Operational Situation Report: December 25, 2024, 08:13 UTC

Key Updates - December 25, 2024, 08:13 UTC

Air Activity and Missile Strikes

• Widespread Missile and Drone Attacks: Overnight, Ukraine was targeted by a massive coordinated attack involving over 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than 100 attack drones. The primary targets were energy infrastructure, continuing a pattern of strikes aimed at crippling Ukraine's power grid.

  • Explosions were reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
  • Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted over 50 missiles and a significant portion of the drones.
  • Despite the interceptions, there were confirmed hits, resulting in power outages in several regions.
  • Emergency power outages are currently reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions.
  • Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, have condemned the attacks, emphasizing their deliberate timing on Christmas.

• Missile Trajectories and Threats:

  • A guided air-launched missile was detected in Kharkiv Oblast heading towards Novyi Merchyk.
  • Take-off of Tu-95MS aircraft from the "Olenya" airfield was reported. Their course is southern.
  • First launching maneuvers were made in the Engels area.
  • Ukrainian resources reported missile launches from Russian Tu-95 aircraft.
  • There is a threat of "Kalibr" missile launches from the Black Sea.
  • "Kalibr" missiles have been launched from the Myskhako area.
  • At the time of the launches, 7 Tu-95MS aircraft were in the air: 4 from Olenya, 3 from Engels.
  • A guided air-launched missile is moving through the Dnipropetrovsk region towards the Kryvyi Rih area.
  • A missile is moving east of the Kirovohrad region, heading towards Cherkasy region.
  • A missile was intercepted over an unspecified area.
  • Missile threat issued for Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts.
  • Enemy tactical aviation is active in the east and northeast, with the threat of using aerial weapons.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in Cherkasy Oblast, heading west/northwest.
  • Cruise missiles are heading towards Uman.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in the east of Kirovohrad Oblast, heading west.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in Cherkasy Oblast, heading towards Vinnytsia Oblast.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in the center of Vinnytsia Oblast, heading west.
  • Cruise missiles were detected coming from Kharkiv Oblast towards Poltava.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in the north of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading west.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in the south of Kharkiv Oblast, heading northwest.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in the northeast of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading northwest.
  • A cruise missile was detected heading towards Kremenchuk.
  • A cruise missile was detected in the south of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, heading north.
  • A cruise missile was detected heading towards Kamianske in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
  • A cruise missile was detected coming from Vinnytsia Oblast towards Dunaivtsi in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
  • Cruise missiles were detected in the south of Khmelnytskyi Oblast, heading west.
  • A cruise missile was detected coming from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast towards Kropyvnytskyi.
  • A cruise missile on the south of Ternopil region changed course to the west/northwest.
  • A cruise missile in Kirovohrad Oblast changed course to Oleksandriia/Kremenchuk.
  • Two cruise missiles were reported flying from Ternopil Oblast towards Burshtyn.
  • One cruise missile was reported flying on the south of Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
  • One cruise missile was reported approaching Yampil of Vinnytsia Oblast.
  • One cruise missile was flying from Ternopil Oblast towards Burshtyn (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast).
  • One cruise missile was reported flying towards Stryi.
  • One cruise missile flew over Yampil into Moldova, heading towards Romania.
  • One cruise missile flew from Romania south of Chernivtsi, heading west.
  • One cruise missile flew from Khmelnytskyi Oblast to the south of Ternopil Oblast, heading west.
  • One cruise missile flew towards Chernivtsi from Moldova.
  • One cruise missile flew on the southwest of Chernivtsi Oblast, heading west.
  • One cruise missile in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast was reported heading northwest.
  • One cruise missile was reported flying in the mountains of Chernivtsi Oblast.
  • 2 cruise missiles have been detected flying in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
  • 1 cruise missile has been detected in the Kharkiv region.
  • 1 cruise missile is flying over Kremenchuk.
  • 1 cruise missile has been detected in the Poltava region.
  • 2 крылатые ракеты залетели в Днепропетровскую область
  • 1 курсом в сторону Днепра
  • 1 пролетает Першотравневе в сторону Харьковской области
  • 1 борт ТУ-95мс утром взлетел с Энгельса, пошёл в район Каспийского Моря, и вероятно пустил эти ракеты
  • 2 крылатые ракеты курсом на/через Лозовую Харьковской области
  • 1 ракета развернулась, летит через Самар на Днепр
  • 1 ракета летит в районе Жовтых Вод курсом южным
  • 🚀Крилаті ракети на півночі Харківщини у напрямку Полтави.
  • 🚀Ракета на півночі Дніпропетровщини курсом на Кременчук.
  • 🚀Ракета на Кам'янське.
  • 🚀Крилаті ракети на півночі Харківщини у напрямку Полтави.
  • 🚀Ракета на півночі Дніпропетровщини курсом на Кременчук.
  • 🚀Ракета на Кам'янське.
  • 1 ракета от Кривого Рога летит в сторону Зеленодольска
  • 1 ракета летит курсом на/через Кременчуг

• Current Missile Activity:

  • Air raid alerts were declared in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, and Kirovohrad regions.
  • A high-speed target was reported heading towards Dnipro from the southeast.
  • Two cruise missiles were reported in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with one heading towards Dnipro and the other towards Kharkiv Oblast.
  • One Tu-95MS aircraft took off from Engels, went to the Caspian Sea area, and likely launched these missiles.
  • Two cruise missiles were reported heading towards/through Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
  • One missile changed course towards Samar, posing a threat to Dnipro.
  • One missile is flying in the area of Zhovti Vody with a southern course.
  • Cruise missiles are reported in the north of Kharkiv region in the direction of Poltava.
  • A missile is reported heading towards Kremenchuk from the northeast.
  • A missile is reported heading towards Kryvyi Rih from the northeast.
  • A missile is heading towards Kamianske.
  • There is a threat of ballistic weapons from the south in areas where an air alert has been declared.
  • One missile is heading towards/through Kremenchuk.
  • One missile is heading from Kryvyi Rih towards Zelenodolsk.
  • Kremenchuk is under threat, with a missile approaching from the east and northeast.

Ground Operations and Clashes

Donetsk Oblast:

• Kurakhove:

  • Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city and have reportedly liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe) and Zelenovka.
  • Ukrainian forces are reportedly leaving the city.
  • 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.
  • Video evidence confirms the use of drones by the Ukrainian 4th Operational Purpose Brigade "Syla Svobody" in repelling a Russian assault.
  • Operators of drones from the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th Guards Army discovered and destroyed a disguised Ukrainian communications repeater, thereby ensuring the security of Russian positions from enemy drone strikes.
  • Russian forces used approximately 100 Geran drones to deplete Ukrainian air defenses overnight.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement in the Kurakhovo direction where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking enemy position and surprising reinforcements.
  • Video shows a compilation of nighttime operations conducted by operators of the 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, using drones to target and destroy enemy infantry and equipment in the vicinity of the Sukhi Yaly River.
  • Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
  • Ukrainian forces report the loss of some positions in the Kurakhove direction.

• 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.
  • 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.
  • Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian "Kozak" armored vehicle in the Vremivka direction.
  • The information about the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Makarivka is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
  • Video shows aftermath of fighting near Velyka Novosilka, with Russian forces raising a flag in the northern part of Storozheve.
  • The advance of up to 700 meters towards Velyka Novosilka is reported.

• 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.
  • Russian forces are advancing towards Shcherbinovka.
  • Two knights captured five occupiers! It is getting hot in the Toretsk direction. The number of enemy assaults is increasing, although they end the same way for the enemy. But recently there was a unique case. At first, the occupiers began to throw smoke bombs at our infantry from drones in order to "smoke" them out of position. While at the same time, the first 8 assault aircraft launched an assault. However, as soon as the occupiers were spotted by the pilots and infantrymen of the 5th Rifle Battalion of the 28th OMB, hell on earth began for them. The stormtroopers were driven into the dugout and began to be "dismantled" by attack copters. At the same time, two infantrymen decided to take the occupiers prisoner. At first, the assault troops refused to surrender. However, with a few well-aimed grenade throws, the infantrymen explained to the occupiers that this was the only chance to survive. As a result, 5 occupiers surrendered, and all subsequent groups were defeated by our defenses. It is important that one of the heroes who took the prisoners had previously been in the SZCh for about a year, but thanks to the return to service program, he decided to join the ranks of the 28th OMB. And now, motivated to beat the occupier, he successfully performs combat missions. And later you will learn firsthand from the prisoners how the commission from Moscow sends Russians and "DNR residents" to the assaults, how they realized that it was time to surrender, how they evaluate the work of our infantrymen, and how to get a certificate of a combatant "without firing a shot." To be continued!

• 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.

• 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, 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.
  • Another Canadian "Roshel Senator" armored vehicle was reported destroyed in the Pokrovsk direction.
  • Russian forces are solidifying positions east of highway M-30, pushing towards Novoukrainka, attacking towards Dachnoye and Zelenoye, and advancing near Novotroitskoye and south of Voznesenka.
  • The Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.

• Other Key Developments in Donetsk Oblast:

  • 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.
  • Video evidence suggests a Russian soldier was targeted and killed by Ukrainian forces using a thermal-scoped weapon, likely a drone-dropped munition, during a nighttime operation. The location and involved units are not specified.
  • A Russian soldier was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces on the eastern outskirts of Novovasilivka.
  • 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 strike on a convoy of vehicles. The vehicles appear to be civilian models, possibly indicating their use in a military or paramilitary capacity due to the context. The use of civilian vehicles could be a tactic to blend in with civilian traffic or to overcome shortages of military vehicles. The presence of smoke from one of the vehicles suggests it has been hit and is either on fire or severely damaged. The drone footage suggests the convoy was under surveillance and then targeted. This indicates a capability for precision strikes, which is common in modern warfare where drones are used for both reconnaissance and attack. The attack on the convoy is likely to disrupt the movement of troops or supplies. The success of such strikes can degrade the enemy's logistical capabilities and morale. The use of drones to both monitor and strike targets is a cost-effective way to engage enemy forces, reducing the risk to manned aircraft and ground troops. The video may also be used for propaganda purposes, to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone warfare and to showcase military successes.
  • Video shows a drone observation of Russian forces ambushing and engaging enemy personnel in a wooded area. The footage depicts a rapid advance by the Russian battalion and confirms that at least two of the enemy combatants were incapacitated. The video shows the importance of surveillance and the potential for heavy losses in combat operations.
  • Video footage from the drone of the Security Service of Ukraine shows the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot near Markine.
  • Video shows a drone recording of a military engagement, likely in a wooded area near a road. The imagery includes soldiers, some lying prone, others moving about. The uniforms and equipment suggest they are involved in active combat operations. The area is characterized by trees, undergrowth, and what appears to be trenches or fighting positions. The video shows troop movements, including individuals trying to find cover and those who appear to be injured. There is a red box on the upper left of the video saying "Kurakhovskoe Napravlenie" which translates to "Kurakhovo Direction." Additionally, there are Russian text annotations stating, "The work of the fighters of the 68th tank regiment," and that the "battalion took the enemy's position and caught enemy reinforcements by surprise." The presence of crosshairs on the screen indicates that this video is likely a recording of a drone's targeting system. At the time mark of 0:18 a black box with white text that states “N activated normal mode” appears on the screen. At the end of the video there are multiple explosions seen in the bushes. The video is labeled as from the "Kurakhovo Direction". This is likely a reference to a sector in the ongoing conflict where fighting is taking place near Kurakhove, Ukraine. The video captures elements of a dynamic battlefield situation. A Russian battalion reportedly took enemy position and also caught enemy reinforcements by surprise. The activity of soldiers suggests a close-quarters engagement and an attempt to clear a defended position. The usage of a drone for surveillance and possibly targeting suggests a sophisticated level of tactical capability. The crosshairs overlay indicates the footage is from the drone's targeting system, which has potential for both surveillance and direct attack. The video may serve as propaganda, highlighting the success of the attacking Russian troops. The drone footage could be used in analysis to improve future combat tactics. The appearance of the “N activated normal mode” text indicates the switching between different drone modes, and reveals potential tactical information if the switching is connected to a specific strategic decision. The nature of the engagement, namely the surprise of enemy reinforcements, can inform future counter-offensive tactics. The video depicts a close-range military engagement, most likely part of the operations near Kurakhove, Ukraine, where soldiers from the 68th tank regiment are shown to have successfully advanced, taking enemy position and surprising reinforcements. The use of drone surveillance and targeting systems is a key feature of the operation. The recorded footage could be used to improve tactics and serve as a morale booster for the Russian side.

• Krasnohorivka:

  • Heavy fighting for the city took place from April to October 2024.
  • Ukrainian forces initially held the city but were eventually forced to withdraw due to the numerical superiority of Russian forces.

Kremennaya-Terny:

• Active combat operations near Kremennaya.
• Russian forces advanced in Terny and expanded their control, pushing towards Borova.
• Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Russian forces are successfully storming Zahryzove, pushing through enemy defenses near Lozova (which the Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced as liberated) and Zelenyi Hai, moving towards Borova. They have also made progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.
• An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in the village of Terny.
• Shelling of a Russian assault group by Ukrainian forces was observed.
• Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny and expanded their territorial control by up to 400 meters.
• On the Liman axis, the enemy attacked 26 times in the direction of Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, Makiyivka, and Ivanivka.
• Russian forces advanced more than 300 meters along the railway line to Seversk and occupied the buildings of the Vyemka station. The advanced position of the Russian Armed Forces came under fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Kursk Region:

• Russian forces liberated Novoivanovka and made advances in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
• Heavy fighting continues along the front line. The hottest point was Kursk, with 57 clashes.
• Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
• Paratroopers of the 76th division of the Airborne Forces are storming the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Mykolaivka.
• HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used two HIMARS missiles with cluster munitions against groups of North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, resulting in heavy losses.
• The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
• Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and have made progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
• Russian Defense Ministry reports that over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces lost over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three infantry fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three armored fighting vehicles (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 armored recovery vehicle, and eight motor vehicles in the Kursk direction.
• Active combat operations reported near Sudzha, with Russian forces attacking in the direction of Viktorivka and advancing up to 2 km.
• A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians in the Kursk region. Another Ukrainian soldier reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary.
• Alleged Atrocities by Mercenaries: A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers, a father and son, during combat in the Kursk region.
• The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during the construction of fortifications.
• Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported on the frontline and the areas of the Kursk operation. There are already over three thousand wounded and killed North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.
• In the Kursk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks. The enemy carried out 374 artillery strikes, 9 of them from MLRS.
• Reports of Atrocities: A captured Ukrainian soldier, Grigoriy Shinkarev, reported that his unit received orders to shoot civilians in the **Kursk