Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine (December 24, 2024, 07:25 UTC)

Key Developments

Donetsk Oblast

• Kurakhove: Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city. They have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing on Yantarnoye. They destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka.
• Vremivka Direction: Russian forces captured Storozheve and formed a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka. They also liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar. Ukrainian forces withdrew from the "Uspenivka pocket".
• Toretsk: Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk. They captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap and made gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict.
• Chasiv Yar: Fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city. They retook positions at the fire-resistant compound and partially dislodged Ukrainian forces.
• Pokrovsk: Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. They are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka. High-intensity battles are ongoing near Myrolubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novovasylivka, and Chumatske. Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai.

Kursk Region

• Russian forces made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka, advancing up to 1200 meters near Nikolaevo-Daryino, Leonidovo, Russkaya Porechnaya, and Kurilovka. They liberated Novoivanovka.
• Russian forces are conducting an offensive on the Kursk front, storming Kruglenkoye, advancing towards Sudzha, Martynovka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Heavy fighting continues, with Ukrainian forces conducting unsuccessful counterattacks.
• A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was observed in the region.
• Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions.

Kharkiv Oblast

• Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.
• Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is reported near Zahryzove.

Drone Warfare

• Extensive drone activity is reported across multiple regions.
• Drone movement (likely Shahed drones) has been detected in the Khmelnytskyi, Poltava and Chernihiv regions.
• Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
• Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a military airfield in Rostov Oblast with eight UAVs.

Other Regions

• Kremennaya-Terny: Ukrainian forces are intensifying attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Kremenna (LPR). Russian forces advanced in Terny.
• Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Ukrainian forces report using drones to attack Russian positions in the region.

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.
• Siversk 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.
• 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.

Non-Military Developments

• US Congressional hearings on corruption in Ukraine could block aid for years.
• The Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" sank off the coast of Spain after an explosion. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the sinking and stated that 14 crew members were rescued, and two are missing.
• The Russian Navy is not recorded in the Black Sea or the Azov Sea. In the Mediterranean Sea, there are 8 enemy ships, of which 3 are Kalibr missile carriers.
• Germany and Denmark transferred 15 Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
• The Russian government banned cryptocurrency mining in the occupied territories of Ukraine and in the Caucasus.

Updated Situation - December 24, 2024, 07:25 UTC

The conflict in Ukraine has significantly escalated, particularly in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. Russian forces have made substantial advances in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Vremivka direction.

Drone warfare remains a defining feature of the conflict, with new drone threats reported in Khmelnytskyi, Poltava and Chernihiv regions.

The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with reports of civilian casualties and forced evacuations.

Fighting has intensified in the Kremennaya-Terny area, Kharkiv, and the Kursk region.

A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was observed in the Kursk region. The sinking of the Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" adds complexity to the maritime aspect of the conflict.

Diplomatic tensions are highlighted by discussions about US aid to Ukraine and concerns about corruption.

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

Key Developments

• Drone Warfare: Extensive drone activity across multiple regions, including new groups of drones entering Sumy Oblast and reports of Chinese anti-drone technology being introduced. Attacks inside Russia have continued, with drone strikes reported in Belgorod, Voronezh, and Tula Oblasts.
• Russian Advances: Significant Russian advances in Donetsk (Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Toretsk) and Kursk (Novoivanovka, Sudzha district, Cherkasskaya Konopelka).
• Chasov Yar: Fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city.
• Other Significant Developments: Reports of North Korean troop involvement, discussions about negotiations, alleged atrocities in Selidovo, alleged liquidation of Colombian mercenaries, and the assassination of a Russian General.

Ground Warfare

Russian Advances

• Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove, have entered Pisky, and are consolidating control in Toretsk.
• Kursk Region: Russian forces have liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Intense Fighting: Heavy fighting along the front line, with numerous engagements reported.

Aerial Warfare

• Extensive Drone Warfare: Widespread drone attacks by both sides, targeting infrastructure, military positions, and equipment.
• Air Defense Interceptions: Russian and Ukrainian air defense systems have intercepted numerous drones. Four Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight, three over Rostov Oblast and one over Voronezh Oblast.

Naval Activity

• Black Sea: 3 Russian ships, carrying up to 24 "Kalibr" missiles.
• Azov Sea: No Russian ships present.
• Mediterranean Sea: 6 Russian ships, 3 carrying up to 25 "Kalibr" missiles.

Regional Analysis

Drone Warfare

• Ukraine: Extensive drone activity across multiple regions, with air defense systems active.
• Russia: Multiple drone attacks reported, with Russian air defense systems intercepting numerous drones.

Ground Warfare

• Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces are making advances, particularly around Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, and Toretsk.
• Kursk Region: Russian forces have made significant progress, liberating Novoivanovka and advancing in the Sudzha district.
• Zaporizhzhia Front: Active combat operations.
• Kharkiv Front: Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian troops.

Naval Activity

• Black Sea: 3 Russian ships, carrying up to 24 "Kalibr" missiles.
• Azov Sea: No Russian ships present.
• Mediterranean Sea: 6 Russian ships, 3 carrying up to 25 "Kalibr" missiles.

The overall situation suggests a significant escalation in multiple areas, with both sides adapting their strategies and tactics. The conflict's impact on civilians, the extensive use of drone warfare, and the allegations of war crimes highlight the severe and multifaceted nature of the ongoing hostilities. The potential for further escalation, particularly in the southern front, and the involvement of international actors underscore the complex and volatile nature of the conflict. The sinking of the Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" is a significant event, with the Russian Foreign Ministry confirming the incident and ongoing rescue operations. This incident adds a new dimension to the maritime aspect of the conflict.