Major Updates on the Military Situation in Ukraine: December 25, 2024, 12:13 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.
Russian forces took a number of AFU positions in Kurakhovo, in the area of Dachne, west of Dalne, Yantarne, north of Ostrovske, in the direction of Konstantinople and Ulakla, Rozlyv.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces liberated Novyi Trud in the DPR.
Russian forces liberated the settlement of Novy Trud to the south of Pokrovsk.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces lost more than 230 troops and two tanks in the Kursk direction.
Russian Ministry of Defense reports that since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 43,740 troops, 255 tanks, 194 infantry fighting vehicles, 136 armored personnel carriers, 1,318 armored fighting vehicles, 1,182 motor vehicles, 324 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 80 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.
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.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the Kharkiv region is under threat of enemy drone attacks.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that enemy drones were detected in the Kharkiv area.
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.
The Security Service of Ukraine used drones to destroy an ammunition depot at the Kadamovsky training ground in the Rostov region.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that enemy drones were shot down in the Kharkiv region.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces carried out a massive strike with high-precision long-range weapons and drones on critical energy facilities in Ukraine.
Russian Ministry of Defense reported that since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,539 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,969 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 19,991 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,490 units of support military vehicles have been destroyed.
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. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations is preparing to send 15 specialists to Aktau to assist with the evacuation of Russians injured in the crash.
"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.
Ukraine urged to deprive Hungary and Slovakia of their voting rights in the EU.
The head of the Ukrainian President's Office met with the new Chinese ambassador to discuss the prospects for developing bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and China, particularly in the context of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
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.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that it had destroyed a deployment point for foreign mercenaries and the Security Service of Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Russian air defense forces intercepted five HIMARS rockets and 119 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost up to 400 troops in the area of responsibility of the "West" group of forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost up to 245 troops in the area of responsibility of the "South" group of forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost more than 130 troops in the area of responsibility of the "North" and "Dnepr" group of forces.
Ukrainian media reported that the Ukrainian Security Service used drones to attack an ammunition depot at the Kadamovsky training ground in the Rostov region. The attack resulted in the destruction of the depot, causing significant logistical difficulties for the Russian forces.
After the strikes of the Russian army, a large number of wounded soldiers, including high-ranking ones, are being admitted to hospitals in Dnipropetrovsk.
Hospitals in Dnipropetrovsk are overcrowded with Ukrainian soldiers.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that it had destroyed a deployment point for foreign mercenaries and the Security Service of Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Russian air defense forces intercepted five HIMARS rockets and 119 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost up to 400 troops in the area of responsibility of the "West" group of forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost up to 245 troops in the area of responsibility of the "South" group of forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian forces lost more than 130 troops in the area of responsibility of the "North" and "Dnepr" group of forces.
Power restrictions will be applied to three queues simultaneously in Kyiv due to damage to power facilities caused by a massive missile and drone attack.
Today, December 25, power restrictions will be applied to three queues simultaneously until 23:59 by order of Ukrenergo.
According to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow does not have any illusions about the prospects of an "easy settlement" in Ukraine.
Lavrov stated that Russia will respond to proposals for a settlement in Ukraine based on national interests.
Lavrov stated that the principles of settlement in Ukraine voiced by Putin are not preconditions, they stem from international law.
According to Lavrov, Russia needs reliable, legally binding agreements on Ukraine.
Lavrov stated that the US said it welcomes the new candidate for the Russian ambassador in Washington, and the date of his departure is planned taking into account optimal terms.
Lavrov stated that the absence of the Russian ambassador in Washington at the moment is not a demarche, there is no politics in it.
Lavrov stated that all scenarios that allow for nuclear war are voiced only by Western countries.
The travel time from home to work for residents of Moscow should take no more than 45 minutes, at the moment this time has been reduced to 60 minutes, according to Sobyanin.
Veteran support programs are now in place in each of the 86 communities of Dnipropetrovsk region. The programs include various areas, such as payments, additional benefits, legal advice, and support in training and employment. The programs also include compensation for housing and health improvement, as well as the development of a barrier-free environment.
A group of 15 specialists from the Federal Center for Disaster Medicine is preparing to fly to Aktau to accompany the evacuation of Russians injured in the plane crash, according to the Russian Ministry of Health.
Putin stated that the Victory over Nazism in 1945 should be promoted as a common value for all mankind.
According to the Two Majors Telegram channel, there is still a tendency among some "experts", officials, and the public to underestimate the enemy and attribute their own failures to external forces. They also point out the discrepancy between the real situation in the army and the often overly optimistic reports presented in the media.
Three women were killed in an attack by HIMARS on Lgov, Kursk region. At least six rockets fell on the streets of the city. The Ukrainian Armed Forces targeted residential areas. A penal colony with captured Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers is located in Lgov - they could have been the target of the attack.
A criminal case has been initiated after a firework was set off in a bank branch in Volgograd. A 52-year-old local resident has been detained, according to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the region.
The President of Azerbaijan signed a decree declaring December 26 a day of mourning in connection with the deaths in the AZAL plane crash.
A new year's musical film about a military doctor from the special military operation zone has been filmed in Russia.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a strike on the city of Lgov in the Kursk region, killing four people. Another five people were hospitalized, one woman is in serious condition, according to acting governor Khinshtein. A five-story building, a beauty salon, and two single-story houses were severely damaged, and a section of the gas pipeline was destroyed. An operational headquarters has been deployed in the city, and evacuation has been organized for residents of damaged houses and to help all those affected.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike with long-range precision weapons and attack drones at critical power infrastructure facilities ensuring the operation of Ukrainian defense industry enterprises. The goal of the strike was achieved. All the targets were engaged.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that in the Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces defeated armed formations of one mechanized brigade of the AFU and one territorial defense brigade near Liptsy and Volchansk (Kharkov region). The AFU losses were more than 40 troops, two pickup trucks, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Zapad Group of Forces' units improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanized brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defense brigade close to Dvurechnaya, Zagryzovo, Kucherovka, Grigorovka, Borovaya (Kharkov region), and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by AFU units was repelled. The AFU losses were up to 400 troops, five motor vehicles, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 gun, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and one Zakhist-AF electronic warfare station.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Yug Group of Forces' units improved the tactical situation along the front line and hit formations of two mechanized brigades and one airmobile brigade of the AFU near Seversk, Druzhkovka, Chasov Yar, and Dachnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 245 troops, two motor vehicles, six 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and two ammunition depots.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that as a result of decisive offensive actions, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units liberated Novy Trud (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of four mechanized brigades, one motorized infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade of the AFU, two marine brigades, and one national guard brigade close to Novotroitskoye, Udachnoye, Nadezhdinka, Grishino, Andreyevka, Dzerzhinsk, Petrovskoye, Shevchenko, Krasnoarmeysk, and Novoolenovka (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, 10 counter-attacks launched by AFU units were repelled. The AFU losses were more than 550 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one armored personnel carrier, three motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M101 gun.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defenses and defeated formations of three mechanized brigades of the AFU, one national guard brigade, and one territorial defense brigade close to Velikaya Novoselka, Vremevka, Razliv, Neskuchnoye, Zelyonoye Pole (Donetsk People's Republic), and Temirovka (Zaporozhye region). Two counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses were up to 170 troops, one 152-mm D-20 gun, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one electronic warfare station.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that units of the Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and defeated manpower and hardware of one mountain assault brigade, one infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defense brigades near Novoandreyevka, Zherebyanki (Zaporozhye region), Pridneprovskoye, and Nikolskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses were more than 90 troops, nine motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, three 152-mm D-20 guns, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system as well as one electronic warfare station. Two ammunition depots and one materiel depot were destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck one deployment area of foreign mercenaries and units of the Security Service of Ukraine, infrastructure of military airfields, as well as engaged clusters of the enemy's manpower and hardware in 140 areas. Air defense units shot down five U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 119 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that in total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,539 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,969 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 19,991 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,490 units of support military vehicles have been neutralized.
The General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan reported that 32 people survived the plane crash in Aktau, but this is not the final figure.
A Russian serviceman recorded a video where he told a "touching" story about a fellow soldier with hemorrhoids who "came to say goodbye to the guys" and was killed by an enemy attack.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that a 53-year-old woman was killed in a Russian attack on the village of Novoosynove in the Kupyansk district. Private houses and outbuildings were damaged. Prosecutors and police investigators are taking all possible and appropriate measures to document the war crimes committed by the Russian military.
Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak stated that the EU could "use legal regulations and suspend the possibility of blocking initiatives by Hungary or Slovakia." In essence, he demanded that these countries be deprived of their voting rights in the European Union.
Putin invited the leaders of the CIS countries to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Moscow, and military units from these countries to take part in the parade.
Ilya Yashin, who was released from prison in August as a result of an exchange, has been declared wanted in Russia, according to the database, "Mediazona" noted.
Ukrainian Armed Forces drones attacked an ammunition depot at the Kadamovsky training ground in the Rostov region. The attack resulted in the destruction of the depot, causing significant logistical difficulties for the Russian forces.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces will introduce a 5% military levy on salaries, and entrepreneurs will pay from 800 UAH to 1% of turnover per month, according to the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry explained that for entrepreneurs of the first, second, and fourth groups, the levy rate is 10% of the minimum wage (8000 UAH), which is 800 UAH per month. At the same time, payers of the single tax of the third group will pay a military levy of 1% of their turnover.
Ukraine received 150 million euros of budget support from the European Union, according to Prime Minister Shmyhal. The money will be used to provide free meals for children in grades 1-4, restore infrastructure, and support the uninterrupted production of agricultural products.
Pamfilova urged members of precinct election commissions not to buy firecrackers, as, according to her, Ukrainian special services are supplying firecrackers with instant explosives to Russia by various means.
The combined GDP of the CIS countries will amount to 4.7% by the end of the year, Putin said. This is higher than the global indicators, the Russian president noted.
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine met with the new Chinese ambassador to discuss the prospects for developing bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and China, particularly in the context of maintaining peace and stability in the region. They also discussed the possibility of organizing a bilateral dialogue at the highest level.
Ukrenergo reported that today, December 25, power consumption restrictions will be applied until 23:59 to three queues simultaneously due to damage to energy facilities as a result of today's massive missile
