted and destroyed using a thermal imaging scope.
A video report details the destruction of two Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drones on the Kherson front, captured using thermal imaging. The report emphasizes the drones' thermal signature as a vulnerability.
Video evidence confirms the use of drones by the Ukrainian 4th Operational Purpose Brigade "Syla Svobody" in repelling a Russian assault. Details regarding the location are not specified.
Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted a "Baba Yaga" drone using a Mavic drone on the Siversk direction.
Our guys continue to show miracles of ingenuity in replenishing the fund of combat-ready trophies. At our disposal were footage of a unique operation to capture the "Baba Yaga" in the Seversk direction. The task was implemented in two stages: first, the guys smashed the Starlink installation on which the agricultural drone flies, and then they caught the "Baba Yaga" itself at the very moment when it, having lost contact, hovered in place right over our fighters. Who can do that? Only our guys! Separately, we note the fighter's careful attitude to the fallen "bird" - soon it will be patched up and it will become a positive hero.
270 new drones were received by the Defense Forces of Ukraine thanks to you! Thanks for your help! +100 FPV for RUBPAK 95 of the DShV brigade. +150 different FPV Wolves Da Vinci 59 OMPBr. +10 celestial FPV to the Odesa KORD NPU. +10 celestial FPV for the 34th regiment of the National Guard.
A drone was reported moving west/northwest near Sumy.

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.
A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
A soldier with the callsign "Khuligan" from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
Emergency power outages reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions.

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.
An advisor to the head of the office of Zelensky, Sergey Leshchenko, stated that negotiations with Russia are inevitable and that Ukraine should be prepared for them in light of a potential Trump victory in the US elections.
The Russian Football Premier League has nominated Alexander Dyukov for the presidency of the Russian Football Union.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine reported that a former employee of the Kherson pre-trial detention center has been charged with treason and collaborationism. He allegedly worked for the occupiers in the captured facility, guarding illegally detained individuals.
Moldova has denied reports of preparing a military operation to seize Transnistria, according to the head of the administration, Adrian Balutel. This follows a report from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claiming that President Maia Sandu had announced such a plan.
The "Ben Shapiro Show: Sunday Special" featured a discussion with a speaker highlighting the need for a negotiated end to the conflict in Ukraine. The speaker emphasized the importance of understanding the costs and realistic goals of continued involvement.
Mike Waltz stated that Trump made it clear that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine must be resolved, and European leaders and Ukraine are all adapting to this. He also drew attention to how over these 3 years the West's approach has changed dramatically: from statements about "readiness to provide assistance in any volumes" to questions "how to reach a peace agreement." At the same time, the outgoing Biden administration could not clearly explain what goals the United States is pursuing and whether they are achievable, and this is an important issue.
Zelensky called on the Slovak special services to investigate the ties of their Prime Minister Fico with Russia. "Moscow provides significant discounts to Fico, but it is Slovakia that pays for them. Such discounts are not free - Russia is paid for them with sovereignty or shadow schemes. This should be of interest to the Slovak law enforcement agencies and special services," the Ukrainian drug addict said, commenting on Robert Fico's visit to Moscow. He cites the statement of European leaders that Fico does not want to participate in the EU's work on energy independence or look for a replacement for Russian gas, "but rather the opposite - he wants to help Russia displace US gas and the energy resources of other partners from Europe, which means that he wants to help Putin make money to finance the war and weaken Europe."
Zelensky reacted to the meeting between Fico and Putin in Moscow. The President of Ukraine drew attention to the fact that the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, and the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, after a meeting in Moscow, did not make joint statements and did not answer questions from the media, because "they cannot say anything publicly about what they discussed at the meeting. They are afraid of the public's reaction."
Substantive telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Keir Starmer. Thank you for the large-scale defense, political and economic support of our state from Great Britain. Today we discussed the continuation of our cooperation. Among the main topics are support for Ukrainian arms production, training of Ukrainian soldiers, sanctions against Russia's shadow tanker fleet, and the JEF summit in Estonia. Our state is interested in expanding cooperation with JEF and full membership in the organization. They also talked about the agreement on a 100-year partnership between our states, the work on the preparation of which continues. We appreciate the strong partnership that exists between our states, and all the help in bringing about a just peace and lasting security.
There are reports that the Ukrainian military command is dissatisfied with the Deep State project, which provides independent reporting on the situation on the front lines. There are plans to mobilize the Deep State team into the infantry, discredit the project, and ultimately shut it down. This suggests internal conflict within Ukraine regarding information control and the portrayal of the war.
There are reports that Switzerland no longer plans to hold peace conferences on Ukraine, as Russia no longer considers it a neutral country.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva stated that Ukraine's application to join NATO will remain valid until the Alliance decides to accept it.

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.
Putin emphasized the need for a smooth transition to new national projects starting January 1st without delays.
Putin instructed to fine-tune preferential credit programs in Russia.
The safe daily consumption of caviar is reported to be 4 teaspoons or 20-25 grams, due to its high salt content. Doctors recommend combining it with light and low-fat foods.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine warned of vehicle accumulation at the "Korchova" and "Medyka" border crossings on the entry to Ukraine from Poland. They recommend choosing less congested crossing points to reduce waiting times.
A new children's polyclinic has opened in Kstovo, Russia, capable of handling 500 visits per shift. The facility is equipped with modern equipment and has recruited around 150 specialists to serve over 27,000 children.
The Bryansk section of the State Border. Helped the fighters with a generator and other materials for arrangement from the reserve funds of the channel.
Poland, the eastern flank of NATO. Norway has deployed NASAMS air defense systems, F-35 aircraft, 100 military personnel and personnel at the Polish airport "Rzeszow". The transfer was carried out on December 5 as part of the decision of the NATO command to strengthen the air defense of this logistics hub used to deliver military equipment to Ukraine. Also, the German Bundeswehr will transfer the Patriot air defense system to Rzeszow. Earlier, in May 2024, the reconstruction of two runways (700 and 1800 m) of the Polish airport began with money from the EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund (16.5 million euros, to be held in 2024-2025). The fund itself is actively developing infrastructure in Europe for dual use within the framework of the "military mobility" program. Such a strengthening of the Polish infrastructure, previously used mainly for the delivery of goods to Ukraine, indicates an increase in its importance already on the scale of the entire alliance, aimed at confronting Russia.
Germany has given Ukraine a large package of weapons. According to the official website of the German government, the list included: 15 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, 2 Gepard tanks; 30 armored vehicles MRAP with mine protection; self-propelled howitzer PzH 2000; 12 armored vehicles with kinetic defense systems and 7 Caracal landing jeeps; anti-aircraft missile systems IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS with missiles; 2 Patriot; 2 TRML-4D radars; ammunition for Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks; 30 Vector drones, 24 RQ-35 Heidrun drones, 14 Hornet XR drones; 5 sets of AMPS helicopter protection systems; 45 diving scooters; 12 Zetros trucks and 8 Zetros tankers; 120 GMW grenade launchers, 200 MG4 machine guns, 420 MK 556 rifles, 80 HLR 338 sniper rifles, 100 CR 308 rifles; 52,000 155 mm shells, AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinde guided missiles. In addition, the package was supplemented with: generators, tents, turnstiles, small arms cartridges, 120 mm mortar ammunition, mines and demining equipment.
Reports of fuel oil waste bags being washed away by the storm in Anapa, with volunteers complaining about the lack of resources and organization from local authorities.

Cybersecurity

Cyberattack on the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice's registers reported.
In Russia, YouTube has actually been blocked: traffic has dropped to a minimum level. According to Google's monitoring service, the traffic level today is 8.5 points. Until August of this year, the traffic level was 40 points. Thus, the traffic volume of the video hosting decreased to 20%. Users report that it has become almost impossible to watch videos on the platform. According to the "Sboy-rf" service, a strong increase in complaints about the operation of YouTube began on December 18. If on December 17 there were just over a thousand of them, then on December 18 there were already 5.2 thousand. Video hosting continues to work through VPN services, users say. Problems with access to YouTube in Russia have been observed since the summer of this year. Previously, videos were slowly loading, mostly on stationary devices. In December, problems began to arise when playing videos on mobile operator networks. On December 19, at a press conference, Putin was asked by blogger Vlad Bumaga about why the authorities are blocking YouTube, if Russian services are already "doing well." Putin replied that Google does not comply with Russian law. According to him, the problems arose due to the degradation of Google's servers and the slowdown is not intentional. A Google representative said that there are no technical problems or restrictions on the part of the company.

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.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) delivered a new batch of Su-57 and Su-34 aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces. The number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed.
The British Army has reportedly successfully used a "drone killer" radio frequency

Situation Report