Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 25, 2024, 11:13 UTC
Donetsk Oblast
Kurakhove
Russian forces control approximately 80% of the city.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly withdrawing.
Russian forces liberated Konstantinopolskoe (Ostrovskoe), Zelenovka, and are advancing towards Yantarnoye.
A bridge over the Volchya River between Konstantinopol and Andreevka was destroyed.
Intense clashes are ongoing near Kurakhove, Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Dachne, Kostyantynopil, and Andriivka.
Russian forces are advancing up to 3km west of the Kurakhovskoe reservoir towards Shevchenko.
Vremivka Direction
Russian forces captured Storozheve, forming a new "pocket" near Velyka Novosilka, and liberated Uspenovka and Novyi Komar.
Ukrainian forces are reportedly encircled in Makarivka, though this is officially denied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Clashes are ongoing near Novodarivka, Kostyantynopilske, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Storozheve, Velyka Novosilka, Novyi Komar, and Novosilka.
Russian forces are advancing towards Velyka Novosilka, with reports of over 800 meters gained.
A bridge over the Mokri Yaly river was destroyed, disrupting Ukrainian logistics.
Russian forces reportedly liberated Makarivka on December 16th and gained control of the road between Huliaipole and Velyka Novosilka.
Toretsk
Street fighting continues, with Russian forces consolidating control and advancing near Dzerzhinsk.
Russian forces captured two objects on the outskirts of the "Central" mine spoil heap and made gains in the Khomkolonka microdistrict.
Clashes are ongoing near Toretsk, Dyliyivka, Dachne, Bila Hora, and Scherbynivka.
Russian forces are advancing behind New York, having taken the center of Shcherbinovka.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces control over half of the city.
Ukrainian units are regrouping to prevent further Russian advances.
Russian forces retook positions at the fire-resistant compound, partially dislodging Ukrainian forces.
Clashes are reported near Stupochky and Predtechyne.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces are advancing south towards Ukrainka, reportedly entering Pisky.
Russian forces 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, reaching its outskirts and liberating Veselyi Gai.
Russian forces are actively attacking Krasnoarmiisk.
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.
Russian advance on the southern approach to Krasnoarmeisk has extended over 700 meters, reaching the central part of Lysivka.
Russian forces liberated the settlement of Novyi Trud.
Other Key Developments in Donetsk Oblast
Guided aerial bombs were launched in the southern part of the region.
The 110th Brigade released footage of the shooting of Ukrainian POWs.
Russian forces reportedly liquidated a unit of Colombian mercenaries near the LPR.
The 57th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly liberated Elizavetovka.
The "Center" group inflicted up to 520 casualties on Ukrainian forces.
Reports of four Ukrainian soldiers executed after surrendering are under investigation as a potential war crime.
Russian forces destroyed a Ukrainian crossing near Novoocheretuvate.
Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Novoocheretuvate involving 5 units of equipment.
Russian forces improved their tactical position, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses (145 soldiers in 24 hours).
Residents of Ostrovskoe reported instances of abuse by Ukrainian forces.
Russian forces successfully targeted a Ukrainian YPR-765 armored personnel carrier near the Kurakhovskaya TPP.
Ukrainian forces are preparing the Pokrovskoe mine for defense.
Kremennaya-Terny
Active Combat: Ongoing near Kremennaya.
Russian Advance: Russian forces are advancing in Terny, expanding control towards Borova.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova (Kharkiv Oblast).
Storming Zahryzove: Russian forces are storming Zahryzove, pushing through defenses near Lozova and Zelenyi Hai, and moving towards Borova. They are also making progress from Pervomaiske towards Cheneshchyna.
Attack in Terny: An attack by a Russian infantry unit was reported in Terny.
Advance in Terny: Russian forces advanced in the central part of Terny, expanding control by up to 400 meters.
Liman Axis Attacks: 26 attacks were reported towards Grekivka, Novoegorivka, Zeleny Gay, Nova Kruglyakivka, Tverdokhlibovo, Nadiya, Novosergiyivka, Terniv, Shyikivka, Sergiyivka, Makiyivka, and Ivanivka.
Advance to Seversk: Russian forces advanced over 300 meters along the railway line to Seversk, occupying Vyemka station.
Advances: Advances were made in the northern Sudzha district and near Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Reserve Destruction: Ukrainian reserves transferred to the Kursk region were reportedly destroyed in the Sumy region.
Heavy Fighting: Heavy fighting continues along the front line, particularly in Kursk (57 clashes).
Helicopter Disruption: Ka-52M helicopters reportedly disrupted a rotation of Ukrainian units in the border area.
Paratrooper Assault: Paratroopers of the 76th division are storming Ukrainian positions near Mykolaivka.
HIMARS Strike: Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS with cluster munitions against North Korean special forces near Mala Loknia and Kruhlenke, causing heavy losses. A later report states that Ukrainian forces struck Lgov, resulting in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to five others. The attack damaged residential buildings, a gas pipeline, and other civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military claims the target was a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade, but Russian sources dispute this.
Fierce Battles: The "Sever" group of forces is engaged in fierce battles along the entire front line.
Assault Group Advance: Russian assault groups are advancing in Kruhlenke and making progress in Cherkasskaya Konopelka.
Ukrainian Losses: Over 300 troops, two tanks (including one U.S.-made Abrams), three IFVs (including one U.S.-made Bradley, one German-made Marder, and one Swedish-made CV-90), three AFVs (including one U.S.-made Stryker and two M113s), three armored fighting vehicles, one artillery gun, four mortars, one U.S.-made M88 ARV, and eight motor vehicles were reported lost by Ukrainian forces.
Active Combat near Sudzha: Russian forces are attacking towards Viktorivka, advancing up to 2 km.
Atrocities Allegations: A captured Ukrainian soldier confessed to killing civilians. Another reported orders to shoot civilians if necessary. A Brazilian mercenary admitted to killing two Russian soldiers.
Corruption: The head of the Development Corporation of the Kursk region was detained for embezzling over 173 million rubles during fortification construction.
Casualties: Over 3,000 wounded and killed North Korean soldiers were reported in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian Defense: Ukrainian defenders repelled 46 enemy attacks, with 374 artillery strikes (9 from MLRS).
Paratrooper Advance: Units of the Don Cossack Guards Airborne Assault Regiment from Feodosia liberated a settlement in the Sudzha district.
Airstrikes: Russian airstrikes targeted Ukrainian forces in Gornal and Malaya Loknya.
Captured Soldier's Account: A captured Russian soldier discussed his interactions with North Korean troops, describing them as ruthless and operating independently.
Russian Military Claims: Russian sources claim advances near Kamyshovka and Russkoye Porechnoye.
Continued Shelling: Explosions were reported in Kyiv-controlled Kherson.
Drone Strike: A video allegedly shows a Ukrainian drone strike on a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade at the Lgov sugar factory.
Alleged Terrorist Plot Foiled: FSB reportedly prevented a terrorist attack in the Moscow region targeting a defense industry executive. Seven individuals were detained, including three minors. The attack was allegedly coordinated by Ukrainian special services.
Kharkiv Oblast
Lozova Cleared: Russian forces cleared Lozova and are advancing in two directions on the Kupyansk front.
Kupyansk Direction: Fighting is ongoing near Zahryzove. Clashes are reported near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Dvorichna, and Bohuslavka.
Kharkiv Axis: Clashes are reported near Vovchansk, Hoptivka, Hlybokoht, Vysoka Yaruhya, and Buhruvatka.
Reserves Transfer: Kyiv is transferring reserves to Lozova.
Assault Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a powerful Russian assault in the Kupyansk direction, destroying 5 armored vehicles.
Drone Activity: Increased drone activity was reported in the Kharkiv region, with movements towards Balakliia.
Drone Destruction: Ukrainian forces report destroying a Russian "Baba Yaga" drone near Kupyansk and 3 Russian BTRs near Kursk.
Large Mechanized Attack Repelled: Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized attack by Russian forces near the Oskil River, destroying or damaging 21 pieces of Russian equipment.
Heat Supply Disruption: 500,000 subscribers in the region are without heat.
Drone Activity: Ukrainian Air Force reported activity of Russian tactical aviation in the Sea of Azov, with a threat of using air-launched munitions for front-line regions. An air raid alert has been announced for the Zaporizhzhia region.
Kharkiv Region: The Ukrainian General Staff reports clashes near Vovchansk and Vysoka Yaruha on the Kharkiv axis.
Military Operations:
Video footage allegedly shows the aftermath of a Ukrainian strike on the Lgov sugar factory, claimed to be a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade.
Russian sources claim advances in the Kupyansk direction, including the capture of most of Lozova and progress in Zahryzove and near Dvorichna. They also claim the destruction of a NATO-supplied Leopard tank near Petropavlivka.
Video footage reportedly shows Russian army aviation using unguided aerial rockets against Ukrainian positions in the Vostok operational zone.
Video footage reportedly shows the aftermath of a Ukrainian strike on the city of Lgov in the Kursk region.
Kupyansk Axis: Clashes are reported near Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Lozova.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Drone Attacks: Ukrainian forces are using drones to attack Russian positions.
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Novodanylivka, Lobkove, and Bilohirya.
Airstrikes: Airstrikes were reported at Temyrivka and Stepnohirsk.
Lyman Axis
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Hrekivka, Novoyehorivka, Zelenyi Hai, Tverdokhlibove, Nadiya, Novoserhiyivka, Terny, Shyykivka, Serhiyivka, Makiyivka, and Ivanivka.
Russian Advance to Seversk: Russian forces advanced over 300 meters along the railway line to Seversk, occupying Vyemka station.
Sieversk Axis
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Daryivka, and Vyyimka.
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Vasukivka, Chasiv Yar, and Stupochky.
Orikhiv Axis
Clashes: Clashes are reported near Novoandriyivka.
Drone Warfare
Intensified Use: Both sides are increasingly using drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes: Ukrainian forces conducted a HIMARS strike on Lgov, Kursk Region, and targeted a command post of the 810th Marine Brigade. They also used drones to attack Russian positions in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Russian Drone Strikes: New reports detail drone movements across various regions, including Kyiv, Myrhorod, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Pryluky, Kremenchuk, and Chuhuiv. Russian forces also launched over 100 drones in a massive attack on Christmas, targeting energy infrastructure.
Missile Strikes
Extensive Missile Strikes Across Ukraine: A massive coordinated attack involving over 70 missiles (including ballistic) targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Christmas, December 25, 2024.
Impacted Regions: Explosions were reported in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv regions.
Power Outages: Confirmed hits on energy infrastructure despite Ukrainian air defenses intercepting over 50 missiles. Emergency power outages are in effect in Kyiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kirovohrad regions.
Humanitarian Situation: 500,000 subscribers are without heat in the Kharkiv region. Disruptions in heat supply are also reported in Dnipropetrovsk and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
Ukrainian Air Defenses: Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 113 aerial targets, including 55 cruise missiles, 4 guided air-launched missiles, and 54 drones.
Other Significant Developments
Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia: A drone attack targeted Vladikavkaz, resulting in a fire at a shopping center.
Plane Crash in Kazakhstan: A passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. 32 people survived, with 22 hospitalized. Four people died in the crash. The cause is under investigation.
"Ursa Major" Sinking: The Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" sank off the coast of Spain after an explosion, with 14 crew members rescued and 2 missing.
Diplomatic and Political Developments:
Discussions on sending European troops to Ukraine are taking place.
Lukashenko announced an upcoming meeting with Putin and a visit to China.
An advisor to Zelensky suggested that negotiations with Russia are inevitable, especially in light of a potential Trump victory in the US elections.
Denmark increases defense spending in Greenland amid Trump's statements.
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl believes that the UK, Norway, Ukraine, and Poland are the main "suspects" in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.
Slovakian Prime Minister claims Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets in exchange for Slovakia's consent to Ukraine's NATO membership.
Economic and Logistical Impacts:
The IMF provided $1.1 billion in financial support to Ukraine.
Germany provided Ukraine with a large package of weapons, including Leopard 1 A5 tanks, Gepard tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, anti-aircraft missile systems, radars, drones, and ammunition.
The Ukrainian government extended mobilization deferments by one month due to a cyberattack on state registries.
Ukraine received $1 billion from the US, funded by frozen Russian assets.
Latvia transferred 612 confiscated vehicles to Ukraine.
Cybersecurity:
A cyberattack on the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice's registers was reported.
YouTube traffic in Russia has significantly decreased, suggesting a de facto block.
Propaganda and Information Warfare: Numerous reports, videos, and images were released from both sides, aiming to influence public perception and boost morale.
These updates highlight the ongoing intensity of the conflict, with significant Russian advances in Donetsk and Kursk regions, heavy reliance on drone warfare by both sides, and continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The situation remains highly dynamic, with ongoing fighting across multiple fronts and significant humanitarian consequences. Diplomatic efforts and political developments continue in the background, with potential implications for the future course of the conflict.
