Major Military Situation Updates - December 24, 2024, 00:25 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces continue to make 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, Dnipro, Cherkasy, and others, with new reports of drones near Pavlohrad, Kremenchuk, and Dnipro itself. 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

Donetsk Oblast

Velyka Novosilka: Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics. Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road. Russian forces are advancing southwest of Velyka Novosilka, reaching Storozheve and Neskuchne, and forming a new "pocket." At Vremivka axis clashes reported near Kostyantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly, Storozheve, Novosilky, Temyrivka, Novopil and Novodarivka. Russian forces achieved success in Novyi Komar and launched attacks near Velyka Novosilka and Storozheve. In the north of the Vremivka direction, Russian forces raised a flag in Novyi Komar, with Ukrainian forces remaining to the southwest of the village. Active combat operations reported near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces launched an attack with armored columns along the western bank of the Mokri Yaly River and on the Storozheve-Rivnopil line. The advance reached the northern part of Storozheve and the vicinity of height 178.3 ("Babya Gora"), expanding the control zone to the west by over 2.5 km. On the Vremivka axis, 35 clashes occurred in the areas of Novodarivka, Konstantinovsky, Rozlyv, Rozdolny, Storozhevoy, Velyka Novosilka, Novy Komar, and Novosilka. Two clashes are ongoing. In addition, the enemy launched airstrikes with 7 KABs in the area of Temyrivka.
Kurakhove: Russian forces are consolidating their control over approximately 80% of the city. Ukrainian forces are reportedly leaving the city. A Russian drone strike hit a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne. Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction. Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. Snipers from the 5th Brigade are reportedly targeting Ukrainian forces in Kurakhove. Russian forces have almost completely pushed the Ukrainian forces out of the center of Kurakhove. Intense fighting continues in the industrial zone and for Yantarnoye. Ukrainian forces are still holding out in high-rise buildings in the northern part of Kurakhove. Russian forces started battles for the liberation of Yantarnoye, south of Kurakhovo. The city of Kurakhovo itself is almost completely liberated. Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove. They have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are pushing Ukrainian forces out of high-rise buildings in the center of Kurakhove. At Kurakhivka axis clashes reported near Dachne, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove and Yantarne. Russian forces have reportedly broken through to Yantarne and are completing the assault on Kurakhove. South of Zelenivka, Russian units have occupied several forest belts on a 2.5 km wide and 1.2 km deep area. Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka, further degrading Ukrainian logistics to the west of Kurakhovo. On the Kurakhivka axis, there are 32 combat clashes. The invaders are trying to advance in the areas of Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriivka. The enemy actively used bombers in these areas. The enemy lost 77 soldiers.
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. Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk, advancing near Dzerzhinsk. Civilians were evacuated 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 on the outskirts of the spoil heap. Russian forces advanced towards small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Assault troops advanced 500 meters west in Khimkolonka area, occupied new positions in the private sector. Clashes reported near Toretsk, Krymske, Dyliivka. Russian forces continue attacks in the southern part of the Забалка (Kulatsky Khutor) district, in the direction of Koksovaya Street (through the passage between the spoil tips), along Svetlaya Street, and in the direction of the Toretskaya mine. FPV Drones are being actively used by Russian forces in Toretsk. Operators, working directly with assault troops, are targeting enemy firing positions. Russian assault troops were able to advance 500 meters to the west in the Khimkolonka area and occupy new positions in the private sector. Russian forces advanced towards the small mine No. 10 spoil heap near Toretsk. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Russian forces advanced in the Khomkolonka microdistrict of Toretsk. Street fighting has persisted for two months, effectively dividing Toretsk in half. A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed. Ukrainian forces report that "predators" are active near Toretsk. Russian forces are advancing behind New York and have taken the center of Shcherbinovka. In the areas of Dyliivka, Dachny, Bila Hora, Shcherbynivka, and Toretsk, the enemy tried to break into the defense 17 times. Two clashes are ongoing.
Chasov Yar: Russian forces reportedly control over half of the city. Fighting continues on the northern and western edge of the Fire-Resistant Compound in Chasov Yar. Russian forces partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. The assault on Chasov Yar continues with some success, including advances and the use of heavy weaponry. Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes. Russian forces now control over half of Chasov Yar. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances. Fighting in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. On the Kramatorsk axis, the enemy carried out 9 attacks near Stupochky, Chasovoy Yar, and Predtechyny. All attempts were stopped.
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 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. Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmeisk. The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka. The situation on the Pokrovsk front remains difficult, with continued Russian assaults. The "Baltic Group" of the 59th Motorized Brigade used drones to target and destroy a Russian BMP, 5 soldiers, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck. Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east. Russian forces have advanced west of Zarya to a depth of 500 meters in the direction of Slavyanka. Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself. Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai. 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. High-intensity battles are reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko. Russian forces have reportedly broken through to Yantarne and are completing the assault on Kurakhove. South of Zelenivka, Russian units have occupied several forest belts on a 2.5 km wide and 1.2 km deep area. High-intensity battles are ongoing near several settlements, including Novooleenovka, which Russian forces are storming. At Pokrovsk axis clashes reported near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, Chumatske and Novoolenivka. 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. This is not only a movement towards Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) but also an advance towards the enemy's Yasenevoe-Konstantinopol road. Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk. Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne. Under Pokrovsk Russian forces are storming Novooleenovka from the north and east. Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. The enemy is attacking on the Pokrovsk axis. 30 attacks took place during the day. The enemy is active near Myrolyubivka, Dachensky, Novy Trud, Novotroitsky, Zeleny, Novoelizavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, Vozdvyzhenka, Promin, Lysivka, and Uspenivka. All attacks were repelled. The enemy also bombed the areas of Kotlyny, Zvirovo, and Uspenivka with 9 KABs. 201 occupiers were killed and 224 were wounded. One BMP, three cars, and one motorcycle were destroyed. Two enemy tanks were damaged.
Other Key Developments in Donetsk Oblast: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at multiple locations in the Donetsk region. A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed. 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. 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. Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces. Donetsk scouts identify positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then destroy them. Attacks are being made towards Ulakly, Kostyantynopil, Bohatyr, and Otradne. Fighting is ongoing to break through the Ukrainian fortified area northeast of Andriivka. Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment has reportedly liberated Elizavetovka. Launches of guided air bombs by Russian tactical aviation against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar. MoD Briefing (08:37:20 UTC): "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces. Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region. On the Donetsk front, there are reports of four Ukrainian soldiers being executed by Russian forces after surrendering. This incident is under investigation as a potential war crime. In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna. 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. Russian forces are developing an offensive towards Dimitrov. In the Lyman direction, the enemy attacked 20 times. He tried to advance near Zeleny Gai, Grekivka, Nadiya, Terny and Ivanivka. Using aviation in the Siversk direction, the enemy attacked twice in the direction of Verkhnyokamyansky and Білогорівка. In the Kramatorsk direction, the occupiers carried out two assaults near Stupochki. In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 29 offensive actions of the aggressor near Myrolyubivka, Promenya, Lysivka, Zeleny, Novy Trud, Dachenske and Novovasilivka. The enemy actively used aviation. In the Kurakhiv direction, the Defense Forces repelled 15 attacks in the areas of Stary Terny, Kurakhove and Dachne. In the Vremivka direction, according to updated information, the enemy carried out 47 attacks on Ukrainian positions near Uspenivka, Yantarne, Kostyantynopil, Novosilky, Blagodatne and in the direction of Rozlyv and Odradne. Over the past day, in the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian positions were attacked seven times near Novoandriivka and Pyatykhatky. In the Prydniprovskyi direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled five assault actions, the enemy was unsuccessful. Since the beginning of the day, 235 combat clashes have taken place. The enemy launched 12 air strikes using 37 KABs, more than 490 kamikaze drone strikes, and carried out more than 3,000 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas using various types of weapons.
Krasnohorivka: Heavy fighting for the city took place from April to October 2024. Ukrainian forces initially held the city but were eventually forced to withdraw due to the numerical superiority of Russian forces.

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.
An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in the village of Terny.
Shelling of a Russian assault group by Ukrainian forces was observed.
Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny and expanded their territorial control by up to 400 meters.
On the Liman axis, the enemy attacked 26 times in the direction of Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, Makiyivka, and Ivanivka.
Russian forces advanced more than 300 meters along the railway line to Seversk and occupied the buildings of the Vyemka station. The advanced position of the Russian Armed Forces came under fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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.
Active combat operations reported near Sudzha, with Russian forces attacking in the direction of Viktorivka and advancing up to 2 km.
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.
The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported on the frontline and the areas of the Kursk operation. There are already over three thousand wounded and killed North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.
In the Kursk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks. The enemy carried out 374 artillery strikes, 9 of them from MLRS.
Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier, Grigoriy Shinkarev, reported that his unit received orders to shoot civilians in the Kursk region based on the language they spoke. He also stated that his fellow soldiers executed Russian prisoners of war.

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.
6 new drones were reported in the Kharkiv Oblast, with a course towards/through Balakliia.
In the Kharkiv direction, 4 clashes took place with the invaders in the Vovchansk area. On the Kupyansk axis, the enemy tried to push Ukrainian units out of their positions 19 times near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolysnikivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka.

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 drone reported on Kharkiv.
New: 8 drones in the Izyum district.
New: 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: Two drones are reported near Cherkasy, one west of Pryluky heading towards Cherkasy Oblast.
New: A drone was reported moving west/northwest near Sumy.
New: A group of drones is moving south in Poltava Oblast towards Kremenchuk.
New: Enemy drones are heading towards Dnipro from the east.
New: 4 drones south of Pavlohrad, course west and southwest.
New: 2 drones in the Poltava area, heading towards Kremenchuk.
New: 4 drones flying through Zlatopil heading west.
New: 1 drone flew past Merefa heading west.
New: Zaporizhzhia region - the threat of the use of enemy attack UAVs.
New: Donetsk region - the threat of the use of enemy attack UAVs.
New: Enemy attack UAVs in your direction from the east, Dnipro.
New: UAVs towards Kremenchuk from the 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.
Explosions reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
Emergency power outages reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions.
New: The launch of a Soyuz rocket with a new Resurs-P satellite is scheduled for December 25th at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
New: The chairman of the "Just Russia - For Truth" party, Sergey Mironov, sent a letter to Mishustin proposing to enshrine in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation the mandatory payment of the thirteenth salary before the New Year. This should increase employee motivation and labor productivity. "Well, in a human way, people need this money to celebrate the New Year well, to make gifts to their loved ones," Mironov told TASS.
New: Islamabad and Moscow are discussing the operation of Mir cards in Pakistan, Pakistani Energy Minister Awais Leghari said in an interview with TASS.

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.
New: A U.S. district judge in Florida agreed to postpone the trial of Ryan Root, who is accused in the second assassination attempt on Donald Trump,

Situation Report