Key Military Developments in Ukraine (December 24, 2024, 15:13 UTC)
Donetsk Oblast
Kurakhove
Russian forces control approximately 80% of Kurakhove.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly leaving the city, almost completely liberated.
Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka.
Russian forces are advancing on Yantarnoye and have destroyed a bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka.
Clashes continue near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Kotlyne, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Kostyantynopil, and Andriyivka.
Launches of guided air bombs were reported against Konstantinovka and Chasov Yar.
Russian forces are also advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky.
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 reported in the areas of northern Shevchenko, Peschanoye, Novovasilevka, Novooleenovka, Ukrainka, Slavyanka, Petropavlovka, and southern Shevchenko.
A Russian drone strike hit a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
Snipers from the 5th Brigade are reportedly targeting Ukrainian forces in Kurakhove.
Drone operators disrupted a Ukrainian unit's rotation in the Kurakhovo direction.
Positional fighting reported in the Kurakhove-Dalnee area. Russian forces advanced more than 1km from Dalnee and took up new positions west of the settlement.
Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhove direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement, likely in a wooded area near a road, between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
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.
New: Ukrainian forces report that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
New: Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
New: Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian observation post.
New: Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian soldier.
New: Video shows a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian position, causing it to burn.
New: Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area.
New: Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement, likely in a wooded area near a road, between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
New: Russian forces are advancing towards Kurakhove, with reports indicating they have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka. Clashes are ongoing in multiple settlements, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes. Ukrainian forces are attempting to use drones to target Russian positions.
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.
New: Operators ФПВ-дронов 20-й мотострелковой дивизии 8-й гвардейской армии обнаружили и уничтожили в посадке замаскированные ретранслятор связи ВСУ тем самым обеспечив безопасность позиций ВС РФ от ударов вражеских дронов.
New: Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
New: Ukrainian forces reported that Russian forces used drones to target the positions of the 33rd Mechanized Brigade in the Kurakhovo direction.
New: Operators of drones from the 110th Brigade, operating in the Kurakhovo direction, spotted moving Ukrainian soldiers and dropped a munition, killing one.
New: Video shows a Ukrainian drone "Vampir" of the "Hydra" unit of the 137th Separate Marine Battalion remotely mining Russian logistics routes near Zoria, Donetsk Oblast.
New: Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy 2 more assault columns near the Oskil River on the Kupyansk direction. The operation involved the "Achilles" strike drone battalion of the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 1st Special Purpose Brigade "Bureviy", and the 205th Battalion of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade. The Ukrainian forces destroyed 1 BMP-2 and 2 tanks, and damaged 8 BMP-2s and 1 tank. The operation resulted in the deaths of 18 Russian soldiers and the wounding of 6 others.
New: Ukrainian forces report a threat of enemy drones in Poltava in the direction of the city from the north.
New: Ukrainian forces launched the "Pluses" program in the Army+ app for military personnel, providing them with discounts, privileges, and special services in cooperation with businesses. The program is currently available to 500,000 users of the Army+ app and offers discounts on fuel and food at Ukrnafta gas stations, special reserve tickets from Ukrzaliznytsia, and special offers on goods and services. The program is available to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, and the State Special Transport Service, and will soon be expanded to all Defense Forces.
New: "Тайные Санты" щедро одаривают российских и корейских солдат подарками на Курском направлении. Работа операторов дронов 95-й отдельной десантно-штурмовой бригады. The video shows drone footage of Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying Russian and North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. The video is titled "Secret Santas generously give gifts to Russian and Korean soldiers in the Kursk direction. Work of drone operators of the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade." The video shows the use of drones to target and destroy enemy personnel and equipment. The video also shows the use of drones to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance. The video is a propaganda tool used by the Ukrainian military to showcase their successes in the war against Russia.
New: Russian forces continue to advance towards Kurakhove, with reports indicating they have liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka. Clashes are ongoing in multiple settlements, with Russian aviation conducting airstrikes. Ukrainian forces are using drones to target Russian positions and disrupt troop rotations.
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", and Russian forces have reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka.
Clashes continue near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, 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.
Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
Active combat is taking place near Velyka Novosilka.
An attack by Russian forces in Blahodatne resulted in a cleanup of Ukrainian positions in the northern part of the settlement.
Russian forces have reportedly advanced more than 800 meters towards Velyka Novosilka.
Ukrainian forces are trying to prevent the encirclement of their units near Makarivka.
Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
35 clashes occurred in the areas of Novodarivka, Konstantinovsky, Rozlyv, Rozdolny, Storozhevoy, Velyka Novosilka, Novy Komar, and Novosilka.
The enemy launched airstrikes with 7 KABs in the area of Temyrivka.
New: Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka on December 16th and took control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka to the northwest of Storozheve, making it impossible for Ukrainian forces to resupply or rotate troops in the area. They are also reportedly working on key heights near Rivnopil and Storozheve.
New: 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", and Russian forces have reportedly encircled Ukrainian forces in Makarivka.
New: Clashes continue near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.
New: The Ukrainian 48th Separate Artillery Brigade claims to have made all necessary artillery shots for victory.
New: Drones of the 14th Special Forces Brigade of the "Vostok" group targeted a temporary deployment point of a hostile unit in Velyka Novosilka.
New: Near Velyka Novosilka, Russian forces are attacking from both sides, attempting to reach the Velyka Novosilka-Huliaipole road.
New: Active combat is taking place near Velyka Novosilka.
New: An attack by Russian forces in Blahodatne resulted in a cleanup of Ukrainian positions in the northern part of the settlement.
New: Russian forces have reportedly advanced more than 800 meters towards Velyka Novosilka.
New: Ukrainian forces are trying to prevent the encirclement of their units near Makarivka.
New: Russian forces destroyed a bridge over the Mokri Yaly river, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
New: The enemy launched airstrikes with 7 KABs in the area of Temyrivka.
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.
A Ukrainian command post and personnel concentration near the Toretsk mine were destroyed.
Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
Russian forces are advancing behind New York and have taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
New: Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy a Russian command post near the Toretsk mine.
New: Russian forces are advancing behind New York and have taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Chasiv Yar
Fighting continues, with Russian forces controlling over half of the city. Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
They retook positions at the fire-resistant compound and partially dislodged Ukrainian forces.
Clashes continue near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
British FV103 Spartan destroyed by Russian forces near Chasov Yar.
Russian forces advanced near Chasov Yar and Stupochky.
Russian forces made further advances near Chasov Yar and Stupochky, according to Colonelcassad.
New: Russian forces made further advances near Chasov Yar and Stupochky, according to Colonelcassad.
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.
Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
Russian forces struck a power substation west of Kurakhove near Dachne.
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 advanced near Novotroitskoye and Vozdvizhenka.
An image was released that appears to be taken from an aerial perspective, possibly from a drone. It shows a convoy of vehicles moving along a dirt road. The setting appears to be rural or semi-rural with bare trees and a relatively flat landscape. The visibility is clear. A mix of civilian-style vehicles (cars, vans) and at least one military vehicle, likely a tank. The tank's presence indicates this isn't a typical civilian movement, suggesting a military or paramilitary convoy. The vehicles are closely grouped together which could be a tactic to protect the military vehicle from small arms fire from the flanks. The vehicles appear to be moving in the same direction, suggesting an organized formation. The presence of a yellow targeting box, indicating active surveillance and possible intent to engage. There is smoke or light dust near the bottom left of the image, which might indicate recent activity, such as vehicle movement, impact, or a recently extinguished fire. The "SBEF-30" marking in the lower left might be an identifier for a particular drone unit, or possibly a watermark. There is a sun icon on the bottom right of the targeting box, that may indicate the drone is taking into consideration the position of the sun. The clustering of vehicles makes this convoy a potential target for engagement, particularly with artillery, precision-guided munitions, or drone attacks. The convoy's presence suggests an ongoing supply movement or troop redeployment. If the convoy is disrupted, it could impede the operations of the side which controls it. The targeting system indicates the presence of a party that has the ability to use technology to their advantage in warfare, possibly indicating asymmetric warfare tactics. The image depicts a military or paramilitary convoy on a dirt road, currently under observation by a drone or other surveillance system. The presence of a tank, civilian-style vehicles, and a targeting box all suggest an ongoing military operation. The convoy's composition and direction of travel, along with the presence of recent activity (smoke/dust) provides actionable intelligence that can be used in strategic and tactical planning. The targeting system might also indicate a potential attack if it is not already in progress.
New: 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.
New: Russian forces advanced near Novotroitskoye and Vozdvizhenka.
New: An image was released that appears to be taken from an aerial perspective, possibly from a drone. It shows a convoy of vehicles moving along a dirt road. The setting appears to be rural or semi-rural with bare trees and a relatively flat landscape. The visibility is clear. A mix of civilian-style vehicles (cars, vans) and at least one military vehicle, likely a tank. The tank's presence indicates this isn't a typical civilian movement, suggesting a military or paramilitary convoy. The vehicles are closely grouped together which could be a tactic to protect the military vehicle from small arms fire from the flanks. The vehicles appear to be moving in the same direction, suggesting an organized formation. The presence of a yellow targeting box, indicates active surveillance and possible intent to engage. There is smoke or light dust near the bottom left of the image, which might indicate recent activity, such as vehicle movement, impact, or a recently extinguished fire. The "SBEF-30" marking in the lower left might be an identifier for a particular drone unit, or possibly a watermark. There is a sun icon on the bottom right of the targeting box, that may indicate the drone is taking into consideration the position of the sun. The clustering of vehicles makes this convoy a potential target for engagement, particularly with artillery, precision-guided munitions, or drone attacks. The convoy's presence suggests an ongoing supply movement or troop redeployment. If the convoy is disrupted, it could impede the operations of the side which controls it. The targeting system indicates the presence of a party that has the ability to use technology to their advantage in warfare, possibly indicating asymmetric warfare tactics. The image depicts a military or paramilitary convoy on a dirt road, currently under observation by a drone or other surveillance system. The presence of a tank, civilian-style vehicles, and a targeting box all suggest an ongoing military operation. The convoy's composition and direction of travel, along with the presence of recent activity (smoke/dust) provides actionable intelligence that can be used in strategic and tactical planning. The targeting system might also indicate a potential attack if it is not already in progress.
New: Russian forces are advancing south of Pokrovsk towards Ukrainka and have reportedly entered Pisky. They are storming Novooleenovka and advancing towards Slavyanka. High-intensity battles are ongoing near several settlements.
New: Video shows a Russian drone striking a Ukrainian tank near Solone, south of Pokrovsk.
Other
Russian forces are launching guided aerial bombs in the southern part of the Donetsk region.
The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs. The video consists of thermal drone footage showing a group of soldiers, which are labeled as Ukrainian in the video, surrounded by what are assumed to be Russian forces during what is likely nighttime combat operations. The footage shows the Ukrainian troops, who are initially holed up in a structure, exiting individually and surrendering. The video ends with the Ukrainian troops being escorted away from the location. The locations of the Russian forces are marked by Russian flag icons in the video. The encirclement and subsequent surrender indicates the loss of a fortified position for the Ukrainian forces. This likely required the reallocation of resources from other areas of the front. This event may be part of a broader Russian offensive push. The loss of soldiers and their surrender has immediate tactical effects by reducing the number of active troops, while also having a psychological impact on both sides. The video footage, combined with the captions, is clearly created to support a Ukrainian information campaign aimed at documenting potential war crimes committed by the Russian forces. The captured soldiers are shown in a vulnerable situation, which emphasizes the gravity of the conflict. Both the imagery and captions appear to be intended for consumption by the Ukrainian population, international audience, and potentially internal consumption within the opposing force. The video shows a real-time event of Ukrainian troops surrendering after being surrounded by Russian forces. The drone footage provides a view of the tactical defeat, and the language of the captions points to the Ukrainian side seeing this event as a failure, a loss of valuable soldiers, and an indication of Russian crimes. This video is likely part of a larger Ukrainian information campaign aimed at highlighting both the cost of war and Russian war crimes. It is also meant to influence the morale of troops on both sides. From a tactical perspective, this footage could inform military decision-making regarding the re-evaluation of the safety of isolated positions, and the effectiveness of surrounding forces.
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.
MoD Briefing (08:37:20 UTC): "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
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.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
Near Novoocheretuvate, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving 5 units of equipment.
Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours.
Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself.
Russian aviation conducted airstrikes at Serhiyivka, Terny, Ivanivka, Fedorivka, Riznykivka, Vyyimka, Serebryanka, Vasukivka, Pazeno, Romanivka, Velyka Novosilka of Donetsk region.
Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
New: The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs. The video consists of thermal drone footage showing a group of soldiers, which are labeled as Ukrainian in the video, surrounded by what are assumed to be Russian forces during what is likely nighttime combat operations. The footage shows the Ukrainian troops, who are initially holed up in a structure, exiting individually and surrendering. The video ends with the Ukrainian troops being escorted away from the location. The locations of the Russian forces are marked by Russian flag icons in the video. The encirclement and subsequent surrender indicates the loss of a fortified position for the Ukrainian forces. This likely required the reallocation of resources from other areas of the front. This event may be part of a broader Russian offensive push. The loss of soldiers and their surrender has immediate tactical effects by reducing the number of active troops, while also having a psychological impact on both sides. The video footage, combined with the captions, is clearly created to support a Ukrainian information campaign aimed at documenting potential war crimes committed by the Russian forces. The captured soldiers are shown in a vulnerable situation, which emphasizes the gravity of the conflict. Both the imagery and captions appear to be intended for consumption by the Ukrainian population, international audience, and potentially internal consumption within the opposing force. The video shows a real-time event of Ukrainian troops surrendering after being surrounded by Russian forces. The drone footage provides a view of the tactical defeat, and the language of the captions points to the Ukrainian side seeing this event as a failure, a loss of valuable soldiers, and an indication of Russian crimes. This video is likely part of a larger Ukrainian information campaign aimed at highlighting both the cost of war and Russian war crimes. It is also meant to influence the morale of troops on both sides. From a tactical perspective, this footage could inform military decision-making regarding the re-evaluation of the safety of isolated positions, and the effectiveness of surrounding forces.
New: Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
New: The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment has reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
New: In the central part of Shevchenko, Russian forces destroyed a camouflaged enemy antenna.
New: 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.
New: Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
New: Near Novoocheretuvate, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving 5 units of equipment.
New: Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, including 145 soldiers in the past 24 hours.
New: 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.
New: Ongoing battles are reported near Shevchenko, Pischane, Novotroyitske, Novooleksiyivka, Novyy Trud, Dachenske, Lysivka, Myrolubivka, Promin, and Pokrovsk itself.
New: Residents of the liberated village of Ostrovskoe in the DPR reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
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. Ukrainian forces repelled 46 Russian army assaults.
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 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.
The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
A gas pipe was damaged in Rylsk, disrupting gas supplies to several houses, and 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.
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.
Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
Russian forces are towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
An Arctic battalion of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet is clearing Russian land in the Kursk region. Video from Sudoplatov.
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.
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. 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.
The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops in the Kursk region, describing them as ruthless, operating independently, and even firing on Russian drones. He also mentioned that they had better food and took better care of their dead than the Russian commanders did.
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.
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.
Ukrainian forces, specifically the "Birds of Madyar" unit, used drones to record the bodies of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.
Ukrainian forces conducted a successful drone operation in the Kursk region, targeting a Russian T-90 tank and an ammunition depot. The operation involved a group of attack drones, including "Baba Yaga" heavy bombers and FPV drones. The T-90 tank was destroyed by a direct hit from an FPV drone, while the ammunition depot was destroyed by a "Baba Yaga" drone.
Operators of drones from the 95th Air Assault Brigade repelled an attack by North Koreans in the Kursk region.
New: A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was observed in the region.
New:Rylsk came under heavy shelling, reportedly from ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions.
New: Ukrainian forces reportedly installed a Christmas tree in Sudzha.
New: 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.
New: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
New: A gas pipe was damaged in Rylsk, disrupting gas supplies to several houses, and heat supply has been disrupted in 88 houses due to the shelling.
New: 17 objects of cultural heritage in Rylsk were damaged as a result of the shelling.
New: 14 residents of Rylsk are being treated in the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital, with minor injuries.
New: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region. Another Ukrainian soldier reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
New:Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
New: Video shows drone footage from the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces engaging Russian infantry in the Kursk region.
New: Video shows a drone strike on a US-made M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Sudzha.
New: Russian forces are towing a captured American M113 armored personnel carrier in the Kursk region.
New: An Arctic battalion of the 40th Guards Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet is clearing Russian land in the Kursk region. Video from Sudoplatov.
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.
New: 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. 32 combat clashes, 19 in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces repelled 42 Russian assaults, 19 as of 16:00 UTC.
New: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
New: Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
New: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
New: Ukrainian reserves being transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
New: Operators of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade destroyed an enemy along with equipment in the Kursk region.
New: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops in the Kursk region, describing them as ruthless, operating independently, and even firing on Russian drones. He also mentioned that they had better food and took better care of their dead than the Russian commanders did.
New: 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.
New: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported on the frontline and
