Updated Operational Situation Report: December 24, 2024, 05:55 UTC

Executive Summary

Russian forces maintain significant advancements, especially in the Donetsk Oblast, with notable progress in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. The capture of Storozheve and the development of a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka mark a substantial shift in the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare remains a dominant feature, with both sides utilizing drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks. Ukrainian forces report widespread drone activity across multiple regions, including new reports of drones near Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, and Chernihiv. Air raid alerts have been issued in Kyiv city due to reports of drones heading towards the city, but alerts have been lifted in the surrounding oblast. New alerts have also been issued for Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with civilian casualties and forced evacuations. Allegations of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, further escalate the conflict's severity. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area, the Kharkiv, and the Kursk region also indicates an intensification of fighting and strategic repositioning of forces. Russian forces have reportedly completed the clearing of Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast. A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was shown conducting operations in the Kursk region, highlighting ongoing airstrikes. Overnight, Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a military airfield in Rostov Oblast with eight UAVs, most of which were suppressed by air defense and electronic warfare systems.

Changes to the Situation - December 24, 2024, 05:55 UTC

Military Developments

Drone Warfare:
- Drone (likely Shahed drones) movement has been detected in Khmelnytskyi region and Chernihiv.
- Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight and in the morning.
- Overnight, Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a military airfield in Rostov Oblast with eight UAVs, most of which were suppressed by air defense and electronic warfare systems.
Donetsk Oblast:
- Kurakhove: Clashes continue in the central part of the city for the remaining high-rise buildings.
- Vremivka Direction: Russian forces advanced towards Velyka Novosilka.
- Toretsk: Street fighting divides the city. Russian forces continue attacks along Fabrychna, Rynkova, Svitla, Lesi Ukrainky streets and in the direction of the "Toretska" mine.
- Ukrainian forces have retaken positions at the fire-resistant compound in Chasiv Yar. There are currently about 150 Ukrainian soldiers at the plant.
- Pokrovsk: Russian forces are developing success from the southwest, attacking from the side of Dachenske.
Kremennaya-Terny:
- Ukrainian forces are intensifying their attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Kremenna (LPR) in response to the activation of Russian forces in the area.
Kursk Region:
- Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. Russian forces are advancing in the wooded areas of the Sudzhansky district and up to 1200 meters in the vicinity of Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya and Kurilovka.
- Heavy fighting continues in Kursk Oblast. The enemy is carrying out counter-attacks. In the Sudzhansky district, the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out 5 unsuccessful counterattacks using "Bradley" BMPs and "M-113" APCs. Russian forces have advanced an additional kilometer in the wooded areas of the Sudzha district.
Kupyansk Direction:
- Russian troops, supported by armored vehicles, are fighting near Zahryzove. In the northern part of the village, Russian infantry occupied positions in a forest plantation and in a number of buildings.
Kharkiv Oblast:
- Russian forces have reportedly completed the clearing of Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.

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, Novotroitske and Novoolenivka.
Kurakhivka Axis: Clashes near Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Kurakhove, Yasenove, Dachne, and towards Andriyivka. Clashes continue in Kurakhove. To the southwest, Russian forces are advancing on Konstantynopil and expanding the zone of control near Zelenivka.
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. One person was killed and two were injured in the region due to Russian attacks.
Kursk Region: Ukrainian forces repelled 27 Russian assaults.

Non-Military Developments

Other Incidents:
- In Khakassia, the head of the workshop of the enterprise where two people died from the explosion was detained, the TASS news agency reported in the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the region.
- Almost 4.4 thousand civilians in Russia have been injured since January as a result of attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and almost 800 people, including 50 children, have died.
- The Russian government has banned mining in 10 Russian regions in the North Caucasus, Donbas and Novorossiya. The ban will be in effect until 2031. In a number of districts of the Irkutsk Oblast, Transbaikalia and Buryatia, a ban on mining is introduced during peak energy consumption periods.
- Six people were killed in a fire at a temporary worker housing facility in the village of Malorechensky, Tatarstan.
Propaganda and Information Warfare:
- A quiz is being held among the paratroopers to identify an object and a settlement in a photo of a memorial to Russian airborne troops.
- The Kyiv Post reports that US Congressional hearings on corruption in Ukraine could block aid for years.
Naval Activity:
- The Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" sank off the coast of Spain after an explosion. It was initially believed that the ship was sailing to Syria, but analysts found that it was transporting hatches for the nuclear reactor of a nuclear icebreaker and two port mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 120 tons each to Vladivostok.
- The Russian Navy is not recorded either in the Black Sea or in the Azov Sea. In the Mediterranean Sea there are 8 enemy ships, of which 3 are Kalibr missile carriers, with a total of 25 missiles.
Space Activity:
- Roscosmos and NASA have synchronized the estimated dates for the completion of the flight of the International Space Station, said Yuri Borisov.
Other:
- Germany, together with Denmark, transferred another 15 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, and Berlin also sent another IRIS-T air defense system.
- 28% of Russians will not buy red caviar for the New Year, according to a survey.
- The US Attorney's Office decided not to appeal the dismissal of the murder charges against Alec Baldwin, according to the Associated Press. The actor's defense called this the final recognition of his innocence.
- The Russian government has banned cryptocurrency mining in the occupied territories of Ukraine and in the Caucasus.
- Russians will be warned of missile attacks using intercoms, according to the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Kurenkov.

Updated Situation - December 24, 2024, 05:55 UTC

The conflict in Ukraine intensifies with significant Russian advances in the Donetsk region, particularly in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction. The capture of Storozheve and the advance towards Velyka Novosilka, along with the destruction of a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, represent a substantial shift in the Vremivka direction. Drone warfare continues to be a defining feature, with widespread drone activity across multiple regions. New drone threats are reported in Khmelnytskyi and Chernihiv. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with reports of civilian casualties and forced evacuations. Allegations of war crimes, including the shooting of Ukrainian POWs, further escalate the severity of the conflict. The situation in the Kremennaya-Terny area, the Kharkiv, and the Kursk region indicates an intensification of fighting and strategic repositioning of forces. Also, Russian forces liberated Novopustynka and have reportedly completed the clearing of Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast. 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 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. 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. A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was shown conducting operations in the Kursk region, highlighting ongoing airstrikes. The sinking of the Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" off the coast of Spain after an explosion adds another layer of complexity to the maritime aspect of the conflict. Overnight, Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a military airfield in Rostov Oblast with eight UAVs, most of which were suppressed by air defense and electronic warfare systems. The Russian Attorney General's Office has designated the US-based NGO Help Heroes Of Ukraine, which supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as undesirable.

Major Updates from Older Situations (6 hours to 3 days ago)

Key Developments

Drone Warfare:
- Continued Extensive Drone Activity: Drone warfare remains a significant aspect of the conflict, with widespread activity reported across multiple regions in Ukraine, 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.
- Multiple groups of attack drones are moving in the northern part of Sumy Oblast, in the direction of Chernihiv Oblast. New groups of enemy drones are entering Sumy Oblast from the Kursk region, moving west/southwest.
- Several new drones were reported to be flying from Zaporizhzhia Oblast towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
- An air raid alert was issued in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to drone activity and has since been lifted.
- Reports of drone movements and engagements continue across multiple regions in Ukraine.
- 8 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Rostov Oblast. The Russian MoD claims this large-scale drone attack is retaliation for Ukraine's prior use of ATACMS missiles near Taganrog, suggesting a potential cycle of escalation.
- Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
- Introduction of Chinese Anti-Drone Technology: A Chinese company, Anwei, has introduced a portable individual FPV-drone jammer, the AT-623. This device suppresses FPV drone frequencies with a range of 150 meters and a response time of 2 seconds. It is equipped with a replaceable lithium-ion battery, providing 30 minutes of continuous use at full power and weighs 1.6 kg.
- Russian Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least six impacts. Fires were reported in multiple districts, leading to evacuations. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones across various regions.
- Drone Warfare Incidents:
  - Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
  - Ukrainian forces targeted Russian positions and soldiers with drones.
  - Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged M119 howitzer with a drone.
  - Germany transferred Songbird 150 reconnaissance drones to Ukraine.
  - Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a Russian reconnaissance UAV over Dnipropetrovsk region.
  - Russian forces disrupted Ukrainian mine-laying operations in Kursk region with drones.
  - Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station and damaged a Russian command post with drones.
  - Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
  - Russian forces destroyed a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region with an FPV drone.
  - Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
  - Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian BMPT "Terminator" near Kreminna.
  - Ukrainian forces destroyed a Ukrainian T-64BV tank near Kupyansk with an FPV drone.
  - Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
  - Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
  - Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
  - Russian operators of FPV drones destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
  - Ukrainian "Birds of Madyar" unit used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
  - Ukrainian "Sherhni Dovbush" unit conducted a successful drone strike on a Russian soldier in an open field.
  - Ukrainian "Shadow" unit used drones to successfully attack a Russian position in a residential area during the day, and a Russian bunker at night.
  - Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian logistics and troops are reported, including the destruction of a Ukrainian ammunition depot.
  - Russian drone teams are active in the Kursk region, targeting Ukrainian strongholds, positions, and armored vehicles.
  - A Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
  - Ukrainian air defense forces successfully detected and neutralized about ten hostile drones near Kyiv.
  - +330 drones were purchased thanks to donations. In total, 127,329 FPV drones have been purchased.
  - Donetsk scouts identify positions, equipment, command posts, and observation posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then destroy them.
  - There is a graph showing the number of drone launches over a 7 day period.
  - Two Ukrainian drones simultaneously struck a single target.
  - Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force shoots down a Shahed drone.
  - A Ukrainian drone was destroyed by a Russian FPV drone.
  - 422nd Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems Luftwaffe on the Zaporizhzhia direction hit and destroyed a buggy, 2 ATVs, 9 dugouts, 8 shelters, 6 enemy KIA and 5 WIA.
  - UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations in the Kursk region, targeting various Russian military vehicles.
  - Ukrainian forces report that they destroyed 3 Russian BTRs and damaged a Russian position near Kursk.
  - Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk.
  - Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
  - FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
  - Russian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a pickup truck carrying Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv region.
  - 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.
  - Video shows Ukrainian forces using a drone to destroy a Russian "Mavik" drone near Chasiv Yar.
  - Ukrainian forces used a drone to attack a Russian position near a road, resulting in a fire.
  - Ukrainian forces are utilizing a drone to drop multiple munitions on targets, including personnel and buildings.
  - Ukrainian forces used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian command post.
  - 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.
  - Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
  - Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Plastun-3000" electronic warfare station with an FPV drone and damaging a Russian command post with another drone.
  - Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
  - FPV-drones of the National Guard of Ukraine "Spartan" are destroying Russians in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
  - "Sudoplatov" unit released footage of their work on destroying enemy infantry and equipment on the front line.
  - Russian electronic warfare systems in the DPR have reportedly disrupted nearly 140 Ukrainian air attacks in the past week, intercepting 138 enemy UAVs in the Donetsk and Makeevka regions.
  - FPV Drones are being actively used by Russian forces in Toretsk. Operators, working directly with assault troops, are targeting enemy firing positions.
  - Ukrainian forces are using FPV drones to target Russian logistics and troops in the Kursk region.
  - Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed an ammunition depot near Markine in the Donetsk region.
  - Ukrainian drone remotely mined Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
  - Russian operators destroyed a Ukrainian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and an armored vehicle in the Kharkiv region.
  - Russian forces are using drones to destroy groups of Ukrainian soldiers who have reached the edge of the forest near their positions.
  - Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
  - Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
  - Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
  - Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian tank T-72 in the Kharkiv region with a drone.
  - Border guards of the "Steel Frontier" brigade destroyed an enemy ammunition depot and several enemy shelters in the Sumy direction.
  - Multiple "Shahed" drones were reported moving from Sumy Oblast towards Chernihiv and Poltava regions.
  - A soldier successfully destroying an enemy drone using a small arm.

Ground Warfare

Russian Advances Continue

Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces continue to make advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk.
- Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove. They have reportedly liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka and are pushing Ukrainian forces out of high-rise buildings in the center of Kurakhove. Heavy fighting continues in the industrial zone and for Yantarnoye.
- Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. High-intensity battles are reported near several settlements, with Russian forces storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka.
- Toretsk: Russian forces are consolidating control in Toretsk and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. They have made advances in the Khomkolonka microdistrict and near the small mine No. 10 spoil heap. Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine.
Kursk Region: Russian forces have fully liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka. They established control over positions east of Novoyvanovka and were noted to be present on the western bank of the Oskol River in Dvurechnaya on the Kupyansk front. Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Nechaev and in the direction of Kruglyakovka. Russian forces reportedly liberated Daryino and Novoivanovka in the Sudzha district. Russian forces took a Ukrainian position in Plekhovo. Russian marines took a fortified position in the Kursk border region.
- Disrupted Rotation and Mine-Laying: Russian forces disrupted a Ukrainian troop rotation and used drones to disrupt Ukrainian mine-laying operations.
- Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting continues along the front line, with 55 engagements reported and 25 ongoing. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes. Paratroopers are pushing Ukrainian units back from the Kursk region. Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district. Active combat is ongoing in the Sudzha area, with Russian infantry attacking Ukrainian positions near Nechaev.
- Repelled Counterattacks: Ukrainian counterattacks using NATO armored vehicles and HIMARS were repelled.
- Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
- Destruction of Reserves: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
- North Korean Involvement: Reports indicate North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses, with at least 100 killed and 1,000 wounded. Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed 12 and wounded 20 North Korean soldiers. Reports suggest North Korean soldiers are being treated in the Kursk city hospital, though evidence of their involvement remains weak. Ukrainian forces are dropping leaflets in Korean, targeting North Korean soldiers in the Kursk area. Reports continue to claim North Korean special forces involvement, with further reports of casualties. Three North Korean soldiers have also been reported missing near Kurilovka. The involvement of North Korean troops is not yet confirmed.
- Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
- Reports of Atrocities: 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.
- Drone Operations: Ukrainian forces conducted successful drone operations, targeting Russian military vehicles and logistics. UA REG TEAM conducted successful drone operations, targeting various Russian military vehicles. Ukrainian forces reported that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction. Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
- VSU Losses: The Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) reportedly lost up to 540 military personnel and one tank in the region.
- Rylsk Shelling: The town of Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions, resulting in multiple civilian casualties (at least five killed and up to 30 injured) and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. A pregnant woman was injured in the shelling. The Russian MoD reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost 225 troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five armored fighting vehicles in the Kursk direction in the past 24 hours.
- Strategic Implications: The Russian advances represent a significant development, potentially opening a new front and stretching Ukrainian defenses.
- Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions west of Nechaev in the direction of Russkogo Porechnogo using large infantry units. Ukrainian forces lost their strongholds in the forest belt.
- 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.
- 76th Airborne Division reportedly storming Ukrainian positions 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.
- Paratroopers of the 76th division of the Airborne Forces are storming the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Mykolaivka.
- The "Sever" group of forces is conducting fierce battles along the entire front line.
- Russian assault groups advanced in Kruhlenke and made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.

Chasov Yar

Fighting in Chasov Yar: Russian forces have partially dislodged Ukrainian forces from the fire-resistant compound in Chasov Yar. Russian paratroopers reportedly discovered a concentration of enemy troops and destroyed them with drone strikes.

Other Significant Developments

Activity of Russian Tactical Aviation: Activity of Russian tactical aviation is reported on the south-eastern direction, with a threat of the use of aviation weapons for front-line areas.
Guided Bomb Strikes in Donetsk: Russian tactical aviation launched guided bomb strikes in the Donetsk region.
US Cruiser Mistakenly Shoots Down F/A-18: A US Navy cruiser mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea during airstrikes on Houthi targets. Both pilots were rescued, with one sustaining minor injuries.
Destruction of Ukrainian Military Equipment: Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction. A Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle was destroyed by Russian drone operators in the Vremivka direction.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued and subsequently lifted in several regions, including Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. A new alert was issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity.
Negotiations: Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Kyiv will be in a weakened position in negotiations with Russia if the US stops providing aid. A retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Daniel Davis, suggested that attacks on Russian cities could worsen Ukraine's position in negotiations, as they anger Russian citizens and leadership without having a significant military effect.
Alleged Atrocities in Selidovo: Reports have emerged alleging that Ukrainian forces have committed mass killings of civilians in Selidovo.
Alleged Liquidation of Colombian Mercenaries: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
North Korean Troops: Reports of North Korean troops participating in the conflict, suffering losses, and reportedly mistakenly firing upon Chechen forces.
NATO to Coordinate Military Aid to Ukraine: NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
Mass Desertions in the British Army: Over 15,000 British military personnel reportedly left the armed forces in October, despite a record pay raise.
Memorial Song for Fallen Soldiers: A song was recorded and shared in memory of Russian soldiers from the "North Group" who died in the Kursk and Kharkov regions.
A soldier is consuming a meal consisting of field rations and coffee: The elements suggest a wooded outdoor location, highlighting the logistical and operational aspects of a potential military mission.
Assassination of a Russian General:
- Ukrainian sources claim responsibility for the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection troops in Moscow.
- US officials stated they were not aware and were not involved.
- Russian officials confirmed his death, along with his assistant, Major Polikarpov.
- Arrest of Suspect: A 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, suspected of carrying out the attack, has been arrested. He has confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services. The detonation was triggered remotely from Dnipro, Ukraine. The suspect has been transported to the scene of the crime for investigative actions. New suspects might be identified. The arrested suspect, Akhmad Kurbanov, has been charged with terrorism and illegal manufacturing of explosives. He is awaiting trial.
- Medvedev stated that the military-political leadership of the Kyiv regime will face inevitable retribution and that if The Times considers the murder of Kirillov a legitimate act, then all NATO officials can be considered legitimate targets for Moscow.
- The Governor of Kostroma Oblast suggested that Kirillov's work exposing secret bio-labs may have been the reason for his assassination.
- Russian officials will raise the issue of the attack at the UN Security Council on December 20th. The UN did not condemn the attack.
- Maria Zakharova stated that the attack against Kirillov was a result of the West's approval of Kyiv's crimes.
- Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, stated that special services are efficiently investigating the murder and that it is obvious that the Kyiv regime is the customer.
- Russian authorities indicated that new suspects might be identified.
- The Uzbekistan embassy is in contact with Russia regarding the citizen detained for the murder.
- CNN published an article stating that Kirillov's death was caused by Ukrainian operatives.
- The head of the Ukrainian Security Services, Vasyl Malyuk, is suspected to be responsible for organizing the assassination.
- There was a discussion about the assassination of Kirillov in the Security Service of Ukraine.
- Ryabkov stated that the reaction of the West to the murder of Kirillov confirms that they divide terrorists into "us" and "them".
- A scandal has emerged regarding a CNN report from the location of Kirillov's assassination, raising questions about foreign journalist activity in Russia and potential security breaches. FSB and Uzbek special services are working to identify accomplices. President Mirziyoyev expressed condolences and condemned the assassination, offering assistance in the investigation. A scandal has emerged regarding a CNN report from the location of Kirillov's assassination, raising questions about foreign journalist activity in Russia and potential security breaches.
Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine:
- War Crimes: A Russian lieutenant general has been charged with ordering the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The deputy chief of the Russian general staff has been charged with organizing a missile strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk that killed a Reuters journalist.
- Collaborators: The head of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with a Russian online casino. A group in Dnipropetrovsk was exposed for gathering data on F-16 fighter jets for the enemy.
- Organized Crime: Channels for drug supply and

Regional Analysis

Drone Warfare

Ukraine

Extensive Drone Activity: Widespread drone activity is reported across multiple regions.
Several groups of attack drones are moving in the northern part of Sumy Oblast in the direction of Chernihiv Oblast.
Air Defense and Countermeasures: Ukrainian air defenses have shot down numerous "Shahed" UAVs and drones of other types across multiple regions. Anti-aircraft units are active near Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv.
Air Raid Alerts: Air raid alerts have been issued and subsequently lifted in several regions. A new alert was issued for Sumy Oblast due to drone activity, and the alert for Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been lifted.

Russia

Drone Attacks: Multiple drone attacks were reported in Kazan, Tatarstan, with at least six impacts and fires in multiple districts. Explosions were also reported in Sochi, with Russian air defense systems active.
Air Defense Interceptions: Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones across multiple regions, including 8 over Rostov oblast.

Situation Report