Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine (December 24, 2024, 10:25 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. Ukrainian forces are reportedly leaving the city. Russian forces liquidated a group of Polish mercenaries having tea during an assault on their fortified position. Ukrainian forces, specifically the drone operators of the 95th Air Assault Brigade, reportedly repelled a significant attack by up to 300 North Korean soldiers in the region.
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". Russian forces have reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka. Clashes continue near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopolske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka. The Ukrainian 48th Separate Artillery Brigade claims to have made all necessary artillery shots for victory. Drones of the 14th Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group targeted a temporary deployment point of a hostile unit in Velyka Novosilka.
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. Clashes continue near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
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. Clashes continue near Stupochky and Predtechyne. Russian forces are reportedly advancing in the area.
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, Chumatske, Novyy Trud, Novotroyitske, Novoyelyzavetivka, Novoolenivka, Novopustynka, and Vozdvyzhenka. Russian forces advanced approximately 2 kilometers near Pushkino, reached its outskirts, and liberated Veselyi Gai.
Kurakhivka Axis: Clashes continue near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Kotlyne, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka of the Donetsk region.
Launches of guided air bombs by Russian tactical aviation against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
Russian forces are launching guided aerial bombs in the southern part of the Donetsk region.

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.
Ukrainian forces have repelled 46 Russian army assaults.
Ukrainian forces reportedly installed a Christmas tree in Sudzha.
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.
Head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
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.

Kharkiv Oblast

Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is reported near Zahryzove. Clashes continue near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka. A large mechanized attack by Russian forces was repelled near the Oskil River, with 21 pieces of Russian military equipment destroyed or damaged.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes continue near Vovchansk, Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, and Buhruvatka. One clash occurred near Vovchansk. Russian forces conducted 3 airstrikes with 23 unguided aerial rockets (NARs) and 27 drone strikes, along with 28 shellings of Ukrainian positions. Russian losses in the past day include 54 troops, 42 pieces of equipment, and 59 shelters. Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.

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, specifically near Nizhyn. A new drone was reported on Kharkiv, with 8 drones in the Izyum district and 2 drones from Poltava Oblast moved to Kharkiv Oblast. Drones are moving west/northwest in the southeast of Kharkiv region. Drones are moving north/northeast in the southwest and northeast of Kharkiv region. One drone is circling near Chuhuiv. One drone is moving towards Dnipro from the northwest. Two drones are reported near Cherkasy, with one west of Pryluky heading towards Cherkasy Oblast. A new enemy drone has been reported in the south of Chernihiv region, moving northwest. The city of Nizhyn (Chernihiv region) is under threat from an enemy drone.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 7 drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a military airfield in Rostov Oblast with eight UAVs.
Russian forces reportedly used 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
Russian forces report destroying "Baba Yaga" drones and claim to have intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones, with 23 "locationally lost without negative consequences."
Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone.
Ukrainian forces report using drones to target Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukrainian forces report shooting down a Russian Supercam reconnaissance drone over Kherson Oblast.
Ukrainian forces report destroying 8 Russian troops and multiple motorcycles in an attempted assault in the Siversk direction, using drones to detect and target the enemy.
Ukrainian forces report using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles in the Siversk direction.
Ukrainian forces report receiving 270 new drones.
Ukrainian forces report targeting a Russian T-90 tank and ammunition depot in the Kursk region with drones.
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.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
First Fully Robotized Attack: Ukrainian forces conducted a fully robotized attack using only ground and FPV drones in the Lipstsi area.
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.

Other Regions

Kremennaya-Terny: Ukrainian forces are intensifying attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Kremenna (LPR). Russian forces advanced in Terny. Clashes continue near Zelenyy Hay, Novoserhiyivka, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Makiyivka, Nadiya, Ivanivka, Terny, Toretsk, Hryhorivka, Druzhelubivka, Dibrovy, and Serebryanka.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Ukrainian forces report using drones to attack Russian positions in the region. Clashes continue near Novodanylivka, Lobkove, and Bilohirya. Airstrikes were reported at Temyrivka and Stepnohirsk.
Lyman Axis: Clashes continue near Hrekivka, Novoyehorivka, Zelenyi Hai, Tverdokhlibove, Nadiya, Novoserhiyivka, Terny, Shyykivka, Serhiyivka, Makiyivka, and Ivanivka.
Sieversk Axis: Clashes continue near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Daryivka, and Vyyimka.
Kherson Axis: Ukrainian forces repelled 3 Russian assaults.
Kramatorsk Axis: Clashes near Vasukivka, Chasiv Yar, and Stupochky.
Orikhiv Axis: Clashes near Novoandriyivka.

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, 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.
Fighting reported near Novovasilivka, with a Russian soldier reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces on the eastern outskirts of the settlement.

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. New video footage shows the "Ursa Major" sinking, confirming the earlier reports. The video was taken from another vessel that was involved in the rescue operation.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that over 30 new participants in unlawful military-biological activities in Africa have been identified.
Testing of unapproved drugs by Americans in Africa has attracted the attention of local media.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the US is increasing its military-biological presence in Africa.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the Pentagon has begun active research on dangerous pathogens in Zambia.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the US-tested system for biological risks is being used in Africa.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the US is expanding its military-biological potential in circumvention of the BTWC.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the US sees Africa as a natural reservoir for dangerous pathogens.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that samples of the Ebola virus were illegally taken from Africa to the US.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has identified more than 30 new participants involved in illegal US military-biological activities in Africa.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the US is actively increasing its military-biological presence in Africa.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the activities are being carried out by research organizations of the US Department of Defense. Branches of the US Navy Medical Center are located in Ghana and Djibouti, where active work is being carried out in natural disease foci, isolation and sequencing of pathogens. The US Army Medical Center in Kenya has a network of field stations.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that in Nigeria in 2024, a joint medical research center and a military-medical laboratory of the armed forces of the republic were created, in which 10 US Department of Defense specialists are permanently included.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that in Senegal, the construction of a new laboratory complex worth $35 million is being completed. The project involves the same Pentagon contractors as in the former Soviet republics - Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the customers of the work in the interests of the military are the US Department of Defense Threat Reduction Office (DTRA), the National Security Agency and the State Department. The US does not disclose the final goals of the experiments to partners.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that the US, under the guise of monitoring infections and helping developing countries, is building up its military-biological potential.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Americans are particularly concerned about Russia and China's work with the states of the continent to expose the true content of US military-biological programs in connection with the possible restriction of Pentagon activities in this area.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that there is a clear trend: pathogens that fall into the Pentagon's area of interest subsequently become pandemic, and American pharmaceutical companies become the beneficiaries.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that examples are infections such as yellow fever, monkeypox and Rift Valley fever, an outbreak of which was recorded in Cairo at the site of a US Navy military biological laboratory.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation confirmed that the ship "Ursa Major" sank as a result of an explosion in the engine room.
Deputies proposed to fine bloggers for refusing to register in the Roskomnadzor registry. The State Assembly of Bashkortostan proposed introducing fines for bloggers with an audience of more than 10 thousand subscribers who do not register their social networks in a special register of Roskomnadzor. The Russian government is considering fines for bloggers who do not register with Roskomnadzor, the state media regulator. This is seen as a move to further control online information and suppress dissent.
The Ministry of Finance did not support the idea of a preferential mortgage at 2% for participants in the war in Ukraine. The authors of the initiative assumed that the program would affect about 700 thousand participants in the war and bring more than 1 trillion rubles to the budget through the development of the construction industry. However, the Ministry of Finance rejected the idea.
An explosion occurred at an explosives factory in Balikesir, Turkey, reportedly killing 13 people and injuring 3. The explosion was so strong that tremors were felt in nearby villages.
Zelensky confirmed that he offered the Prime Minister of Slovakia compensation for the termination of Russian gas supplies, but he refused.
A fire broke out in the office of "United Russia" in Arkhangelsk.
Putin and Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the high level of Russian-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and alliance.
In the next year, Ukraine will receive about 30 billion euros from the EU.
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.
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.
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 directed energy weapon, capable of neutralizing targets up to 1000 meters away at a cost of 10 pence per shot, according to The Telegraph.
The "ZOV LNR" team delivered water heating equipment to a military hospital in the LPR.
The Telegram channel "ЗаТелеком" (IT expert Mikhail Klimarev) reported that YouTube is de facto blocked in Russia, with traffic currently at 20% of normal levels.
The Southern Regional Center of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War participated in a meeting with families of missing and captured Ukrainian soldiers in Kropyvnytskyi. The meeting was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and involved representatives of the police, territorial recruitment centers, and NGOs.
The Italian government approved a decree to extend aid to Ukraine, including military aid, for another year, until December 31, 2025.
Previously convicted military serviceman from Kursk robbed a hardware store in Arkhangelsk.
NATO is supporting psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian soldiers.
Orban believes the war in Ukraine will end in 2025.
Ukrainian soldiers installed a Christmas tree in Sudzha.
A worker at a defense industry enterprise was detained for espionage for the special services of Ukraine.
Video from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly shows the destruction of a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone.
Video from the Ukrainian 95th Brigade reportedly shows drone strikes on Russian forces, using thermal imaging to identify targets.
An Arctic battalion of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet is clearing Russian land in the Kursk region. Video from Sudoplatov.
"Ural Frontu": drones "Buratino" effectively work in battles for Toretsk.
Portuguese sailors refused to escort a Russian ship due to the poor condition of their vessel, highlighting potential readiness issues within NATO forces.
A former Wagner Group member reportedly killed a woman in St. Petersburg.
Air raid alerts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
A vehicle was reportedly blown up in Berdyansk, with conflicting reports on whether it belonged to a collaborator.
Drone Ban in LPR.
Alleged Assassination Attempt on Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
Alleged Espionage at a Russian defense industry plant.
NATO Assistance for Ukrainian soldiers' rehabilitation.
Economic Aid from the EU to Ukraine.
Fog in Kyiv.
Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces.
The EU plans to produce 2 million artillery shells in 2025.
About 80,000 residents in Rostov-on-Don were left without heating due to an accident at a boiler house.
The 20th Drone Systems Regiment, K-2, is being created as part of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the basis of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of the 54th Mechanized Brigade, Battalion K-2.
A flash mob of Santa Clauses is taking place in the Moscow transport system today.
In the Krasnoyarsk Territory, 7 suspects were detained for staging accidents to receive insurance payments. The damage from their actions amounted to more than 23 million rubles.
Russia is not closing the border with Estonia and is not subjecting Russians with EU passports to increased scrutiny, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Border checkpoints on the Russian side of the border with Estonia are operating as usual, the ministry said.
The Help Heroes Of Ukraine organization was declared "undesirable" by the Russian Prosecutor General's Office.
NATO will use the infrastructure of the Russian Empire in the event of a war with Moscow. The North Atlantic Alliance plans to use the Rail Baltica railway project, originally initiated on the basis of the infrastructure of the Russian Empire, as a means of quickly moving troops and equipment to the Russian borders in the event of a conflict with Russia. In fact, this will allow NATO to effectively transfer its forces to the eastern borders. The project, worth several billion euros, was originally conceived as a symbol of Estonia's transition to European standards after the collapse of the Soviet Union and its subsequent entry into the EU and NATO. The plan includes the construction of a high-speed railway 805 kilometers long, which will connect the Baltic countries with central Europe. Now the railway is given a new strategic importance: in the event of a war between Moscow and NATO, it can be used to quickly move troops and equipment from central Europe to the Russian borders.
A medical orderly from Sakhalin was featured in a photo by Colonelcassad.
Dmitry Foshenko committed a serious crime in Belorechensk, Krasnodar Krai.
Russian forces are towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
The investigation of Ukrainian pilots accused of terrorism has been completed.
A corruption investigation is underway in Kursk Oblast regarding the embezzlement of 800 million rubles.
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico claims Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets in exchange for Slovakia's consent to Ukraine's NATO membership.
Moldova is introducing a state of emergency due to uncertainty regarding gas transit through Ukraine.
Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Ukrainian officials to find a way to end the war.
NATO has reportedly taken over the coordination of military aid to Ukraine from the US.
Discussions are reportedly taking place in Brussels about sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Putin made several statements regarding the "Oreshnik" weapon system, negotiations with Ukraine, the THAAD system, Russia's nuclear doctrine, payments to soldiers, the restoration of new regions, and his meeting with Assad.
The Russian Ministry of Defense provided a briefing on the activities of the "Center," "West," and "Sever" groups of forces, detailing casualties inflicted on Ukrainian forces and areas of operation.
Putin will meet with Piotrovsky on December 24 and award him the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" I degree.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs detained the organizers of regional networks of the Sincere Systems Group company for fraud of 100 million dollars.
The 46th Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces released a video on social media.
Long-Range Aviation Day was announced in Russia.
Rumors of a planned Russian offensive in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

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.

Updated Situation - December 24, 2024, 10:25 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, with reports of encircling Ukrainian forces in Makarivka.

Drone warfare remains a defining feature of the conflict, with new drone threats reported in Khmelnytskyi, Poltava, Chernihiv regions, and Nizhyn. Ukrainian forces are actively using drones to repel attacks and target Russian forces, as seen in the Siversk and Kursk directions.

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, with significant losses reported for Ukrainian forces, including the destruction of US-supplied Abrams and Bradley vehicles.

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. The Russian government continues to focus on alleged US military-biological activities in Africa, suggesting a broader geopolitical struggle.

The new information also highlights the increasing pressure on independent media and bloggers in Russia. The installation of a Christmas tree by Ukrainian forces in Sudzha is a symbolic act with potential psychological implications.

The air raid alerts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast indicate ongoing drone threats in the region. The reports of Russian advances in Hryhorivka and Orikhovo-Vasylivka, along with the reported destruction of Ukrainian drones, suggest continued fighting on the ground.

The alleged assassination attempt and espionage case highlight the covert aspects of the conflict. The EU's planned artillery shell production and financial aid to Ukraine demonstrate continued Western support. The Portuguese Navy incident raises questions about the readiness of some NATO forces. The fundraising efforts for Ukrainian forces underscore the reliance on external support. The alleged killing by a former Wagner Group member highlights the potential for violence from demobilized soldiers.

The new messages add the following updates:

Alleged US military-biological activities in Africa: Russian MoD reports further details on these activities.
Bloggers in Russia: Fines considered for those not registering with Roskomnadzor.
Alleged Atrocities in Kursk Region: Captured Ukrainian soldier's confession.
Civilian Evacuation in Kursk Region: Under fire.
Drone Attack in Kursk Region: Targeting a Russian T-90 tank and ammunition depot.
Casualties in Kursk Region: Reports of over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers.
Alleged Suicide of Russian Soldier: Video.
Drone Warfare: Extensive reports of drone use by both sides.
Explosion at an explosives factory in Turkey: 13 killed, 3 injured.
Ukrainian forces installed a Christmas tree in Sudzha, Kursk region: Psychological operation.
Air raid alerts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Due to drone activity.
Drone Attack in Berdyansk: Vehicle blown up.
Drone Ban in LPR: Except for military use.
Alleged Assassination Attempt: On Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov.
Alleged Espionage: Worker arrested.
NATO Assistance: Psychological rehabilitation for Ukrainian soldiers.
Propaganda: RT video.
Economic Aid: EU to produce 2 million artillery shells in 2025, Ukraine to receive 30 billion euros.
Portuguese Navy Incident: Refusal to escort Russian ship.
Fog in Kyiv: Warning issued.
Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces: Video.
Alleged Killing by Wagner Group Member: In St. Petersburg.
Russian Advances in Hryhorivka and Orikhovo-Vasylivka: Reported.
Military Operations in Kursk Region: An Arctic battalion of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet is operating in the area. Video from Sudoplatov.
Drone Warfare: "Ural Frontu": drones "Buratino" effectively work in battles for Toretsk.
Orban's Statement: War in Ukraine will end in 2025.
Christmas Tree in Sudzha: Installed by Ukrainian forces.
Espionage: Worker at a defense industry enterprise detained.
Drone Warfare: Video from the Russian 68th Army Corps' "Kaira" UAV unit reportedly shows the destruction of a Ukrainian armored vehicle using an FPV drone. Video from the Ukrainian 95th Brigade reportedly shows drone strikes on Russian forces, using thermal imaging to identify targets.
Propaganda: New RT video.
Aid to Ukraine: Italy approves decree to extend aid, including military aid, until December 31, 2025.
Crime: Previously convicted military serviceman from Kursk robbed a hardware store in Arkhangelsk.
NATO: Supporting psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian soldiers.
Drone Attack: Ukrainian drone destroyed over Bryansk region.
Drone Attack in Berdyansk: Vehicle of the head of the occupation council reportedly blown up.
Drone Ban in LPR: Signed by Pasechnik.
Alleged Assassination Attempt: Reports of an alleged assassination attempt on Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
Alleged Espionage: A worker at a Russian defense industry plant was reportedly arrested for spying for Ukraine.
NATO Assistance: NATO is reportedly supporting psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian soldiers.
Economic Aid: The EU plans to produce 2 million artillery shells in 2025, with Ukraine receiving 30 billion euros in aid.
Fog in Kyiv: A warning about fog in Kyiv was issued, potentially impacting visibility and transportation.
Fundraising for Ukrainian Forces: A video shows fundraising efforts for a Ukrainian special forces unit.
Alleged Killing by Wagner Group Member: A former Wagner Group member reportedly killed a woman in St. Petersburg.
Russian Advances: Russian forces reportedly made advances in Hryhorivka and Orikhovo-Vasylivka.
Drone Attack: Ukrainian drone destroyed over Bryansk region.
Military-Biological Experiments: US accused of conducting experiments in Africa.
Drone Attack: Ukrainian drone destroyed over Bryansk region.
Drone Strikes: Ukrainian forces using drones to target and destroy Russian armored vehicles in the Siversk direction.
Airstrikes: Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at several locations in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Clashes: Reported on multiple axes.
Ukrainian Forces: Repelled 3 Russian assaults on the Kherson axis and 46 in the Kursk region.
War Crimes Allegations: Reports of Ukrainian POWs being shot and video evidence of execution.
Diplomatic and Political Developments: US State Department advises Americans to leave Belarus. NATO Secretary General reportedly asked Zelensky to stop criticizing Scholz. 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 meetings with Putin and visit to China.
Economic and Logistical Impacts: IMF provides $1.1 billion to Ukraine. Disruption of gas transit and potential targeting of industrial facilities.
Cybersecurity: Cyberattack on Ukrainian Ministry of Justice's registers reported.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: Ukrainian 46th Air Assault Brigade releases a propaganda video. Announcement of Long-Range Aviation Day in Russia. Rumors of a planned Russian offensive in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Humanitarian Efforts: Continued need for aid and support.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: 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.
New: 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.

Situation Report